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Rio Verde University Online/Distance Learning offers flexible, affordable, and convenient online degrees in Nursing, and certificates in Legal Studies. Rio Verde University, an accredited college,* has emphasized practical, leading-edge nursing career and business education since 1968. Online/Distance Learning furthers our commitment for today’s students, with web-based learning and virtual classrooms, and access to some of the great learning libraries of the academic world. Rio Verde University Online is “one of the most varied subject providers of the myriad of online schools in the country.” – Danilee Gates RVU Online/Distance Learning offers complete online degree programs for students beginning their education, completing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, or adding courses to further their professional development. Our CEU and seminar courses are conducted in a variety of settings. Our online degree programs feature accelerated, 12-week courses, tailored to provide a quality, interactive experience for online students. With RVU Online/Distance Learning, you learn from faculty who are experienced practitioners, and you plan your academic career with dedicated online Program Advisors. RVU Online/Distance Learning offers Bachelor’s and Associate’ Degrees in Nursing and has certificate programs in Paralegal Studies. If you have previous college credits, an online Program Advisor will complete an unofficial transcript evaluation, at no charge to you. |
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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT RIO VERDE UNIVERSITY |
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ONLINE-DISTANCE LEARNING AND DEPARTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
STUDY |
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| Rio Verde University OnLine-Distance Learning and the
Department of Independent Study, have made every reasonable effort to
maintain factual accuracy herein; however, editorial, clerical, or
publishing errors may occur. All information contained herein is subject to
change without advance notice. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
STUDENT TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE CONTENTS OF THE ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING
COURSEWORK. |
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INTRODUCTION |
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| In this era of the world-wide web, email, pal-talk,
messenger, live streaming video, cyber-libraries, computer technologies, and
a whole new universe of information capability the concept of independent
study (IS)has not changed. Though we have evolved from pen and paper to
laser printers and scanning, IS still a flexible mode of learning that
offers the student an alternative to the brick and mortar classroom.
Online-Distance Learning (ODL) simply takes IS is to a new level. Though it is still perhaps best suited to students who, for whatever reason, are unable to do resident work, it is by no means restricted to this group. Resident students may find independent online distance learning by correspondence or other means a viable option in that it provides benefits such as resolving scheduling conflicts, raising the GPA, and allowing students who do not wish to attend summer school the opportunity to continue their program of study while off campus. Independent study by correspondence of Online-distance learning can be every bit as challenging and rewarding as resident work. While independent/online-distance learning allows students to control, within specified limits, their learning pace, it also demands of students a great deal of self-discipline, motivation, and an ability to work with a minimal amount of tutorial aid. Any student who plans to enroll in a correspondence/online-distance learning course should carefully weigh these factors. All instructors who develop and teach college courses listed in the online-distance learning catalog have been approved by the academic department in which the course originates. Rio Verde University Department of Independent Study/Online-Distance Learning is cooperating with the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) to meet the educational needs of military personnel. |
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ADMISSION |
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| There are no specific entrance requirements. Formal
admission to Rio Verde University is not required of a student who takes
courses by correspondence or via Online-Distance Learning. By the same
token, acceptance for this unique type of study does not constitute
admission to the University. A student may enroll at any time in a
correspondence course. The student must, however, submit a formal
application, which the Department of Independent Study/Online Distance
Learning reserves the right to reject. Persons who are enrolled as regular
students at Rio Verde University and wish to take an
independent/online-distance learning course for degree credit at Rio Verde
University must have the approval of their academic dean to enroll in the
Department of Independent Study /Online Distance Learning. This requirement
includes students who are on academic probation, or suspension. Regular
students at other institutions of higher education are strongly encouraged
to obtain approval from their academic dean before enrolling in
independent/online-distance learning study courses. High school students
must have their application forms signed by their principal or counselor. |
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Course Descriptions |
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| COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES: The unit measure for college credit is the semester
hour. Courses at Rio Verde University carry a four-digit number. The first
digit on the left identifies the course rank (freshman, sophomore, etc.);
the last digit on the right illustrates the credit value of the course. For
example, ENGL 1013 is a freshman-level course carrying a credit value of
three semester hours. COMM 2351 is a sophomore-level course with credit of
one semester hour. HIGH SCHOOL COURSES: All high school courses carry one-half unit of credit. In most cases, the grade level of the course is indicated in the title, e.g., English 12-Literature. |
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Special Note to High School Students |
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Any of the freshman-level colleges courses listed in the IC/ODL catalog,
may be taken by approved high school students who want to be challenged with
first year college work while completing high school requirements.
Enrollment approval must be granted by the appropriate administrative
official in the high school where the applicant is in attendance and by the
Department of Independent Study /Online Distance Learning. Grades earned in these courses may be applied toward meeting high school graduation requirements if such procedure is approved by the high school administration. The grades will also be filed in the Office of the Registrar at Rio Verde University and may be applied toward college degree requirements at Rio Verde University (with the approval of the dean of the college which confers the degree) when and if the student enrolls on campus. Credit may also be transferred to another college or university. (Check with their credit transfer department, however.) CERTIFICATE COURSE: There are many certificates courses offered by the University. These can be in fields as varied as Real Estate, Nursing, Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Insurance, Construction, Metaphysics, and others. Here a certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of the course. It may vary from a 1-3 hours 1 time session, to a twelve week-twice weekly for 3 hours seminar. Many courses have prescribed requirements for study-testing-completion such as ICDL and in such cases the University simply serves as administrator of such courses. For more information on these unique types of extra learning courses contact the school. Continuing Education Units CEU’s: In some of the courses offered at RVU, including semester and certificate courses, ‘continuing education credits (units) can/may be received. Again the number and requirements is normally set by the sponsor, and RVU simply administers the course. Check with the instructor during pre-registration for accounting CEU’s; legal CLE’s; Real Estate/Insurance CEU’s, and for any other additional credits available upon successful completion of a course. |
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GENERAL REGULATIONS Academic Honesty |
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| A high sense of personal honor and integrity is expected
of students enrolled in IS/ODL study courses. Students may seek tutorial
assistance with lessons; however, lessons and examinations submitted for
grading must represent the student’s own work without outside assistance. In
cases where academic integrity is questioned, a student will be given oral
or written notice of the charge and subsequent penalty. Penalties may
include, but are not limited to: dismissal from current enrollment, a
failing grade in current enrollment, and barring from future enrollments
with the Department of Independent Study /Online Distance Learning at Rio
Verde University. If a student wishes to appeal the charge, a letter of
appeal from the student should be directed to the following Rio Verde
University officials: the course instructor, the director of Independent
Study /Online Distance Learning, and the dean of continuing education. |
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Students with Special Needs |
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| Students with special educations requirements as stipulated by the Americans
with Disabilities Act should contact the Department of Independent Study
/Online Distance Learning at Rio Verde University prior to applying for
these Non-Traditional courses. Reasonable efforts will be made to
accommodate student needs. Students may be referred to the RVU ADA Center
for additional review of their specific accommodation requirements. |
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Official Enrollment Date |
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| There is an old but not worn out saying that quote, says:
“Nothing lasts forever.” This is true at RVU with all IS/ODL study courses.
All such courses are time based, beginning with the official enrollment
date. For students enrolling at the IS/ODL center at an active RVU campus
near you, the official enrollment date is the date of the visit. For
students enrolling by mail or fax, or over the internet, the official
enrollment date is seven (7) calendar days after the date that the
University office receives the fees for the application for enrollment. If,
for any reason, course materials are not mailed within seven calendar days
of receipt of fees, the official enrollment date becomes the actual mailing
date of the course materials. |
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| An
Apostille is the authentication of a public
officials signature for documents that will be used outside of the
United States of America. The Country of the documents destination
determines whether the authentication is an
Apostille
or Certification.
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What is Accreditation? |
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| A voluntary, non-governmental activity that occurs approximately every five
to ten years. The value and effectiveness of accreditation lies in the
institutions' commitment to continuous self-study and evaluation. A process in which educational institutions evaluate themselves objectively, and then subject their evaluations to an accrediting body for a review and critique of educational quality. A Peer Evaluation. The evaluation teams consist of professional educators and/or school administrators, specialists selected according to the nature of the institution or program, and sometimes others representing specific public interests." |
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"Accreditation Is Not ... |
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| A replacement for governmental regulation, or a
license from the government to do business. Public institutions receive their approval to operate through the state Constitution and legislative action. Although many states exempt accredited institutions from state regulation, accreditation is a voluntary, private-sector evaluation. Accrediting bodies cannot force institutions to comply with state and federal laws, and do not view their role as regulatory. A guarantee of consumer protection. The evaluation criteria of accrediting bodies tend to be general and non-uniform, because of the great diversity of postsecondary educational institutions and accrediting bodies in the United States. A tool to be used in certifying professional practitioners. Because accreditation is granted by a private, non-governmental body, requiring candidates for professional licensure to obtain education from an accredited institution as a prerequisite for licensure may be denial of the candidates' constitutional rights." "Basic Types of Accreditation ..." Institutional Accreditation - focuses on institution wide objectives, processes, and outcomes. Specialized accreditation - focuses on part of an institution (a department, division, school, or program) and uses criteria related primarily to requirements for professional practice." * * This definition is taken verbatim from an official State of California Document, Council for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. It is our hope that this will answer most of your questions in regard to accreditation. |
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Call us at 801-373-9504 to speak with an online Program
Advisor or *
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| Return to About Rio Verde |