Accreditation, Policies and Procedures

Academic Model

CityU offers an education that is accessible to the working adult and transfer student. Its curriculum is taught by practicing professionals and is results-oriented, hands-on, and informed by what industry demands now.

The learning model is focused on helping professionals earn a degree that will later earn them a better job, salary, title or life after they graduate.

A Focus on Student Learning

CityU learning experiences are designed to support clearly articulated outcomes at the course, program, and institutional levels. Educational experiences are carefully designed by faculty to encourage self-directed learning within an appropriately defined structure of expectations. With the focus on applying theory to practical experience, learning activities form explicit links among the crucial abilities of an educated professional: critical thinking, self-exploration, and ethical practice. Multiple paths to demonstrating competency are available to students when appropriate. Students are actively encouraged to define and take responsibility for their own contributions to the learning process, with the understanding that their engagement is critical for substantive learning to take place.

Reflective Practitioner Faculty

CityU faculty are highly regarded practitioners who bring real-life experience to the learning environment. We consider students to be collaborative partners in the creation of learning opportunities. To support practitioner faculty in their teaching roles, the institution provides orientation, training, mentoring, and coaching, all designed to foster a respectful and empowering learning environment. Faculty are rewarded for quality teaching, and encouraged to continue their development as facilitators of learning.

Relevance to the Workplace

A CityU education is founded on carefully selected goals that are intended to provide our graduates with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills required in the workplace, as well as a framework for continued development. Institution-wide learning goals that emphasize personal and professional growth are embedded in all programs offered at the University. Our current goals include professional competence and technical expertise, communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, ethical practice and community involvement, development of a diverse and global perspective, and lifelong learning. The overarching goals of a CityU education enhance the professional skills and knowledge of individuals who in turn add value to their organizations.

Service to Students

CityU strives to provide a respectful atmosphere in which all students are valued for their contribution and individual needs are honored. A diverse and international student body requires a variety of services to support the learning endeavor. We strive to be sensitive to your needs, to respond in a timely and professional manner to your questions or concerns, and to uphold high standards.

Accessibility and Responsiveness

CityU is committed to making high-quality learning opportunities as accessible and responsive to the needs of our diverse student population as possible. This includes maintaining affordability, removing unnecessary barriers to entry, providing support for students with differing levels of educational background and preparation, and offering a variety of class schedules and modes of delivery.

U.S. Accreditation

CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the institutional accrediting body approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Institutional accreditation serves as the most important means of assuring the quality of higher education through rigorous peer-review and evaluation. CityU has maintained continuous accreditation with the Commission since 1978, earning reaffirmation of accreditation in its last seven-year review in 2018.

Download a copy of the 2021 Mid-Cycle Report.
Download a copy of the 2021 Mid-Cycle Report Appendices
Download a copy of the 2018 Seven Year Self-Evaluation Report
Download a copy of the 2018 Accreditation Report Appendices.

As part of the NWCCU comprehensive accreditation review, CityU invites students; alumni; employers of alumni; community leaders, and members of the general public to comment directly to the Commission about their experience with CityU. As a result subsequent reviews were sent about all of CityU’s certificate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Each is institutionally accredited through the NWCCU. All comments were mailed to the Commission at the following address:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E.
Suite 100
Redmond, Washington 98052-3981
United States of America

Canadian Regulatory Bodies

Alberta, Canada

CityU programs in Alberta are offered pursuant to the written approval of the Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education effective September 1, 2009 having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister on an ongoing basis. The Master Counseling and Master of Education programs are offered with the written approval of the Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education effective November, 2013 for the Master Counseling and January, 2014 for the Master of Education – Education leadership. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).

British Columbia, Canada

The term “university” is used under the written consent of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills effective April 11, 2007 and CityU academic programs in BC are offered pursuant to the written approval of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister on an ongoing basis. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).

Policies

City University of Seattle is a teaching University. It focuses on bringing a high-quality, relevant life-long education to those who have a desire to learn, in multiple delivery modes and locations around the world. It does so by having common curricula developed by groups of experts led by the program directors and program coordinators, referred to collectively as CityU’s Administrative Faculty.

Students, faculty, and staff who exhibit academic integrity pursue and produce scholarly work that is free from fraud, deception and unauthorized collaboration with other individuals. Academic dishonesty in any form is a serious offense against the academic community. Any acts of academic dishonesty will be addressed according to the Standards, Procedures and Definitions set forth in the Academic Integrity Policy. CityU is committed to an educational approach to instances of academic dishonesty. Academic integrity is best taught and reinforced by faculty as part of regular classroom instruction. Students are individually responsible for understanding and exercising standards of academic integrity in every aspect of study and in all work submitted. Faculty and staff use a variety of methods to identify instances of academic dishonesty in City University of Seattle courses, including a plagiarism detection software available through the
learning management system.

Responsibility

Standards of academic integrity at City University of Seattle are overseen by faculty, course managers, primary supervisors, members of the Academic Integrity Board, and the Provost.

Standards of Conduct

City University of Seattle defines academic dishonesty broadly as any act that constitutes cheating or misrepresentation of the author of an individual’s scholarly work. Student behavior that demonstrates academic dishonesty or evidences lack of academic integrity is strictly prohibited. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:

Plagiarism:

  • Presenting another person’s work as your own including written work, images, designs, or web content.
  • Purchasing a paper or other academic work from a 3rd party and presenting it as your own.
  • Paraphrasing or condensing ideas from another person’s work without proper citation.
  • Failing to document direct quotations with a proper citation.
  • Copying word-for-word, using select phrases from another’s work or failing to properly cite all sources from which data, examples, ideas, words, or theories are found.
  • Copying and pasting content and changing a few words or phrases without proper citation.

Cheating:

  • Using unauthorized materials such as books, notes, or electronic devices to answer examination questions.
  • Copying another student’s homework, written assignments, examination answers, electronic media, or other sources.
  • Assisting or allowing someone else to cheat.
  • Unauthorized possession of a test prior to the examination date.
  • Allowing someone other than yourself to complete a paper or examination in your name.
  • Taking an exam or completing a paper on another student’s behalf.

Other forms of scholastic dishonesty:

  • Submitting work created for any other assignment in any course without prior approval from the faculty.
  • Changing or falsifying data, research, or official documents.
  • Selling or providing papers, course work, exams, or other types of assignments to another student or to 3rd parties outside the institution when it is reasonable to assume that the intention is to facilitate academic dishonesty. This includes uploading any work to file-sharing websites including, but not limited to, academic.com and coursehero.com.
  • Collaborating with another person(s) without prior approval from the faculty.
  • Changing examination solutions after the fact.
  • Misrepresenting oneself or one’s circumstance to gain an unfair advantage.
  • Bribing or attempting to bribe an instructor.

Academic Integrity Procedures

A faculty member who suspects that a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy will inform the student, in person or by phone or email, of the allegation and present the student with supporting evidence. The communication should provide the student the opportunity to ask questions to clarify the nature of the violation and any sanctions that may be involved.

When evidence suggests that academic dishonesty occurred, the faculty will complete and sign an Academic Integrity Form. One copy each will be given to the student and program director or course manager. The student will have five (5) days to sign and return the form, indicating whether or not they accept the sanction assigned by the faculty. A student’s failure to sign and return the Academic Integrity Form by the specified deadline will be interpreted as consenting to the charge and sanction.

Completed forms and evidence will be kept on record in the Provost’s Office.

Allegations of academic dishonesty will be forwarded to the Academic Integrity Board if the student indicates that they wish to contest the charge or sanction, or if the Provost’s Office determines that the issue rises to the Student Code of Conduct level or that a previous violation of the Academic Integrity Policy has occurred.

While the allegation is pending, the student may not drop the course and should continue to submit future assignments or examinations that the faculty will grade.

Students may choose to attend the Academic Integrity Board hearing in-person or by phone. Students may bring someone with them for support throughout the hearing, but that individual may not engage in the discussion regarding the allegation. The university will approve a translator for the hearing when requested by the student.

Students and appropriate offices within the university will receive written notification of the outcome of the Academic Integrity Board’s decision.

Most Administrative Faculty teach in their programs, their primary jobs are as administrators, the equivalent of department chairs. The majority of teaching is accomplished by CityU’s Teaching Faculty, a cadre of faculty who are contracted to teach specific courses, and who are generally professionals in the fields in which they teach. This is in alignment with CityU’s emphasis on practitioner-focused education.
The use of common curricula is thus an important component of ensuring the consistently high quality of CityU’s academic programs.CityU promotes faculty exploration in teaching and in research. The CityU Board of
Governors has adopted the following policy on Academic Freedom, adapted from the 1940 resolution of the
American Association of University Professors and the Association of American Colleges:

“Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good and not to further the interest of either the individual teacher or the institution as a whole. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. The Board of Governors believes that freedom is essential to these purposes and that freedom applies to teaching, research and learning so long as that freedom is exercised in a manner that meets a faculty member’s professional and ethical obligations to students and to the University and that does not damage the University or its reputation.

The Board of Governors delegates responsibility for the management of City University’s academic affairs, consistent with Board policies, to the President of the University, who shall exercise such responsibility in conjunction with the Provost.”

All faculty who teach for CityU participate in an orientation session, and CityU’s commitment to academic freedom is discussed in that program. Faculty are encouraged to bring new material, in addition to the established course curriculum, into the classroom. Indeed, because so many of the Teaching Faculty are practicing professionals, they pride themselves in interjecting the most current literature and practices of their fields into the instructional milieu. And because many student have related work experiences as well, their additions lead to the liveliest engagements. These currencies are examples of the freedoms the faculty exercise as they teach for CityU.

CityU encourages and supports scholarship, particularly for the Administrative Faculty. Several faculty have pursued advanced degrees with informal institutional support to accommodate their studies. Many have participated in conferences and published research papers. The institution houses an Office of Curriculum and Faculty Development Support Services, which administers a research grant program. A complete Institutional Review Board policy and procedures is in place to guide the ethical use of human subjects in research for both students and faculty.

Recently, with the approval by the Board of Governors of the proposal to create a doctoral program in Organizational Leadership, a focused interest in supporting research related to advancing good practice in the respective fields in which CityU offers instruction, as well as in new and improved pedagogy, will be driving forces in allocating research resources to faculty, but the freedom for faculty to pursue topics of their own choosing will still be respected. The Request for Proposals administered by the Faculty Standards and Development Committee incorporate those themes as it seeks to distribute internal research support funds.  hese matters have arisen in approval and accreditation processes in other countries that expect all faculty to be involved in the traditional triad of teaching, research, and service, and in all cases, CityU policies and practices have been approved as fostering the academic freedoms faculty expect.

All City University of Seattle information security policies, standards, guidelines and practices shall be coordinated through the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and shall be consistent with a university-wide approach in developing, implementing and managing information systems security. University faculty, staff, students, volunteers, or vendors who have access to CityU information described in this policy are expected to exercise discretion, common sense and reasonable judgment in connection with their use of information created, stored, transmitted or disposed in the course of their job duties, regardless of the medium in which that information is maintained. This includes:

  • Personal information collected from and about students, faculty, staff, donors, business partners and others affiliated with the university
  • Information relating to the core business practices of the university, including certain financial, legal and operational information
  • Other information relating to CityU operations that maybe of a sensitive nature

City University of Seattle follows all government regulations (FERPA, etc) in protecting the privacy of the students, faculty and staff information.

View the entire Electronic Data and Information System Security policy.

CityU Ethics Policy

City University of Seattle recognizes its obligation to our students, faculty and staff, to organizations we work with, and communities where we operate, to maintain the highest ethical standards in the activities of all people connected to us. These standards embrace principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. In addition, an important part of the education offered by City University of Seattle is in helping students to acquire a sense of professional and personal ethics in their work by our example. CityU of Seattle and its Board of Trustees encourage members of the University Community to develop moral and ethical commitments to themselves, work, society, and the world.

CityU has selected EthicsPoint to provide staff, faculty and students with a simple way to report activities that may involve misconduct or violations of University policy. You may file a report by going to this website.

Non-Discrimination in Education & Employment

City University of Seattle subscribes to the principles and laws of the applicable states and the federal government, including applicable Executive Orders that pertain to civil rights, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.

City University of Seattle policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical, mental or sensory disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran, in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment, employment and retention of faculty and staff, and the operation of all university programs, scholarships, loans, activities, and services.

Evidence of practices believed to be inconsistent with this policy should be reported to:

Human Resources Department
City University of Seattle
521 Wall Street
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98121
206.239.4500.

City University of Seattle requires high standards of excellence in education. City University of Seattle instructors uphold these standards in their evaluation of student work. At times a student may disagree with the grade received in a course. City University of Seattle is committed to the respectful internal resolution of such disagreements. A student may appeal a grade only after taking steps to resolve the issue through written communication with the instructor. If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s response, the student may request that the program director review the matter (for North American students). The program director must respond in writing. If mutual resolution is not reached, the student may file a formal grade appeal. The written appeal must be submitted no later than five (5) weeks after the disputed grade was posted.

In Europe, students not satisfied with the instructor’s response must then initiate a formal grade appeal.

The outcome of a grade appeal is not based on the difficulty of coursework, demanding work load, or instructor style, but on an unbiased evaluation of the extent to which an instructor applied the established grading criteria to the student’s work in a course.

Requests to initiate a grade appeal are to be sent to the chair of the University’s grade appeals committee (U.S. and Canada) or to the Grade Grievance Director (Europe). The student will be notified in writing of the outcome of this process.

Student’s Right to Appeal Decision of Committee

If the student wishes to appeal the committee’s decision, it is then reviewed by the Provost or his designee, whose decision is final.

Student Complaint Process

The U.S. Department of Education, under the Title IV  of the Higher Education Act (HEA), requires the University to offer students a complaint process to address concerns related to consumer protection laws, alleged violations or rules relating to licensure, and/or complaints relating to the quality of instructor or other accreditation requirements. This complaint process is not a substitute for more specific University grievance processes and procedures related to Students Rights and Responsibilities or Academics found in the General Catalog.

A formal complaint is a complaint directed to a senior administrative representative of the University regarding the institution or its operations. A senior administrative representative includes the President, Provost, VP of Student Administration, the VP of Enrollment/Marketing, the Director of Human Resources, and or/the CFO. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing and mailed to the main campus at 521 Wall Street, Seattle, WA 98121 or submitted via email using an official University email account.

While formal complaints may be submitted to any senior representative, the University recommends complaints
are submitted as follows:

  • Complaints related to quality of education or other accreditation requirements may be filed with the Provost.
  • Complaints related to financial matters may be filed with the CFO.
  • All other complaints be filed with the Vice President of Student Administration.

Formal complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate department and the student will be notified in writing of the institution’s response to the complaint within ten business days of receipt of the complaint.

If the student has fully utilized all internal procedures to address their complaint, and believes that he process has not adequately resolved the complaint the student may contact the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) who has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. Visit WSAC’s site for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.

Non-discrimination in Education and the Grievance Process

Regarding student recruitment and admission, CityU subscribes to the principles and laws of the State of Washington and the federal government, including applicable executive orders that pertain to civil rights, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.

The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical, mental or sensory disability, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam-era or other covered disabled veteran.

Evidence of practices believed to be inconsistent with this policy should be reported to the Vice President Student Administration. If a situation warrants further administrative assistance after using City University of Seattle’s grievance procedure and appeals conciliation process, public resources are available through the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Office of Civil Rights, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

Grievance Process

City University of Seattle has created the following procedure to provide an effective and acceptable way to bring to the University’s attention any equal opportunity, non-discrimination, disciplinary or conduct-related problems and complaints. The procedure helps identify and eliminate legitimate causes for dissatisfaction and enables students to file grievances without fear of retribution or prejudice. The procedure is separate from and applies to all issues other than grades.

The grievance filing procedure is as follows:

  • The aggrieved party contacts the Vice President of Student Administration or designee as soon as a problem is recognized.
  • The aggrieved party and the Vice President of Student Administrations or designee meet and an appropriate form is provided for the aggrieved party.
  • Once the form is completed, the Vice President of Student Administration or designee conducts an investigation and prepares a report of findings.
  • The Vice President of Student Administration or designee reviews the findings with the aggrieved party’s department head and the University’s management team.
  • Within ten (10) days the outcome of these reviews will be shared with the aggrieved party.
  • In the event of any apparently irreconcilable conflict, a three person board comprised of non-involved faculty, staff and a member of one’s peer group (student) will be appointed to review the grievance and attempt conciliation. The board’s written recommendation, of which the aggrieved party will receive a copy, will be prepared within ten (10) additional working days for review by the President of the University.
  • When the appropriate action has been determined, all parties involved will be informed of the decision in writing. Finally, a follow-up procedure will be developed to ensure the action that was agreed on is carried out accordingly.

Documentation of all proceedings will be held in strictest confidence and maintained in a confidential file. It is the responsibility of all City University of Seattle faculty and staff to refer a student grievance to the Vice President of Student Administration or designee for compliance with this procedure.

City University of Seattle (CityU) is an affiliate of the National University System (NUS), established in 2001 to meet the emerging demands and challenges for education in the 21st century. The nonprofit system is comprised of university and education-related affiliates that, together, endeavor to provide an exceptional student experience to lifelong learners. In addition to City University of Seattle, NUS affiliates include National University, John F. Kennedy University, National University Virtual High School, and National University Academy. City University of Seattle owns and operates its website and is strongly committed to protecting the privacy of its user community. The intent of this Privacy Policy is to detail the information City University of Seattle may gather about individuals who visit its website, how that information is used, and City University of Seattle disclosure practices. Please note that this policy applies only to its website and not to the websites of other companies or organizations to which we provide links or to any software that may be downloaded from City University of Seattle website.

Our Postal address and Phone contacts are:
521 Wall Street, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98121
Toll Free: (800) 426-5596

Website

What We Collect and Why

City University of Seattle collects some anonymous information each time you visit its website, so it can improve the overall quality of your online experience. It collects your IP address, referral data, and browser and platform type. You do not have to register with City University of Seattle before we can collect this anonymous information.

City University of Seattle website does not require you to share information that identifies you personally, such as your name or e-mail address, for you to use the website. The City University of Seattle website may assign an anonymous ID number to your request(s) and links the following additional data to that number: the date and time you visited the website, your search terms, and the links upon which you choose to click. Like most standard website servers, we use log files to collect and store this anonymous user information. City University of Seattle analyzes the information to examine trends, administer the site, track user’s movement in the aggregate, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use.

From time-to-time the City University of Seattle website requests information from you that may identify you personally in addition to the anonymous information described above. The requested information typically includes contact information (such as name, e-mail address, shipping address, and zip code), and demographic information (such as age, gender, occupation, and household income). City University of Seattle will not use or disclose your individual user information except as described in this privacy policy and without first obtaining your consent.

Cookies

City University of Seattle may set and access City University of Seattle or partner cookies on your computer. A cookie is a small data file that a website may send to your browser and which may then be stored on your system. We may occasionally use both session cookies and persistent cookies. For the session cookie, once you close the browser, the cookie simply terminates. A persistent cookie is a small text file stored on your hard drive for an extended period of time. Persistent cookies can be removed by following Internet browser help file directions.

We use cookie and web beacon technology to track which pages on the City University of Seattle websites our visitors view and which Web browsers our visitors use. We may also use cookies to help us provide personalized features and preferences to you within various City University of Seattle websites in a way that may be linked to individual user information that you elect to share with us. We may also use “action tags” to assist in delivering the cookie. These action tags allow us to compile statistics and other data about our customers on an aggregate basis, by embedding a random identifying number on each user’s browser. Then we track where that number shows up on our site.

Special Notification with respect to Children’s Privacy (Users under the age of 13)

In response to concerns about protecting children’s privacy online, Congress enacted the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (“COPPA”), which sets forth rules and procedures governing the ways in which websites may collect, use and disclose any personal information for children under the age of 13. In accordance with City University of Seattle policy and COPPA regulations, we DO NOT:

  • Request or knowingly collect personally identifiable information online or offline contact information from users under 13 years of age; or knowingly use or share personal information from users under 13 years of age with third parties.
  • It is possible that by fraud or deception we may receive information given to us or pertaining to children under 13. If we are notified of this, as soon as we verify the information, we will immediately delete the information from our servers.

Choice/Opt-out

We desire to keep you in control of the personal information you provide to us. Accordingly, you can review, correct, change or remove the personal registration information you provide to City University of Seattle and that City University of Seattle controls.

If you do not want to receive e-mail from us in the future, please let us know by sending us email at the above address optout@cityu.edu.

If you supply us with your postal address online you may receive periodic mailings from us with information on new products and services or upcoming events. If you do not wish to receive such mailings, please let us know by calling us at (800) 426-5596.

Persons who supply us with their telephone numbers online will only receive telephone contact from us with information regarding orders they have placed online. If you would not like to be contacted, please provide us with your name and phone number to ensure that we remove the correct person from the list.

Sharing

City University of Seattle will make every effort to preserve your privacy. City University of Seattle may need to disclose personal information when required by law wherein we have a good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a current judicial proceeding, a criminal investigation, a court order, or legal process served on our website. We may also share your personal information if we believe it is necessary in order to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal activities, suspected fraud, situations involving potential threats to the physical safety of any person, violations of City University of Seattle or such City University of Seattle websites’ terms of use, or as otherwise required by law.

Legal Notice

Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, nothing contained herein constitutes nor is intended to constitute an offer, inducement, promise, or contract of any kind. The data contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not represented to be error free. Any links to information not owned by City University of Seattle are provided as a courtesy. They are not intended to, nor do they constitute an endorsement by City University of Seattle of the linked materials, products, services, or information contained therein. City University of Seattle does not have any control over the privacy practices of these websites or information, and all visitors of these websites should read and understand the policies and privacy practices for external sites.

Copyright Infringement

City University of Seattle is committed to complying with US copyright law and respecting the rights of copyright holders, while simultaneously defending the academic freedom of faculty and providing the optimal learning experience for students. Faculty and staff will make a good faith effort to only use or distribute third-party copyrighted materials as allowed by purchase, license, fair use, or other legal provision. Anyone who participates in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material may be subject to civil and criminal liabilities, in addition to sanctions imposed by City University of Seattle. For more information, please see the website of the US Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, and the related frequently asked questions at www.copyright.gov/help/faq. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. Sec. 512(c)(2), notice of claims of copyright infringement should be directed to library@cityu.edu. For additional copyright-related information, please send an email to library@cityu.edu.

European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Privacy Notice

Lawful Basis for Collecting and Processing of Personal Data

In order for educational institutions to educate their students both in class and on-line, it is essential and necessary that they have lawful bases to collect, process, use, and maintain data for its student, employees, applicants, and others involved in its educational programs. The lawful bases include, without limitation, admission, registration, delivery of classroom, on-line, and study abroad education, grades, communications, employment, program analysis for improvements, and records retention. Examples of data that City University of Seattle may need to collect in connection with the lawful bases are: name, email address, IP address, physical address or other location identifier, as well as some sensitive personal data obtained with prior consent. For more information regarding the EU GDPR, please review the National University System and City University of Seattle EU General Data Protection Regulation Privacy Policy.

Most of the collection and processing of personal data will include:

  • Processing necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by City University of Seattle or third parties in providing educational opportunities and employment.
  • Processing necessary for the performance of a contract to which the subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Processing necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which City University of Seattle is subject.
  • The data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes. This lawful basis pertains primarily but not exclusively to the protection of research subjects.

There will be some instances where the collection and processing of personal data will be pursuant to other lawful bases.

Types of Personal Data Collected and Why

City University of Seattle collects a variety of personal and sensitive data to meet one of its lawful bases, as referenced above. Most often the data is used for admission, registration, delivery of classroom, on-line, and study abroad education, grades, communications, employment, program analysis for improvements, and records retention. If you have specific questions regarding the collection and use of your personal data, please contact dataprotection@cityu.edu or the National University System Office of Information Technology Information Security Office at dataprotection@nu.edu.

If a data subject refuses to provide personal data that is required, such refusal may make it impossible for City University of Seattle to provide education, employment, research or other requested services.

Personal data typically includes, but is not limited to:

Data Type Source
First name, last name, address, and any other contact information that can directly or indirectly identify the data subject. Collected directly from you, the data subject, through: application forms, online forms, emails, phone calls, chats, SMS, shared files.

 

Individual Rights of the Data Subject under the EU GDPR

Individual data subjects covered by the National University System EU General Data Protection Regulation Privacy Policy will be afforded the following rights:

  • Right of access – you have the right to request a copy of the information that we hold about you.
  • Right of rectification – you have a right to correct data that we hold about you that is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Right to be forgotten – in certain circumstances you can ask for the data we hold about you to be erased from our records.
  • Right to restriction of processing – where certain conditions apply to have a right to restrict the processing.
  • Right of portability – you have the right to have the data we hold about you transferred to another organization.
  • Right to object – you have the right to object to certain types of processing such as direct marketing.
  • Right to object to automated processing, including profiling – you also have the right to be subject to the legal effects of automated processing or profiling.
  • Right to judicial review – in the event that National University refuses your request under rights of access, we will provide you with a reason as to why.
  • Right to complain – in the event that you wish to make a complaint about how your personal data is being processed by National University.

All personal data and sensitive personal data collected or processed by City University of Seattle under the scope of the National University System EU General Data Protection Regulation Privacy Policy must comply with the security controls and safeguards of FERPA, GLBA, and PCI as set forth in the National University System Global Information, Security, and Privacy Program.

Retention Period

City University of Seattle will process and store personal data for no longer than it is necessary for the specified above purpose(s).

Policy Updates

City University of Seattle  reserves the right to modify this privacy policy at any time. We encourage visitors to frequently check this page for any changes to this Privacy Policy. If we make changes we will post an updated effective date below. Your continued use of this site after any change in this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such change. This policy has been updated on May 28, 2018.

Contacts:

Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted directly here:
City University of Seattle
521 Wall Street, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98121

dataprotection@cityu.edu
National University System
Office of Information Technology, Information Security Office
11355 N Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037
dataprotection@nu.edu

City University of Seattle is a private nonprofit institution of higher education. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities world wide, primarily to segments of the population not being fully served. City University of Seattle is committed to the safety and security of our entire faculty, staff and students. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the university is dedicated to the accurate and timely dissemination of all crime statistics and security related information to our constituents. Click here to obtain a copy of City University of Seattle’s annual report containing campus and non-campus crime statistics and related information. Paper copies are available upon request by contacting the University.

City University of Seattle subscribes to the following policy for all individuals while they are in any campus facility or rented classroom of the University: “Possession or use of firearms (concealed, permitted, or otherwise), explosives, dangerous chemicals or any other weapons on any University site or at any University-sponsored or sanctioned function. Exceptions to the rule forbidding possession of firearms may be granted to uniformed police officers by the Vice President of Student Administration.”

Students Needing Accommodation and Academic Support

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and applies to all colleges, universities and other educational institutions. The focus of the provisions of this law is on integration and equality.

A university is not allowed to make pre-admission inquiries about whether a student has any disabilities. Once the individual has met the university’s admission standards, that individual should not be barred from attempting to complete a course of study. Providing meaningful access to courses for persons with disabilities is not preferential treatment, it is aimed at providing equal opportunity.

When a student’s disability prevents him or her from fulfilling a course requirement through conventional procedures, thoughtful consideration should be given to alternatives, keeping in mind that academic standards must be maintained.

The responsibility for determining a City University of Seattle student’s eligibility for accommodation rests with the Disability Support Services office within our Admissions and Student Services division. Contact Disability Support Services at 1.800.426.5596 x5228 or via email at disability@cityu.edu.

Admission to City University of Seattle carries an expectation that students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the University community. The University student conduct procedures are designed to protect the rights of the individual and of the community as a whole. Students enrolling in the University assume responsibility for their actions while participating in University sanctioned activities. The President, Vice President, Deans, or Senior Managers of the University may summarily suspend a student in order to protect University community members from the immediate possibility of disorder, misconduct, threat or harm. The student is required to immediately leave the University premises and all of his/her privileges are suspended until an investigation has been conducted. Summary suspensions may be in effect for up to ten working days.

In some cases, an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct will be resolved by a staff member when the infraction is not serious. If successful resolution is not reached, and for more serious violations of the Code, the student will be referred to the Vice President of Student Administration.

Allegations of misconduct and summary suspensions referred to the Vice President of Student Administration will be investigated and the Vice President will make a determination regarding the validity of the complaint and the severity of the violation. If the violation is found to be a minor infraction, the Vice President may dismiss the violation or impose a sanction including but not limited to dismissal, a verbal warning, formal reprimand, restitution, or disciplinary probation.

If the violation is found to be a major infraction, the Vice President will convene the Student Conduct Hearing Board for a formal review. The Student Conduct Hearing Board will recommend to the Vice President the appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to a verbal warning, formal reprimand, restitution, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension, or expulsion.

Student’s Right to Appeal

The student will be notified in writing of the decision of the Vice President. The student may accept the decision of the Vice President or may appeal in writing within ten working days to the President. The President’s decision is final.

Violations of Student Conduct include, but are not limited to

  • Theft or damage to property of a student, faculty or staff member, or visitor to University premises;
  • Verbal, written or physical abuse or threat to any student, faculty or staff member of the University, visitor to the University, or personnel (as at schools) at institutions with which the University has cooperative agreements;
  • Obstruction or disruption of the teaching, operation of a class or other activity of the University;
  • Forgery, alteration, or misuse of University documents, records, or identification;
  • Unauthorized entry or occupancy of University facilities or blocking access to or egress from such areas;
  • Unauthorized use of University property, facilities, or services;
  • Unauthorized use of technology resources or consumables;
  • Use, possession or distribution of alcohol or illegal substances on any University site or at any University sponsored or sanctioned function;
  • Failure to comply with directions of University employees acting in the legitimate performance of their duties;
  • Possession or use of firearms (concealed, permitted, or otherwise), explosives, dangerous chemicals or any other weapons on any University site or at any University-sponsored or sanctioned function. Exceptions to the rule forbidding possession of firearms may be granted to uniformed police officers by the Vice President of Admissions and Student Services;
  • Disorderly or indecent conduct, personally or intentionally abusive language, breach of the peace or procuring another to breach the peace;
  • Sexual harassment as defined in the current published City University of Seattle Catalog;
  • Intentional violations of University rules, policies, and procedures;
  • Failure to comply with the University’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy;
  • Falsely setting off or tampering with emergency safety equipment, alarm or other device designed for the safety of individuals or University property;
  • Violating the term of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Definitions

Verbal Warning

A verbal notice to the student that his/her conduct does not meet the standards of the University. Record of the verbal warning will remain in the student file until graduation at which time the reprimand will be removed and destroyed.

Formal Reprimand

A written notice to the student that his/her conduct does not meet the standards of the University. A reprimand is considered warning that further incidents of misconduct may result in further disciplinary action. Written Reprimands will remain in the student file until graduation at which time the reprimand will be removed and destroyed.

Restitution

Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property or fines as a result of tampering with emergency safety equipment.

Disciplinary Probation

Restriction or exclusion from University-related activities. Disciplinary probation may be imposed for a period not to exceed two years. Further misconduct of any kind during the probationary period may result in further disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.

Summary Suspension

Temporary dismissal from the University and temporary termination of the student’s status for a period of time not to exceed ten days.

Disciplinary Suspension

Exclusion from classes or other privileges for a period not to exceed two years.

Expulsion

Indefinite termination of student status.

Postsecondary institutions participating in federal financial aid programs are required to notify enrolled and prospective students regarding consumer information. On this webpage you can find all of this information. Should you not be able to find the information you are looking for, please contact the Director of Financial Aid, Registrar, Director of Student Accounts, or the Director of Admissions. All contact information can be found in the Administrative list below.

Administration

The Administration at City University of Seattle is made up of the Board of Trustees, President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance and Administration, Faculty and the Students.

Chancellor of the National University System

The Chancellor of the National University System oversees all affiliates and sits on the Board of Trustees.
Read about the Chancellor and CEO of National University System.

Board of Trustees

City University of Seattle is a not for profit corporation created under the laws of the State of Washington. It is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of up to 19 members. The Board of Trustees has legal and fiduciary responsibility for the quality and integrity of the institution. The Board selects a Chief Executive Officer (President), approves and monitors the implementation of the mission of the institution, establishes institutional policies, approves all new academic programs, adopts the University budget, and exercises oversight to ensure compliance with policies.

President

The Board delegates to the President the responsibility to implement and administer institutional policies as well as to carry out the mission of the institution. The President reports directly to the Board of Trustees.

City University of Seattle is a constituent University of the National University System, along with National University and JFK University, among others. The President is responsible for System collaboration, working with National University System Chancellor, and is evaluated by the Chancellor and the Board annually. The President works collaboratively with the Board and the University community to articulate a vision for the University, and to provide strategic leadership through defining institutional goals, establishing priorities, and developing strategic and operational plans. The President represents the University to the local and regional publics.

View the President’s page.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs reports directly to the President. Duties include defining and maintaining academic quality and rigor in accordance with accreditation standards for domestic and international programs. The Provost is responsible for oversight of the quality and operations of all Academic Affairs. Reporting to the Provost are the Deans of the School of Management, School of Applied Leadership, Albright School of Education, and School of Arts and Sciences. Academic operational units reporting to the Provost include the Dr. Vi Tasler Library & Learning Resource Center, the Division of E-Learning, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, the University Registrar, the Office of International Affairs, and the Division of Academic Operations. The Academic Deans and VP of Canadian Programs supervise experienced Administrative Faculty who in turn identify, recommend for appointment, and supervise more than 650 Teaching Faculty worldwide. Programs offered in Europe and Asia are supervised by appropriate Regional Deans or Directors who ensure academic quality and provide daily operational oversight.

Chief Financial Officer / Vice President of Finance and Administration

The Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance and Administration reports directly to the President. This position recommends appropriate annual operating budgets and ensures the efficient management of business affairs and the physical plant and property. Areas reporting to this position are the Business Office, Facilities, and Information Technology.

Faculty

City University of Seattle’s faculty are vital to the University’s educational mission. Faculty oversee curricula through participation in university curriculum committees which review and recommend all new or revised programs and courses. In addition, Faculty participate in an inclusive academic governance structure through representation on cross-departmental committees and councils. The Academic Affairs Council, chaired by the Provost, is the primary academic governance body for Academic Affairs. It reviews and recommends new programs, substantial program revisions, new partnerships, and academic policies. An Associate Faculty Advisory Board meets periodically with the Provost and President to discuss matters relevant to the Teaching Faculty. All Faculty are encouraged to participate in policy or governance discussions and decisions by providing written and/or oral input through Administrative faculty, Deans, and the Provost.

Faculty members at City University of Seattle are hired for their combination of advanced academic preparation and distinguished professional experience in the fields they teach. This combination of academic strength and practical expertise assures the relevance, currency, and credibility of the programs offered in education, business, communications, and the behavioral sciences. The University’s faculty develop and revise programs in accord with recent scholarship and best practices in the professions, and assure instructional quality across the programs. Faculty also collaborate on academic policies and standards for the University.

Students

City University of Seattle is a student-centered institution of higher education. Every effort is made to actively solicit student input into the University’s planning and decision-making. Student input is collected through regular surveys and evaluations of instruction and course quality. Professional Education Advisory Boards (PEAB’s) in the School of Education and Leadership and other academic program advisory committees, which provide industry feedback to the programs, include students in their membership. Students may at any time provide feedback and suggestions through their advisors, and suggestion boxes that are available at every site, online, or by taking advantage of an open-door policy of all faculty and administrators, including the Provost and the President.

Governance

The City University of Seattle Board of Trustees oversees City University of Seattle and plays an integral role in shaping the quality and character of its programs. As an affiliate of the National University System these trustees also serve on the board of the National University System and contribute to its future course.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees, by Charter and By-laws, has legal and fiduciary responsibilities for the quality and integrity of the institution. It selects a Chief Executive Officer (President), approves and monitors the implementation of the mission of the institution, oversees the establishment of broad institutional policies, and exercises oversight to ensure compliance with policies. The Board delegates to the President the responsibility to implement and administer these policies as well as the responsibility to carry out the mission of the institution.

Planning for tomorrow, today.The City University of Seattle Board of Trustees oversees City University of
Seattle and plays an integral role in shaping the quality and character of the institution as well as
steering its future course.

Trustees are recognized leaders in their communities and individually respected in the fields of business, education, the law, and the arts. The Board meets three times a year to assess University goals and the progress toward achieving them.

Leaders and members of the Board of Trustees include:

Dr. Mark Milliron, Chair – President & CEO, National University
Dr. E. Lee Rice, Vice-Chair – CEO and Medical Director, Lifewellness Institute
Mr. Thomas Topuzes, Secretary – President and CEO, Thomas Topuzes & Associates, LLC
Mr. Richard Chisholm, Treasurer – Executive, Retired
Ms. Stacy Allison – Professional Speaker, Author
Mr. Thomas Clevinger – Managing Partner, Cornerstone Growth Advisors
Ms. Jeanne Connelly – President, Connelly Consulting
Ms. Kim Folsom – Serial High Tech Venture Backed Entrepreneur
Mr. Harold H. Greenberg – Executive, Retired
Dr. Ruthann Heinrich – Executive, Retired
Dr. Erlinda J. Martinez – Higher Education President, Retired
Mr. Michael R. McGill, P.E. – President, MMS Design Associates
Ms. Joanne M. Pastula – Executive, Retired
Mr. Dan Pittard – Chairman and CEO, Pittard Partners LLC
Mr. Hiep Quach – Executive, Retired
Mr. Carlos Rodriguez – Public Affairs and Communications Consultant, Rodriguez & Company
Ms. Lee Wills-Irvine – Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion, ASML Holding

Institutional Data

City University of Seattle serves thousands of students around the world in Asia, Europe and North America. To learn more about CityU view this fast facts page.

REQUEST INFORMATION

* Indicates a required field.



By clicking SUBMIT, I understand and agree to CityU's privacy policy.