Undergraduate Studies Academic Standards and Practices

Whereas academic policies are established at and apply across all programs at the university, this section describes specific practices used in the School of Undergraduate Studies to support the success of our students and guide instruction in Antioch University undergraduate programs. Additional information specific to each individual academic program is found in the handbooks and shared sites of each program; students are made aware of these through the orientation process and can contact their program offices for more details. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the information in this section and in the resources specific to their programs.

Undergraduate Learning Objectives and Academic Standards

Antioch University’s mission calls for programs to create learning opportunities that empower students with the tools and framework needed to engage in the complexities of today’s diverse societies. Antioch’s undergraduate programs take up this charge further by pursuing a set of learning objectives that allow for a consistent means of assessing and reflecting on our progress and success.

School and Program Learning Objectives

When a student pursues an undergraduate degree at Antioch University, there are certain learning goals that faculty agree should be prioritized no matter how students focus their studies. Faculty in the various undergraduate degree programs have created common program objectives that therefore apply across the School of Undergraduate Studies. These shared program objectives inform how faculty develop and update the curriculum and also ensure that no matter what undergraduate degree a student earns from Antioch, their learning will reflect the mission and values of the School of Undergraduate Studies. These common objectives include the following:

Students in Undergraduate Studies develop the ability to:

In addition to these undergraduate program learning objectives, each course, workshop, independent study, and internship also centers on learning objectives established by the instructor and stated in the syllabus and on the final Student Learning Evaluation form. The instructor designs course standards and expectations in accordance with the Antioch mission and purpose as well as the School of Undergraduate Studies learning objectives. The classroom instructor has authority and responsibility for the content and expectations of the course or other learning activity. The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and the Dean are responsible for oversight of the curriculum.

Academic Advising and Degree Planning

The advisor-student relationship is a cornerstone of Antioch’s approach to individualized student learning. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of this unique level of support.

Upon enrollment, each student is assigned an academic advisor to assist with degree/program planning, course selection, academic progress, academic support resources, internship placements, prior learning, graduate and postgraduate study options, career pathways, and problem-solving. Academic advisors may communicate with advisees by email, phone, electronic videoconferencing, and/or in person.

Advisors assist students in meeting University academic requirements and understanding University and program procedures, although students are responsible for reading and following procedures and policies published in this Catalog and in additional University publications.

Classroom Learning

Antioch University’s undergraduate programs offer multiple course modalities for students to engage in learning. These include synchronous (real-time) classes held on campus or via remote video conferencing as well as asynchronous class formats.

The campus-based undergraduate programs (in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Seattle) primarily conduct classes using synchronous methods, whether meetings are held in person or via remote video conferencing (Zoom), although some asynchronous and hybrid offerings are also available. Asynchronous classes are structured learning opportunities, with each class allowing completion of course assignments during certain timelines within the term. Fully online asynchronous programs are available through Distance and Extended Education (Antioch Online). All classes use Antioch’s Learning Management System, Sakai, for sharing course materials, conducting discussions, and/or submitting assigned work.

Synchronous classes are offered for three or four credits and typically meet for anywhere from two and a half to three hours per session. One- to three-credit Intensive workshops, classes, and seminars may meet for one to three full days. Asynchronous classes are typically offered for three credits.

The School of Undergraduate Studies follows best practice in higher education in terms of expectations for student effort for earning academic credit. Minimum hours expected for each learning activity use the following metric: