General Information and Policies

Objectives of The Graduate School

Consistent with and complementary to the general mission and purpose of Lenoir-Rhyne University, the graduate school will:

1. Provide opportunity for advanced study in selected disciplines.
2. Increase the instructional resources available to the Institution, thereby enriching educational opportunity for undergraduate as well as post-baccalaureate students.
3. Meet a growing societal need for more highly qualified and more competent professionals and community leaders.

Graduate Faculty

Graduate faculty must have earned a terminal degree in the discipline. In some cases, faculty will be approved who have exceptional expertise in their fields to qualify them for their assignments in academic programs. Faculty considered under this provision of exception must have formal advanced study or demonstrated competence through independent scholarly activities and/or professional experiences in each field of specialization that they teach.

Graduate Classification

A student who seeks enrollment in graduate courses will be classified as a degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking student. Lenoir-Rhyne University’s graduate courses are progressively more advanced in academic content than its undergraduate studies. Its academic programs leading to a specific graduate degree are structured to include more advanced knowledge of the discipline and appropriate research and/or professional practice and training experiences. Graduate courses are denoted as either 500- or 600-level classes.

Degree Students

A student who wishes to enroll in graduate level courses to pursue a specific graduate degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University should apply as a degree-seeking student following procedures outlined in Admission Policies and Procedures Section of the Graduate Catalog. Each applicant must meet general admission requirements for the graduate school and specific requirements of the program to which the student is seeking admission.

Non-Degree Students

The collegiate environment continues to be an academic resource beyond the completion of the undergraduate degree. In order to make its resources available for a broad range of purposes not confined to the pursuit of specific degrees, a student who holds a baccalaureate or graduate degree may register for individual courses at the graduate level without making formal application to a degree program. A student not pursuing a graduate degree at Lenoir-Rhyne applies to the university as a graduate non-degree student and is required to furnish proof of an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Contact the Office of Admissions for detailed application procedures and contact information. 

Note: Admission as a non-degree student does not guarantee future admission into a specific degree program nor into a licensure program. A qualified non-degree student may take either undergraduate or graduate courses. A non-degree student may enroll in no more than 6 hours under this classification and is not eligible for financial aid. Exceptions to this limit may be made only with the approval of The Graduate School.

Academic Honesty

Faculty and students are reminded that computer-assisted plagiarism is still plagiarism. Unless specifically authorized by a class instructor, all the following uses of a computer are violations of the university’s guidelines for integrity code and are punishable as acts of plagiarism:

• Copying a computer file that contains another student’s assignment and submitting it as your own.
• Copying a computer file that contains another student’s assignment and using it as a model for your own assignment.
• Working together on an assignment, sharing the computer files or programs involved, and then submitting individual copies of the assignment as your own individual work.
• Knowingly allowing another student to copy or use of one of your computer files and to submit the file, or a modification thereof, as individual work.

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

In 1987, Lenoir-Rhyne University entered into affiliation with the network of colleges and universities committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol abuse. In doing so, the university committed itself to a policy which is consistent with federal, state and local laws regarding the use of alcohol and illicit or controlled substances. Furthermore, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1988 and Amendments of 1989 require that institutions of higher education adhere to ”standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.” (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-A/part-86?toc=1).

The following North Carolina statutes inform the university’s position on drug and alcohol use:

Alcohol: (NC STATUTE 18B-302)

• It shall be unlawful for a person less than 21-years-old to purchase, attempt to purchase or possess malt beverages, wine, liquor or mixed beverages.
• It shall be unlawful to sell or give malt beverages, wine, liquor or mixed beverages to anyone less than 21-years-old.
• It shall be unlawful for anyone to obtain or attempt to obtain alcoholic beverages by using a fraudulent or altered driver’s license or other ID or by using driver’s license or other ID issued to another person.

Controlled Substances: (NC STATUTE 90-95)

• It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell or deliver or possess with intent to manufacture to sell or deliver or possess a controlled substance or counterfeit controlled substance.
• It is unlawful for any person to knowingly use, possess, manufacture or deliver drug paraphernalia (N Statute 90-113.22, 90-113.23) as defined in NC Statute 90-113.21

Penalties

Lenoir-Rhyne University takes very seriously the possession, use or sale of any controlled substance as well as violations of the laws regarding alcoholic beverages. The campus is not a sanctuary that relieves students or its employees of their responsibilities as citizens to abide by local, state and federal laws, nor college regulations, policies and procedures. For details, please see The Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Handbook for details.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law which helps protect the privacy of student education records. The act provides eligible students the right to inspect and review their education records. An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or one who attends a postsecondary institution. The intent of the legislation is to protect the rights of students and to ensure the privacy and accuracy of education records.

The rights protected under FERPA include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day Lenoir-Rhyne University receives a written request for access.
2. The right to request an amendment to the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information (PII) contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901

Definitions as Related to FERPA Policy and Practice

Student: Any person currently or formerly enrolled at Lenoir-Rhyne University (or Lenoir-Rhyne College) regardless of their age or status with regard to parental dependency. Note that records of students who have made application but have not been admitted to Lenoir-Rhyne are not subject to FERPA guidelines, nor are the records of deceased students.

Educational Record: Any record maintained by the University directly related to a student and/or which contains information personally identifiable to a student. Educational records do not include:

• Sole possession records or private notes held by school officials that are not accessible or released to other personnel.
• Campus security records that are solely for campus safety/security enforcement purposes and maintained solely by the campus security department.
• Records relating to individuals who are employed by the university (unless directly related to employment status).
• Records relating to treatment provided by a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist or other recognized professional or para-professional and disclosed only to individuals providing treatment.
• Records created or received by the university after the student has graduated or is no longer enrolled (i.e. alumni records).

School Official: Any member of the Lenoir-Rhyne faculty, staff or administration whose intention is to act in the student’s educational interest within the parameters of their position at the university. In addition to faculty, staff and administration, school officials may also include contractors, volunteers and others performing institutional functions. Students who are serving on an official university committee or otherwise employed by the university may also be considered school officials if performing in the interest of the requested capacity. Reasons of legitimate educational interest for a school official include, but are not limited to:

• Performing a task that is specified in his or her position or contract.
• Performing a task related to a student’s education or academic progress.
• Performing a task related to the discipline of a student.
• Providing a service or benefit relating to the student (or student’s family) such as health care, counseling, job placement or financial aid.
• Maintaining the safety and security of the campus.

Directory Information: Lenoir-Rhyne University defines the following as directory information:

• Name
• Local and home/permanent address, telephone and Lenoir-Rhyne email address
• Name and address of the student’s parent(s)
• Date and place of birth
• Major and degree
• Participation in officially recognized university activities and sports
• Height and weight of university athletes
• Enrollment status (e.g., dates of attendance, class level, full-time/part-time)
• Degree completion (or non-completion)
• Honors, awards and recognition

Notification of Policy

Lenoir-Rhyne University releases the FERPA policy annually in the university’s Graduate Catalog. Any significant changes to the policy are disseminated to the campus community via email and on myLR, the university’s internal website.

Release of Information/Records

Lenoir-Rhyne University will disclose information from a student’s educational records with the written consent of the student. Written consent may be received by means of an online transcript request, signed FERPA release or transcript request form or signed letter of consent directly from the student. Written consent may be submitted in person, through the US Postal Service, scanned attachment (pdf or Microsoft Word) via email or by secured fax at 828.328.7378. An email from the student may not serve as written consent.

In some cases, Lenoir-Rhyne may release information from a student’s educational record without the direct consent from the student. Records may be released without consent when the disclosure is:

• To appropriate school officials (defined above).
• To authorized representatives of federal, state or local educational authorities.
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or the student has received.
• To third-party vendors conducting research or other analysis for or on behalf of the university.
• To accrediting organizations.
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena (note that under these circumstances we will make every effort to notify the student prior to compliance).
• Related to a health or safety emergency.
• Information defined as directory information
• The disclosure concerns sex offenders and other individuals required to register under state or federal law.

Release of Directory Information

Unless a student requests in writing to the contrary, Lenoir-Rhyne University is permitted to release the following types of information without consent from the student:

• Name
• Local and home/permanent address, telephone, and Lenoir-Rhyne email address
• Name and address of the student’s parent(s)
• Date and place of birth
• Major and degree
• Participation in officially recognized university activities and sports
• Height and weight of university athletes
• Enrollment status (i.e. dates of attendance, class level, full-time/part-time)
• Degree completion (or non-completion)
• Honors, awards and recognition

Students wishing to restrict the release of directory information must submit a signed, written statement to the Registrar’s Office. Please note that once received, all directory information will be withheld from a variety of third parties including parents/spouses, employers (current and prospective), honor societies and, of course, the media. Once the restriction is filed with the Registrar’s Office, the restriction remains valid until the student, again in writing, rescinds the restriction.

Requests to restrict the release of directory information should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office located in Lohr Hall on the Hickory campus, or by mail/fax/scanned document in email to:

Lenoir-Rhyne University
Registrar’s Office
PO Box 7227
Hickory, NC 28603
828.328.7368 (fax)
Registrar@lr.edu

Procedure to Inspect Educational Records

Students simply needing to obtain a copy of their official university transcript may do so online without the completion of a Student Disclosure Form. Current students may request a copy of their official transcript through their secure, online self-service account. Former students may make the request through the National Student Clearinghouse. For more information on requesting a transcript online please visit the registrar’s website at: http://www.lr.edu/academics/office-of-registrar.

Students have the right to inspect/review their educational records within 45 days of the receipt of the request by Lenoir-Rhyne University. Students must complete and submit a signed Student Disclosure Form indicating the purpose for the release. The Student Disclosure Form is located on the registrar’s website at: http://www.lr.edu/academics/office-of-registrar.

Students currently enrolled may select a “one-time release” to a specific party (or parties), or they may select “until I complete a new form.” If “until I complete a new form” is selected, the release becomes void once the student graduates or discontinues enrollment. If the student returns to Lenoir-Rhyne at a later date, a new disclosure form must be submitted. Students who are no longer enrolled must select the “one time release” option and a new form must be submitted with each new request.

Requests to inspect/review educational records should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office located in Lohr Hall on the Hickory campus, or by mail/fax/scanned document in email to:

Lenoir-Rhyne University
Registrar’s Office
PO Box 7227
Hickory, NC 28603
828.328.7368 (fax)
Registrar@lr.edu

Lenoir-Rhyne reserves the right to deny copies of records, including transcripts, not required to be made available by FERPA if the student lives within commuting distance of the university, the student has an unpaid financial obligation to the university or there is an unresolved disciplinary action against the student. Please note that if the student is requesting copies of educational records and is not within commuting distance, the student will be charged a $25 processing fee. There is no cost to any student to simply inspect/review their record.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment

Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to an environment that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion by providing equal employment and educational opportunities to applicants, students, employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors. The university strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, marital status, national origin, disability status, pregnancy, genetics, protected veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions for employment and education, including but not limited to, program admission, recruitment, employment, promotion/demotion, transfer/reassignment, discipline, termination, training, working conditions, compensation/benefits and application of all policies and procedure.

Lenoir-Rhyne encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of discrimination or harassment for thorough investigation The university strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment and/or participates in the investigation of such reports. 

Non-Discrimination Regarding Disability

For questions and complaints involving discrimination on the basis of disability you should contact:

Deby Mitchell

Director of Disability Services/Section 504 & Title III Coordinator

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Rudisill Library Room 202

625 7th Ave. NE

Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 328-7296

Deborah.Mitchell@lr.edu 

Title IX at Lenoir-Rhyne University

As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, Lenoir-Rhyne is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its education programs and activities do not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, including sex, sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and pregnancy or parenting status. 

Sex-based discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by Lenoir-Rhyne. Lenoir-Rhyne also prohibits retaliation against any person participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external to the university. 

Lenoir-Rhyne’s policy is available at at Policies & Procedures | Lenoir-Rhyne University (lr.edu), and includes how to report or file a formal complaint of sex discrimination, harassment, misconduct and/or retaliation, how Lenoir-Rhyne will respond to reports and formal complaints and Lenoir-Rhyne’s formal grievance process and procedures.

Any person may report sex-based discrimination, sex-based harassment, misconduct and/or retaliation at any time (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to have experienced the conduct), including during non-business hours, by contacting the Title IX coordinator or a deputy coordinator in-person, by telephone, email or U.S. mail utilizing the contact information listed for the Title IX coordinator below or by utilizing the reporting function on the university’s Title IX webpage, by going to www.lr.edu/titleix and clicking on “Submit a Report or Formal Complaint.”

Individuals with questions regarding Title IX, including its application, or who want to make a report of sex-based discrimination, sex-based harassment, misconduct and/or retaliation, should contact the Title IX coordinator or a deputy Title IX coordinator below:

Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Leah Reynolds

Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lineberger 104

625 7th Ave. NE

Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 328-7040

leah.reynolds@lr.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinators

In addition to the Title IX coordinator, individuals may also contact the assistant secretary for civil rights at U.S. Department of Education, Lyndon Baines Johnson Dept. of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-1100. Telephone/Fax: 800-421-3481; Fax: 202-453-6012; TDD: 800-877-8339; Email: ocr@ed.gov.

Statement on Online Learning

Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a variety of fully online courses and program options, both synchronous and asynchronous, across its academic programs. These online programs primarily cater to adult and graduate students, enhancing accessibility for those with professional and personal commitments or those unable to relocate to one of our campuses. 

Whether enrolled in a fully online program, a hybrid course blending face-to-face and virtual learning, or traditional on-campus courses utilizing web-enhanced pedagogies, LR furnishes an equitable educational experience that ensures academic rigor, consistency, challenge, and engagement for ALL students. 

Participating in LR’s online programs does not diminish student engagement with faculty or peers, nor does it compromise the quality of the learning experience. Our faculty remain accessible for support and mentorship, and students have opportunities to interact with cohorts from around the globe, maintaining the high standards integral to Lenoir-Rhyne University’s educational mission. 

LR supports online learning through Canvas, our learning management system, and Zoom, our online meeting and video conferencing tool. Online students have 24/7/365 access to technical assistance, and academic support is available through our Learning Commons. Distance learners can virtually connect with professional librarians via chat or Zoom and have full access to our extensive electronic library resources, including eBooks, journal articles, music, films, research guides, and video tutorials. Additionally, the Center for Teaching and Learning, in collaboration with the Coordinator of Instructional Technology, supports faculty in delivering high-quality online education. 

At Lenoir-Rhyne University, we strive to ensure a high quality and engaging learning experience for our students irrespective of the modality of the course/program and are committed to offering an equitable LR learning experience to ALL students.