Academic Catalog
PhD
elcome to our 2013-2014 academic year! The UAMCUSE family is looking forward to this academic year with unbounded energy and enthusiasm. For 2013-2014, CUSE's study plans reflect an approach that leverages our faculty's strengths and a balance of innovative and emerging fields, while responding to real world needs and employment potential. We will continue to refine our academic offer and services, constructing a more significant and powerful ancillary curriculum for our students, further fostering internationalization on our campus. No doubt, this year will take us a step closer towards where we want to be as students and professionals. We hope the UAM-CUSE experience will contribute to human progress, and to our becoming more conscientious and responsible beings on this Earth.
Admission to UAM-CUSE Candidates applying in Nicaragua: Prospective students should write to the office of the Provost (giselle.poveda@uam.edu.ni; or yeska.garcia@uam.edu.ni;) or visit the office and request an interview. They must bring the following documents to Admissions: • National identity card (Cédula) for Nicaraguan citizens. Foreign residents present a Cédula de Residencia card and foreign non-residents a passport. Leave photocopies with Admissions. • Official transcripts of the last two years of secondary school • The original High School/GED diploma with a photocopy for the record • You must have all documents authenticated by the Nicaraguan Consulate in your country and the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, and then the Ministerio de Educación The purpose of the interview is to determine the candidate’s level of English and his or her knowledge base. Graduation from an English speaking high school or a recent TOEFL score of at least a 60-64 in IBT (Please refer to table below, under Graduation Requirements). will be accepted as proof of English fluency. Those who are accepted for enrollment should go to the Admissions Office pay an application fee (prematrícula) and the yearly registration fee. A student’s academic year begins in the semester in which they enroll. Transfer students must request their former university to mail an official transcript to: Provost, Universidad Americana College of University Studies in English, P.O. Box A-139, Managua, Nicaragua. Transfer students should have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.00 (70 in a 100 point scale) or above. CUSE will transfer a maximum of 70 credits from other institutions. Only grades above a 2.00 GPA (70%) are accepted. Admissions will assign a student number and a PIN (Personal Indentity Number) for CLASS, UAM´s automated administrative system. You will be required to choose a major, but this is a non-binding designation which students may change at any time before their sixth semester. Candidates applying from abroad: ISEP and other foreign exchange students should follow the instructions provided by their exchange organization and follow the requirements in the previous section. You may use photocopies, faxes and PDF files in your initial contact with the College. Students who do not have all documents authenticated may be admitted provisionally. Authentication requires the following steps: 1. Original documents (transcripts and High School diploma) must be taken to the Nicaraguan Consulate in your country of residence. 2. Once in Nicaragua you must have them authenticated by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, and then the Ministerio de Educación. When you arrive in Nicaragua, the CUSE office will help with admissions. If you have any questions, send an e-mail or call 2278-3800, extensions 5428 or 5325 (Nicaragua´s country code is 505). Nicaragua allows visitors from many countries to enter with a valid passport and a tourist visa obtained at the airport but you should check with the closest Nicaraguan Consulate about the need for a visa for citizens of your country. Upon arrival students need to apply for a residency card (cédula de residencia).
University credit earned at the secondary level: CUSE awards credit for Advanced Placement AP scores of three (3) or higher and for International Baccalaureate IB scores of four (4) or higher. CUSE will also recognize university credit earned before the freshman year. To qualify, the credits must apply to CUSE offerings. The College is open to offering university pre-university courses to secondary schools through negotiated agreements with the school. Placement Tests: Candidates are required to take entrance exams in English Writing and Mathematics in order to determine the appropriate level the students are permitted to enter. Those providing evidence of competency (Transcripts, SAT, AP, IB, or other standardized test scores, etc.) may be exempt from taking placement exams in the pertinent areas. Students who are placed in courses below the 100 level must satisfactorily complete these courses before entering the regular 100 level courses. Determination of Class status: Each student´s class year/status is established by the total sum of credits achieved as follows: Class Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
Credits 25 or fewer credits 26 to 55 credits 56 to 85 credits 86 or more credits
Class Load: Students enrolled for 12 or more credits in a given semester are considered full-time. Those taking less than 12 credits will pay relative to total credits enrolled. Students who earn a 90% average in a semester may take up to seven courses in their major. Students with an 80 average or above may take up to seven courses if one course is part of a minor. Students must pay an extra surcharge per credit whenever their semester credit load exceeds 21.
REGISTRATION Registration: Students who are up-to-date with payments may register for classes online utilizing CLASS. After registering, payment must be made in person. The CUSE office will assist any student in need of help or advice for registration. Class times, days, codes and group numbers are available in the CUSE office, CLASS, and Registration Office. Once students are registered, they should CAREFULLY SAFEGUARD ALL RECEIPTS AND PROOF OF REGISTRATION. Registration for visiting students (Non-degree seeking): Visiting students may enroll as provisional students (estudiantes libres) by first going to the CUSE office to determine what classes and options are available and then Admissions to complete applicable forms and obtain a student ID number. CUSE will then provide course registration assistance. When individual student classes (tutorials) are chosen, CUSE will assign an instructor and provide assistance necessary to arrange a schedule. Once registration has been completed, students must settle all resulting charges at the Cashier and present receipts to CUSE. CAREFULLY SAFEGUARD ALL RECEIPTS AND PROOF OF REGISTRATION. Registration for Summer and/or Interim classes: Students must first check with the CUSE office to determine Summer course availability. Students are limited to two courses per session and may register online but payment must be made in person at the cashier at UAM. First time students or visiting students must first go to admissions to fill out an application form and obtain a student ID number. For those who wish to drop a course once it opens, money will not be refunded.
Late Registration: Returning students registering late (after the registration period has passed) will be charged an additional $10.00 per class. New students (incoming and transfer) are exempt of late fees. Adding or dropping regular semester courses in CLASS: Students may add or drop courses online during the first two weeks of a course, free of charge. CLASS will not allow further changes thereafter. Each class added after the second week will be assessed a late fee. Registration of one-on-one classes (tutorials) and Sufficiency Exams: For a tutorial or sufficiency exam, you must fill out a request form in the CUSE office. This request must be approved by the Provost or Coordinator. The CUSE office will then assign an instructor and register the class online. The student is responsible for making a payment in person at UAM´s cashier and presenting receipts as proof of payment to the CUSE office. CUSE will arrange a meeting with the instructor and arrange for a meeting space. One-on-one classes must meet on campus.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS • Completion of all courses in the corresponding Plan of Study with an accumulated GPA of 2.00 or above. • All graduates must demonstrate competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and the ability to use computer applications relevant to their field of study. • English skills will be determined by a TOEFL exam score of 550 (80 IBT)*. • Four passport size color photographs. • Original Secondary/High School/GED Diploma or Certificate and a photocopy. • Graduation fee payment. All requirements must be fulfilled six weeks prior to graduation date. If you should find the different English language test scores confusing or have trouble comparing a TOEIC score to a TOEFL score understandable because there are a number of different language tests score systems. Even the TOEFL Paper Based Test (PBT), TOEFL Computer Based Test (TOEFL CBT), and TOEFL Internet Based Test (TOEFL IBT) all have different scoring schemes. The table below shows comparisons between various test scores and level systems (like TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS) and the VEC level system you may use this table to compare your A score or VEC level with the approximate equivalent score of another test. TOEFL Equivalency Table TOEFL
TOEFL
TOEFL
Paper
CBT
IBT
0 - 310
0 - 30
0-8
0 - 1.0
310 - 343
33 - 60
sep-18
1.0 - 1.5
A1
35 - 38
3
347 - 393
63 - 90
19 - 29
2.0 - 2.5
A1
39 - 45
04-may
46 - 53
06-jul
54 - 57
8
58 - 65
09-oct
TOEIC
IELTS
Cambridge Exam
CEFR
VEC
Approximate
Online Score
VEC Level
0 - 34
2
0 - 250
KET A2 255 - 400
(IELTS 3.0) 397 - 433
437 - 473
93 - 120
123 - 150
30 - 40
41 - 52
3.0 - 3.5
4
405 - 600 477 - 510
153 - 180
53 - 64
PET
B1
(IELTS 3.5)
(IELTS 3.5)
PET
B1
PET
B1
(IELTS 4.5)
(IELTS 4.5)
FCE
B2
4.5 - 5.0 (IELTS 5.0)
(IELTS 5.0)
513 - 547
183 - 210
65 - 78
5.5 - 6.0
FCE
B2
66 - 73
11-dic
550 - 587
213 - 240
79 - 95
6.5 - 7.0
CAE
C1
74 - 81
13 - 14
605 - 780 785 - 990
590 - 677
243 - 300
96 - 120
7.5 - 9.0
CPE
C2
82 - 100
15
Top Score
Top Score
Top Score
Top Score
Top Score
Top Score
Top Level
Top Score
Top Level
990
677
300
120
9
100
C2
100
15
SPECIAL ACADEMIC OPTIONS One-on-one classes (tutorials): One-on-one classes combine the concept of individualized study with 30 hours of classroom attendance. Students may take up to three single student classes while completing a plan of study. Sufficiency Exams: Sufficiency exams validate credit for a course through a comprehensive examination that will be administered only to students who have demonstrated either academic or life experiences that would clearly prepare them for the exam. Sufficiency exams will not be administered or accepted for failed courses. Sufficiency exams are not normally used in lieu of 300 and 400 level courses, Communications courses or for those requiring group dynamics such as Leadership for example. Students may validate up to three courses through sufficiency exams during their plan of study. Requirements for a second degree and dual enrollment: Students who wish to earn a second Bachelor’s degree must complete all 300 and 400 level classes required for each degree. Students may only be allowed to earn two degrees simultaneously with the Provost`s approval. Majors, Minors, and Concentrations: A Major is the principal field of study and requires at least 31 credits or more in that specialty, beyond the basic and professional core courses. A Minor is a secondary area of specialized study which may be outside of one’s major and requires at least 15 to 18 credits in that area. A Concentration is a special emphasis within the major and consists of at least 22 hours of credit with that emphasis. For example, within the major of International Development, the student may concentrate on Environmental Issues. Courses taught in Spanish from other faculties and universities: Up to eight courses in the major may be taken in the Spanish either at UAM or other universities and transferred to CUSE. They may also serve as electives when needed for this requirement. Students who have studied entirely in English language secondary schools are encouraged to take advantage of this in order to prove their Spanish abilities.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS Evaluations and grade policies: The lowest passing grade is 70 on a 100 point scale, equivalent to C- in the US system. CUSE grades are reported in numbers. Midterm grades are cumulative and the grades from the first half and the second half do not always average into one semester average. *Grades C- 70 - 73 C 74 - 77 C+ 78 - 79
B- 80 - 83 B 84 - 87 B+ 88 - 89
A- 90 - 93 A 94 - 97 A+ 98 - 100
*How to Calculate Your Grade Point Average (GPA) Value of Letter Grades 4.0 = A+ or A = 100 3.7 = A= 90 3.3 = B+ 3.0 = B 2.7 = B= 80 2.3 = C+ 2.0 = C 1.7 = C= 70 1.3 = F 1.0 = F 0.7 = F 0.0 = F
Take the value of the grade earned and multiply by the number of credits earned for each course. Add "total value" and divide by "# of credits" earned to get GPA. Class B104 M111 W131 N251 Total GPA
Grade A BAC+
Value 4.0 2.7 3.7 2.3
x x x x
# of Credits 3 4 3 3 13
= = = = / =
Total Value 12.00 10.80 11.10 6.90 40.48 3.14
Final Examinations: Final exam periods will made public at the beginning of semester. Interim and Summer classes will have final exams on the last day of class. If a final exam is not the appropriate competence evaluation method for a particular course, the instructor may use an alternative evaluation with the Provost´s consent. Final exams cannot be taken early except in the case of students who must leave Nicaragua for academic reasons without a foreseeable return. Students who have valid justification may be permitted to take a make-up final exam with the Provost´s permission. A grade reduction penalty may be exacted by an instructor for a make-up exam as indicated in their syllabus. Failing a course: Students failing a course must re-take it. Those failing the same course a second time must petition the Provost for permission prior to registering for a third attempt. Those failing any course more than two times must leave CUSE. Special exams for a failed course (Convocatoria Exams) to be substituted for a failing grade are not permitted. Academic Probation: Students whose semester average is below 70 (2.00 GPA) will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. Transfers and new students, who do not meet all enrollment requirements but demonstrate other abilities, may enroll under a probationary status. Probationary students must achieve a 70 average with no failures in order to gain their normal status. Those unable to regain normal two semesters will be dropped from the College. Students on probation must sign up for regular counseling with the Office of Student Life (Vida Estudiantil) or CUSE counseling. Latin Honors: Students who earn a GPA of 90 and above are placed on the Provost’s Honors List. The baccalaureate Degree Summa Cum laude is awarded to students whose GPA for credits earned at UAM are at 98.00 or above. Between 94.00 and 97.99, the student will receive Magna Cum laude honors. A GPA between 90.00 and 93.99 will receive Cum Laude honors at graduation. Students must have fulfilled all other CUSE requirements to earn these honors.
DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT CUSE instructors have flexibility in setting discipline guidelines for their classes and have the authority to expel students from their classes when they deem the circumstances warrant such measures. Each class syllabus shall specify requirements. Students who are disruptive, disrespectful to instructors or fellow students may be temporarily suspended from a class pending consultation with the Provost. Though most students are admitted back after counseling, severe cases may warrant further action. Cause for Disciplinary Action: There are guidelines that all students must follow with special attention to: • Class attendance: Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on time. Those who miss more than six classes during the regular semester will automatically fail the course. Students who have chronic illnesses or who require hospitalization or have jobs that require occasional absences should file the proper documentation with CUSE. Absences due to field trips, university activities, and class assignments may be accepted when verified. With documentation, the Provost may allow more than six absences in a particular class but more than ten absences will ALWAYS result in the student having to re-take the course. • Repeated uncooperative or severely disruptive behavior: Students who are disruptive or uncooperative in a class and unresponsive to corrective measures will be referred to the CUSE office. Students who exercise extreme disrespect to instructors, fellow students and university authorities both in person, in writing or on any publicly accessible media (Internet, www, etc.) virtual or physical, will be disciplined and may earn a recommendation for expulsion. • Cheating: You should neither cheat nor tolerate those who do. Cheating includes any form of dishonesty in exams, class work, and homework in order to shirk assignments and/or obtain higher grades or gain an unfair advantage. This includes the use of electronic devices, crib sheets, bribery and any other dishonest means to raise a grade or achieving goals in an immoral way. Any person who collaborates, aids or overlooks instances of cheating is also considered to be cheating. Instructors shall assign a failing grade on the assignment, material or exam and report the incident to the office. A second incidence of cheating will automatically result in a failing grade and referral to the CUSE office for disciplinary action. • Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the wrongful appropriation of someone else´s language, thoughts, ideas or expressions as if they were your own. It is considered very serious and may warrant annulment of degrees years after graduation when plagiarism is confirmed. There are strict guidelines for quoting or paraphrasing the words or pictures of others. Plagiarism includes copying sources and other students. Cut and paste from the Internet is nearly always a form of plagiarism if improperly credited. Plagiarism is subject to the same penalties as other forms of cheating. • Speak English in the classroom: Spanish is a beautiful language but CUSE requires English to be spoken full-time, and, for this reason, English is the official language of the classroom except in non-English language courses. When a class is in session, all communication must be in English. • Alcohol and use of controlled substances: Students who bring alcohol or controlled substances (illegal drugs) on campus or who attend classes under the influence of either will be subject to disciplinary action which could result in disciplinary probation and/or expulsion from CUSE. • Disciplinary Probation: Students may be placed on disciplinary probation when the Provost or a disciplinary committee decides that a serious violation of disciplinary rules has taken place. Cases of repeated violations or when the first offense has been especially grave will result in probation. The first instance of violations of the drug and alcohol regulations and/or gross insults to other members of the university community will result in probation. Students on disciplinary probation must show marked improvement in behavior and attitude in order to be promoted from probationary status. Students who earn a second disciplinary probation will be recommended for dismissal from the program. Students on probation must sign up for regular counseling at the Office of Student Life (Vida Estudiantil).
REGULATIONS FOR PAYMENTS & FEES Tuition payments and obligations: Tuition payments may be made for one or more semesters at once or set up monthly or quarterly installments. Advance, full-sum payment for one or more semesters should be made in January or July and will receive a discount. Monthly payments must be made before the seventh of each month; those who pay in four installments must pay in the first fifteen days of January, April, July, and October. Tutorials will be paid for in full before the tutorial begins. Failure to pay on time may result in withholding of grades, inability to take exams, and suspension from classes. Insurance & Student ID (carnet): Students are required to purchase the university’s accidental life insurance at the beginning of their academic year. Those students who present proof of an insurance policy matching the UAM policy benefit ceilings are exempt from this requirement. Students must pay for the student ID card (carnet) which is to be used for all transactions within the university. The academic year and the matriculation fee: UAM begins its first semester in February and its second semester in August; CUSE begins its first semester in August and its second semester in February. However, since CUSE follows a flexible educational model, students may enter at any time. The semester that students enter technically establishes their academic year cycle. This means that new students pay the once-a-year matriculation fee, the ID card fee, and the insurance fee based on their academic cycle. January to December students must pay these fees in December; while August to June students must pay this in June. Students pay 50% of the value of the matriculation fee if they are due to graduate one semester later. Withdrawing from the CUSE: Students should first notify the CUSE office and then go to the Collections Department (Cartera y Cobro) to verify their pending unpaid debts to the university. Once outstanding debts are paid, that office will notify the Registrar’s office. If these procedures are not followed, the university will continue to cover all tuition and fees due until the end of the academic period. Students are ultimately responsible for all accrued charges. Graduation fees and outstanding debt payment: In order to graduate, all students must pay all graduation debts to the university, including the graduation fee. This fee must be paid at least 45 days before the ceremony. Students who have outstanding debts will not be able to graduate or receive diplomas or transcripts. Books, materials, and calculators: Books and materials for each class are each student´s responsibility and must be obtained within one week of the start of each semester (within first two days for Summer courses). Students in business should also purchase calculators that capable of making financial calculations with relative ease. The recommended calculators are: HP 12-C (including HP 12C Platinum) and TI BA-II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional). Reimbursements: If the university cancels a course or program, the student will receive a reimbursement. For Summer or Interim courses, the money will not be returned once the course opens. If a student withdraws from the university before classes begin in the regular semester, he or she will receive a reimbursement minus any administrative costs incurred. Currency and Methods of payment: Payments may be made in US Dollars or Córdobas in cash, certified checks, bank transfers, or credit card (Visa, Master Card, etc.). Students who make bank transfers should bring the transfer slip to the Collections Department (Cartera y Cobro). All payments are based on the exchange rate established by UAM for that day. Payments may be made at the Cashier, in participating banks, telephone and internet transfers using credit cards, or through automatic credit or debit card charges. Late payments are assessed additional fees.
Fees and payments for exchange students: Foreign exchange students are exonerated from the payment of fees, insurance and certification of grades, translation of documents, and the cost of sending transcripts to the student’s home university. They only pay for the cost of the ID card and books. CUSE students in exchange programs abroad will pay all fees and tuition in the established dates as if they were studying in Managua. CUSE students will continue to receive any scholarships they have been awarded. Scholarships: Students should apply for scholarships at the Admissions office. They are usually awarded for previous academic achievement and are based on a formula that includes the degree of relative need. Rarely do scholarships exceed 30% of tuition.
UAM-CUSE contemporary liberal arts core allows students to explore an array of multidisciplinary fields that ground transversal competencies sought today. The core develops eight central abilities that all UAM-CUSE graduates must master before exiting the program. These skills give our graduates the professional and human strength to face the unprecedented challenges of this century and creatively seek solutions.
GLOBAL FINANCE
Academic Writing
Information Literacy
Philosophy
English Elective
Mathematics Elective
Mathematics Elective
Social Science Elective
History Elective
Natural Science Elective
Social Science Elective
Creative Thinking Lab
About Global Finance Learn to master financial analysis as the basis for managerial decision-making in order to maximize any firm’s value with respect to the risk-return relationship and management of investment. Finance is one of the fields with the highest demand and salary projections through 2025. Learn portfolio management in the 21st Century!
History Elective Social Science Elective
Natural Science Elective
Yeska Walquiria Garcia,MA Academic Coordinator yeska.garcia@uam.edu.ni PBX: +(505) 2278-3800 Ext. 5428 - 5325
facebook.com/UAMCUSE • twitter@UAMCUSE
GLOBAL
Management
Academic Writing
Information Literacy
Philosophy
English Elective
Mathematics Elective
Mathematics Elective
Social Science Elective
History Elective
Natural Science Elective
Social Science Elective
Creative Thinking Lab
About Global Management The Global Management major is designed around defining, planning, organizing, and directing the operations of a business enterprise anywhere in the world, in order to achive strategic objectives in the most efficient manner. Students in this area will develop the ability to comprehend and implement up-to-date knowledge and techniques in the area of global business.
History Elective Social Science Elective
Natural Science Elective
Learn sound decision-making strategies in a globalized world!
Yeska Walquiria Garcia,MA Academic Coordinator yeska.garcia@uam.edu.ni PBX: +(505) 2278-3800 Ext. 5428 - 5325
facebook.com/UAMCUSE • twitter@UAMCUSE
Natural Resource Management
Academic Writing
Information Literacy
Philosophy
English Elective
Mathematics Elective
Mathematics Elective
Social Science Elective
History Elective
Natural Science Elective
Social Science Elective
Creative Thinking Lab
About Natural Resource Management Become an informed manager in different industries such as forestry, fisheries, or water and energy sources. Your chanllenge will be to create value while focusing on social responsibility and sustainability. If you are a 21st century hands-on businessdriven nature lover, this is the field for you. Learn to manage the natural resources of the future!
History Elective Social Science Elective
Natural Science Elective
Yeska Walquiria Garcia,MA Academic Coordinator yeska.garcia@uam.edu.ni PBX: +(505) 2278-3800 Ext. 5428 - 5325
facebook.com/UAMCUSE • twitter@UAMCUSE
Strategic Marketing
Academic Writing
Information Literacy
Philosophy
English Elective
Mathematics Elective
Mathematics Elective
Social Science Elective
History Elective
Natural Science Elective
Social Science Elective
Creative Thinking Lab
About Strategic Marketing Marketing is no longer just marketing in the 21st century! Individuals studying this career become familiar with a systematic approach to the discovery and satisfaction of consumer wants as the basis for successful achievement of a firm’s sales objetives. You will develop the ability to comprehend, master, and establish new trends in the marketing field. Learn to effectively manage contemporary marketing strategies!
History Elective Social Science Elective
Natural Science Elective
Yeska Walquiria Garcia,MA Academic Coordinator yeska.garcia@uam.edu.ni PBX: +(505) 2278-3800 Ext. 5428 - 5325
facebook.com/UAMCUSE • twitter@UAMCUSE
International Development
Academic Writing
Information Literacy
Philosophy
English Elective
Mathematics Elective
Mathematics Elective
Social Science Elective
History Elective
Natural Science Elective
Social Science Elective
Creative Thinking Lab
About International Development If you are interested in working within political and economic systems to contribute and lead development in the 21st century, this is the field for you! As most of the world is developing, countries are assigning most resources to their comprehensive regional development. This cross-disciplinary career is one of the fastest growing fields today.
History Elective
History Elective
Social Science Elective
History Elective
Humanities Elective
Philosophy Elective
Natural Science Elective
Open Elective
Open Elective
Open Elective
Learn how to change the world sustainably and responsibly!
Yeska Walquiria Garcia,MA Academic Coordinator yeska.garcia@uam.edu.ni PBX: +(505) 2278-3800 Ext. 5428 - 5325
facebook.com/UAMCUSE • twitter@UAMCUSE
UAM-CUSE
Minors &
Concentrations
Minors
International Development Economics Environmental Issues Tourism Development Legal Studies in Business Management Entrepreneurship E-Business Strategic Marketing Finance
Concentrations Environmental Issues Integrated Marketing Branding and Communications Tourism Development Education
www.uam.edu.ni • www.uamcuse.org