General Information

Doane College is a private, independent, coeducational college serving both traditional and nontraditional students. The college continues its historical relationship with the United Church of Christ and its tradition of encouraging free inquiry. The college offers instruction in the liberal arts and in related professional and pre-professional areas leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Masters degrees. At both undergraduate and graduate levels, Doane is committed to a student-centered education characterized by close student/teacher relationships. Doane seeks to attract students, faculty, and staff with diverse geographic, racial, ethnic, religious, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Mission of the College

The Doane College mission is to provide an exceptional liberal arts education in a creative, inclusive, and collaborative community where faculty and staff work closely with undergraduate and graduate students preparing them for lives rooted in intellectual inquiry, ethical values, and a commitment to engage as leaders and responsible citizens in the world.

Values of the College

Our four core values help us continue to put the student experience first.

• Community: Doane is an engaged and cohesive community comprised of individuals and smaller communities, in which everyone can contribute and participate.
• Empowerment: Doane encourages its community members to take initiative-to act effectively and ethically by making principled decisions and taking responsibility for them.
• Excellence: Doane sets high standards of teaching, scholarship, service and leadership.
• Impact: It is the heart of the Doane experience. At Doane, one can make a positive difference on oneself, on others, on the environment, and on life.

As the college pursues its mission, students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Read, listen, write, and speak effectively
2. Think critically
3. Integrate theories with practice
4. Collect and process information by selecting methods to improve understanding and solve problems
5. Use problem-solving skills effectively
6. Work with others
7. Act ethically and lead responsibly

Registration Procedures

Registration for courses in the program is conducted in two stages. The first stage is a pre-registration stage (completed four weeks prior to the start of the class) when a student reserves a seat in a desired class. The second stage is a formal registration stage (completed one week prior to the start of the class) in which a student completes the registration process through the payment of tuition and fees associated with the class.

Student Requested Withdrawal From Courses

Graduate students are expected to complete courses for which they have registered, unless unusual circumstances require withdrawal. Mere cessation of class attendance does not constitute withdrawal, either academically or with respect to tuition charges. Students who wish to withdraw from classes must contact their Academic Advisor to complete the withdrawal process.

Incomplete Coursework

An Incomplete (I) may be given if a student is not able to complete the work required for a course by the last day of the course due to sickness or other extenuating circumstance that the student has discussed with the instructor. When awarding an incomplete, the instructor will assign an expiration date NO LATER THAN the last day of the next term. The expiration date can be earlier if the teacher chooses. If the expiration date passes without a grade change from the instructor, the incomplete grade will automatically convert to an “F”. This is a final grade and will not be changed, per the grade change policy. In order to receive an incomplete (I), a student must have completed at least 75% of the coursework required for the course. If a student wishes to receive an incomplete for a course, the student will obtain a form from the registrar that will allow the teacher and the student to detail the coursework required to remove the incomplete. The student must complete the form, obtain the signature of the instructor on the form, and return it to the appropriate office.

For courses such as practicums, senior seminars, or internships, intended to last longer than a single term, instructors will submit a grade of “In Progress” (IP) at the end of the first term.

Class Syllabi

Syllabi for classes offered during any given term are typically available within two weeks of schedule release for that term. Students are encouraged to print the syllabus for their class and bring it with them to the first class meeting.

To view syllabi:

1. Go to www.doane.edu,
2. Click on “current students”,
3. Click on “syllabi”,
4. Click on “Master of Arts in Management”.

Costs and Financial Regulations

Tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is $323 per credit hour.

Census Day, normally the second Monday of each term, is the last day to drop or add classes, except for certain emergency situations, if students drop their enrollment in any course after census day, they will forfeit tuition. This policy applies to any class regardless of the start day of the class. After Census Day, refunds for students withdrawing from a class are based on the following schedule:

Refunds are based on the official withdrawal date. No refunds are given to students who do not withdraw officially.

Attendance

Class attendance is required for all courses in the program. Generally, students who miss more than two (2) classes in one eight-week session will not receive a passing grade. Additionally, students will forfeit all tuition and fees associated with the class. Refer to the course syllabus for the instructor’s policy on attendance.

Capstone Experience

The Master of Arts in Management program requires that students complete a capstone requirement; either The Leading Edge Leadership Institute, or Thesis) the Thesis is by application and approval only. Students who enroll in The Leading Edge will complete a series of one-credit courses focused on the development of personal and interpersonal awareness and coaching competencies. The Leading Edge students will work one-on-one with an assigned faculty coach. Students will participate in small group oral presentations at the conclusion of this capstone option.

Students who enroll in the Thesis capstone option will enroll in a series of one-credit courses to receive instructions on the capstone requirements. Thesis students will be assigned to a Thesis “advisor” who will help guide them through the process. The Thesis option requires extensive writing and a formal oral presentation near the conclusion of the process. Students submit their final theses to Doane College upon completion of all capstone requirements. A passing grade of B- or above is required for all capstone requirements.

Student Advising

Advising is an integral part of the Master of Arts in Management program. During their education at Doane, all students will work with an academic advisor. Depending on the capstone option they select, they will also work with a Thesis advisor or a faculty coach. Students will work with their academic advisor beginning with their entrance into the program.

The role of the academic advisor is to support students throughout their educational career at Doane. The academic advisor is there to answer students’ questions, listen to concerns, offer support and help students understand the educational system.

The role of the Thesis advisor or faculty coach, is to guide students through the capstone requirement, including the oral presentation. The Thesis advisor or faculty coach will provide direction on assignments, review all written work and provide specific, written feedback, read all drafts, and provide instruction for the oral presentation and final steps to complete all capstone requirements.

The primary responsibilities of the academic advisor follow:

1. Provide information to prospective students
2. Support and guide new students through the two levels of admission
3. Distribute class schedules
4. Advise students on class selections
5. Pre-register and formally register students for classes each term
6. Process requests for dropping or withdrawing classes
7. Provide information about the college Website resources, bookstore, and available payment options
8. Support students in problem solving and addressing personal concerns that affect academic and professional progress
9. Refer students to outside sources of information/support when necessary and appropriate
10. Provide answers to questions on procedures and policies
11. Process graduation audits and guide students through the steps for graduation (including filing graduation applications, handling cap and gown orders, assisting with planning of graduation ceremonies and celebrations, and payment of graduation fees)

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is located on the second floor of the Fred D. Brown Center.

Applying for Financial Aid

Financial aid loans provide funds for student educational expenses. At Doane College, funds are awarded to students based on their qualifications and/or financial need. Financial aid that is based on need must be applied for and reviewed annually.

New students who wish to apply for financial aid should:

1. Complete the admission process with their academic advisor. Students are not eligible for financial aid until they have been admitted to the college as degree-seeking students.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Doane’s Title IV code is 002544. Doane College encourages students to complete the FAFSA electronically. The web address is www.fafsa.ed.gov. In order to file electronically, a PIN is needed. Please request the PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. This application is used to determine eligibility for all federal aid based on financial need. Doane’s preferred date for filing is March 1. Students who file after this date cannot be assured the same availability of funds. This application must be completed annually.
3. Complete the Doane College Institutional Financial Aid Application at www.doane.edu/students/forms/finaid. This application must be completed annually.

Continuing students who wish to apply for financial aid should:

1. Complete the Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Doane’s Title IV code is 002544. This application must be completed annually. Commitments for financial aid based upon financial need are made annually. Doane’s preferred date for filing is March 1. Students who file after this date cannot be assured the same availability of funds.
2. Complete the Doane College Institutional Financial Aid Application at www.doane.edu/students/forms/finaid. This application must be completed annually.
3. Pre-register for the coming term.

Please refer to the Doane College School of Graduate and Professional Studies catalog for specific information and policies regarding the following areas:

• requirements and availability of financial aid
• satisfactory academic progress for financial aid
• verification

For more information regarding federal financial aid, contact the staff at the Financial Aid Office at the Lincoln Campus at 402-466-4774.

Library

The proliferation of knowledge in today’s world makes the acquisition of self-education skills as important as the teaching of existing knowledge. Students are responsible for developing competence in the use of the library, a liberal art that contributes to individuals’ continuing education throughout life.

All students may use Perkins Library, located in the Communications building on the Crete Campus. Students may also use Love Library, located on the UNL campus at 13th and R. Perkins Library in Crete requires a library card.

The collection at Perkins Library consists of more than 300,000 volumes, including approximately 500 subscriptions for journals, magazines, and newspapers. Access to over 10,000 additional journal titles is available through our online databases. Students can access these databases on the Lincoln campus or from home with a Doane Username and password. (Students, who do not have a username and password, should contact the Technology Department on the Lincoln Campus to obtain one.) The information found in these databases may be in the form of citations, abstracts or full-text journal articles, reports and/or conference proceedings.

Doane College is a depository for both Nebraska and United States Government documents, sources that provide a wealth of information on a variety of subjects.

An extensive interlibrary loan system makes it possible for Doane’s library to obtain materials from other libraries. Through computer network connections, Perkins Library has access to the collections of libraries not only in the State of Nebraska, but throughout the United States. A consortium of 10 libraries provides a catalog of more than one million items and the online card catalog can be used to look at the holdings of these other libraries.

For more information on Perkins Library hours, and how to obtain a library card please go to the Doane Website at www.doane.edu, then click on the Library link.

Regular Perkins Library Hours

Students who have matriculated into the program will have access to the Internet, through the computer laboratory, for assistance in literature searches.

Career Development

Career Development Services are available to current students and alumni. These services include career assessment, job exploration, resume development, learning how to network for a more effective job search, and interview preparation. To make an appointment contact Susan Rocker at susan.rocker@doane.edu, or 402-466-4774, extension 336. Susan is located on the third floor of the Fred D. Brown Center.

Bookstore

The college operates a bookstore on-site to provide textbooks for the courses it offers. Textbooks for the upcoming term are normally available at the time of formal registration for that term and remain available through the third week of the term (in the fourth week of each term, the bookstore closes to return excess books and begin ordering textbooks for the next term).

It is important to remember that textbooks will not be available for purchase through Doane’s bookstore after the third week of the term.

Textbook Refunds

Books may be returned to the Lincoln Bookstore up until the Friday after census as long as the return meets the following conditions:

1. Present a valid cash register receipt
2. Books are in resalable condition. Book cover and pages are not bent, torn, or missing. Condition to be determined by bookstore management.
3. New books are NOT damaged, written in, or marked on.
4. Wrapped or boxed merchandise has NOT been unwrapped or opened. Defective books will be replaced at no charge and should be returned at once.

Book Buy-Back

Nebraska Book Company conducts a book buy-back the second week of each term, Monday though Thursday, 4:30pm-6:00pm. A representative of the book company is stationed in the atrium for the book buy-back.

Special Orders

The bookstore will be glad to special order books for students. Doane will need students’ signatures on the purchase order and a non-refundable deposit to guarantee payment of the book and shipping charges on arrival.

Business Office

Student accounts are maintained by the business office on the Crete Campus. Located on the lower level of the Padour Walker Administration Building, the Business Office serves as the center of the college’s business and accounting functions. The business office hours are 8:00-5:00 M-TH and 8:00-4:30 on Fridays during the school year. Summer hours are 7:30-4:00pm.

Student Accounts

Student bills are generated by the business office each month. Students can access these bills online via WebAdvisor. Questions regarding the billing process or payments to the student account should be directed to student accounts payable personnel in the business office at 402-826-8250. For more information, go to www.doane.edu/online-bills.

Payments on Account

You can pay your account online via WebAdvisor using e-check withdrawals from your checking / savings accounts with no charge, or using Mastercard, Discover or American Express, subject to a 2.75% convenience fee.

Paypments may also be mailed to the business office:

Doane College
Business Office - Student Accounts
1014 Boswell Ave
Crete, Nebraska 68333-2430

Your payments are also accepted on the Lincoln Campus at the reception desk in the front office, located on the first floor. Payments on account may be made by check, money order, credit/debit card, or e-check from your checking/savings account. Note that Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. VISA cards are not accepted. All credit/debit card transactions will incur a 2.75% convenience fee. We also do not accept cash payments on the Lincoln campus.

ID Cards

Student ID cards are available at Formal Registration. If ID cards are lost, students should contact their academic advisor for replacement. ID cards can be used for discounts wherever student discounts are available. Student IDs also allow holders access to the Library on the UNL Campus or Doane College Crete Campus.

Computers and Audio/Visual Equipment

Technological resources on the Lincoln campus are managed by the Technology Specialist. Digital cameras and video cameras are available for student use. To reserve equipment for classroom use, students must contact the Technology Specialist as soon as they know they will need the equipment. Use is on a first come, first served basis.

Doane classrooms are equipped with technology carts including a laptop, projector, DVD player and speakers. Students who require other types of technology should contact the technology specialist.

Both PC and Macintosh computers are available for student use at any time class is not in session in the labs. The labs are available when the building is open.

WebAdvisor

WebAdvisor is an on-line feature that is available to students and can be found at www.doane.edu/wa. To access WebAdvisor, students will need an ID (user name) and password. A student’s ID (user name) is their preferred name or first name, dot, last name. EXAMPLE: elvis.presley. Passwords are set to capital letter ‘D’, lowercase ‘c’, followed by students’ birth date in six digits (MMDDYY). EXAMPLE: Dc010835 would be Elvis’ password because he was born January 8, 1935. Students can change their passwords by going online to www.doane.edu/myaccount and following the on-screen instructions carefully. If students have problems accessing WebAdvisor, they may call 466-4774, and ask for the technology specialist.

To access WebAdvisor:

1. Go only to: www.doane.edu/wa
2. Choose “log in” in the upper right corner
3. Enter Doane username and password
4. Click on “Current Students”
5. Proceed with accessing the desired information

Using WebAdvisor students may access the following on-line services:

1. Look up the current/upcoming class schedule. Schedules are posted on WebAdvisor on schedule release dates listed on the school calendar.
2. Pre-register for class. This starts on the date listed on the school calendar for pre-registration, and continues until formal registration. Pre-registration holds seats for students in classes, but does not replace formal registration.
3. Look up grades. Grades will be posted after each term on the date listed on the school calendar.
4. Check grade point average (GPA).
5. Print transcripts that show completed classes. Print current class schedules.
6. Run evaluations to see what classes students still need to complete. Their choice of emphasis area and capstone project must be accurately recorded in Doane’s computer system for the evaluation to be accurate.
7. Check the status of financial aid.
8. Accept/decline financial aid

Technology Professional

Doane Lincoln has a full-time technology professional available to support student use of technology during their college experience. The technology professional can help students with a number of technology issues including but not limited to: user name and password for Doane’s computer system, Doane e-mail, WebAdvisor, Blackboard, library resources, and computer labs. To contact this person, call the campus at 402.466.4774.

Helpdesk

Students may also utilize Doane’s helpdesk by calling 402.826.8411 or e-mailing helpdesk@doane.edu.

Evaluation

Course Evaluations

The goal of course evaluations is to solicit honest feedback from students. Instructors need to know what they are doing well and how they can make the learning experience more powerful for students.

Instructors will distribute course evaluations to students. Then, to preserve students’ anonymity, instructors will leave the room while students complete the evaluations. A student in each class will be designated to collect the evaluations, seal the envelope and return the sealed envelope to the Office of Graduate Studies. The results will be compiled and available for review by faculty after grades are released. At no time will instructors see individual, hand-written course evaluations. Instructors will only see the compiled summaries.

The Leading Edge Evaluation

Students will receive feedback on their work in the capstone courses in multiple forms at various times. They will receive written feedback on all their written work. Each one-credit course will be graded at the end of the term in which it is completed.

Students will receive written feedback on the coaching component of The Leading Edge. Students will also receive copies of final evaluations after the completion of their oral presentations. The originals of these evaluations will be kept on file at Doane and used for assessment activities. Students will receive copies of the evaluations.

Thesis Evaluation

Students will receive written evaluation on their thesis throughout the Thesis process. Each section of the portfolio/chapter of the thesis will be carefully evaluated by the faculty advisor. Students will have multiple opportunities to revise their work until completion of the capstone requirements. Students will receive written evaluation on their thesis once the oral presentation has been completed and final copies of the thesis have been submitted to Doane. Students will receive formal evaluations from two faculty members; their primary advisor and a second reader (whom students invite to read their work and attend the oral presentation). The evaluation form assesses the quality of the theses, how well the students met the objectives of the capstone requirements, and the quality of the written product and the oral presentation. The originals of these evaluations will be kept on file at Doane and used for assessment activities. Students will receive copies of the evaluations.

Advisory Committee Review

The Graduate Academic Affairs Committee (GAAC) provides overall program evaluations. It is an advisory committee that includes faculty, administrators, and graduate students, and meets periodically for the following purposes:

• To review program objectives and outcomes and discuss proposed program or course changes
• To review academic or policy recommendations
• To consider items the committee deems necessary to address, and/or to review issues recommended by the deans or administrators of the graduate programs

The GAAC recommends actions to the full faculty for vote.

Grade Appeal Procedure

If a student thinks an instructor has graded him or her in a way that is inconsistent with the grading policy outlined in the course syllabus, the student may initiate the grade appeal process below. (Students who think their grade was calculated in error should consult the Grade Change Policy.)

If at any stage of the process the appeal is withdrawn or resolved, the process stops. The Grade Appeal Request form and a written statement of the resolution will be kept in the student’s record.

Steps:

1. Within 10 days of the grade’s release, the student will contact the instructor to discuss the student’s concern.
2. To continue with the appeal, the student will contact the Dean no later than 10 days following the discussion with the instructor to set up a meeting with the student and instructor to discuss the student’s concern. (If the Dean is the instructor, the Dean will designate another division faculty member to act as Dean in this matter.)
3. If the student wishes to appeal the Dean’s decision, the student will file a Grade Appeal Request form with the Registrar’s Office within 3 days, and schedule a meeting with the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 7 days. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the process. If the process has been followed as stipulated in this policy, the Dean’s decision will be final.

Graduation Policies

Application for Degree

Candidates for the Master of Arts in management degree must signify their intention to complete degree requirements by submitting a completed “Application for Degree” form. Since this form is used to check completion of requirements and order diplomas, the form must be returned to the Office of Graduate Studies by mid-August for December completion, mid-January for May completion, and mid-March for August completion. Failure to meet these deadlines will delay completion. Requests for this application should be made to the Academic Advisor.

Program Completion Criteria

All students must meet the following requirements to complete the Master of Arts in management degree:

1. Complete all course requirements for the chosen graduate option with grades no lower than B- in any course
2. Complete all Thesis of The Leading Edge requirement with grades no lower than B- in any course
3. File the “Application for Degree” form no later than the specified date
4. Receive positive evaluation and recommendations by the dean and faculty

The recommendation to award degrees will be automatically nullified if: (a) students do not pass the remaining courses needed for the degree, (b) students fail to maintain good academic standing, or (c) students fail to remove all temporary grades (“I” or “IP”) from their transcripts.

Awarding of the Degree

Upon approval of the graduate dean, recommendation of the faculty, and action of the Board of Trustees; students will be awarded the master’s degree. Diplomas will not be issued until all program materials are returned and outstanding financial obligations to the college are satisfied.

Request a Transcript

Official Doane transcripts are available to students for a $5 fee. There are three ways to request a transcript.

1. Go to the registrar’s page of the Doane Website at www.doane.edu/about Doane/Offices/Registrar and print off the transcript request form
2. Stop at one of the Doane locations and fill out a transcript request form
3. Mail in a letter stating your request with the $5 payment. The request should include your name, address, phone number, social security number, signature, and address of where the transcript needs to be sent

Students who request transcripts should allow three days for them to be prepared and issued. During periods at the beginning or following the end of a term, at least one week should be allowed for issuance.

Affirmative Action Policy

The Master of Arts in Management program acknowledges its ethical and statutory responsibility to afford equal treatment and equal opportunity to all persons, and affirms its policy of compliance with all laws and directives that promulgate nondiscrimination and equality of opportunity through affirmative action.

In keeping with the spirit and letter of the law, the program prohibits discrimination against faculty, students, and applicants based on race, color, gender, religion, age, national ancestral origin, sexual orientation, or physical and mental disability.

Retaliation is prohibited against faculty members, students, or applicants who file a complaint of discrimination against the program.