Academic and Institutional Policies

Academic and Institutional Policies

Nondiscrimination Statement

Viridis Graduate Institute admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at VGI. This Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

SAP is a measure of student progress toward the completion of the degree program. A student’s academic standing is expressed in terms of a grade point average (GPA), which is computed by dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of credit hours attempted. To progress satisfactorily and maintain an active standing, students must:

  • Maintain a GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale,
  • Complete and pass a minimum of one course within a ten (10) week period,
  • Meet all of the requirements for each course for which enrolled.

Students who are requesting re-entry into the Institute will return to the SAP status calculated at the time of withdrawal if they enroll within 1 year. Students who fail to maintain SAP are placed on Academic Probation and may be terminated from the program.

Gender-based Discrimination

Viridis Graduate Institute promotes an educational environment that is free of gender-based discrimination. Gender-based discrimination is unlawful and unacceptable. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about gender-based discrimination, or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a gender-based discrimination complaint is similarly unlawful.

Sexual Harassment

Viridis Graduate Institute aims to promote an online educational environment that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of students, faculty, or staff is unlawful. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment, or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is unlawful.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Viridis Graduate Institute is an Equal Opportunity Educational institution and is committed to providing access to students with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). VGI will provide auxiliary aids and services to students with hearing, speech, or vision impairments in accordance with 28 C.F.R. 36.303, and otherwise make reasonable modifications to its policies and practices in accordance with 28 C.F.R. 36.302, in order that its programs are accessible to individuals with a disability. If you have a need for other modifications please contact the Registrar at: [email protected]

Students with disabilities have the following rights and responsibilities:

  • Have the right to equal access to all programs.
  • Disability records will be maintained separately from academic records; disability records will be used solely to determine appropriate services.
  • Have the responsibility to give advance notification of accommodations needed prior to the beginning of enrollment.
  • Have the responsibility to submit both documentation of their disability and a request for services.
  • Have the responsibility to initiate the request for services or accommodations; requests should be addressed to the Registrar ([email protected]).

Students are encouraged to disclose and submit a Special Needs Request Form for any disability requiring accommodation immediately following enrollment and prior to starting classes. All students seeking accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or the ADA must submit documentation of the physical or mental disability from qualified medical or testing personnel.

Educational Records English

FERPA applies to all records that fall within its broad definition of “educational records.” Student educational records at Viridis Graduate Institute include all records directly related to a student that are maintained by or for the Institute. Records can be in any medium, including handwritten notes, paper files, email, electronic files, video, or audio files. The records are not limited to those in “official’ files and include records maintained in any Viridis Graduate Institute office. With limited exceptions, a student can see educational records at Viridis Graduate Institute that are directly related to that student during normal business hours and when requested in advance.

Language Requirement

Course materials are supplied only in English. Students are expected to be proficient in the oral and written use of the English language. International students are subject to the same admission requirements, fees, and responsibilities as domestic students. International students are reminded that Viridis Graduate Institute only provides course materials and instruction in English. Oral and written proficiency of the English language is presumed. See TOEFL Requirements (under Admissions).