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Academic Resources

Academic Policies

Academic Resources

Academic Policies

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Academic Standing, Grades, & Graduation

Grading Policies

 

Grading SymbolsMeaningQuality Points
A 4.0
A - 3.7
B + 3.3
B 3.0
B - 2.7
C 2.0
FFail0.0

Additional Symbols

  • W: Withdrawal without failing. A grade of “W” will be reflected on the students’ academic record. This grade has no numerical value and is not included in the calculation of the students’ GPA.
  • WF: Withdrawal while failing. A grade of “WF” is counted as an “F”, and will carry zero (0) grade points, in computing the G.P.A.
  • IP: The notation of “IP” (in  progress) is generally given for a applied practice experience, special study project or thesis that is not yet complete. This grade is given at the end of the grading period until the final grade is assigned. It is not calculated in the students’ G.P.A. Once a final grade is assigned, that grade will be calculated into the overall GPA.
  • S: Satisfactory is awarded when the student is enrolled in a course on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis, rather than a letter grade basis, and satisfactorily completes the required assignments. This grade has no numeric value and is not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA.
  • U: Unsatisfactory is awarded when the student is enrolled in a course on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis, rather than a letter grade basis, and does not satisfactorily complete the required assignments. This grade has no numeric value and is not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA.
  • WU: Withdrawal while making unsatisfactory progress. A grade of “WU” is counted as a “U” and adds no numeric value towards the student’s GPA.
  • I: An incomplete is issued when a student does not complete assigned coursework during the prescribed period. There are often unforeseen circumstances at the end of the semester that result in the failure to complete the final assignment, project, or final exams such as illness or a family emergency. Upon the determination that an Incomplete will be given, the faculty member and the student should meet and agree on what needs to be done to meet the requirements of the course and the length of time in which the assignments must be completed. The student and instructor should document the agreement of remaining requirements and timeline via the Resolution of Incomplete Work Form. This completed form should be submitted to Enrollment Services (rsphenrollmentservices@emory.edu) and the assistant/associate director of academic programs (ADAP). If the work is not completed within the time allowed by the instructor, which is a maximum of one traditional academic semester (fall and spring), a final grade of IF will be given, and the student may be required to repeat the course. A student having two or more incompletes will not be permitted to register for additional courses without special permission from the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If a student notifies the faculty member that they are unable to complete course requirements by the deadlines stated in the syllabus and less than 75% of graded work has been submitted the student should be advised that they may withdraw from the course. An Incomplete should not be given in such an instance. The student must complete the course withdrawal form and have the instructor sign the form and indicate if the student should receive a W (withdraw passing) or a WF (withdraw failing). The student must turn the form into the departmental ADAP.
  • Audit: Students who audit courses must register and pay full tuition. Based upon available space, they will be permitted to audit a class. Classes taken for audit cannot be applied toward the MPH or MSPH degree requirements.

NOTE: The MPH/MSPH Program does not use the grade of “D”. No course credit is given for grades of F, U, W, WU, Audit, IP, I, IF or WF.

If you take courses outside of the Rollins School of Public Health the grades you earn WILL be calculated into your overall GPA. Grades for courses taken outside of RSPH will reflect that school’s grading system.
 

Courses may be taken for grade, satisfactory/unsatisfactory, or audit. Students are able to change a course grading basis within the first two weeks of the first day of classes. All core courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Students may register for elective courses using a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grading basis rather than a letter grade grading basis with the permission of the course instructor. They should check with the assistant director of academic programs to assure that a course may be taken S/U. The grade of S indicates at least passing course work (B-). No more than six credit hours may be taken under the S/U grading basis, not including courses for which the only grading basis is S/U.

Students may choose to audit a course with the permission of the course instructor and with the assistance of their ADAP to register for the course. Students should discuss the expectations of auditing a course with the instructor prior to registering for the course. Classes taken for audit do not apply towards degree requirements, and the charge is the same as a credit course.

In keeping with the principles of academic freedom, responsibility for evaluation of a student’s work rests with the course instructor. The grade appeal process is designed to assure that the grading system is applied fairly to all individuals in the class.

When students believe that their work merits a different grade than that assigned by the course instructor, they should first contact their instructor as soon as possible, not to exceed one month after the grade is posted in OPUS. The instructor and student should discuss the grade.

If, following a discussion with the instructor, students believe their work was not fairly assessed, they may submit an appeal in writing within two weeks (and with any documents at issue) to the department ADAP in which the course was offered. This material will be reviewed in a timely way by the department chair in consultation with the course instructor.

Should students believe the department review to be unfair, they may appeal the decision, in writing and within two weeks, to the associate dean for academic affairs, who may consult the Academic Standards Committee. The student will be notified of the review outcome by the executive associate dean of academic affairs.

Academic Standing

Students are required to maintain an overall GPA of 2.7 for graduation. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.7 after having attempted at least nine credits in the traditional program, or six credits if in the Executive MPH program, will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation must raise their cumulative GPA to 2.7 within the next nine attempted credits of enrollment for students in the traditional program or within the next six attempted credits for students enrolled in the Executive MPH programs. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the program. Course withdrawals with a grade or W do not count towards attempted credit hours for the purpose of Rollins School of Public Health academic probation. Courses where a WF (withdrawal fail) is posted count towards attempted credit hours as this impacts the GPA. Students should be aware that course withdrawals impact satisfactory academic progress for federal financial aid eligibility.  Once the student has achieved a 2.7 GPA and probation has been removed, the 2.7 GPA must be maintained until graduation. If the student again falls below the 2.7 GPA requirement, she or he will be excluded from the program and has a maximum of 30 days to appeal the exclusion.

A student having two or more incompletes will not be permitted to register for additional courses without special permission from the executive associate dean for academic affairs. Incomplete grades automatically convert to an “IF” if the student does not satisfactorily complete the course within one traditional academic semester (Fall or Spring) and the student may be required to repeat the course.

Any student on academic probation who is unable to raise their cumulative GPA above a 2.7 within nine credit hours will be excluded from Rollins School of Public Health. The student may appeal the dismissal by submitting the appeal to the executive associate dean for academic affairs. This individual may then convene the Academic Standards Committee to review the appeal request. The Academic Standards Committee will then make a recommendation to the executive associate dean for academic affairs, by majority vote, of what steps, if any, the student is to take for reinstatement. The executive associate dean for academic affairs makes the final decision which is then conveyed in written for to the student.

A student who has been dismissed from the MPH/MSPH program may not approach faculty members regarding grade changes unless the student has received specific instructions from the Academic Standards Committee. If a student, without specific instructions from the Academic Standards Committee, contacts a faculty member regarding conditions for changing their status, the faculty member will refer the student directly back to the Academic Standards Committee. Students who are dismissed for academic deficiency may no longer earn the MPH or MSPH degree from Rollins School of Public Health.

Students who have compelling reasons such as medical need, a family emergency, death in the immediate family, or other significant circumstances resulting in unforeseen hardship may request a retroactive total withdrawal of a semester.  The student must provide documentation that, if provided during the course of the semester, would have led to approval of a total withdrawal without academic penalty. A petition can be submitted to the Academic Standards Committee for consideration of retroactive academic relief. Students may apply for and receive retroactive academic relief for one semester only while enrolled in the Rollins School of Public Health; petitions are not accepted after graduation.

If the Academic Standards Committee grants the petition, the student’s letter grades for the relevant term will be converted to Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades and will not count towards the grade-point average. A notation will be made on the student’s official transcript indicating academic relief for that term due to extenuating circumstances.

  • Grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, and C* will convert to S.
  • Grades of F, I, and IF will convert to Unsatisfactory.
  • Grades of In Progress (IP) assigned for APE or thesis, capstone, or ILE will remain unchanged until earned.
  • Grade of W remains W.
  • Grade of WF converts to WU.
  • Grades of S and U remain S and U.
  • Grades assigned as part of a sanction for an honor code violation cannot be changed through the Academic Relief process, but only through the honor code process.

A grade of C in integrative learning experience (ILE) (Ex. capstone or thesis) would convert to a U as per academic policy where students must earn a grade of B- or higher in ILE. Outside of the retroactive academic relief policy, a grade of C on the ILE is equivalent to Unsatisfactory.

Students will not receive any tuition refund or monetary credit should retroactive relief be granted.  Students with loans who wish to re-enroll should contact the Office of Financial Aid regarding this policy’s impact to Satisfactory Academic Progress if they would like to re-enroll.

Students who were not in good academic standing (probation or exclusion) will be re-evaluated IF retroactive academic relief is granted. Re-evaluation of their academic record will take place immediately after the retroactive academic relief is applied to their transcript.  

Retroactive academic relief does not extend the maximum five-year time to degree.

Transcript Note: Student approved for academic relief during this term based on extenuating circumstances.

All MPH/MSPH required courses including RSPH core, departmental requirements, and electives will automatically be applied to meet degree requirements, including for certificate programs.

The decision of the Academic Standards Committee is final and may not be appealed.
 

Process

Students must apply for retroactive academic relief within two years of the semester they are seeking relief.  See table below for deadlines related to receiving petitions.

Term Petition Academic ReliefLatest Date a Petition May be Submitted
Fall 2021December 1, 2023
Spring 2022May 1, 2024
Summer 2022August 1, 2024
Fall 2022December 1, 2024
Spring 2023May 1, 2025
Summer 2023August 1, 2025
Fall 2023December 1, 2025
Spring 2024May 1, 2026

The required total credits for the MPH/MSPH degree will be limited to credits successfully completed within the five-year period preceding the awarding of degrees. Under extraordinary circumstances, a student may request an extension to the five year limit. To request such an extension, a student must submit a request form in advance to the Enrollment Services Office. The executive associate dean for academic affairs must approve the request. Students who exceed the five-year limit may be required to repeat courses.

Graduation Policies

Graduate in residence is a special registration category reserved for eligible RSPH students. To be eligible to register as a graduate in residence, students must have satisfactorily registered for all degree requirements, fulfilled their financial requirements, and be in the final stages of completing their degree. Typically, students in this status are finishing their ILE or APE.

Students enrolled in this status will be assessed a reduced tuition rate. Students registered as graduate in residence will be considered full-time, will be eligible for limited federal loans, and will have the on-campus privileges of all full-time students. The graduate in residence status carries no academic credit. 

Students may be registered as a graduate in residence for no more than three semesters. Before a student is registered for the second or third semester as graduate in residence, continued progress towards the completion of the degree must be demonstrated to the department. If a student is not able to demonstrate progress towards completing degree requirements, the department may deny this registration until due progress is demonstrated. The fee structure for graduate in residence is $1100.00 per semester plus the university fees. In summer semester, the student activity fee is not charged for students in graduate in residence.

Students must submit a formal application in OPUS for a degree to be awarded in a particular semester. Submitting the degree application for graduation in OPUS is due during the early part of the semester in which the student intends to graduate. There is a $25 fee for applications submitted after the university deadline. There is no penalty for a student who applies for a degree but fails to complete all requirements for the degree in that semester. Please note, however, that all students must submit an application in the semester in which they intend to graduate, even if they have submitted an application in past semesters. If students are enrolled in a dual degree program, they must submit separate applications with each school. Both dual degree students and students completing the Accelerated MPH for External Graduate/Professional School Students, are responsible for RSPH Enrollment Services the beginning of the intended semester where all MPH degree requirements will be met. Enrollment Services will then activate an online degree application for the MPH. Students must be enrolled during the semester in which they intend to graduate.

Requirements for graduating students: 

  • An overall GPA of 2.70 is required for graduation.
  • Students must pass all required MPH/MSPH core and department core courses.
  • Students must have completed at least 42 semester hours (MPH) or 48 semester hours (MSPH) within five years from original enrollment.
  • Students must complete their financial responsibility of paying the total tuition for their academic plan (4 semesters, 3 semesters, Dual Degree Accelerated MPH for External Graduate/Professional School Students, 4+1 Programs, Executive MPH, and Part-time).
  • A passing grade (B- or better or S) must be achieved on the thesis or in the capstone course.
  • Students must complete an applied practice experience.
  • Students are required to enroll in the semester in which they wish to graduate.
  • Students who wish to graduate in any semester must file a degree application before the deadline for that semester. 

All requirements must be met before a student is awarded the MPH or MSPH degree. 

Each semester, the deadline to apply for graduation is listed on the academic calendar.

Students must have completed ALL coursework and degree requirements to participate in the graduation ceremonies including their integrative learning experience and applied practice experience.

Enrollment Policies

Registration & Enrollment Policies

Schedule changes can be made only during the add/drop/swap period via OPUS. Add/drop/swap dates are posted on the academic calendar.

Dropping a course during this period means no record of the registration will be noted on the student’s transcript. After the stated schedule change deadline, students wishing to leave the university or withdraw from a course must fill out a withdrawal form. Students needing to withdraw should contact their departmental ADAP.

Although attendance generally is not recorded, students are expected to attend all classes and to negotiate absences with the course instructor. Students registered for in-person classes, are expected to attend classes in person. Students who are registered for online synchronous courses, are expected to attend synchronous classes. Watching class recordings, if available, is not a substitute for attendance.

Students wishing to substitute or waive a course for an MPH/MSPH required course must submit a course petition form to their department's ADAP.

It is recommended that students submit all petitions for course substitutions/waivers during their first semester at RSPH before the course is offered. This will assure timely review and the student's academic progress will not be impeded.

Degree-seeking students in the MPH and MSPH programs may take courses at other Emory schools with permission from the course instructor, school and the approval of their department. Graduate-level courses may count as electives towards the student’s degree completion with approval of the academic program in which they are enrolled. Students may also take classes at Emory College (undergraduate school) as additional courses, but these credits will not count towards the completion of degree requirements. Students may petition the department and the executive associate dean for academic affairs for permission to take relevant courses unavailable at Emory University at other Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited institutions. Rollins participates in the Atlanta Regional Commission for Higher Education (ARCHE) cross-registration agreement. Students wishing to enroll in courses outside Emory should try to enroll at one of these participating institutions, if possible. Complete information pertaining to cross-registration is available at the University Registrar’s Office.

If a particular course is not available at an ARCHE member institution, the student may enroll as a transient student at a CEPH accredited nonmember institution. Student requests to cross register or enroll as a transient student should be submitted in writing to their ADAPs and the department chair at least one month prior to registration. These requests should include a description of the CEPH competencies, course learning objectives, course requirements, and required readings associated with the proposed course. Additional information about cross registration is available from the University Registrar at 404.727.6042.
 

Directed Study is the generic name given to a course which is developed for a student by both the student and a faculty member. The course must either:

  • Elaborate on the subject matter of a current MPH/MSPH program course
  • Contain subject matter which is not offered in the MPH/MSPH program and pertain to public health but not a part of the research for a student's thesis

A directed study should complement, rather than replace or substitute for course work. Students must consult their ADAP in completing the proposal for directed study. The directed study instructor and chair/director must approve and sign the form which the student will submit to the ADAP. After receiving approval from the ADAP, students may register for the directed study course.

The maximum number of total directed study credits cannot exceed seven hours.

Full-time enrollment in the MPH/MSPH Program is considered nine semester hours.  Full-time degree seeking students completing the degree in three or four semesters may register in up to 18 credit hours per semester.  Taking additional credit hours in a semester does not allow the student to earn the degree in less time.  

In exceptional circumstances where a traditional student seeks to enroll in more than 18 hours, they must obtain permission from their director of graduate studies.  The student should include justification of the request to take additional hours after consulting with their faculty advisor and/or ADAP considering not only their coursework but also other degree requirements such as APE and their integrative learning experience that may/may not occur within a designated semester.  Registering in additional hours beyond what a student plans to take is not acceptable justification for an overload.

Student seeks to enroll in more than 18 hours, must obtain permission from their director of graduate studies by completing the credit overload request form.
 

All Emory University students are required to provide documentation of all required immunizations using the Emory University Student Health Services immunization form by the deadlines established by each school or academic unit. Students may seek an exemption from certain vaccination requirements based on a documented medical contraindication or a strongly held religious belief.

Public health students who fail to complete the required vaccination, exemption, or declination forms may be blocked from pre-registration for their second term of enrollment.

Please note that if students have begun a multi-dose immunization series prior to registration, such as Hepatitis B, it can be completed at the Emory University Student Health Service [EUSHS] Immunization Clinic; some vaccinations given at EUSHS are on a fee-for-service basis and are not covered by tuition.

Once students arrive on campus, they may visit EUSHS to obtain a titer in certain cases to determine which immunizations they still need or to obtain their deficient vaccinations. This is a fee-based service.

All Emory students must have the following required immunizations by the established deadlines, subject to the exemptions outlined below:

  1. Measles, Mumps and Rubella
  2. Tetanus-Diphtheria
  3. Hepatitis B
  4. Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  5. Meningococcal ACWY
  6. COVID-19 Vaccine (Primary Series and Booster)
  7. Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: Emory University requires TB screening (PPD skin testing, QuantiFERON TB Gold or T-spot, and chest x-ray) within 6 months prior to matriculation for all international students who have arrived in the United States from countries in which TB is endemic. A listing of those countries from which students are exempt from undergoing tuberculosis screening can be found at https://studenthealth.emory.edu/immunization/index.html. International students from nonexempt countries will need TB clearance.

A detailed description of the four steps needed to attain immunization compliance, as well as the required immunization form and the complete policy, can be found here.
 

Full-Time Students

RSPH offers some online course options to our full-time degree seeking students to provide increased flexibility to those who may have part-time work positions, engage with student organizations, have caregiving responsibilities, or other commitments.

RSPH uses the following course modalities that are associated with being in person, or physically present, for all or more than half of course meetings:

  • In person: Meets in person, typically on a weekly basis
  • Hybrid: Meets in person 51% or more of the total meeting time

RSPH uses the following course modalities that are associated with being online, or distance, learning:

  • Online: Courses that do not require physical presence at Emory University or another location. These courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing students to complete course requirements independently or collaboratively with peers by arranging their own meeting times. A few online courses may require virtual attendance during scheduled synchronous sessions.
  • Hyflex: At this time, Rollins, offers few, if any, courses in this format allowing a student to attend in person or online. Because this flexibility is given for the entire course, it does not meet the in person requirements and therefore falls in online.

All full-time degree seeking students will take at least one online course, PUBH 500 (0 credit hours), during their time at RSPH to meet degree requirements.

Online Enrollment Limits for Full-Time Degree Seeking Students

  1. For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, at least five credit hours each term must be in course sections offered in person if a student is taking the nine-credit minimum for full-time enrollment.
  2. Due to F-1 visa requirements, non-U.S. citizens on an F-1 visa may take no more than one online class between one and three credits towards nine credit hours. For students on an F-1 visa who are enrolled in more than nine credit hours, refer to the table below. For non-U.S. Citizens on a visa other than an F-1 visa, consult International Student Scholar Services.
  3. If a student, regardless of citizenship status, takes more than nine credit hours in any term, more than half of the total credit hours must be in person or hybrid.
  4. Students are responsible for ensuring they are compliant with registering for the minimum number of in-person credits each semester.

If a student changes their schedule or a class grading basis to audit after add/drop/swap or withdraws from an in-person course and becomes out of compliance for the minimum in-person hours, the student must meet with their ADAP and a member of the enrollment services team, in which case, the student’s future permitted online credit hours per semester may be reduced.

Calculated minimum number of in-person and maximum number of online credits per semester for full-time students:

Total hours enrolled per semesterMinimum In-Person Hours*Maximum Online Hours
95 (U.S. citizen or permanent resident)/7/8**4 (U.S. citizen or permanent residents) 
No more than one course of no more than 3 credits for non-U.S. citizens
 
1064
1165
1275
1376
1486
1587
1697
1798
18108
*Credit hours taken or academic credit (graded or satisfactory/unsatisfactory).  Audited courses do not count towards minimum in person credit hours.
** Due to F-1 visa requirements, students from outside the United States may take no more than one online class between one and three credits towards nine credit hours.

Part-Time Students

Students who are enrolled in online MPH programs may complete their academic program fully online.

Students enrolled in any other MPH program on a part-time basis must complete a minimum of 51% of credit hours  in the in-person modality. Generally, students pursuing these degrees should take at least half of their credit hours per semester in person. Students pursuing their degree part-time and in one of the programs that is not offered fully online should work with their ADAP and enrollment services to ensure compliance with this policy.
 

Continuing students are expected to pre-register for courses. Pre-registration dates will be provided by enrollment services. All degree-seeking students are eligible to pre-register using OPUS. Incoming students may pre-register for courses in consultation with their department ADAP during the specified time period. Instructions for OPUS self-registration are available through the Office of the Registrar.

Students should contact their ADAP if they have any questions about this process. Non-degree students will be enrolled for courses by the Office of Student Services.

Students should consult the academic calendar for registration dates. Students not completing registration by the regularly scheduled registration days are charged a $150 late registration fee. Late registration is possible only during the add/drop/swap period (usually the five working days following the first day of classes). Registration for any term is not complete until all registration requirements and financial responsibilities to the University have been met. Information on methods of payment and alternative funding plans may be requested from the Office of Student Financial Services in the Boisfeuillet Jones Center.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is academic credit granted for a student of Emory University for academic course work completed outside of the MPH/MSPH program at a CEPH accredited academic institution for core coursework or an another academic institution for elective credits. This may include schools within Emory University or at other universities. A course petition form must be submitted to and approved by the appropriate department chair(s).  The executive associate dean for academic affairs will evaluate the request if there is a discrepancy between the departments. To assure timely review, students should submit all petitions for transfer credits during their first semester at RSPH. Early determination facilitates the student’s academic progress.

Transfer credit will not be awarded for:

  • Course work that has previously been applied towards another degree or credential, such as a certificate program
  • Undergraduate-level coursework

MPH/MSPH Degree Program

The maximum number of semester hours of successfully completed course work that can be transferred toward the MPH/MSPH degree from another school or institution and or credit by examination is six semester hours. Additionally, the transcript must reflect a grade of “B” or better for transfer credit to be granted. Transfer of credit will not be granted to students if the courses the student wishes to transfer were completed more than five years prior to enrollment in the MPH/MSPH program.

Dual Degree Program

The maximum number of semester hours of successfully completed elective course work that can be transferred toward the MPH degree program from another school or institution and or credit by examination by a participant in a dual degree program is four semester hours.  The transcript must reflect a grade of an “A” or “B” for transfer  credit  to  be  granted.  Transfer credits must have been completed within three years prior to enrollment in the initial degree program.

Certificate Programs

Credits from another academic institution may not be transferred towards the completion of a stand-alone certificate program.  If an applicant has completed coursework at the graduate school level at an accredited academic institution that he/she believes is similar in content, the applicant may submit a request to waive that particular course, affording them the opportunity to take another related course to complete the certificate requirements.
 

Academic Records

Students may request enrollment verifications through their student center in OPUS under the academics section. The enrollment verification includes the total number of credit hours taken, current and past semesters enrolled, dates of enrollment, expected graduation date, and degree earned. With student authorization, your cumulative GPA may be verified. Students may choose to print the enrollment verification themselves which does print on official letterhead or request that the verification be sent to a third party. There is no additional charge to have the verification sent to the third party as long as it is sent by standard mail delivery.

Students may obtain official copies of their transcript through their student center in OPUS under the academics section. Students may order either an electronic transcript or a paper transcript to be delivered to themselves or to a specific person or organization. Specific details and screenshots of how to order a transcript can be found here.

There is no additional cost to order a transcript unless special delivery method other than the standard United States Postal Service is requested.

If a student finds that their interests have changed and a department different from the one they entered would better facilitate their career goals, the student can petition to change departments by completing a department/program transfer request form. The student is required to discuss this request with the chair or the ADAP in their current department and the chair or the ADAP in the department in which they wishes to enroll. The petition will be reviewed for admission to the new department. The department may or may not admit the petitioning student. If approved, each chair will sign the form indicating their approval.

Withdrawal Policies

Emory University considers the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff a top priority. When a student engages in behavior that violates Emory's rules of conduct, the behavior will be addressed as a disciplinary matter under the applicable student conduct code. The student conduct code defines prohibited conduct and outlines a process for conducting disciplinary proceedings. 

This involuntary withdrawal policy and procedure is not a disciplinary code, policy, or process. It is not intended to apply to situations in which a student engages in behavior that violates Emory University's rules of conduct. It is intended to apply when a student's observed conduct, actions, and/or statements indicate a direct threat to the student's own health and/or safety or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of others. There may be situations in which both this involuntary withdrawal policy and the student conduct code may apply. In all cases, the executive associate dean of academic affairs shall have final authority regarding the decision, enactment, enforcement, and management of the involuntary withdrawal of a student.

A student in good academic standing may be granted up to two one-year leaves of absence upon recommendation of the student’s department and approval of the dean. The student must demonstrate that during this period they must interrupt progress toward the degree. The student should be aware that the university will not certify to loan officers or governmental agencies that a student on a leave of absence is in residence or actively pursuing a course of study. 

For the purpose of determining eligibility for leave of absence, a student must be in good academic standing and have resolved all incomplete work. Time spent in leave of absence does not count toward the five-year limit. Students beyond this limit are not eligible for leave, but may apply for extension of the time within which to complete degree requirements, in full accord with the rules governing such extensions.
Leaves of absence are not to be used to resolve academic difficulties, reconsider continuation in study, or finish incomplete work. Rather, this policy is intended to allow students to “step out of” academic work for a specified period, during which they will be unable to continue work in any way, as when required to take advantage of a unique professional opportunity, deal with short-term disabilities, or meet competing responsibilities of a nature which preclude meaningful work toward the degree.

NOTE: A leave of absence form must be completed by graduate students in good standing to request a leave of absence.  

A student desiring to return to the Rollins School of Public Health after a leave of absence should request readmission at least thirty days prior to the beginning of the term in which he or she wishes to return.

NOTE: Students planning to return after a leave of absence of one or more semesters (excluding summer) must apply for readmission by completing the readmission request form
 

Students who wish to withdraw from one or more, but not all, courses for which they are enrolled must secure permission from the instructor. Students withdrawing from one or more courses will receive the appropriate mark of withdrawal (W, WF, or WU) in consultation with faculty teaching the courses in which the student was enrolled. Student should submit the completed and signed partial withdrawal form to their ADAP to be processed by RSPH Enrollment Services. Students receiving permission for a partial withdrawal will receive no tuition refund.  

Students who need to withdraw from the university due to some hardship are required to complete a complete withdrawal form. The completed form is submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services via the department ADAP. An adjusted proportionate reimbursement of tuition and fees will be granted within the first five weeks of a semester for a complete withdrawal (for regular session courses). The tuition adjustment may be reduced if a student was enrolled in a pre-term course. Refunds for first-time Emory University students who are federal (Title IV) aid recipients will be prorated in accordance with regulations set forth by the Department of Education. A student who is dismissed will not receive a refund. No refund is received for partial cancellation of classwork after the deadline for the last day for course changes listed in the academic calendar. For more detailed information about tuition adjustments, refer to the tuition adjustment schedule posted by the Student Accounts and Billing Office.

In order to maintain compliance with federal regulations, students must submit the Emory University, Office of the Registrar, notification of withdrawal form, with appropriate instructor signatures to their department ADAP within two weeks of their last day of attendance.

Students who wish to cancel all registered classes, withdraw from the current semester and are not returning should submit the complete withdrawal not returning form.

Students who wish to cancel all registered classes, withdraw from the current semester and who plan on returning should submit the complete withdrawal temporary interruption form
 

Students who wish to cancel their registration for a given term must secure permission from their ADAP and enrollment services. No record of attendance will be made on the student's transcript for the given term. The last day for complete cancellation for any student is the same as the last day of the schedule add/drop/swap change period. Incoming students receiving permission for a complete cancellation of registration will receive a full tuition refund minus the required deposit ($300).

A student who does not consecutively enroll for a fall and spring semester must complete a readmission request form at least 30 days before the start of the term for which admission is sought. Submission of the form is required after a student has not been enrolled for one year.  Students who were previously enrolled more than five years ago may not use a readmission form but must submit a new application for admission to the school.

Appeals, Complaints, & Grievances

Appeal and Complaint Policies

Rollins students who wish to file a grievance or complaint that does not fall within the jurisdiction of the student honor and conduct code should first discuss the concern with the departmental ADAP. Depending on the nature and/or complexity of the complaint, the ADAP may either choose to address the issue with the appropriate parties themselves or to share the grievance with the department chair for further review and discussion.

Students who are not satisfied with the resolution through these channels may present their grievance to the dean of student affairs. The dean of student affairs may choose to address the issue and resolve the grievance on an informal basis. If the student is not satisfied with this methodology, they may file a formal complaint.

To file a formal complaint, the student must submit a written statement addressed to the dean of student affairs. The statement must state the charge to be considered, describe fully the nature of the complaint, the evidence, and all circumstances surrounding the event(s). The dean of student affairs will convene a meeting of an ad hoc Grievance Committee, comprised of two faculty members and one student who are not affiliated with the department linked to the grievance. The Grievance Committee will review the written complaint. The Grievance Committee may request additional information from the grievant as well as statements and additional information from other persons involved in the situation. If necessary, the Grievance Committee may request a meeting with these persons.

On the basis of the written statement and additional information, the Grievance Committee will make a recommendation to the executive dean for academic affairs, providing supporting documentation. Taking into consideration the information and supporting documentation provided, the executive dean for academic affairs will determine the legitimacy of the grievance and any further action to be taken. The executive dean for academic affairs will inform the student and the Grievance Committee of the final determination.

A student may appeal the determination to the Grievance Appeal Council through the executive associate dean for academic affairs. The executive associate dean for academic affairs will preside over this session. The decision of the Grievance Appeal Council is final. Use of the Rollins school grievance procedure will not prejudice in any way a student’s rights under the university's student grievance procedure.
 

Financial Aid Grievance Process 

Federal financial aid laws and regulations require that each state have a process to review and act on complaints concerning educational institutions in the state. If you have a complaint, you may, of course, file a complaint with Emory’s financial aid office or call the Trust Line at 1-888-550-8850  or file a report online at www.mycompliancereport.com/EmoryTrustLineOnline. You may also file a complaint about Emory University with the State of Georgia Office of Inspector General by following the directions at the Office of Inspector General (OIG) website. In the event that OIG receives a student complaint relating to financial aid, it will be forwarded to the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education.
 

In addition to the Rollins grievance policy, the university has a student complaint policy.

Students should first attempt to resolve their complaints with the office most directly responsible for the action being challenged. Each school or administrative unit at Emory has an Office of Student Services or other office that can further assist students and direct them if they are uncertain about where to start. In addition, students may use the Office of the Ombuds to assist with complaints if they are uncertain or wish to discuss a situation confidentially before taking more formal action. Note that in cases of sexual misconduct, the Office of the Ombuds is a mandated reporter.

Federal financial aid laws and regulations require that each state has a process to review and act on complaints concerning educational institutions in the state. You may file a complaint with the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) website at www.gnpec.georgia.gov to submit your complaint/grievance with the state. You may also contact GNPEC by mail or by phone at the following address and/or phone number: Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305; Office: 770-414-3300, Fax: 770-414-3309. Please be aware that: "The Commission requires that students utilize and complete their institution's grievance procedure in an attempt to resolve any complaint or concern before submitting a complaint to the Commission. If the institution's resolution is not satisfactory, a student may then appeal to the Commission, but it will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution."

An agreement with the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission permits students enrolled in distance learning programs to file a complaint with the following agencies if their complaint cannot be resolved by following Emory University procedures: 1) the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Commission, 2) the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and 3) a complaint to the state in which the distance learning student resides.

Honor and Conduct Code

Student Conduct Policies

Rollins requires that all material submitted by a student in fulfilling his or her academic course of study must be the original work of the student and must uphold academic integrity at the graduate level. 

It is the obligation of every student to know the regulations regarding academic misconduct. Ignorance of these regulations will not be considered a defense. If a student is unclear about whether something violates the academic integrity of a course assignment and/or degree requirement, it is their responsibility to seek clarity with the instructor and/or academic advisor. In situations outside the classroom, the student should seek clarifications from the senior associate dean of enrollment management and student affairs. 

Violations of Student Academic Honor

Violations of academic honor include any action by a student indicating dishonesty or a lack of academic integrity. Violations of academic honor include but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, falsifying research data, falsification and forgery of university academic documents, facilitating academic dishonesty, and providing false evidence.

Cheating includes, but is not limited to, seeking, acquiring, receiving, or passing information intended to facilitate performance on an examination prior to its authorized release or during its administration, or attempting to do so. Cheating also includes seeking, using, giving, or obtaining unauthorized assistance (including assistance from generative artificial intelligence tools) in any academic assignment or examination, or attempting to do so.

Plagiarism is the act of presenting as one’s own work the expression, words, or ideas of another person, whether published or unpublished (including the work of another student) without proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism also extends to presenting as one’s own work the expression, words, or ideas generated through artificial intelligence tools without proper acknowledgement.

Falsifying data includes, but is not limited to, creating information not actually collected, altering, or misrepresenting information and/or data.

Falsification and forgery of university documents includes knowingly making a false statement, concealing material information, or forging a university official’s signature on any university academic document or record. Such academic documents or records may include transcripts, add or drop forms, requests for advanced standing, requests to register for courses, etc. The falsification or forgery of non-academic university document such as financial aid forms, academic standing verification letters, student recommendation letters, or other documents related to the academic record will also be regarded as a violation of the honor code.

Facilitating academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.

Providing false evidence in any honor council hearing or refusing to give evidence when requested by the honor council are considered to be honor code violations.

The practice of public health requires an active commitment to ethical conduct consistent with the field of public health throughout all program requirements including, but not limited to, internships, research, field work, and applied practice experiences. While this expectation is set, it is also important to outline behavior that is clearly the exception, or in violation of the code. Rollins respects the rights of organized and intentional student dissent and protests. In situations of student dissent and protest, the statements below should be interpreted in accord with Emory policies on student dissent and protest. The following conduct violations will be explored below.

Violations of Student Conduct

Violations of student conduct include any action by a student which violates ethical conduct consistent with the field of public health or Emory University. These actions may include, but are not limited to, dishonesty through misrepresentation or withholding of pertinent factual information; forging, falsifying, or misusing university documents or records; infraction of university rules and regulations which protect the university community; conduct in violation of university policies prohibiting discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; theft; personal abuse; malicious damage/breaking and entering; disorderly conduct and disruption of class; misuse of electronic equipment and information technology; substance use; infractions of public law that involve and/or are linked to Emory University; and actions that deliberately demean or violate the integrity of other university members.

Violations include:

  • Dishonesty through misrepresentation or withholding of pertinent factual information in a student’s personal dealings with other students, faculty, or staff of the university or organizations or agencies of the university. This also includes falsification of information for the purpose of admission to Rollins or on a job application while enrolled as a student.
  • Forging, falsifying, or misusing university documents, records, identification cards, or other documents so as to violate the requirement of academic honesty.
  • Infraction of rules and regulations established by university authority to protect the interests of the university community. These rules and regulations assure that all members of the university community will be able to attain their educational objectives without hindrance in a conducive intellectual and educational atmosphere throughout the university community. Further they protect the activity, health, safety, welfare, and property of all members of the university community and of the university itself. These policies also pertain to student conduct when representing Rollins in academically related and/or community activities. These policies may be found on the Emory University website at http://policies.emory.edu/8.1.
  • Non-consensual sexual activity, including sexual harassment, is considered prohibited conduct is an umbrella term that encompasses all unwelcome conduct based on sex or gender that is so severe and/or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with
    a person’s university employment, academic performance, or participation in university programs or activities or creates a working, learning, program or activity environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive. Prohibited conduct includes non-consensual sexual intercourse; non-consensual sexual contact; sexual exploitation; sexual harassment; gender-based harassment; retaliation; aiding, facilitating, encouraging, concealing, or otherwise assisting, violating a protective measure; and Title IX misconduct. The university’s sex and gender-based harassment and discrimination policy may be found on the Emory University website at https://emory.ellucid.com/documents/view/16836.
  • Hazing, as prohibited by the University anti-hazing policy, is a broad term encompassing any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
  • Theft of any property of the university itself or of any property of any member of the university community or its visitors or guests.
  • The intentional, wanton, or reckless physical abuse or verbal abuse of any person by a student on the campus or on property owned or controlled by the university, or at a function under the university’s supervision or sponsorship or such abuse of a member of the Emory community at any location or online forum.
  • Malicious damage/breaking and entering by a student to the property of another member of the university community (student, faculty, or staff ) or the property of the university itself, or to the property of any visitor or guest of the university or a member of the university community. Breaking into a locked room, office, or facility of the university, or entering a room, office, or facility that is clearly restricted is not permitted.
  • Disorderly conduct, disruption of class, and/or interference by a student by violence, force, disorder, obstruction, or vocal disruption of university activity, or activity authorized or sponsored by the University or by any school, program, division or authorized student body, including disciplinary proceedings. Interference by a student with the instructor’s right to conduct class as the instructor sees fit within the bounds of academic freedom and responsibility.
  • Misuse of electronic equipment and information technology is not permitted at Emory University. Computers, networks, and software applications are powerful tools that can facilitate Emory’s core missions in teaching, learning, research, and service. Access and utilization of these tools is a privilege. Users of Emory’s IT resources may not share their passwords or other access credentials; attempt to hack, bypass, or violate security controls; access, modify, or share sensitive data or information without appropriate authorization; use access credentials issued to other individuals; or attempt to impersonate another individual in order to access IT resources. Additionally, users of Emory’s IT resources may not use those resources for any unethical or illegal purpose, such as violating copyrights or license agreements for any type of intellectual property (e.g., software, music, audio/ video recordings, photographs, illustrations, documents, media files, e-journals, e-books, databases); harassing other members of the Emory community; destroying or stealing equipment, software, or data belonging to others; intentionally damaging or destroying the confidentiality or integrity of IT resources or disrupting their availability; or monitoring or disrupting the communications of others.
  • Substance use that includes the use of illicit drugs or the non-medical use of prescription drugs is not permitted at Emory University. Users, possessors, and/or providers of such drugs violate federal laws and state laws. Students who possess or use such drugs or who furnish drugs to others while on property owned or controlled by the university are committing a conduct offense. Additionally, providing alcoholic beverages to underage persons (under the age of 21) or to noticeably intoxicated persons is a conduct code offense, as is consuming alcohol by underage individuals, alcohol and drug abuse policy, found at http://policies.emory.edu/8.8. Tobacco use while on the property owned or controlled by the university is a conduct code offense according to the tobacco-free environment policy, found at http://policies.emory.edu/4.113.
  • Infractions of public law that involve and/or are linked to Emory University that is the basis for an allegation or charge of violation of public law also may subject a student to an allegation of a student conduct violation. Acquittal or conviction in court does not necessarily exclude or dictate action by Rollins. Further, Rollins may proceed with a conduct matter without awaiting the start or conclusion of any legal proceeding.
  • Actions contrary to the standards of Rollins and Emory University, including actions that are deliberately demeaning to other human beings or that violates the dignity and integrity of other members of the university and community. See Emory University Policy 1.3.

The Student Honor and Conduct Standing Council (subsequently referenced as the council) will be formed at the beginning of each academic year. The council shall consist of no fewer than 12 faculty members representing each department and degree program and no less than 20 student members reflecting the current Rollins student-body demographics. The executive associate dean for educational affairs, in collaboration with the senior associate dean of enrollment management and student affairs, will nominate faculty who will be members of the council for a two-year term.

Six new faculty members will be named each year to provide a staggered membership. Student membership will be comprised of students who volunteer their service and are selected by the senior associate dean of enrollment management and student affairs or a designee. These students will serve as honor and conduct code liaisons to their departments and fellow students for a one-year term. Members will be selected to serve on individual hearing committees based on affiliation and availability.

  • The executive associate dean for educational affairs, or their designee, reviews the findings and recommendations for sanctions of the hearing committee and of the appeal committee.
  • The senior associate dean of enrollment management and student affairs, or their designee, serves as the student honor and conduct code adviser. The student honor and conduct code adviser conducts the preliminary investigation and writes up the initial findings and determination.
  • A hearing and appeal committee facilitator, appointed by the senior associate dean of enrollment management and student affairs, coordinates the hearing procedures and provides consistency in the processes and proceedings. The facilitator identifies council members to serve on a hearing committee and an appeal committee, prepares the agenda and the evidence, and presides over the actual proceedings to assure fair and systematic processes.
  • Student’s faculty or staff adviser (non-legal). The student charged may ask a faculty or staff member to assist and counsel him/her in preparing for and participating in the hearing. The adviser will not have the right to examine witnesses.
  • A hearing committee will be comprised of a subset of the student honor and conduct code standing committee and will include four members: two faculty members and two students. The hearing committee facilitator will serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of each hearing committee. The hearing committee facilitator will preside over the proceedings. No person involved in advising the student honor and conduct code adviser or their designee during the preliminary investigation may serve as a voting member on the hearing committee for the specific proceeding. No individuals making the charge or directly involved with the case shall be members of the hearing committee.

In the case of an appeal, the appeals committee will be selected in the same method as the initial hearing committee and members are a subset of the council; however, no individual who served on the initial hearing committee shall sit on the appeals committee. If needed, a selected faculty member from the initial hearing committee may attend the appeal committee hearing as an ex officio, non-voting member to provide continuity with the original proceedings.

Investigation Process

It is the responsibility of every member of the faculty, staff, and student body to cooperate in supporting the honor code. In pursuance of this duty, any individual, when he or she suspects that an offense of academic misconduct has occurred, shall report this suspected breach to either:

  • The faculty member in whose class the suspected breach occurred
  • A departmental assistant/ associate director of academic programs
  • A faculty member of the honor standing council
  • The senior associate dean of enrollment management and student affairs

Allegations must be made within 30 days of when the alleged activity was discovered. Allegations may not be made more than 30 days after the end of the term or after degree conferral. The individual should write their allegation of the specific violation and provide supporting documentation. An email submission from the person making an allegation will fulfill this requirement. The name of person making allegation will be shared with the student unless the person making the allegation submits a written request that they do not want their name shared during the preliminary investigation. If the preliminary investigation leads to a formal hearing, the name of the person making the allegation would be made known.

If an allegation is made at the end of the term, instructors may enter the grade the student has earned not including the allegation. The instructor may change/update the grade once the allegation has concluded. If an allegation is made before the end of the term, instructors are asked to refrain from posting a grade until the allegation has concluded.

The student has the following rights:

  1. Be considered not in violation of the honor and conduct code until found otherwise by the hearing committee appointed by the student honor or conduct code adviser for this purpose.
  2. The right to be notified in writing (email) of the allegation(s) against them. Written documentation of the allegation(s) must include the allegation(s) against them with enough specificity to enable them to prepare for the hearing on these allegation(s) (if a hearing occurs).
  3. The right to choose a faculty or staff advisor (non-legal) to counsel them.
  4. The right to a hearing before the student honor and academic code hearing committee facilitated by the hearing committee facilitator and to know the date, time, and place of the hearing. The right to know the names of witnesses who may be present at the hearing. From the time they receive written notice the allegation is referred for a hearing, the hearing takes place in at least 10 business days, unless they request for the hearing to take place within a shorter period of time.
  5. The right to receive the roster of names of the faculty and student members of the council with the notice of the formal hearing. The student may identify any individuals on the council who they would not find acceptable to serve on the hearing or appeal committees. The student must provide the list of unacceptable individuals and reasons for their exclusion to the hearing and appeal committee facilitator within 48 hours of receiving the roster. The hearing and appeal committee facilitator will consider the written request of the student when they nominate members of these committees.
  6. The right to be present during the hearing and/or appeal while all evidence is presented; the accused student does not have the right to be present during deliberations or voting of the committee. If the accused student is not present at the proceeding, it will be conducted with the accused student in absentia.
  7. The right to have access to all written statements presented to the hearing committee and be allowed to hear and question witnesses who appear at the hearing. The right to appeal the findings of the hearing. A student who wishes to appeal the decision of the hearing committee must make such a request in writing to the executive associate dean for educational affairs. The written appeal must be made within 10 business days of receiving written notice of the hearing committee’s findings and sanctions.
  8. If a determination is made the honor or conduct code is violated, the honor code committee will be informed of prior honor and conduct code violations and the current status of the student, before sanctions are recommended to the executive associate dean for educational affairs.
     

The senior associate dean of enrollment management and student affairs serves as the student honor and conduct code adviser, or can appoint another official of Rollins to fill this role. The prehearing process consists of a preliminary investigation with the possibility of going into arbitration.

The preliminary investigation is designed to determine if there is sufficient evidence to substantiate a potential honor or conduct code violation. The student honor and conduct code adviser will have 10 business days to review the written allegation and documentation and determine whether evidence supports future action. The student honor and conduct code adviser may decide that insufficient evidence exists to substantiate a potential violation. In this case, allegations will be dropped. If the student honor and conduct code adviser decides that evidence warrants further action, the adviser will notify the student in writing that he/she must make an appointment to meet with the adviser within five business days to review the allegation. If the student fails to schedule or attend the meeting within that time frame, the allegation will go to a hearing.

The possible outcomes of the preliminary investigation include:

  1. Allegations are dropped: The student honor and conduct code adviser finds that there is not sufficient evidence to proceed after speaking with the student. In this case, the allegation is dropped.
  2. Case is referred to the hearing committee: The student honor and conduct code adviser finds that there is sufficient evidence to support a violation, but believes that the case, because of unusual circumstances or evidence, warrants a review by the hearing committee. These cases will go to a formal hearing.
  3. Arbitration: The student honor and conduct code adviser finds that there is sufficient evidence to support violation and offers an appropriate disciplinary action to the student and the other parties involved. This may include the student admitting they violated the honor or conduct code. Within five business days of the initial meeting with the student, the student honor and conduct code adviser will meet separately with all parties such as the student, the witnesses, and the faculty member to acquire additional information regarding the alleged incident. 

Arbitration can have of two outcomes:

  1. Arbitration A: If all parties are satisfied with the findings and the proposed disciplinary action, the case will be considered successfully resolved and no further action will be taken. The issue and the final decision will be appropriately documented and maintained in the official student file to inform on any future allegations that may be brought forward.
  2. Arbitration B: If either the student or the other parties do not agree with the guilty determination or do not believe the recommended disciplinary action is appropriate, the case will go to a formal hearing.

If it has been decided that the case will proceed to a formal hearing, the student will have no less than 10 business days between the date that the student receives written notice of the preliminary investigation and s formal hearing unless the student requests that the hearing take place within a shorter period of time.

The hearing committee facilitator is responsible for conducting the hearing in a fair and impartial manner.

At the hearing, the alleged violation will be read. Evidence against the student will be presented by the hearing committee facilitator, followed by questions from the hearing committee and the student. The facilitator then presents the evidence provided by the student, and the hearing committee members again may ask questions.

  • Evidence shall be admitted without regard to the rules of evidence in courts of law.
  • Evidence may include, but is not limited to, witnesses, documents, tangible evidence, and
    written statements from witnesses not present. This documentation should all be from the
    preliminary investigation.

After thorough review of the case, the hearing committee will decide whether there is clear and convincing evidence that the student is in violation of the honor and conduct code. A majority vote of the committee will suffice for a finding of a violation. An abstention is not considered a vote. If the student is not present at the hearing, the hearing will be conducted with the student in absentia.

If the student is found in violation of the honor code, the hearing committee may recommend one or more of the following actions, or such other action as the hearing committee deems appropriate:

  • Issue the student a warning with no further disciplinary action
  • Request that the faculty re-evaluate the assignment in question and recalculate the grade
  • Issue a failing grade on the assignment or for the course in question
  • Place the student on academic probation for the remainder of the term or longer
  • Suspend the student for the remainder of the semester or longer
  • Dismiss the student from school

If the person is found guilty of a conduct code violation, the hearing committee may recommend one or more of the following actions, or such other action as the hearing committee deems appropriate:

  • Issue the student a warning with no further disciplinary action
  • Issue the student a warning with a requirement to make amends (apology, service, etc.)
  • Place the student on probation for a specified period of time
  • Suspend the student for the remainder of the semester or longer
  • Dismiss the student from school

The executive associate dean for educational affairs will receive the hearing committee decision and recommendations for sanctions in writing within three business days of the hearing’s close. The executive associate dean for educational affairs may choose to accept the recommendations for sanctions or suggest modifications to the recommended sanctions. The executive associate dean for educational affairs will communicate their proposed modifications to the hearing committee within three business days of receiving the hearing committee’s decision and recommendations. The hearing committee will collaborate with the executive associate dean for educational affairs to reach a consensus on the appropriate sanctions. The executive associate dean for educational affairs will send a letter to the charged student indicating the findings of the hearing committee, and the sanctions that will be taken. The finding will be made available to the accuser upon request. The executive associate dean for educational affairs will report any action taken to the appropriate university, Rollins, and/or other officials.

A copy of the written notification will be included in the student’s official school file. A copy will also be maintained in the honor and conduct code database as part of a permanent record. If the student violates the honor or conduct standards again, the sanctions would be harsher with the possibility of suspension or even dismissal.

A student who wishes to appeal the hearing committee’s decision must make such a request in writing to the executive associate dean for educational affairs. The written appeal must be made within 10 business days of receiving written notice of the hearing committee’s findings and sanctions from the executive associate dean for educational affairs. In the letter to the executive associate dean for educational affairs, the student must indicate the reasons for the appeal. After reviewing the request for appeal, an appeal committee will be appointed to review the charge(s), finding(s), and recommendation(s).

The appeal committee:

  • Shall be composed of members of the council. It will consist of one student, two faculty members, and the hearing and appeal committee facilitator. The hearing and appeal committee Facilitator will be responsible for conducting the hearing in a fair and impartial manner and will be a non-voting member of the appeal committee. No voting member of the appeal committee shall have participated in the previous hearing committee. No member of the appeal committee can be involved in the case. If needed, a selected faculty member from the initial hearing committee may attend the appeal committee hearing as an ex officio, non-voting member to provide continuity with the original proceedings.
  • Shall be furnished with all written data concerning the formal hearing, including evidence presented, committee findings, and sanctions.
  • May request oral or written statements from the accused student and other witnesses, and may request that additional documentary evidence be presented.
  • Shall require a majority vote for a decision. An abstention is not considered a vote.

The following actions may be recommended by the appeal committee:

  • Affirm the prior decision
  • Reverse the prior decision
  • Modify the prior decision
  • Decide that the case merits a new formal hearing. This hearing will be conducted in accordance with the original hearing procedures. In this case, the hearing committee will be composed of faculty and students who did not take part in the original hearing committee.

Within three business days of the appeal hearing’s close, the appeal committee will inform the executive associate dean for educational affairs in writing of its decision and recommended sanctions. The executive associate dean for educational affairs may:

  • Affirm the prior decision
  • Recommend that the appeals committee revise the sanctions

The executive associate dean for educational affairs will send recommendations for revisions to the appeal committee within three business days of receiving the committee’s decision and recommended sanctions. If revisions are recommended, the executive associate dean for educational affairs will communicate their proposed modifications to the appeals committee within three business days of receiving the appeals committee’s decision and recommendations. The appeals committee will collaborate with the executive associate dean for educational affairs to reach a consensus on the appropriate sanctions. The executive associate dean for educational affairs will write a letter with the final determination. The student charged with a violation shall be notified in writing of the decision and recommended sanctions within five business days. A copy of the letter will be placed in the student’s file. If the appeals committee overturns the original finding, previous letters of notification will be removed from the student’s file as appropriate.

In the case of significant or extreme violations of the conduct code, Rollins school administration may act outside the protocols listed herein in order to take necessary, protective action to ensure that members Rollins’ committee are not subject to imminent harm. Significant or extreme violations include, but are not limited to, instances of physical assault, sexual assault, sexual harassment, breaking and entering, brandishing a weapon or other situation in which the administration perceives a likely imminent threat of physical harm to a member of the Rollins community. Such significant violations will be referred to the Emory University Threat Assessment Team and managed by the executive associate dean for educational affairs.

Nothing in this document constitutes a contract or creates a contractual obligation on the part of the Rollins School of Public Health and/or Emory University. The Rollins School of Public Health reserves the right to interpret and apply its policies and procedures, and to deviate from these guidelines, as appropriate in the particular circumstances and in accordance with the mission and goals of the Rollins School of Public Health and/or Emory University. The Rollins School of Public Health further reserves the right to alter or modify any statement contained in this document without prior notice.

Cases that involve sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or sexual violence will be reported to the Emory University Title IX Coordinator in compliance with federal regulations as outlined in Title IX. Because of the sensitivity of such cases and depending on the nature of the alleged incident, the case may be investigated by the university Title IX coordinator and/or designee and may be heard by a centralized hearing process.

In addition to the reporting of the incident to the central office, the basis of the hearing is preponderance of evidence which is based on patterns of behavior as opposed to undisputed factual evidence. Additionally, both the accused and the accuser are advised of the findings of the case, and both have the right to appeal the decision.