GENERAL INFORMATION

The Student Services program of Amberton University has been designed to support and supplement the University's formal academic programs. These services include admission and academic advising, degree advising, student account services, the maintenance of student records, and the assurance of student conformity to University regulations. Please note: "Students' Rights - Educational Records" and "Legal Notice of Non-Discrimination." Further information may be obtained by contacting the Vice President for Strategic Services.

THE ACADEMIC ADVISING SYSTEM

Academic advising, financial advising, international student advising, and veteran advising are available either in person, via telephone, the mail, or through the Amberton website. Access numbers to Amberton University may be found under "Contact Us".

DEGREE PLANS

The process of academic advising at Amberton University involves both technology and human assistance. Each student who enrolls with Amberton is provided an academic advisor. All new students should communicate with their assigned advisor prior to enrolling. Any student, new or returning, seeking to enroll for more than twelve hours for the undergraduate student and more than nine hours or more for the graduate student must have an advisor sign off on the registration form. While degree and course selection is the responsibility of the student, the advisor is available to assist the student in interpreting data and considering options.

Amberton University has developed an electronic Academic Advising System (AAS) exclusively for its students that is the most advanced, computerized decision support system available. The system is available through the Admission/Student Advising Office, or a student may request a copy of his/her degree plan through the mail or e-mail. At the conclusion of each session, along with a grade report, each student is provided an updated degree plan.

The electronic Academic Advising System for Amberton University is comprised of the following three basic systems:

1. An electronic Transfer of Credit Report (TCR) that reports all courses accepted in transfer from other institutions and how those courses are equivalent to Amberton University courses.
2. An Electronic Transcript (ET) that reports all courses completed at Amberton University, total credits awarded, and grade-point average.
3. An Electronic Degree Plan (EDP) that uses information from the TCR as well as work completed at Amberton University (ET) relative to a specific degree (identified by the student) to provide the student with information relative to courses completed and courses needed to complete the degree requirements.

In order for the system to work most efficiently, the student should do the following:

1. Verify that Amberton University has official copies of all academic transfer work.
2. Use the Amberton University provided degree plan for selecting classes for the next session. Amberton University provides a copy of grades and an update to the student’s degree plan at the conclusion of each session enrolled. Students needing assistance in interpreting data are encouraged to visit with their academic advisor.
3. Visit with his/her academic advisor and seek help interpreting academic records (TCR, ET, EDP) when necessary.
4. Use the system regularly to make sure degree requirements are being satisfied.

FINANCIAL ADVISING

The University's philosophy is that mature, working students should "pay as they go" and not incur long-term debts. For this reason, the University does not endorse or participate in any type of federal, state, or private loan program. For students who have acceptable credit references, the University offers a convenient payment plan allowing deferred payment options. MasterCard and Visa credit cards are also accepted as payment of an account. Please speak with an advisor for more information.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISING

Amberton University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students (F1 students). Amberton will allow a limited number of international students to enroll in academic programs if, after personal conferences with an advisor, it is determined that the University can provide for the special and unique needs often presented by these students.

The international student must submit his/her application for admission, transcripts, test scores, and any other supporting documents before the beginning of the session for which admission is requested. Please see "Admission Standards" for further information.

TRANSCRIPT SERVICE

The academic transcript is a copy of the official document on which are listed all Amberton University courses attempted, all grades assigned, and the degree status of the student. For a fee, a student may request a transcript from the Admission/Student Advising Office in person and immediately receive a copy, or the student may fax, mail, or e-mail the request. Official copies of records and transcripts from schools other than Amberton University must be requested from the institutions where the course work was completed.

Please refer to the current Schedule of Classes for the specific transcript fee. Adequate notice of requests (a minimum of 24 hours) is required for transcript processing; however, during peak periods (i.e., registration and final examinations) there will be some delay. Transcripts cannot be released unless the student has satisfied all admission, financial, and other obligations to the University. Transcripts from other institutions provided by the student as a condition of admission become the property of Amberton University and will not be copied or returned to the student.

All academic records of all students forever remain the property of Amberton University and can be maintained or disposed of in whatever way the University chooses. Amberton is under no obligation to maintain an academic transcript for a student who has been declared delinquent for failure to honor his/her academic/financial responsibilities. The academic transcript of a student declared delinquent will be expunged. All obligations owed or deemed appropriate by the University must be satisfied before the University will consider restoration of expunged records.

VETERAN ADVISING

Amberton University has been approved by the Texas Education Agency to administer the Veterans' Educational Benefits program. The Veterans' Administration requires that each veteran receiving educational benefits be enrolled for courses that lead to a specific educational objective. A veteran may not receive benefits for courses that he/she has already received credit, for courses which are in excess of degree requirements, or for courses which do not apply to a degree.

It is the responsibility of the student receiving benefits to notify the Amberton University Veterans' Official immediately if there are changes in his/her enrollment. In order to continue to be eligible for benefits, veteran students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. (See "Academic Performance of a Student" for further information regarding satisfactory academic progress.)

In addition, veteran students must complete the Veterans' Information Application form each session that benefits are requested. Veterans eligible to participate in this program must contact the Admission/Student Advising Office for further detailed information.

NEW/PROSPECTIVE STUDENT ORIENTATION

Prior to the beginning of each session at Amberton University, new/prospective students are encouraged to participate in the orientation program. The program is designed to orient the student to the facility, programs, library opportunities, University regulations and procedures, and academic advising.

A New Student Orientation is conducted on campus prior to the beginning of classes each session (see current Schedule of Classes Calendar for exact date).

STUDENT RECORDS

Student records, which consist of an Amberton University application, test scores (when appropriate), official transcripts, and copies of all University correspondence will remain active for three years following the end of the last session enrolled. These files are then destroyed. Students who enroll after their records have been destroyed will need to reapply for admission and resubmit all records.

All educational records of students who apply for admission or enroll at Amberton University become and remain the sole and exclusive property of the University. Relative to these records, Amberton adheres to the following policies:

• Amberton University will not produce a student directory and will not release any information on a present or former student without direct written consent from the student or a court order.
• Amberton University will never provide or sell lists of students and their addresses to external agencies or businesses for commercial purposes.
• Each student's record is considered confidential and will be made available to Amberton University personnel on a "need-to-know" basis only.
• A student may review his/her records in the presence of a University representative and may request copies of any information enclosed, except transcripts from other universities. (Copies provided at student's expense.)

ALUMNI SERVICES

To date, Amberton University has an alumni base of over 6,000 graduates. Each session, the University adds to this elite rank of individuals, many of whom have careers throughout the United States and around the world. Amberton keeps in touch with its alumni through publications and mailings. If you are an Amberton Alumnus, please keep us updated on your address changes, career moves and promotions.

Information may be sent to:
Alumni Office
Amberton University
1700 Eastgate Drive
Garland, TX 75041

or you may fax the information to 972/279-9773 or e-mail to jwilemon@amberton.edu. We also welcome photographs that can be used in publications, as space and content permit.

BOOKSTORE SERVICES

By reading the course syllabus, the student will learn of the printed materials needed for a course. The student may order course material through any bookstore or he/she may contact The Big "D" Bookstore located on the campus that has a contract with the University to provide learning materials for all students. Students may visit the Bookstore on the campus to purchase materials or contact the Bookstore via telephone or fax and materials may be shipped.
Telephone: 972/686-7337
Fax: 972/686-5739.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND JOB PLACEMENT

As the majority of students attending Amberton University are employed full time, the University does not sponsor job placement seminars or have an employment opportunities office. From time to time, the University receives notices of job openings from area businesses. These notices are posted on the bulletin board in the student lounge. Additionally, students are encouraged to use the on-line services available in the Library when seeking career opportunities. Through electronic networking, students can search for employment locally as well as nationwide. For assistance, speak with Library personnel.