Office of the Registrar

AY 2023-2024 Calendar Program Dates (PDF)

AY 2024-2025 Calendar (PDF)

AY 2025-2026 Calendar (PDF)

AY 2026-2027 Calendar (PDF)

AY 2027-2028 Calendar (PDF)

Diplomas are issued to students once it has been determined the student has completed all program degree requirements and the degree has been conferred. The Office of the Registrar issues all diplomas and processes requests for replacement diplomas.

Rocky Vista University informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, annually. This Act was designated to protect the privacy of educational records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish 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.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her 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.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is 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 (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; or parents/legal guardians of dependent students. 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 responsibility. The following is considered “Directory Information” at Rocky Vista University and will be made available to the general public unless the student notifies the Office of Student Records in person or in writing before the last day to add classes. Student’s name, telephone numbers, all addresses, e-mail address, photographs for University publications and web sites, place of birth, college, major, honors, awards, enrollment status, classification, dates of enrollment, degrees conferred, dates of conferral, graduation distinctions and the institution attended immediately prior to admission.
4. FERPA permits the disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations.Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student:- To other school officials, including teachers, within [School] whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) – (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))– To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2)– To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)– In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))– To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§ 99.31(a)(6))– To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))– To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))– To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9))– To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))– Information the school has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37. (§ 99.31(a)(11))– To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§ 99.31(a)(13))– To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. (§ 99.31(a)(14))– To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Rocky Vista 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 20202-4605.

Source: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/ps-officials.html

Final grades will be available through MyVista, approximately three weeks after the end of the semester. Final grades can be accessed via an unofficial transcript in MyVista. Check the individual degree program page for more information on specific grading practices.

For all changes in status (unless appealing the decision or otherwise directed by the Administration), the student is responsible to work with the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs to process the change and submit the Change of Status form to the Registrar’s Office within five business days of receipt of the letter.  Failure to do so may have negative impacts on the student’s financial aid, enrollment status, course registrations and/or academic transcripts.

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is an intentional separation between the student and the University to enable the student to have the fullest opportunity to remedy whatever circumstances resulted in the leave of absence. An LOA suspends all student activities associated with the University and may be voluntary or non-voluntary directed as described below. A leave of absence may not exceed one year either cumulatively or within a single leave during the student’s enrollment, unless this requirement is waived by the Dean (DO program) or Program Director (MSBS and PA programs) and Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. If the student does not return within the timeframe approved, he/she will automatically be considered to have voluntarily withdrawn. The specific timeframe of the leave of absence is dependent on the ability of the student to return to classes within the curricular framework and to complete the required course work in the time and sequence dictated by the faculty and the curriculum.

Any student who is granted or placed on a leave of absence is responsible for their own financial obligations. Therefore, all students taking a leave of absence are required to contact the Office of Student Financial Services to determine their status, as they may not meet the federal requirements for a leave of absence for Title IV financial aid.

Students going on leave will be directed to return at a specific starting point but may not be allowed to return in the middle of a course or semester. While on a leave of absence, students are not eligible to make up incomplete class work, remediate any examinations, or take any portion of any licensing or certification examinations without express permission from the Dean (DO program) or Program Director (MSBS and PA programs) and Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.

Students on a leave of absence are not allowed to come to campus (unless for specific business related to their return) or participate in university-related activities and course work, such as research, student organizations, or university events. However, some resources can be accessed on a limited basis, including use of Media Site, the MyVista platform, online library services, student email, and student health insurance (provided the insurance was already paid-in-full). Full use of RVU mental health and wellness services will be available for students on LOA for up to six weeks past the student’s change-of-status date.

Voluntary Leave of Absence

A voluntary leave of absence is one that is requested by a student to withdraw temporarily from classes for personal, financial, or medical reasons. The request for voluntary leave of absence must be submitted in writing to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. If approved and if the student is in good academic standing, the student may be allowed to re-enter the program at the end of the leave without any need for reapplication, remediation, or reevaluation; however, the student may be required to meet specific requirements in order to be allowed to return.

If a student is granted a leave of absence while current coursework is still in progress, they will discontinue further course work. In all such cases, an appropriate designation for each course in progress will be entered on the transcript. In the case of a withdrawal from a course, students will be required to meet the course requirements in entirety before being permitted to progress into the next academic year.

If a leave of absence is granted while the student is not in good standing, is under review for a disciplinary action, or has a disciplinary action imposed on them, then the student may not be reinstated to the University without a review by the program’s student performance and/or progression committee. Upon completion of its review, the respective committee shall make a recommendation to the Dean or Program Director. If the student is denied reinstatement, their status will be changed to a withdrawal. If the student is granted reinstatement, special disciplinary action requirements may be imposed as a condition of their reinstatement, where appropriate.

Students granted a leave of absence for a medical reason must have a licensed physician certify in writing that their physical and/or mental health is sufficient to permit them to continue in their education. The physician providing the certification must either be designated by or approved by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or by the appropriate Program Director (MSBS or PA) for the certification to be accepted.

Non-Voluntary Leave of Absence

A non-voluntary leave of absence is a mandatory, involuntary leave of absence imposed by the Dean (DO program) or Program Director (MSBS and PA programs) or Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs that is related to academic matters. Please refer to the Academic Policies section of the corresponding program for further information.

A non-academic, non-voluntary LOA is a mandatory, involuntary leave of absence imposed by the Dean (DO program) or Program Director (MSBS and PA programs) or Associate Dean of Student Affairs that is unrelated to academic matters. During the leave, the Dean (DO program) or Program Director (MSBS and PA programs) and Associate Dean of Student Affairs will provide the student with the opportunity to rectify or seek rehabilitation/treatment for the problem that precipitated the directed leave.

To be reinstated after a non-academic, non-voluntary leave of absence, the student must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Dean (DO program) or Program Director (MSBS and PA programs) and Associate Dean of Student Affairs that the pre-established requirements have been met and that he/she shows a reasonable likelihood that previous problems will not recur.

Withdrawal

An involuntary withdrawal/dismissal is a University-initiated process that can occur for both academic (such as multiple course failures) and non-academic reasons (unprofessional conduct, violation of University policies, and/or violation of the Student Code of Conduct). In addition, students who fail to complete any academically related activity for ten consecutive days without notifying the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs shall be considered withdrawn.

A voluntary withdrawal is a student-initiated resignation under which he/she surrenders all rights and privileges as a student of the University. Students must notify the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs of their request for a voluntary withdrawal verbally or in writing. To return to the University, students must initiate a new application through the Office of Admissions.

Students who voluntarily withdraw from the University are required to meet with or verbally notify their Dean or Program Director, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, and the Office of Student Financial Services.

Dismissal Policy and Right to Appeal

Dismissal is the permanent termination (involuntary withdrawal) of a student’s academic enrollment. The Program Director, Associate/Assistant Deans of Student Affairs, and/or the Dean are responsible for imposing this action. A student who chooses to appeal a dismissal must do so in writing to the Provost within five (5) business days of the date of dismissal. While appealing a dismissal, a student may continue to attend classes and take all examinations pending the results of the appeal. The reasons for which a student may be dismissed from the University include but are not limited to the following:

• Circumstances of an illegal, behavioral, ethical, or academic nature that warrant such action;
• Failure to meet the Academic Standards; and/or
• Determination of factors that would interfere with or prevent the student from practicing and meeting the professional and ethical standards expected of a healthcare professional.

Readmission

If a student is dismissed or withdraws from any program within RVU, they may apply for readmission through each program’s individual admissions process. In order to be considered for readmission, the student must provide adequate evidence that the conditions or factors that caused the prior dismissal or withdrawal have changed significantly, so that there is a reasonable expectation that the student can perform satisfactorily if readmitted. If the student is readmitted, their prior academic record will remain part of their overall academic record and will be recorded on the permanent transcript.

Official transcripts are housed in the Office of the Registrar and students may request a copy of their official transcript at any time free of charge. Official transcripts issued directly to the student will bear the marking Issued to Student at the top of each page. Any outstanding obligations to the University (financial, academic, etc.) must be satisfied prior to the release of official transcripts.

RVU fully complies with the AAMC guidelines for medical school transcripts. This includes an unabridged academic history of the student’s enrollment.

Unofficial transcripts are not printed on security paper and are labeled Unofficial. Students can access unofficial transcripts via the MyVista Student Portal at any time during the student’s enrollment.

Students must notify the Office of the Registrar of any changes in legal name, mailing address, phone number, or emergency contact via the Change of Name and Address Form

For the protection of the student identity, the safekeeping of confidential records, and in case of emergencies, notification of change of information must be within thirty (30) days of the change.  Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.

Students can update their personal contact information via MyVista.

Click the Submit button at the bottom of the page to submit changes

Log into your MyVista account here

Click on the link at the top labeled, “Personal Info.”

Select the Biographical Info tab at the top

Select the pencil icon at the top to make changes

VSAS is a standardized, online application for fourth year clinical away electives (RVU College of Osteopathic Medicine students only). At the end of the fall semester of the third year students will be granted access to begin the application process.

More information about VSAS can be found on MyVista or by reading through the VSAS Guide.

RVU Student Records Retention Policy