University Policies

Admission Requirements

Robert Cavelier University strives to enroll all qualified applicants who have the desire to learn about business administration, to begin or enhance their career potential, and the commitment to engage in distance education.

Master of Business Administration

Applicants for admission must be at least 21 years of age and provide proof of having completed a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution, as verified through official documentation. Applicants must provide an official government ID to prove their residency and identity. Additionally, international students may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency and/or an evaluation of an official transcript.

Admissions Procedure

Robert Cavelier University accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Applications are reviewed upon receipt of all required documentation. Complete applications received before the deadline are evaluated for the next term’s start date. Incomplete applications cannot be evaluated for admission. Applicants are advised to ensure that all required elements are included with their applications to avoid a delay in the admissions process.

All applicants must submit:

1. A completed Application Form
2. Official transcripts* verifying the completion of a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education, CHEA, or listed on the World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal
3. Academic Certificate
4. A close-up copy of an official government photo ID or passport

Additional requirements for international students:

Transcripts not in English: Transcripts that are not in English must be translated into English and evaluated by an approved third party recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES). Robert Cavelier University’s preferred provider are World Education Services (WES) and Validential. They may also be evaluated by a trained transcript evaluator fluent in the language on the transcript. Evaluators must possess expertise in the educational practices of the country of origin and must include an English translation of the review. All translated materials must be official.

International Transcript Requirements: To be accepted, an official transcript for a degree program completed in a country other than the U.S. must include the following information:

1. The type of degree completed (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate);
2. The date when the degree was conferred;
3. A list of all courses along with the corresponding credits (or units) and the grades earned;
4. A legend with the grading scale and the key to reading the transcript;
5. Signature by the appropriate university official.

If the official transcript does not include one or more of the characteristics described above, students are required to obtain an official US degree equivalency evaluation from an organization recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Robert Cavelier University’s preferred provider are World Education Services (WES) and Validential.

Proof of English Language Proficiency: Passing an English language proficiency exam is required of applicants whose native language is not English. The only exception is for applicants who have earned a degree at an appropriately accredited institution where English is the principal language of instruction.

For admission, non-native English-speaking applicants must score at or above the following levels in one of the following English language proficiency tests:

• TOEFL Paper Based Test (PBT): minimum score of 60 required 
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT); minimum score of 71 required
• International English Language Test (IELTS); minimum score of 6.5 required 
• Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report; minimum score of 50 required
• Duolingo English Test; minimum score of 100 required
• 4-skill Michigan English Test (MET); minimum score of 55 required
• Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE); minimum score of 650/LP required
• Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE); minimum score of 650/LP required 

Applicants who have already taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Duolingo or the Michigan exam can upload a copy of their exam results within the application.

Applicants who have not taken either the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or the Michigan exam will need to take it before applying to Robert Cavelier University. Applications cannot be reviewed without qualifying exam results.

* Official transcripts are academic records that are produced by the awarding institution, typically in the registrar’s office that have not been accessed or opened by the student or graduate. Hard-copy transcripts and other academic records are considered “official” when they arrive at Robert Cavelier University in a sealed, stamped, official envelope with the seal and any other security feature intact. Electronic transcripts are considered “official” when received by Robert Cavelier University from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution or testing service. Academic records received in any other condition, such as transcripts that arrive in an unsealed envelope, or that are emailed or uploaded by the student, or that are printed from the university portal, are not considered “official.”

Electronic Official Transcripts may be submitted to: admissions@rcu.education

Hard-copy Official Transcripts may be submitted to:

Robert Cavelier University

Attn: Admissions

1500 Lafayette St, Suite 109 Gretna, LA  70053

Acceptance to the University

Applications are reviewed by admissions staff, who may also utilize the expertise of the Chief Academic Officer or other designated faculty members if there is a question on the applicant’s qualifications. If it is determined that the application meets all minimum requirements, the applicant will be accepted into Robert Cavelier University and can start classes the next term (see Academic Calendar).

Successful applicants will be notified via email. Accepted students sign an enrollment agreement and submit a copy of a government-issued photo ID.

The enrollment agreement is submitted to Robert Cavelier University electronically by the student. Robert Cavelier University accepts the enrollment agreement, verified by the signature of the CAO. The fully-executed enrollment agreement is made available to the student as a PDF.

Non-discrimination Policy

Robert Cavelier University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, gender or sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Robert Cavelier University is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Students requiring learning accommodations resulting from disability or injury should contact

Student Support. Robert Cavelier University provides accommodations based on medical or professional documentation submitted by the student. It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify with the institution before the start of class.

Transfer of Credit

Transfer into Robert Cavelier University

The acceptance of transfer credits between institutions lies within the discretion of the receiving institution. Credits earned at other institutions may or may not be accepted by Robert Cavelier University. Likewise, credits earned at Robert Cavelier University may or may not be accepted by another institution depending upon its programs, policies and regulations.

Transfer credits will be evaluated using the following guidelines:

• Only the following credentials will be considered for transfer credit at RCU:
  • • Credits earned at an institution that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or
    • An accepted foreign equivalent that is listed on the World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal; or
    • An award recognized as equivalent by a college or university listed on the World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal, such as:

• • • • • Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework rated qualifications or
        • The Office of Qualification and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) (UK) recognized awarding bodies or equivalent
        • Professional bodies; Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (UK), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Managers Institute (UK), Chartered Institute of Personnel Development
        • London Examinations Board-Post Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
• Any credits earned at a foreign institution must have a credential evaluation completed indicating equivalency with Robert Cavelier University courses.
• An official transcript of the student’s coursework must be furnished directly by the institution where the coursework was completed before any application for transfer credits can be evaluated.
• Courses submitted for transfer of credit must be relevant to the program of study and equivalent in both content and degree level. Courses submitted for transfer of credit into the MBA program must be at post-graduate level.
• A copy of the catalog or course syllabi from the institution at which the coursework was completed, at the time that the coursework was completed, must be furnished before any application for transfer of credits can be evaluated.
• A minimum grade of “B” or “3.0” must have been awarded for each course completed to be eligible for transfer. Only courses in which grades were assigned will be considered. Credits earned as a result of a “pass/fail” option are not eligible for transfer.
• Coursework completed more than three years ago is not eligible for transfer of credit.
• Transfer of credit must be completed before enrollment. Submitting an official transcript promptly is the sole responsibility of the student.
• The Chief Academic Officer or other designated faculty member shall make a final determination on the acceptability of transfer of credits. The above guidelines shall be used in evaluating all applications for transfer of credits; however, the institution reserves the right to accept or reject any or all transfer of credits at its discretion.

Up to 50% of the program can be completed via the transfer of credits. Therefore, the maximum number of credits that can be transferred into the Master of Business Administration is fifteen (15) credits or the equivalent of five (5) three-semester credit-hour courses.

Students wishing to receive credit for courses taken at other institutions will need to provide all required documents as part of the application process.

Transfer out of Robert Cavelier University

Transferability of credits earned at Robert Cavelier University is always up to the discretion of the receiving institution. Robert Cavelier University does not in any way imply or guarantee the transferability of credits into any other college or university.

Credit for Life Experience

Robert Cavelier University does not offer credit for life experience.

Articulation Agreements

Robert Cavelier University has articulation agreement in place with the London Examinations Board (LEB).

Student Privacy Policy

Robert Cavelier University’s student privacy and confidentiality policy follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.

FERPA was designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the rights of students to inspect and review their educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading information through informal and formal hearings.

Robert Cavelier University will not disclose students’ education records without obtaining prior written consent, except in certain instances where a student’s educational records may be disclosed to school administrators with a legitimate interest. These individuals may include persons whom Robert Cavelier University has employed or contracted with, whose responsibility justifies access to all or part of an educational record for legal, educational or administrative functions.

Students may inspect and review their records about academic standing and other information at any time. Students may also seek amendment of inaccurate or misleading information in their education records.

Robert Cavelier University depends on the accuracy of the records submitted by its students. False information on an application as well as any act to intentionally mislead or misinform instructional personnel or administrators is grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal from the University. Students seeking access or amendment to their educational records should contact Student Support. 

Student Records Maintenance

Robert Cavelier University maintains comprehensive records on all students who enroll in its program. The records are maintained in the Student Information System (SIS), which is hosted on the Amazon Web Services infrastructure and served exclusively over SSL. Records are backed up nightly.

Student records include:

• Personal Information (address, email, etc.)
• Enrollment Agreement
• Student-initiated petitions/forms
• Course Enrollment and Completion
• Grades Received
• Disciplinary Actions (Warning(s), Probation(s), conduct violations, etc.)
• Progress Evaluations
• Degree Conferred/Diploma
• Transcript

Student records are maintained actively during the enrollment period. Records are archived once a student graduates, is terminated, or otherwise exits Robert Cavelier University.

Archived records are maintained for 5 years.

Identity Verification

Robert Cavelier University’s Student Identity Verification process begins with the submission of documents during the application process and continues through to a student’s graduation, transfer, or withdrawal from the institution.

All students at Robert Cavelier University must verify that the student registering for a course is the same student who participates in the program and receives credit. In verifying the identity of students who participate in coursework, Robert Cavelier University may make use of a variety of methods including but not limited to:

1. Receipt of official transcript and government-issued photo id;
2. A secure login and authentication process;
3. Proctored examinations; and
4. Other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identification.

To ensure appropriate and secure access to the online learning environment, students are responsible for providing complete information about themselves in any identity verification process, in accordance with the Code of Conduct. All methods of verifying student identity protect the privacy of student information in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws or regulations regarding the confidentiality of personally identifiable information.

All users of Robert Cavelier University’s online learning environment are responsible for maintaining the security of usernames, passwords, and any other access credentials assigned, and are responsible for changing passwords periodically to maintain security.

Personally, identifiable information may be used, at the discretion of Robert Cavelier University, as the basis for verifying a student’s identity. Students who request that their passwords be reset may be asked to provide two or more pieces of information for comparison with data on file with Robert Cavelier University such as a social security or government ID number, date of birth, address, and/or email address on file.

Academic Integrity

Commitment to the principles of academic honesty and integrity is essential to the mission of Robert Cavelier University. To maintain an academic climate that is conducive to each student’s success, Robert Cavelier University has established a set of policies and standards.

All work submitted in a course must be the student’s own work. The knowing submission of another’s work represented as that of the student without properly citing the source of the work will be considered plagiarism. Consequences of plagiarism include: receiving a failing grade on the assignment and being placed on academic probation, receiving a failing grade in the course and being placed on academic probation, or being dismissed from Robert Cavelier University. The consequences will be determined by and at the discretion of the Chief Academic Officer in consultation with the CEO and/or faculty members.

In making this determination, Robert Cavelier University may conduct an investigation to review past homework assignments submitted by the student and reserves the right to change past grades if plagiarism is subsequently found in previous assignments. The submission of the same work to multiple courses violates academic integrity unless substantially changed or cited as previous work. The submission of work completed by others violates academic integrity.

Students who are accused of academic dishonesty can appeal the determination to the Chief Academic Officer. Appeals must be made in writing and include Student Supporting documentation. The Chief Academic Officer will review the appeal and documentation in consultation with the President and/or faculty members, as needed, and make a final decision on the academic dishonesty determination within five (5) days. Students will be notified of the decision on appeals in writing and all documentation will be added to the student’s record.

Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct sets forth the standards of conduct expected of students at Robert Cavelier University. This code is not exhaustive, and students may be subject to disciplinary actions for other behavior and/or activities deemed unacceptable or disruptive to the goals and mission of Robert Cavelier University.

Students who violate these standards will be subject to disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, issuance of a warning, probation, termination, or permanent expulsion. Any and all disciplinary action will be recorded in the student’s academic record.

Prohibitions

• All forms of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism.
• Use of any religious, inflammatory, or flagrant language in the online learning environment, including discussion boards.
• Use of any religious, inflammatory, or flagrant language related to Robert Cavelier University on social media or Robert Cavelier University social media accounts.
• Misrepresenting oneself as an official Robert Cavelier University spokesperson online or on social media.
• Engaging in a consensual romantic or sexual relationship with a Robert Cavelier University faculty or staff member while enrolled at Robert Cavelier University.
• Endangering, threatening, or causing harm to any member of the Robert Cavelier University community, causing reasonable apprehension of such harm, or engaging in conduct or communications that a reasonable person would interpret as a serious expression of intent to harm.
• Impersonation of another, using another person’s identity or furnishing materially false information, including manufacturing or possession of false identification.
• Forgery, fabrication, falsification, unauthorized alteration, or misuse of university documents, records, or identification.
• Unauthorized use of university property and/or resources.
• Unauthorized access to, disclosure of, or use of any university document, record, or identification including, but not limited to, electronic software, data, and records.
• Interfering with or disrupting university or university-sponsored activities.
• Misuse, theft, misappropriation, destruction, damage, or unauthorized use, access, or reproduction of property, data, records, equipment, or services belonging to the university or belonging to another person or entity.
• Engaging in retaliation, harassment, or repeated contact that a reasonable person would understand to be unwanted, including, but not limited to, stalking and/or sexual harassment.
• Engaging in any discriminatory activities as prohibited by applicable law or university policy.
• Interfering with any university disciplinary process.
• Engaging in any illegal sexual offense, including, but not limited to, sexual assault, public sexual indecency, or indecent exposure.
• Violation of any other university policy.
• Conduct that is illegal under state or local law.

Sexual and Other Harassment

Robert Cavelier University is committed to providing an educational environment free of sexual harassment. Robert Cavelier University policy prohibits sexual harassment and harassment based on pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religious creed, colour, gender, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation.

Robert Cavelier University’s anti-harassment policy applies to all students, as well as to all faculty, staff, and administrators involved in the operation of Robert Cavelier University. It also prohibits harassment based on the perception that anyone has any of the above-described characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

Prohibited harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following behavior:

• Verbal or written conduct such as epithets, derogatory jokes or comments, slurs or unwanted sexual advances, invitations or comments;
• Visual displays such as derogatory and/or sexually-oriented posters, photography, cartoons, drawings, or gestures;
• Physical conduct including assault, unwanted touching, intentionally blocking normal movement, or interfering with work because of sex, race, or any other protected basis;
• Retaliation for reporting or threatening to report harassment.

Probation, Suspensions, and Dismissal

Students who have been found to be in violation of any part of Robert Cavelier University’s Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary action, including probation, suspension, and dismissal.

Students who violate the code will be notified via email, and will also be mailed a notification letter after any and all investigations and hearings have been conducted. The notice will include details regarding the violation and the associated consequence.

During probation, students are allowed to continue in the program. While under probation, students will be watched closely for additional violations of the Code of Conduct, as outlined in the notification letter. Students who do not violate the code of conduct during the probation period will be placed back into good standing. Students who make further violations will be suspended or dismissed from Robert Cavelier University.

During suspension, students are prohibited from continuing their program for one (1) to two (2) sessions, as indicated in the notification letter. Once the suspension has ended, students will rejoin the program on probation, and be watched closely for further violations of the Code of Conduct. Students who do not violate the code of conduct during the probation period will be placed back into good standing. Students who make further violations will be dismissed from Robert Cavelier University.

Depending on their severity, some violations will lead to immediate dismissal. Though this list is not exhaustive, students found cheating, harassing other students, or participating in illegal activities may be terminated from Robert Cavelier University immediately. Students expelled for these reasons will not be readmitted.

All disciplinary actions are subject to an appeal. Please see the appeals section for policy details.

Appeals & Re-admittance

Appeals

Within ten (10) days of receiving notification of probation, suspension, or dismissal (academic or non-academic) from Robert Cavelier University, the student may file a written appeal to the Chief Academic Officer. The Chief Academic Officer will decide on the appeal and notify the student of the decision within ten (10) days.

If the appeal is denied, or if the Chief Academic Officer does not respond within ten (10) days after receiving the appeal, the student may appeal directly to the CEO. The President shall render a final decision within ten (10) days of the receipt of the appeal.

Re-admittance

A student who has withdrawn from Robert Cavelier University or who has been dismissed must reapply to Robert Cavelier University with a new application and go through the admissions evaluation process to enroll. The requirements for the program in effect at the time of the new enrollment will apply.

Robert Cavelier University will consider past academic records, remedial work that was done subsequently, and other extenuating circumstances when evaluating re-admission. Any applicant who was previously academically dismissed may, at the discretion of the Chief Academic Officer, be readmitted on probation status. The probation status will extend through one evaluation period (one course). If there are no academic or non-academic violations during the probation period, the student will be returned to good standing. If there is a subsequent violation during the probation period, the student will be terminated and barred from future enrollment at Robert Cavelier University for a period of not less than three (3) years.

Non-retaliation Policy

Robert Cavelier University is committed to operating with integrity and maintaining learning and working environments that are free from discrimination and harassment. Retaliation is any action, statement, or behavior that is designed to punish an individual for filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, participating in an investigation, appeal or grievance, or reporting a case where members of the Robert Cavelier University community are not complying with our policies. Retaliation is an infraction and is strictly prohibited.

Students who are aware of or have been subjected to retaliation should report the matter immediately to the Chief Academic Officer who will work with the student to file a complaint. Violators of this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary proceedings as outlined in the Code of Conduct, and may be subjected to sanctions including, but not limited to, probation, suspension, and or termination.

Students who knowingly file a false report will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but not be limited to, probation, suspension, and or termination.

Complaint & Grievance Procedure

A grievance is a serious complaint that demonstrates that the student has been or is being adversely affected by:

1) inappropriate interpretation of Robert Cavelier University policies or

2) inappropriate response, lack of response, or decision by any person with administrative control and responsibility.

A grievance is directed toward Robert Cavelier University, not a specific person, and should be in writing per the grievance procedure below.

If a student has a complaint, grievance, or dispute with Robert Cavelier University regarding procedures, decisions, or judgments that cannot be resolved through informal channels, the student has a right to seek a satisfactory resolution through the formal avenues of appeal and redress as follows:

• Step 1 – Notification: The student must notify the relevant faculty member, staff, or administrator in writing, by certified or registered mail postmarked no later than fifteen (15) days after the occurrence, stating the basis for the grievance, the details of the matter, including relevant dates and the remedy requested. Copies of any documents supporting the student’s allegations are to be included. The individual so notified shall respond with a decision in writing within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the grievance.
• Step 2 – Appeal: If the remedy requested is denied, or if the notified Robert Cavelier University faculty member, staff member, or administrator does not respond within fifteen (15) days after the notification of Step 1 has been mailed, the student may appeal in writing, sent by certified or registered mail, directly to the Chief Academic Officer within an additional fifteen (15) day period. The recipient of the appeal will review the grievance and render a decision within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the student’s appeal. However, failure to initiate a Step 2 appeal within the fifteen (15) day time frame indicates that the student accepts the Step 1 decision as final and that the matter is closed.
• Step 3 – Final Decision: If the remedy requested is denied or the University does not respond within fifteen (15) days after the Step 2 notice has been mailed, the student may appeal in writing, sent by certified or registered mail, directly to the CEO within an additional fifteen (15) day period. The President will meet with the individuals involved to investigate the matter and will render a decision within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the student’s appeal.

The CEO’s decision shall be final. However, failure to initiate a Step 3 appeal within 15 days indicates that the student accepts the Step 2 decision as final and that the matter is closed.

If a student has exhausted the complaint and grievance procedure at Robert Cavelier University and still feels that the issue has not been satisfactorily remedied, the student may file a complaint about this institution with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section following the Louisiana Board of Regents procedure found here https://regents.la.gov/student-complaint-process/

The Consumer Protection Section of the Louisiana Attorney General:

PHONE: 225-326-6465 or 800-351-4889

FAX: 225-326-6499

EMAIL: ConsumerInfo@ag.louisiana.gov