POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and Academic Malpractice

Osiri University's Academic Regulations describe plagiarism as: “the significant use and submission of other people's work and presenting it as one's own in graded coursework (such as dissertations, essays, etc.).” This is a serious offense. 

Academic Misconduct includes many forms of cheating: e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, forgery or falsification of documents or records, intentionally impeding or damaging the academic work of others, engaging in conduct aimed at making false representation of a student’s academic performance, or assisting other students in any of these acts. We hold academic integrity as one of the most fundamental elements of our community; therefore, academic misconduct is a serious offense against the community. Instructors are given instructions for dealing with academic misconduct, although each case will be treated individually, confidentially, and professionally.

Academic misconduct can occur on any homework assignment, quiz, test, project, or assessment. Students are responsible for understanding the instructions of any assessment before they begin, including whether or not collaboration is allowed or calculators or other aids are permitted. Students who are unclear about the policies for academic misconduct or have difficulty keeping up with their workload are encouraged to seek the help of their instructors, advisors, Deans, or the VP of Academic Affairs. Students found guilty of academic misconduct may be subject to any or all of the following penalties: (a) receive zero (0) points for the homework assignment, quiz, test, project, or assessment, (b) receive a failing grade of “F” for the course, and/or (c) may be reported to Student Judicial Affairs Committee for student code of conduct violations and may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program without refund and/or the applicable certificate.

Students with Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities are encouraged to contact their instructors for a confidential discussion of their individual needs for academic accommodation. Osiri University’s policy is that such students are provided with flexible academic accommodations so that those students can participate as fully as possible in course activities and meet course requirements.

Grading Policies

Grading Scale: Osiri University uses a 4-point scale where an A or an A+ is awarded 4 points and F is the failing grade worth 0 points.

Grade distribution for courses are typically broken down as follows:

Community Standards

As a member of the Osiri community, you have access to a wealth of resources to support your success. You will have many opportunities to learn, to grow, and to get involved in a variety of activities, intellectually, personally and professionally.  As with any community, there are rules that have been developed to ensure a supportive and appropriate environment for learning. While these rules pertain primarily to students, they are consistent with the expectations for all members of the Osiri community.

• Respect yourself, the instructors, and peers.
• Bring a positive attitude and seek to support others.
• Always put forth your best effort.
• Be prepared for class, complete your assigned work on time, attend workshops and other events, such as the Ubuntu Global Dialogues, and be internet ready.
• Participate and ask questions.
• Do not cheat, plagiarize, or copy work. (Refer to the Academic Integrity section.)

Anti-Harassment Policies

Osiri University strives to create and maintain an educational environment in which people are treated with dignity, decency and respect. Our environment should be characterized by mutual trust and the absence of intimidation, oppression and exploitation. Osiri University will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Through enforcement of this policy and by educating our people, Osiri University will prevent, correct and discipline behavior that violates this policy.

Our people and learners, regardless of their positions, are expected to comply with this policy and to take appropriate measures to prevent bad conduct. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who violates this policy. Based on the seriousness of the offense, disciplinary action may include verbal or written reprimand, suspension, or termination.

Conduct Prohibited Under This Policy

• Discrimination and Harassment (verbal and nonverbal)
• Sexual Harassment
• Retaliation

Conduct and Values Encouraged Under This Policy

• Curiosity and dialogue
• Hard work and sacrifice
• Courage and kindness
• Community, cooperation, and co-prosperity
• Healthy competition

The expectations contained in this handbook are not all-inclusive. This means that they do not cover each and every situation that may arise. However, when those situations arise, they will be dealt with accordingly. Osiri University, espouses and encourages everyone to actively practice the ancient African values of Cooperation, Compassion, and Co-Prosperity.

Course Structure

All courses are 100% online. Each course has two parts: 1) an online component that is self-pace and asynchronous and 2) a virtual component that is live and synchronous. Students can access class modules for the self-pace asynchronous component of the course by logging onto their Osiri University account to view. Be sure to read the materials, watch the videos in the course modules, and complete your assignments by the due dates. For the live, synchronous component, join the live sessions following the Zoom information, which your instructor will provide. The live sessions are highly encouraged but not required. One credit is 15 contact hours. Therefore, a three-credit course is equivalent to 45 contact hours.