The mission of Golden State University is twofold. It is to provide off campus, non-resident undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students capable of independent self-study and willing to take a large measure of responsibility for their studies, utilizing a combination of distance learning and correspondence methodologies. It is also to provide on campus students to engage through the more traditional learning processes in undertaking degree programs through affiliation programs with member colleges and institutions of the university in various areas of the world.

The university also conducts independent examinations globally to provide a platform and opportunity for students to quality through examinations for the university degree.

Golden State University is committed to offering a curriculum that challenges the student and equips them for professional and meaningful engagement in their chosen discipline of learning. Mastering of the academic content of courses will be ensured under the supervision of qualified, competent and dedicated teachers, supervisors and mentors.

Golden State University is committed to its students and their development, and to meet their educational needs.

Purpose

The purpose of all degree programs offered through Golden State University is to enable the student to acquire a body of knowledge in a specific discipline, to reason and think critically, to improve their knowledge and abilities, to enhance their personal satisfaction, to improve their self esteem and confidence, and to equip them in their pursuit of a life long learning experience.

Objective

The objectives of the Golden State University programs include:

• To develop the student to their highest levels of competence.

• To acquaint the student with an appropriate body of knowledge and application skills and techniques appropriate to their chosen field of study.

• To introduce students to the most recent and authoritative learning in their area of learning and employment.

• To develop the student's analytical, research and writing skills to enable them to demonstrate their understanding and application of the principles and practices taught within their studies.

Residence Requirement

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All course work, reading, research and writing requirements may be undertaken at the student's place of residence.

Time Requirement

Students may enroll in the distance learning programs of Golden State University at any time. All programs are self-paced, allowing the student to progress through their studies as rapidly or as slowly as their time and ability permits.

Licensing & Credentials

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If licensing is the ultimate goal of the student, the university strongly advises the student to check with their respective State, district or professional association for specific requirements prior to commencing their studies.

Library Services

Students are encouraged to join and make use of the facilities of their local libraries. Students may also access on-line library services available on the internet.

Notice Of Non-Discriminatory Policy

The university admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin, religion or gender. All rights, privileges, programs and activities are accorded to all students on an equal basis. The university is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Student Grievance Policy

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Grievances and complaints should follow the following steps:

Step one
If a student has a grievance or complaint, they should speak first with their mentor or with the Academic Registrar

If a student has a complaint against a faculty member, employee or other student, they should register that complaint with the office of the university President.

Step Two
If a satisfactory solution or resolution is not found or reached after discussion with the students mentor or the program manger, then the student may appeal in writing to the president of the university.

If the complaint lodged with the President has not been resolved to the students satisfaction, then the student can appeal in writing to the Grievance Resolution Committee of the university.

Step Three
If the complaint raised with the President is not resolved to the students satisfaction, the matter must then be sent onto the Grievance Resolution Committee for final resolution.

All matters raised with the Grievance Resolution Committee must be dealt with within 7 days of the submission of the complaint, and their decision must then be communicated to the student within 3 days of the formal hearing.

Dismissal from a Program of the University

A student may be dismissed from a program of the university for the following reasons:

• For failing to meet the required grades expected in their degree program to maintain the minimum standard of good standing in the university as outlined in the Course Grading System of the university catalogue, and not bringing their grades back to an acceptable level after a two month probationary period.

• For falling to submit any assigned work within a two semester period.

• For falling to complete their degree program within the maximum allowable period (unless prior permission had been reed and officially granted)

Dismissal from the University

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A student may be dismissed from a program of the university for the following reasons:

• Falsifying information on the application or any other document makes a student subject to immediate termination.

• Cheating or plagiarizing any of their course work, exams, assignments or written papers, or assisting any other student to do so.

• Failure to maintain the minimum acceptable grades to maintain their good standing following a two semester probationary period

• Non payment of tuition

If a student is dismissed, the student has the right to appeal the decision through the formal Grievance Procedure of the university.

Students who are dismissed will be entitled to the standard tuition refund as set forth in the Refund Policy of the university.

Readmittance to the University

Students who have been dismissed from a program of the university may seek readmission after a three (3) month waiting period.

Students who have been dismissed from the university may seek readmission after a twelve (12) month waiting period.

Language Requirements

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All courses offered directly through the university will be carried out in English, as will all communications.

Students enrolling in a course of study with the university must achieve an appropriate TOFEL score to demonstrate their ability to undertake post-secondary studies.

Change in Degree Field

If a student, having commenced a course of studies, wishes to change their degree, specialization or major, they should communicate their desire as soon as possible to their Faculty adviser.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate such a request, however, the university cannot guarantee that such an application will be successful.

The student must follow the transfer process in all aspects, including making a formal application for entry to another program and completing the Transition Student Form provided.

Disclosure of Student Information

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Unless the university has written instructions or permission from the student or graduate giving directions to do otherwise; the university will only release the following information:

Regarding an unenrolled persons, the university will release no information.

For currently enrolled students, the university will release only whether or not the student is enrolled, the degree level being sought and the field of study. Any further facts will not be released without the written permission of the student.

Regarding the alumni of the university, the university will only release the exact name of the student, the degree and field of study, the date of graduation and the title of the senior project, thesis or dissertation.

The university will conform to the laws of the State in regard to the disclosure of information.

Leave Of Absence

Under special circumstances, students may request and can be granted leaves of absence from their studies.

Written requests for leaves of absence should be submitted to the Administration of the university for approval and confirmation with the university.

Course Grading System

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Course grading of assignments and examinations of all students are based on the following standard system of grading and awarding of credit.

Such grading will be reflected on the student's transcript.

Faculty will award letter grades under most circumstances.

Graduate students are expected to attain at least a grade of "B" or better within each course as a minimum standard of 'good standing' in the university.

Undergraduates grade level for 'good standing' is a "C" average.

As a guide for awarding letter grade, Faculty will make use of the following percentage and grade point equivalency in grading.

Alumni Association

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The university is very proud of each and every one of its graduates.

All graduates of the university are welcome to join the Alumni Association. A regular Alumni Newsletter will be sent to graduates via the email, and various other activities will be progressively added to the life of the Association.

For updates on the Alumni Association and graduate activities, click on to News

Affiliation Program

Golden State University has an active international affiliation program. The university welcomes enquires from colleges worldwide that may be interesting in teaching courses that will lead to the degrees of the university.

Colleges that are interested in this program should direct their enquires to the President of the university on president@goldenstateuniversity.edu.

Transcripts

Students will be issued with 2 copies of their transcript upon graduation.

A copy of the student's transcript may be requested at any time, either during or after, graduation. The cost, including airmail postage, is US10 per single transcript, and US$5 for each additional transcript requested at the same time.

Duration of Degree Program

The maximum duration of a degree course is as follows:

• Bachelor degree program (60 credit units)
  72 months

• Master degree program (32 credits)
  48 months

• Doctoral programs (45 credits)
  72 months

Award of Degrees

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The Academic Registrar will recommend graduation with the appropriate degree for the student once the following requirements have been met:

• The student's academic supervisor informs the Registrar that the student has satisfactorily completed all necessary course work.

• The Academic Review committee informs the Registrar that the student has satisfactorily completed their thesis/dissertation.

• The student has made full payment of all fees and costs.

The university will then award the degree and send the diploma and transcript to the student.

The student will be advised of any graduation ceremony of the university where they may formally receive their diploma.

Tuition Fees

Please refer to the university regarding fees.