UNITED STATES UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE IS EMPOWERMENT. Addendum to the 2015 Catalog. Updated 12/14/2015. p. 10

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1 Addendum to the 2015 Catalog Updated 12/14/2015 p. 10 History Founded in 1997 to provide a unique learning environment based on academic rigor, personal attention, and fulfilling the educational needs of underserved populations including the Hispanic and Latino communities in Southern California, United States University, is uniquely successful in serving its target population and attaining its academic and social missions. Academics are the heart of United States University. From face-to-face interactions to learning in the comfort of your own home, USU offers a learning community where students can pursue their educational goals. The University adheres to an environment of academic excellence, student support and professionalism. USU provides educational opportunities for its students at the Chula Vista Campus (830 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista, CA 91911) on two campuses (Chula Vista Campus and Cypress Campus). The University consists of the following colleges: College of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Management, College of Education and the division of Extended Education. The University, originally known as InterAmerican College, was founded by Dr. Reymundo Marin and Dr. Maria Viramontes de Marin. In 2009, InterAmerican College was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and changed its status from a non-profit to a for-profit. In April 2010, the Board of Trustees voted to change the university s name to United States University. The University moved to a modern facility in Chula Vista in May 2011, and has added an off -site campus in Cypress (CA) to serve the professional higher education needs of the underserved in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. p. 11 The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) United States University is a private institution and is licensed approved to operate as an accredited institution by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). United States University does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years, or has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 USC Sec 1101 et. seq.). BPPE physical address: 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833; mailing address: P.O. Box , West Sacramento, CA ; Phone (916) / Toll free (888) / Fax (916) / 1

2 p. 18 Transfer Policy The University accepts up to 90 semester credits to the undergraduate programs. Courses considered for transfer credit must have a grade of C or better. United States University has a Residency Requirement of 30 credits for all undergraduate programs. This requires that no less than 30 credits must be completed at United States University in order for the university to confer a degree. The University accepts up to 20 percent of the semester credits required to complete the specific master s level program from accredited graduate level institutions provided the transferred course(s) meet the same general content standards as the University course. Courses considered for transfer credit must have a grade of B or better. All transferred credits must come from an accredited post-secondary institution or from approved nontraditional resources, i.e. ACE, CLEP, DANTES, Excelsior, SMART, EduKan, Straightline, or Prior Learning Assessment. The University has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university. Courses transferred into General Education must meet subject area standards; upper division courses and graduate courses transferred in must meet the same general content standards as the USU course equivalent. A sealed official transcript is required from the transferring institution and additional documentation may be required, i.e. catalog descriptions or course syllabi. p. 19 Credit for Experiential Learning Students that would like to apply for credit for experiential learning may enroll in the online portfolio course for credit (CAEL 100). The course instructs students on how to demonstrate the college-level learning they have acquired through work, volunteering or military service. Students must pay for the course at the per-credit rate established for the program of enrollment. If students do not earn the credit requested, they may appeal the course grade and credits through the grade appeal process. Students may use what they have learned in the CAEL 100 portfolio course to create an online knowledge portfolio that matches their knowledge and experience to college-equivalent courses. Once the online portfolio has been completed it will be submitted to CAEL trained faculty assessors for possible college credits. Students can earn up to 12 undergraduate credit hours for each portfolio they submit. Undergraduate students can receive a maximum of 30 units through CAEL. 2

3 Students wishing to apply for credit for experiential learning must apply for the CAEL 100 course no later than their second session following their start date and all portfolios must be submitted for assessment no later than the end of the student s second semester. p. 22 English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction US University does not currently offer English as a Second Language, Intensive English or English Language Learner instruction. Students must be able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate effectively in English, as all courses for international students are taught in English. Information literacy and writing tutors are provided to graduate international students at no extra cost to facilitate the students transition to American-university research expectations. p. 24 Library Services for International Students One of the missions of the Library is to provide academic support in different services that will assist USU students, in particular the International Students, to succeed in their academic work. Services Include: Assist students with information literacy. Assist students in completing their weekly assignments and final projects Assist students in developing critical thinking through reasoning & brainstorming Reinforce student s knowledge of databases and online information resources Reinforce student s knowledge of APA reference citations Engage students in American academic copyright & plagiarism policies Library online tutorials Library resources Online bookstore Please review our Library FAQ to learn more about USU Library Resources. Library services will be provided through Blackboard, WebEx, , telephone, or face-to-face sessions. Contact clopez@usuniversity.edu The Library is open weekly Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm, twice a month. p. 49 (New section after Returned Checks) Student Tuition Recovery Fund You must pay the state-imposed assessment for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) if all of the following applies to you: 3

4 1. You are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans, and 2. Your total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer unless you have a separate agreement to repay the third party. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if either of the following applies: 1. You are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program, or 2. Your total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government program or other payer, and you have no separate agreement to repay the third party. The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by students in educational programs who are California residents, or are enrolled in a residency programs attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. You may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following: 1. The school closed before the course of instruction was completed. 2. The school's failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or any other purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school. 3. The school's failure to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs. 4. There was a material failure to comply with the Act or this Division within 30 days before the school closed or, if the material failure began earlier than 30 days prior to closure, the period determined by the Bureau. 5. An inability after diligent efforts to prosecute, prove, and collect on a judgment against the institution for a violation of the Act. p. 87 (New section after Teaching Credentialing and Licensure) Requirements for the Preliminary Credential Students should refer to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website at to determine requirements for licensure in the state of California. The current requirements are: Multiple Subject Preliminary Credential Requirements 1. Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree, except in professional education, from a regionallyaccredited college or university 2. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information. 4

5 3. Complete a multiple subject teacher preparation program including successful student teaching, and obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed 4. Verify subject matter competence by one of the following two methods: a. Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject matter examination(s). Information regarding the appropriate subject matter examination(s), including passing scores and registration, can be found in Commission leaflet CL-674M [pdf], entitled Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials. b. Complete a Commission-approved elementary subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an accredited program. This option is only available to those individuals who completed the subject matter program and enrolled in a teacher preparation program prior to July 1, For individuals enrolled in blended programs, candidates must be continuously enrolled and have completed either a Ryan blended program by December 31, 2008 or an SB 2042 blended program by June 30, Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). Individuals who hold a valid California teaching credential which was issued based upon completion of a teacher preparation program including student teaching, are exempt from this requirement. Visit the Commission s website or the National Evaluation Systems (NES) website at for more information. State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, CA credentials@ctc.ca.gov Website: CL-561C 7/14 Page 2 of 3 6. Satisfy the Developing English Language Skills, including Reading requirement by completing a comprehensive reading instruction course that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques 7. Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university 8. Complete foundational computer technology course work that includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers in educational settings Single Subject Preliminary Credential Requirements 1. Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree, except in professional education, from a regionallyaccredited college or university 2. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information. 3. Complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program including successful student teaching and teaching performance assessment, and obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, CA credentials@ctc.ca.gov Website: CL-560C 9/15 Page 2 of 5 4. Verify subject matter competence by one of the following three methods: a. Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s). Information, including passing scores and registration, can be found in Commission leaflet CL-674S entitled Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Teaching Credentials. 5

6 b. Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program c. For Specialized Science subjects only, individuals may take and pass the appropriate subject matter examinations or obtain verification of completion of subject-matter course work from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Requirements and procedures may be found in Coded Correspondence The last administration of the examinations in the Specialized Sciences will be July 11, These examinations will no longer be available after this date. Applicants will have five years during which to use passing examination scores toward obtaining California certification. 5. Satisfy the Developing English Language Skills, including Reading requirement by completing a comprehensive reading instruction course that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques 6. Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university 7. Complete foundational computer technology course work that includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers in educational settings p. 89 Requirements Multiple Subject Credential Core Requirements Multiple Subject Core Courses Multiple Subject Clinical Practice Bilingual Authorization ** 21 Credits 9 Credits 12 Credits 9 Credits p Program Learning Outcomes 1. Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge derived from the physical and behavioral sciences and humanities as a basis for professional nursing practice. 2. Use the nursing process to meet the health promotion, illness prevention, restorative, and rehabilitative needs of individual s, families, and population groups. 3. Use effective communication in interacting with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team. 4. Provide health teaching through the nursing process to ensure optimum health and wellness. 5. Demonstrate professionalism in accepting accountability and responsible for personal behavior and ethical practice. 6. Use current research findings, evidence based practices and critical thinking skills in promoting the health and welfare of people. 7. Collaborate with and advocate for consumers and colleagues in the delivery of Healthcare services. 8. Apply information technology to promote quality Healthcare. 9. Identify and influence factors that affect Healthcare delivery. 6

7 10. Act as a client advocate in promoting health, minimizing risk, and preventing adverse patient outcomes. 11. Assume responsibility for the delegation of nursing care to members of the Healthcare team based on their scope of practice and ability. 12. Demonstrate competent practice as an entry -level registered nurse generalist in a variety of cultural settings. p. 99 (added section before Degree Requirements) Requirements for Licensure Students should refer to the California Board of Registered Nursing website at to determine requirements for licensure in the state of California. The current requirements are: 1. Licensure by examination. Applicants must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) if they have never taken and passed, or been licensed as a registered nurse in another state. All applicants must have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements. If you are lacking any educational requirements, you must successfully complete an approved course prior to taking the examination. 2. Appropriate fees. 3. Completed Application for Licensure by Examination including a U.S. social security number. 4. Completed fingerprints using either the Live Scan Process or the Applicant Fingerprint Card (Hard Card) processing method as directed in the "Instructions for Submitting Fingerprint Cards". Submit the appropriate nonrefundable TOTAL FEE as directed on the Application Fee Schedule. 5. One recent 2" x 2" passport-type photograph. 6. Completed Request for Accommodation of Disabilities form(s), if applicable. 7. Request for Transcript form(s) completed and forwarded directly from the nursing school(s) with certified transcripts. 8. If applicable, documents and/or letters explaining prior convictions or disciplinary action and attesting to your rehabilitation as directed in Section II of the General Information and Instructions. 7

8 p International Admissions United States University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students in its degree programs. International students must meet the same admissions requirements for the program as all other prospective students. To be considered for admission, prospective international students must be eligible to apply for a student visa (F-1) or must be resident in the United States in a temporary residency status that does not require a change of status in order to attend the university. The University does not provide Visa services to nonimmigrant students, but it does comply with all requirements of SEVP, including reporting student statuses. Any charges related to Visa services are the sole responsibility of the student. To be considered for admission to the University as international student, in addition to meeting the University and programmatic admissions requirements, all applicants must submit to the University: Application Form (completed with applicant signature); $50 non-refundable application fee (wire transfer) payable to United States University; For undergraduate applicants, a copy of Diploma or transcripts from secondary school (Foreign diplomas or transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an acceptable agency); For applicants who have attended any post -secondary institutions, official Transcripts (from all colleges and universities attended) (Foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an acceptable agency); IELTS Academic Score of 5.5 or above or TOEFL Score 47 (Reading 8-12, Listening 7-11, Speaking 16-17, and Writing 18-20) or above, or Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2 or above. Students who have TOEFL scores reported to US University should reference TOEFL code number Students may waive the English testing requirements if they have taken and passed at least 1 full year of postsecondary coursework in the last five years where English is the medium of instruction as evidenced by official transcripts; Interview with the University by phone, Skype, or similar technology to review expectations of the program and assess applicant s qualifications; Financial Documents: O Financial Support Declaration that certifies that sufficient funds are available for a student (and dependents if applicable) for study at the University for at least one academic year and barring unforeseen circumstances, that adequate funding will be available from the same or equally dependable sources for subsequent years for the full course of study. The declaration must be signed by student and or sponsor. O Bank Statements certified by a bank official O U.S. immigration law prohibits waiver of the financial guarantee. Without this certified information, the I-20 cannot be issued. The financial declaration must be current within 6 months of the student s start date at the University. Health Documents: O Student Statement of Health International Student Agreement Form; Copy of current Passport with photo. 8

9 Please submit all application materials via electronic means or mail to: Office of International Affairs (OIA) United States University 830 Bay Blvd Chula Vista, CA (USA) Phone: (888) Students will be contacted within approximately 2 weeks confirming whether the application has been accepted. If the application is incomplete, applicants will be requested to submit the missing/incomplete documents. Once all application requirements are completed and verified, the University will issue the I-20. When students complete their interviews and are in receipt of the approved VISA, they must submit the first semester s tuition payment in full within 72 hours to avoid cancellation of their I-20. No later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the start of classes, students must also submit a copy of all travel documents indicating date, time, and location of arrival into the United States so the University can confirm arrival and provide local support as needed. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Certificate of Eligibility Form (travel document) will be issued only after an applicant has been admitted to the University. USCIS requires that the name of the applicant match exactly with the name on the passport. If admitted, proof of health insurance is required prior to start of the first session of enrollment. Questions concerning international student application or admission, including questions about other non-immigrant classifications and evaluation of prior academic work, should be directed to the Office of International Education and Professional Studies (OIA) international@usuniversity.edu The deadlines for submission of the application and all supporting documentation are as follows: Spring I November 30 Spring II January 31 Summer I March 31 Summer II May 31 Fall I July 31 Fall II September 30 9