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  • Parents’ Corner

    Comments Off on Parents’ Corner

    The Parents’ Corner is an information resource for families of current and prospective Thomas University Students. We understand that sending your student to college is a big step for both of you, and we want parents to have access to important information that will make that transition easier.

    Whether it’s your first child or your fifth child, the day you drop them off at campus and drive home never gets any easier. However, you and your student chose Thomas University, so you can rest assured that your child will have an exceptional educational experience.

    If you have additional questions, need assistance, or further information please contact Student Life at 229-226-1621 ext 1118 or the Office of Student Success at advising@thomasu.edu.

    +FERPA. Why you should care

    Without a FERPA Student Authorization Form on file with the Registrar’s office, we cannot discuss your student’s grades, finances, attendance or other details of their student record with you, even though you are the parents! This information is protected under FERPA. The FERPA form is available in the student portal, HawkLink, and must be submitted by the student.

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

    • The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
      • A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
      • A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
        If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
    • The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
      • The University discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using University employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
      • A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University.
        Upon request, the University also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
      • The University may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, date and place of birth, degrees awarded, major field of study, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.
      • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
    • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

    The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

    Family Policy Compliance Office
    U.S. Department of Education,
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20202-5901

    Additional Information:
    U.S. Department of Education FERPA Website

    Please contact the Thomas University Registrar with any questions concerning the release of information under FERPA or to opt-out of having directory information shared. Students with complaints regarding their privacy rights are also encouraged to visit or contact the Registrar by e-mail (registrar@thomasu.edu) or by phone at 229-226-1621, Ext 1022.

    +What Parents need to Know

    Yes, they will need them! The list of textbooks and any online software required for each class are posted on the TU website before each semester on the Bookstore page.

    Students may purchase their books through our online bookstore. The convenient access and streamlined purchasing allow students to enjoy personalized shopping carts that build automatically as they select their course materials. Students have the ability to choose from digital, new and used print, and rentals all in one place. Flexible delivery and payment options are available so students are able to get what they need with ease.

    Students that are registered for courses may charge up to $1,000 in textbooks to their account. Students will be responsible for textbook charges. Charges will decrease the amount of any refunds.

    Security

    Thomas University takes the safety & security of our campus community seriously and works diligently to provide a safe environment for students, faculty and staff.
    The University enjoys a close, collaborative relationship with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Thomasville Police Department which provides security for the students and employees. The Thomasville Police Department provides daily periodic drive-through patrols of all campuses and collaborates directly with the Office of Student Life on any law enforcement matter involving TU students.

    Emergency Notification System

    Thomas University has an emergency communications system in place to notify all students, faculty and staff in the event of an emergency situation. It’s important that students verify their contact information in their student portal (Hawklink) to ensure that they receive emergency communications.
    • In the event of an emergency, official notifications are distributed in the following ways:
      • Text, voice, and email notifications will be sent to all cell phone numbers, home phone numbers and email addresses on file with the Registrar’s office. (Verified through Hawklink.)
      • Announcements and alerts are posted to students’ dashboards in Canvas, the University’s online classroom platform.
      • Announcements of emergency situations are posted on the TU website and official social media outlets.
    • Parents may sign up to be included in TU’s emergency messaging system. To do so, please send the following information to studentlife@thomasu.edu. Please send a separate email for each parent. You will be contact via email to verify that the information is correct.
      • Parent's name
      • Student's name
      • Parent's cell phone number(s)
      • Parent's email address(es)

    Student Activities

    TU's Student Affairs Office holds events on campus for students to enjoy. We encourage students to participate in multiple activities. This is a great way for students to meet others and connect outside of their regular team or classroom. Be sure to follow TU's Student Activities pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find out more about what's happening.

    TU offers a variety of services to assist students in and out of the classroom. Learn more

    +Office of Student Success

    Students are assigned a student a Success Advisor based on their major which allows students to benefit from a deep understanding of the course progression and processes unique to that program.  Success Advisors assist in developing a graduation plan, registering in classes and identifying resources to assist in successful progression toward your degree.  They are available to assist students in a variety of ways beyond simply registering for classes. Any questions students have concerning their college experience can be addressed with their Success Advisor.  They will provide information and make referrals to appropriate resources.  Success Advisors will also reach out if students appear to be falling behind in their coursework so that students can get back on track quickly.

    Every student also has access to faculty advisors who provides information on career pathways specific to each major and can assist in determining appropriate elective credit, internships and other experiences that provide a deeper preparation in your chosen career.

    Students have access to free tutoringthrough TU’s Learning Commons.  This is available in-person or virtually for a wide variety of coursework.

    TU’s Career Center is also available free of charge to assist students in determining career pathways based on interests and skills, preparing students for interviews, developing resumes and job searches.

    +Important Dates

    The FAFSA application is available NOW.  If your student plans to attend college next academic year, please complete this form.  Some aid programs are first come, first serve!  Our school code is 001555.

    Parents trying to plan for when their students will be home for the holidays or over the summer can view the Academic Calendar.

    Housing. Student housing is assigned on a first-come first-served basis for students who have a completed housing application and have paid the housing deposit. The housing application and deposit can be completed in the student portal, HawkLink.

    +Financial Aid

    Here in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, we are here to help evaluate college cost and apply for financial aid programs. Our mission at Thomas University is to make an exceptional TU education affordable with as simple and straightforward as possible process. Over 90% of students receive financial aid at Thomas University. Our staff is devoted to your success and anticipate supporting you with your financial aid application.

    Additionally, the student’s financial aid information is available 24/7 through HawkLink (our student portal).  Your child has been sent information on setting up their TU account for email and access to HawkLink.

    For more information on applying for financial aid, completing your financial aid file, accepting aid, types of aid and more, please visit the Financial Aid page.

    A variety of scholarships are available to new and returning students. These can be viewed here. Students must be accepted to be eligible to apply for these scholarships. The applications are available in HawkLink. Please note the deadline for applying for these is 3/1.

    Contact Us

    Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
    Admissions Building
    1501 Millpond Rd.
    Thomasville, GA 31792

    FAFSA School Code: 001555

    Office Hours

    Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm

    Email: finaid@thomasu.edu
    Phone: (229) 226-1652
    Fax: (229) 584-2400

    Schedule a phone or video appointment

    +Student Accounts

    Thomas University’s Student Accounts Office is dedicated to helping students and parents understand their student account.  We can assist with questions about tuition, fees and refunds as well as determining whom to contact to correct errors on your account.  We are here to help!  Additionally, the student’s account information is available 24/7 through HawkLink (our student portal). 

    For information on when tuition is due, how to make a payment, payment plans and more, please visit the Student Accounts page. 

    Contact Us

    Student Accounts
    Smith Bonvillian Annex First Floor
    1501 Millpond Rd.
    Thomasville, GA 31792

    Office Hours

    Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    Email: student.account@thomasu.edu
    Phone: (229) 226-2705
    Fax: (229) 584-5398

    Schedule a phone or video appointment

    +Housing and Meal Plans

    Thomas University offers on-campus housing for full-time students.  There are three dormitories at two locations.

    Visit our Housing page for more information concerning housing, room layouts, ‘what to pack’ lists.  We encourage parents to bring their student to campus at move-in if possible and our orientation has a special track just for parents.

    PLEASE NOTE: On-campus housing is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students interested in housing should complete the Housing Application, including the $300 room reservation fee, as soon as possible.

    Dining and Meal Plans

    Students residing in the Pinetree Dormitory and all overflow housing must purchase a 21-meal plan. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and brunch and dinner on Sunday. Students may use their meal plan at either the Pinetree Dining Hall or at the Hawk’s Nest on the Forbes campus.

    Magnolia dormitory residents have a full kitchen in each apartment unit.  However, they too can purchase a meal plan.  A variety of meal plans are available.

     

    +New Student Orientation

    All new students are required to participate in the Thomas University New Student Orientation (NSO) program. 

    NSO provides vital information regarding the many important student features one gains as they become a Night Hawk. Some highlighted features are:

    • using the Student Portal (Hawklink) including student account and financial aid information,
    • understanding Canvas, the online learning site that accompany all courses at TU,
    • review of the numerous Library resources available to Night Hawks on campus or as a distance student.
    • orientation to the TU Honor Code and our expectations for academic integrity,
    • academic support services
    • opportunities for student involvement here at TU.

    The Campus-based NSO is required for all undergraduate students, new to TU, taking one or more classes on TU’s Thomasville, Georgia, campus and beginning classes in the Fall semester. This includes transfer students. 

    +Administrative Department Contact Information

    DepartmentEmailPhone
    Admissions
    Click for individual contact information
    		admissions@thomasu.edu 844-862-6978
    Advising
    Click for individual contact information     		advising@thomasu.edu 
    Athleticsathletics@thomasu.edu 
    Bookstoretubookstore@thomasu.edu 
    Human Resourceshr@thomasu.edu 229-226-1621 x 1080
    Financial Aid
    Schedule an Appointment

    		finaid@thomasu.edu 229-715-7119
    Librarytulibrary@thomasu.edu 229-227-6959
    Registrarregistrar@thomasu.edu 
    Student Accounts
    Schedule an Appointment    		student.account@thomasu.edu 229-351-4522
    Student Life studentlife@thomasu.edu 
    Veterans Services
    Schedule an Appointment
    		military@thomasu.edu 202-821-7249

  • Copyright

    Comments Off on Copyright

    The Thomas University Library actively promotes compliance with the U.S. Copyright Law (17 U.S.C) in conjunction with Fair Use guidelines and prohibits copying or use of copyrighted materials not specifically permitted or exempted by law.

    All reserve and interlibrary loan items must adhere to the United States Copyright Law.

    +Reserve Use

    It is the Library’s policy that a faculty member or department obtains permission from the copyright owner for reserve services when applicable. Documented proof of permission must be provided to the Library. All fees for copyright permission must be paid by the individual or the department to the copyright owner. The University places liability for willful infringement of copyright upon the person making or requesting the copy, or using the material. If concerns arise regarding an item’s copyright legality, library faculty or the university attorney will review copyright laws that pertain to the item or situation to determine whether or not the item can be used as intended.

    Typically, you can place the following items on reserve without owner permission:

    • Single copies of an article
    • One chapter of a book
    • An entire poem

    All items should contain a notice of copyright. All items shall become the personal property of the instructor at the end of the semester. If the item is to be placed on reserve every semester, advance written notice from the copyright owner is required.

    +Interlibrary Loan Use

    The library may photocopy for the purposes of Interlibrary Loan. More than five (5) requests from any one title published within the past five years from a magazine to which the library does not subscribe is considered excessive and interpreted as an evasion of the purchase of a periodical.

    Copyright Infringement

    Chapter 5 of Title 17 of the United States Code in part states:

    § 501. Infringement of copyright3

    (a) Anyone who violates any of the exclusive rights of the copyright owner as provided by sections 106 through 122 or of the author as provided in section 106A(a), or who imports copies or phonorecords into the United States in violation of section 602, is an infringer of the copyright or right of the author, as the case may be. For purposes of this chapter (other than section 506), any reference to copyright shall be deemed to include the rights conferred by section 106A(a). As used in this subsection, the term “anyone” includes any State, any instrumentality of a State, and any officer or employee of a State or instrumentality of a State acting in his or her official capacity. Any State, and any such instrumentality, officer, or employee, shall be subject to the provisions of this title in the same manner and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity.

    (b) The legal or beneficial owner of an exclusive right under a copyright is entitled, subject to the requirements of section 411, to institute an action for any infringement of that particular right committed while he or she is the owner of it. The court may require such owner to serve written notice of the action with a copy of the complaint upon any person shown, by the records of the Copyright Office or otherwise, to have or claim an interest in the copyright, and shall require that such notice be served upon any person whose interest is likely to be affected by a decision in the case. The court may require the joinder, and shall permit the intervention, of any person having or claiming an interest in the copyright.

    Full text of Chapter 5 can be found at the US Copyright Office website.

    +Fair Use – US Code Title 17, Section 107

    The Fair Use Doctrine limits the exclusive rights defined in Section 106 of the U.S. Copyright Act and supports the use of copyrighted works in scholarship, teaching, and learning. Fair Use is the limited right of others to use copyrighted materials.

    “Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright…”

    Section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law further states that there are four factors to be considered when deciding if Fair Use is applicable:

    • The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit education purposes
    • The nature of the copyrighted work
    • Amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole
    • The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work

    Fair use is applicable to both print and digital content. Fair Use must be considered when posting excerpts of copyrighted works in course management systems

    Fair Use Checklist
    The fair use checklist utilized within the University System of Georgia is a tool which can assist you in making a reasoned and balanced application of the four fair use factors in determining whether a given use of a work is a fair use. It outlines various circumstances that are important to the evaluation of fair use and derives from the four fair use factors and from judicial decisions interpreting copyright law. Faculty can fill out the checklist and keep it on file if questions arise about the particular classroom or other use.

    +Teach Act

    Digitized copyrighted materials are affected by the TEACH Act, regardless of the original format of the materials. The Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) Act was enacted in November 2002 as an amendment to the Copyright Act of 1976. Found in section 110(2) of the Act, it covers distance education as well as face to face teaching which has an online, web enhanced, transmitted or broadcast component. It exempts from liability the transmission, including over a digital network, of a performance or display of a copyrighted work by an accredited non-profit educational institution to students officially enrolled in a course or a government body to officers or employees of government as a part of their official duties or employment.

    +Helpful Links

    Copyright Crash Course by University of Texas
    https://copyright.lib.utexas.edu/teachact.html

    Copyright Clearance Center and the Teach Act
    http://www.copyright.com/Services/copyrightoncampus/basics/

    North Carolina State University Teach Act Toolkit
    http://www.provost.ncsu.edu/copyright/toolkit/

    Title 17 of the U.S. Code
    http://www.copyright.gov/title17/

    Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998
    http://www.copyright.gov/title17/

    University System of Georgia Copyright, Fair Use, & Electronic Reserve Policy
    http://www.usg.edu/copyright

    (USG) Fair Use Checklist
    http://www.usg.edu/images/copyright_docs/fair_use_checklist.pdf

    Code of Best Practices in Fair Use by Association of Research Libraries
    http://www.arl.org/focus-areas/copyright-ip/fair-use/code-of-best-practices#.Vc0GC3nltD8

    Copyright Clearance Center basics of copyright
    https://www.copyright.com/Services/copyrightoncampus/

    Other copyright overviews can be found at the following URLs:

    Copyright at Kennesaw University:
    https://www.kennesaw.edu/library/copyright/fairuse.htm

    Copyright at Columbus State University:
    https://library.columbusstate.edu/copyright.php

  • Registrar

    Comments Off on Registrar

    The Registrar’s Office can help you with your academic needs during and after your educational career at TU.

    The Registrar’s Office serves students by evaluating transfer credit, providing official transcripts and commencement information.  The Registrar’s Office also works closely with Financial Aid, faculty and the Office of Student Success on a variety of academic related services.  Students should contact their Success Advisor for specific questions and processes.

    Please use the links below for helpful information and tools.

    Academic Calendar

    +Catalog

    2025-2026 Catalog
    Spring 2026 Catalog Addendum
    2024-2025 Catalog
    Fall 2023-2024 Catalog
    Spring 2024 Catalog Addendum
    Fall 2022-2023 Catalog
    Spring 2023 Addendum
    Summer 2023 Addendum
    2021-2022 Catalog
    Spring 2022 Addendum
    2020-2021 Catalog

    +Student Handbook

    Student Handbook

    +Course Schedule

    Seach available courses

    +Transcripts

    All transcript requests and payments (via debit or credit card only) are made by the student through Parchment. Official transcripts are $15 each and will be processed within 3-5 business days. Transcript delivery methods include regular mail and electronic delivery. Electronic delivery is the fastest and most reliable delivery method.

    We do not provide unofficial transcripts.  You are able to print your academic history in HawkLink.

    Order Credentials from Parchment

    *Please note that fulfillment of transcript requests may be delayed during holidays and campus closures.

    +FERPA/Student Privacy Rights

    Thomas University FERPA Policy

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment of 1974, is the federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records and limits the ability of others to access those records, except as authorized by law.  All of the rights provided by FERPA belong to the student, regardless of age, once he or she has enrolled in a post-secondary institution.  Enrollment is defined as the first day of the first term for which a student is registered.

    Student’s rights under FERPA include:

    • The right to inspect and review information contained in their educational records;
    • The right to request amendment of educational records to ensure they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of privacy or other rights;
    • The right to consent to disclosure, with certain exceptions that are specified in the Act (see Directory Information below), of personally identifiable information contained in educational records;
    • The right to be apprised of this policy on an annual basis;
    • The right to file complaints with the Department of Education concerning alleged failure of the University to comply with the Act.

    No one other than the student may access his or her educational record unless the student has granted permission for that individual through Hawklink, the University’s student portal.  Students may grant and remove permissions through their student portal.  Persons who are granted access will be provided a unique log on for Hawklink by which they can review the records.  Granting of access to another individual does not provide that individual the ability to act on the student’s behalf.

    However, the law provides that information from the student’s educational record may be released without the student’s consent to:

    • University officials who have a legitimate educational interest to access the information in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities
      • A “University official” is
        • A person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position
        • A person employed by or under contract to the University to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor
        • A person serving on the Board of Trustees
        • A student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
      • A University official has a “legitimate educational interest” if the official is:
        • Performing a task that is specified in his/her position description or by a contract agreement
        • Performing a task related to a student’s education
        • Performing a task related to the discipline of a student
        • Providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such as health care, counseling, academic or job placement, or financial aid
      • Parents of dependent students as defined by Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code
      • Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies
      • Federal, State, and local government officials for purposes authorized by law
      • An accrediting agency in carrying out its function
      • Individuals who have lawfully obtained court orders or subpoenas
      • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
      • Officials at institutions at which the student is seeking to enroll
      • In any other circumstances permitted by the regulations of the US Department of Education

    Directory Information:  FERPA allows the University to release certain “Directory Information” without the student’s consent.  This information includes:

    • Student’s name
    • Student’s address
    • Student’s telephone number
    • Student’s University email address
    • Student’s date of birth
    • Student’s major program of study
    • Student’s participation in recognized activities and sports
    • Weight and height of members of athletic teams
    • Student’s dates of attendance
    • Student’s degrees and honors received

    Directory Information does not include:

    • Student’s Social Security Number
    • Student’s TU ID number
    • Student’s race
    • Student’s ethnicity
    • Student’s nationality
    • Student’s gender

    Preventing release of information:  A student may direct the University to withhold release of Directory Information, except as described above, by completing and submitting the Directory Opt Out form found in Hawklink to the Registrar’s Office.  The University accepts no liability for any Directory Information released before the completed form is submitted.

    Educational Record:  The student’s educational record is any record maintained by the University that contains personally identifiable information.  This includes records maintained in any format, including but not limited to print, digital, or microfiche.  The educational record does not include:

    • Records in sole possession of the maker (i.e., advising notes kept separate from the academic file, notes used for memory aids)
    • Law enforcement records
    • Financial records of the student’s parents
    • Confidential letters of recommendation if the right to access was waived
    • Medical records
    • Employment records
    • Alumni records

    While medical, employment, and alumni records are not part of the educational record and subsequently not covered by FERPA, Thomas University maintains the security of those records in compliance with the laws that govern those specific records. For information on records not covered by FERPA, the student should contact the appropriate office.

    Student Request to Review Records: Upon request, students will be given access to inspect their educational record maintained by Thomas University.  Requests must be made to the Registrar’s Office after which an appointment will be scheduled.  The records will be open for inspection in the presence of the appropriate University official.  Requests must be made at least one week in advance.

    Educational Records Excluded from Student Access:

    • Confidential letters and statements of recommendation placed in the record prior to 1975
    • Medical and psychological information
    • Private notes and procedural matters retained by the maker or substitutes
    • Financial records of parents or other individuals

    Student Request to Amend Educational Record:  Students may request that their educational record be amended due to inaccurate, misleading, or information otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA by submitting the request in writing to the Registrar’s Office.  The request must clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. Upon receipt of the request, the Registrar and appropriate University official will review the request and record to determine if amendment is required.  If the request for amendment is not granted, the student will be notified of the decision in writing.

    Complaints:  In many situations, complaints relative to FERPA can be resolved within the University on an informal basis.  Any student who wishes to discuss a FERPA complaint may contact the Academic Affairs Office, 1501 Millpond Road, Thomasville, GA 31792.  To file a complaint with the US Department of Education, contact the Office that administers FERPA at:

    Family Policy Compliance Office
    US Department of Education
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20202-4605

    Dissemination of this Policy:  FERPA requires that students be notified and reminded of this policy annually.  Therefore, this policy will be published in the University Catalog and on the University’s web site.  In addition, students will be reminded of the policy annually through the University email system.

    Sources Consulted in Developing this Policy

    – Approved by Cabinet 6/10/2025

    +European Union General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR)

    GDPR Privacy Policy
    Privacy Policy for Students
    The European Union General Data Protection Regulations (“EU GDPR”) is a regulation governing the use of personal data. It imposes new obligations on entities that control or process personal data about people who are located in the European Union. This regulation applies both inside the European Union (“EU”) and outside of the EU and applies to data about anyone in the EU, regardless of whether they are a citizen or permanent resident of an EU country.

    The regulation took effect on May 25, 2018.

    Thomas University is committed to safeguarding the privacy of “personal data” of present and future students (a “student” is any person who presently attends Thomas University or has attended Thomas University in the past). “Personal data” is defined as any record created in the EU and transferred to Thomas University which is directly related to an identified or identifiable student, either directly or indirectly. Examples of “personal data” include, but are not limited to, directory information as defined in Thomas University’s FERPA Policy.

    This Privacy Policy outlines the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information provided to Thomas University by students.

    Students who reside in EU countries and who apply, or may apply, to Thomas University will need to provide consent for collection and use of personal data. To provide consent, use the following consent form:
    • Notice Regarding Protection of Personal Data and Request of Consent for Their Processing – Applicant Students Located in the European Union found at:Consumer Information.The Data Controller, under the GDPR law and with particular reference to the safety obligations related to automatic processing of student data, is Thomas University. All data will be processed by Thomas University in its capacity as Data Controller with the supervision of the Chief Information Officer, who you can reach at registrar@thomasu.edu

    Use of Information
    For purposes of this Privacy Policy, Sensitive Information is defined as race, ethnic origin, religious or philosophical beliefs, health data, sexual orientation, and criminal convictions.

    Thomas University Departments supporting students collect and process Information and Sensitive Information from individuals who are students only as necessary in the exercise of the College’s legitimate interests, functions, and responsibilities as a higher education institution.

    Information is collected from students and shared with internal and external parties to: register or enroll persons in the College, provide and administer housing to students, manage student accounts, provide academic advising, develop and deliver education programs, track academic progress, analyze and improve education programs, recruit students, make regulatory reports, audit, maintain of accreditation, and other related College processes and functions. Thomas University Departments supporting students also use Information and Sensitive Information to conduct general demographic and statistical research to improve the College’s programs.

    Sensitive Information is collected, processed, and shared internally and externally as necessary, applicable, and appropriate in order to: identify appropriate support services or activities, provide reasonable accommodations, enforce College policies, and comply with applicable laws. Information and Sensitive Information may be shared by the International Programs Office with third parties who have entered into contracts with the College in order to perform functions on behalf of the College while sponsoring or hosting programs, subject to the obligation of confidentiality and safeguarding from unauthorized disclosure.

    Third Party Use of Sensitive Information
    Thomas University may disclose a student’s Sensitive Information and other Information as follows:

    • Consent: Thomas University may disclose Sensitive Information and other Information if it has a student’s consent to do so.
    • Emergency Circumstances: Thomas University may share a student’s Information and Sensitive Information when necessary to protect the student’s interests when the student is physically or legally incapable of providing consent.
    • Employment Necessity: Thomas University may share a student’s Sensitive Information when necessary for administering employment benefits, subject to the imposition of appropriate safeguards to prevent further unauthorized disclosure.
    • Public Information: Thomas University may share a student’s Information and Sensitive Information if the student has manifestly made it public
    • Archiving: Thomas University may share a student’s Information and Sensitive Information for archiving purposes in the public interest, for historical research, and for statistical purposes.
    • Performance of a Contract: Thomas University may share a student’s Information when necessary to administer a contract the student has with the College.
    • Legal Obligation: Thomas University may share a student’s Information when the disclosure is required or permitted by international, federal, and state laws and regulations.
    • Service Providers: Thomas University uses third parties who have entered into a contract with the College to support the administration of College operations and policies. In such cases, the College will share a student’s Information with such third parties subject to the imposition of appropriate safeguards to prevent further unauthorized disclosure.
    • College Affiliated Programs: Thomas University may share a student’s Information with parties that are affiliated with the College for the purpose of contacting the student about goods, services, or experiences that may be of interest to the student.
    • De-Identified and Aggregate Information: Thomas University may use and disclosure Information in de-identified or aggregate form without limitation.

    Security
    Thomas University ensures that there are appropriate technical controls in place to protect your personal details. For example, College online forms are always encrypted and the College network is protected and routinely monitored. Thomas University undertakes regular reviews of who has access to information that it holds to ensure that your information is only accessible by relevant staff, volunteers and business partners.

    Thomas University appoints an external party to undertake a screening of information, any such arrangements are subject to a formal agreement between the College and that firm has measures to protect the security of all data.

    Individuals with questions about their personal data collected and processed by Thomas University’s Student Affairs Office and International Programs Office should contact mwendell@thomasu.edu.

    Retention and Destruction of a Student’s Information
    A student’s Information will be retained by the College in accordance with applicable federal laws and the College’s Record Retention Policy. A student’s Information will be destroyed upon the student’s request unless applicable law requires destruction after the expiration of an applicable retention period. The manner of destruction shall be appropriate to preserve and ensure the confidentiality of the student’s information given the level of sensitivity, value, and criticality to the College.

    A Student’s Rights
    Students have the right to request access to, a copy of, rectification of, restriction in the use of, or erasure of Information in accordance with all applicable laws. The erasure of a student’s Information shall be subject to the retention periods of applicable federal law and the College’s Record Retention Policy.

    If the student has provided consent to the use of his / her Information, the student has the right to withdraw consent without affecting the lawfulness of the College’s use of the Information prior to receipt of the request. Students may exercise these rights by contacting the Registrar.

    Information created in the EU will be transferred out of the EU to the College. If a student feels the College has not complied with applicable foreign laws regulating such Information, the student has the right to file a complaint with the appropriate supervisory authority in the EU.

    Updates to this Policy
    Thomas University may update or change this policy at any time. A student’s continued use of the College’s website and third party applications after any such change indicates the student’s acceptance of these changes.

    GDPR 2018 EU APPLICANT STUDENTS NOTICE CONSENT

    +Applying for Graduation

    Thomas University awards the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees. Degrees will be conferred in the summer, fall and spring, upon the recommendation of the faculty, to students who have successfully completed all course requirements. The Commencement ceremony for all students graduating in summer, fall, and spring of an academic year is conducted at the end of the spring semester.To be eligible for graduation, all undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and all graduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.  At least 25% of all hours earned toward any degree must have been earned at Thomas University. Students completing the bachelor’s degree must earn 24 of the last 30 hours of upper-division coursework at Thomas University.

    Students who are awarded a bachelor’s degree may earn the distinction of graduating Summa Cum Laude (4.0 CGPA), Magna Cum Laude (3.75-3.99 CGPA), or Cum Laude (3.5-3.74 cumulative GPA). Associate degree honor graduates are those students who graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. GPAs for Latin honors are calculated using all attempted hours at Thomas University calculated after all courses are completed.

    Graduation Procedures

    All students pay a degree conferral fee of $175. The fee covers all expenses associated with degree conferral, including but not limited to, verification of completion, transcription of the degree, and the diploma. This is a required fee regardless of the application’s outcome or participation in the commencement ceremony. All students who expect to graduate must:

    • Complete the Graduating Student Exit Survey
    • Register for the appropriate GRAD section when registering for their final coursework
    • Pay the associated Degree conferral and processing fee. This fee helps to defray expenses such as the diploma/certificate as well as administrative costs. The fee is required regardless of participation in the Commencement ceremony.
    • Clear all financial obligations with the University

    Commencement Information

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