Consumer Information
Access a wide range of information from a variety of resources on campus below. For additional information and the most up-to-date policies, you can access our online academic catalog. If you would prefer to get the information in writing, you may request it from the appropriate office.
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Each topic includes a brief description, a link to more information when available, and the office that can provide additional information; the Office of Financial Aid can also provide information when needed.
General University Information
Accreditation
Buena Vista University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, 312.263.0456, www.hlcommission.org. Special accreditations for specific undergraduate programs include Education: Full accreditation from the Iowa Department of Education; and Social Work: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE, http://www.cswe.org/). Additionally, our Mental Health Counseling graduate program has special accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP http://www.cacrep.org/).
Buena Vista University holds membership in Iowa College Foundation; Iowa Association of Independent Colleges & Universities Campus Compact; Iowa Campus Compact; Association of Governing Boards (AGB); Association of American Colleges & Universities; The Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL); Council for Higher Education Accreditation; Association of Presbyterian Colleges & Universities; Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE); American Rivers Athletic Conference; National Collegiate Athletic Association; and American Association of University Women.
This link provides students with contact information for filing a complaint with any state in which a student resides while attending BVU. Additional information is available through the Office of Academic Affairs or in the specific information for majors that require additional approval or licensure, as found in the BVU Catalog.
Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data
This report describes our athletic program participation rates and expenses related to athletics at BVU.
Read more about Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data...
For additional information, please contact the Director of Athletics.
Consumer Information on College Navigator Website
The Department of Education is required to post 26 items for each institution on this website.
Read more about Consumer Information on College Navigator Website...
Copyright Policies: Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement. Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov.
Read more about Copyright Policies...
For additional information, please contact the Provost.
Costs
Costs for tuition, fees and room and board and an estimate of other related expenses.
For additional information, please contact the Business Office.
Degrees
Current Degree and Educational Training Programs offered. Contact the Office of Academic Affairs or the Registrar's Office for more information.
Facilities
Physical facilities that relate to academic programs at BVU.
Facilities and Services available to students with disabilities (Storm Lake campus)
Nearly all buildings on the Buena Vista University campus are handicapped accessible. Students seeking assistance regarding accessibility should contact the following individuals:
- For assistance with the academic program, including accessibility of courses, laboratories, or academic materials, students should contact the the director of the Center of Academic Excellence, 712.749.1237.
- For assistance with the co-curricular program, such as residence halls, food service, student activities, or other programs, students should contact the dean of students in the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business/Siebens Forum, 712.749.2123.
Facilities and Services available to students with disabilities (Online and Graduate Programs)
Nearly all buildings are handicapped accessible. Students seeking assistance regarding handicapped accessibility should contact their BVU site director.
Faculty
Faculty and instructional personnel.
For additional information, please contact the Dr. Heidi Manning.
FERPA
Student's rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy.
For additional information, please contact the Registrar's Office.
Reciprocity Agreements
Buena Vista University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA; https://www.nc-sara.org).
Safeguarding Confidential Electronic Information Policy
This Buena Vista University Information Technology Services (IT) Policies and Security Manual includes policies, standards, procedures and guidelines to ensure the integrity of BVU IT systems and reflect responsible stewardship of BVU IT resources.
Read more about Safeguarding Confidential Electronic Information Policy...
Student Body Diversity
Review statistics for enrollment by gender, race/ethnicity and financial need.
Read more about Student Body Diversity...
For additional information, please contact the Director of Institutional Research.
Textbook Information
Please refer to the BVU Registrar site to find information pertaining to required textbooks by course, their costs, and ISBNs.
Please refer to the Book Voucher Policy to determine if you are able to use a credit balance to purchase books before the start of a term/semester.
Transfer of Credit - Undergraduate
This information will detail the policy for acceptance of coursework taken elsewhere. For information on transfer of credit for any of our graduate programs, please see the corresponding area of the BVU Catalog. In addition, information is also available on BVU's articulation agreements.
Written Arrangements with Other Institutions
Buena Vista University offers a number of pre-professional programs for which we have written shared program agreements.
Read more about Written Arrangements with Other Institutions...
Financial Aid Information
Code Of Conduct for Educational Loans
Iowa Code Section 261E.2 and Sections 487(a)(25) and 487(e) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, require the development, administration, and enforcement of a code of conduct governing educational loan activities.
Financial Aid Related Information for Online and Graduate Programs
These links will provide you with information pertaining to:
- The process of applying for financial assistance and how eligibility is determined.
- Need-based and non-need based state, institutional, and private/local assistance programs.
- Need-based and non-need based federal financial assistance, including application procedures, general eligibility guidelines, and award amounts.
- The terms and conditions of any federal loans, including a sample repayment schedule.
- The rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance.
- Information regarding the availability of federal student aid for study abroad opportunities.
Read more about Financial Aid Related Information for Online and Graduate Programs...
Financial Aid Related Information for Storm Lake campus
These links will provide you with information pertaining to:
- The process of applying for financial assistance and how eligibility is determined.
- Need-based and non-need based state, institutional, and private/local assistance programs.
- Need-based and non-need based federal financial assistance, including application procedures, general eligibility guidelines, and award amounts.
- The terms and conditions of any federal loans, including a sample repayment schedule.
- The rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance.
- Information regarding the availability of federal student aid for study abroad opportunities.
Read more about Financial Aid Related Information for Storm Lake campus...
Financial Assistance Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
This policy addresses the criteria for remaining in good academic standing academically at BVU. Good academic standing is necessary to continue to be eligible for federal, state and institutional financial assistance.
View the policy by location/program
For additional information, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
Military Deployment Policy
Options are applicable to a student who is a member or the spouse of a member if the member has a dependent child, of the Iowa National Guard or Reserve Forces of the United States and who is ordered to National Guard duty or federal active duty,
Read more about Military Deployment Policy...
For additional information, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
Preferred Lender Arrangements
Schools that participate in preferred lender arrangement must disclose detailed information about the terms and conditions of the loans offered, why the school chose the particular lender and the method used to select the lenders. Other required information can also be found on the link provided.
A paper copy of the BVU Annual Report on Preferred Lender Arrangements may be requested from the Office of Financial Assistance.
Return of Title IV Funds Policy
Students who withdraw from the university may be entitled to a refund of charges and financial assistance.
Read more about Return of Title IV Funds Policy...
For additional information, please contact the Business Office.
Student Employment
For information, please contact BVU Human Resources.
Study Abroad
Information about the process and aid available for study abroad.
Verification Policy
This policy addresses the process and timeline for submitting documents required when a student is selected for verification.
Withdrawal Process and Institutional Charges Policy - Online and Graduate Programs
This policy will detail the correct procedure to follow if you find the need to withdraw during a term.
Withdrawal Process and Institutional Charges Policy - Storm Lake Campus
This policy will detail the correct procedure to follow if you find the need to withdraw from BVU during a term/semester. Information is also available on BVU's Administrative Withdrawal Policy.
Read more about Withdrawal Process and Institutional Charges Policy - Storm Lake Campus...
Health and Safety
Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report
Safety and security is the number one concern of the entire campus community: students, faculty, staff and visitors. While Buena Vista University and Storm Lake are comparatively safe environments, the campus is not exempt from the types of crime that exist in other Northwest Iowa Communities. Effective safety and security require cooperation and assistance from everyone at the University.
The Student Right to know and Campus Security Act of 1990 recently renamed the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Crime Statistic Act, was enacted by Congress and signed into law in November of 1990. In 1992, and most recently in 2008, Congress significantly amended the law, expanding the reporting criteria. In compliance with the “Act”, Buena Vista University’s Campus Security has published this report to provide its students, employees, and visitors with an overview of the University’s security resources, policies and procedures, as well as crime statistics. The report is updated annually and is provided to all students, employees and applicants for admission and employment, as well as anyone who requests a copy.
Read more about Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report...
For additional information, please contact the Director of Campus Security.
Drug And Alcohol Prevention And Abuse Information
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy
Drug and Alcohol abuse, prevention and awareness information, along with information relevant to institutional policies related to drug and alcohol use.
Read more about Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy...
For additional information, please contact the BVU Human Resources.
Policy on Financial Aid Eligibility for Drug Convictions
This policy describes the financial aid penalties for the illegal possession or sale of drugs.
Read more about Policy on Financial Aid Eligibility for Drug Convictions...
For additional information, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
Vaccination Policy
This policy offers a description of required medical forms, insurance waiver, and required and recommended immunizations for students living in university residence halls.
Outcomes
Completion/Graduation Rates
The completion/graduation rate of all full-time, first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates.
Read more about Completion/Graduation Rates...
For additional information, please contact the Office of Institutional Research.
Education Alumni, Outcomes and Licensure
Information about outcomes related to Education/Exercise Science at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Job Placement Information
Information is available on BVU's job placement data, including the types of employment our graduates have obtained and the types of graduate programs in which our graduates have enrolled.
Read more about Job Placement Information...
For additional information, please contact the Director of Career Services.
Miscellaneous Information
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance recognizing the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization. It is normally observed on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787 in Philadelphia. The Department of Education requires that any postsecondary institution that receives federal funds must hold an educational program pertaining to the U.S. Constitution on September 17 (or during the preceding or following week if September 17 falls on a weekend) of each year.
Filing an Education Related Complaint
Buena Vista University takes seriously your concerns and welcomes your input. Before filing a complaint, we encourage you to seek a remedy to your concerns by talking with those directly involved, their supervisors, or the appropriate vice president. You may post an unresolved complaint directly to Buena Vista University.
If you have unresolved complaints about a distance education or any other program at Buena Vista University, please contact your State Department of Education. Regardless of your state of residence, you may also contact the Iowa College Aid Commission.
Additional help is also available for complaints related to fraud, waste or abuse of federal funds, student loans, or civil rights.
Voter Registration
As part of the Higher Education Act of 1998, Congress has directed schools receiving federal financial aid to assist students who have not yet registered to vote.
To register to vote, as an Iowa resident, you may obtain a voter registration form at the Secretary of State's web site. Once completed you should print and mail it to your respective county auditor office.
If your home state is other than Iowa, you may use the national form.
Professional Licensure Information
Pursuant to 34 C.F.R. § 600.9, Buena Vista University is required to disclose consumer information regarding our curricular programs that “foreseeably lead” to careers requiring state licensure. This regulation requires us to determine whether or not our licensure-related programs satisfy the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states where our prospective students are located.
Accordingly, we are required to disclose for each program that leads to licensure whether:
(1) the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in a specific state;
(2) the program does not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure in a specific state.
Click here for more information on our Professional Licensure or Certification Disclosure.
Accounting
Buena Vista University’s Bachelor of Arts in accounting-professional licensure emphasis meets the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam in the state of Iowa.
For all other states, BVU’s curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure. To determine what is needed for licensing in other states, please contact the licensing board in that state.
More information: National Association of State Boards of Accountancy CPA Exam
BVU Contact: Beth Blankers, Professor of Accounting, blankers@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Buena Vista University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which is a requirement for licensure in many states. This program is CACREP-accredited and meets the requirements for Iowa professional licensure under section 31.6(2) of the Bureau of Professional Licensure of the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. For all other states, BVU’s curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure. To determine what is needed for licensing in other states, please contact the licensing board in that state.
For more information about licensure, students should visit the National Board for Certified Counselors, the American Association of State Counseling Boards, The NC-SARA Professional Licensure Directory, and/or contact the appropriate state licensing body.
BVU Contact: Dr. Kathleen Ruscitto, Director of Mental Health Counseling Programs/Assistant Professor of Counseling Education, ruscitto@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.
Education
The Teacher Education Program at Buena Vista University provides coursework which meets the criteria approved for certification by the State of Iowa Department of Education.
For all other states, BVU’s curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure. To determine what is needed for licensing in other states, please contact the licensing board in that state.
An individual desiring licensure in a state other than Iowa should contact the Department of Education in that state as soon as possible and request certification requirements. By learning early what courses are needed for other states’ certification, individuals can plan to meet those requirements by taking appropriate courses at BVU.
More information: Professional Licensure Directory
BVU Contact: Angela Hunter, School of Education – Licensure, huntera@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.
Master of Education in Educational Administration
Buena Vista University’s Educational Administration master’s program provides currently licensed educators with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to become a licensed PK-12 school administrator in the state of Iowa.
For all other states, BVU’s curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure. To determine what is needed for licensing in other states, please contact the licensing board in that state.
Buena Vista University Contact: Dr. Lucas DeWitt, Director of Educational Administration, DeWitt2@bvu.edu OR Angela Hunter, School of Education – Licensure, huntera@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.
Master of Arts in Teaching- Special Education
The online Master of Arts in Teaching- Special Education program equips individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students with unique needs in Iowa.
For all other states, BVU’s curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure. To determine what is needed for licensing in other states, please contact the licensing board in that state.
Buena Vista University Contact: Monica Welander, Director of Teacher Education, welanderm@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.
Master of Arts in Teaching- Secondary Education
Buena Vista University's Master of Arts in Teaching- Secondary Education program equips individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree with the knowledge, skills, and certification needed to teach middle and high school students in Iowa in a variety of content areas (upon Summer 2023 approval by the Department of Education).
For all other states, BVU’s curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure. To determine what is needed for licensing in other states, please contact the licensing board in that state.
Buena Vista University Contact: Monica Welander, Director of Teacher Education, welanderm@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.
Social Work
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the Baccalaureate Social Work program at Buena Vista University. Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in social work at BVU, students meet the educational requirements for licensure set by CSWE for all 50 states.
More Information: Association of Social Work Boards
BVU Contact: Marian Riner, Associate Professor of Social Work, riner@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.
Professional School Counseling
Buena Vista University’s Professional School Counseling master’s program meets the educational requirements for Iowa School Counseling licensure and follows the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model seen in school districts.
For all other states, BVU’s curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure. To determine what is needed for licensing in other states, please contact the licensing board in that state.
More Information: ASCA State Certification Requirements
Buena Vista University Contact: Dr. Renee Fensom, Director of Professional School Counseling, fensom@bvu.edu OR Angela Hunter, School of Education – Licensure, huntera@bvu.edu
Learn more below about specific state requirements for this program here.