The Mana College is committed to providing a rigorous, ethical, and student-centered learning environment that prepares learners to create measurable impact in their organizations and communities.

These Academic Policies establish the standards governing academic expectations, student progress, assessment, integrity, and successful completion of academic programs.

All students are expected to understand and comply with these policies throughout their enrollment.

Educational Philosophy

The Mana College believes education should develop both knowledge and character. Our programs combine:

• Applied project-based learning

• Evidence-based management practices

• Lean Six Sigma methodologies

• Ethical Efficiency™

• Indigenous and philosophical perspectives on leadership

• Faculty coaching and mentorship

Student success is measured by demonstrated competence, ethical leadership, and real-world organizational impact—not simply classroom participation or examination performance.

Academic Calendar

Programs operate on scheduled cohort start dates established by The Mana College. Students receive:

• Program calendar

• Course schedules

• Assignment deadlines

• Coaching schedules

• Office hour schedules

The Mana College reserves the right to modify academic calendars when necessary.

Learning Model

Students are expected to actively participate throughout the program. Programs are delivered primarily online through:

• Self-paced coursework

• Instructor-supported learning

• Faculty coaching

• Group coaching sessions

• Office hours

• Applied organizational projects

• Portfolio development

Academic Credit

Academic credit is awarded based upon successful demonstration of learning outcomes and completion of required academic activities. Credit is not awarded solely for attendance. Program requirements may include:

• Coursework

• Knowledge assessments

• Reflection assignments

• Applied projects

• Portfolio submissions

• Faculty evaluations

• Capstone work

Attendance and Participation

Although many learning activities are asynchronous, students are expected to remain academically engaged throughout the program. Extended periods of inactivity may result in administrative withdrawal. Academic engagement includes:

• Completing coursework

• Participating in required coaching sessions

• Attending required live sessions when scheduled

• Submitting assignments on time

• Communicating with faculty when assistance is needed

Academic Progress

Students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress throughout their program. Students who fall behind may be placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation. Satisfactory Academic Progress generally includes:

• Completing coursework by established deadlines

• Successfully meeting required learning outcomes

• Demonstrating competency in assessments

• Making consistent progress toward program completion

• Remaining in good financial standing

Academic Standing

Students are classified under one of the following academic standings.

GOOD STANDING

To remain in good standing, students must:

• Meet academic expectations

• Make satisfactory progress

• Maintain academic integrity

• Meet financial obligations

ACADEMIC WARNING

Students may receive an Academic Warning when they:

• Miss significant deadlines

• Demonstrate unsatisfactory academic progress

• Fail required assessments

• Show insufficient participation

Faculty will work with students to establish an improvement plan.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students who do not improve after an Academic Warning may be placed on Academic Probation. Failure to improve may result in dismissal from the program. Probation may include:

• Required meetings with faculty

• Revised completion schedules

• Additional coaching

• Progress monitoring

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL

Students may be dismissed for:

• Failure to make satisfactory academic progress

• Academic misconduct

• Failure to comply with institutional policies

• Failure to meet graduation requirements within permitted timeframes

Students may appeal dismissal as described in the Appeals Policy.

Assessments

Assessment methods vary by course. Student learning is evaluated through a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Knowledge checks

• Written assignments

• Case studies

• Applied projects

• Process improvement deliverables

• Faculty evaluations

• Presentations

• Reflection exercises

• Portfolio reviews

Competency-Based Evaluation

The Mana College emphasizes demonstrated competency rather than memorization. Students are evaluated on their ability to:

• Apply concepts correctly

• Solve authentic organizational problems

• Demonstrate ethical decision-making

• Produce measurable results

• Communicate effectively

• Integrate interdisciplinary knowledge

Project Requirements

Many courses require applied projects completed within the student's organization or approved project environment. Projects should demonstrate:

• Appropriate methodology

• Data-informed decision-making

• Ethical leadership

• Practical implementation

• Measurable organizational improvement

Faculty provide coaching throughout the project lifecycle.

Grading

Courses may utilize competency-based grading rather than traditional letter grades. Possible evaluation categories include:

• Pass

• Competent

• Not Yet Competent

• Complete

• In Progress

Where applicable, traditional grading scales may also be used. Students must satisfy all required competencies to successfully complete a course.

Assignment Submission

Students are responsible for submitting assignments by published deadlines. Late submissions may:

• Receive reduced evaluation

• Require faculty approval

• Delay course completion

• Delay graduation

Students experiencing extraordinary circumstances should notify faculty as soon as possible.

Extensions

Recognizing that many students are working professionals, The Mana College provides limited flexibility when unforeseen circumstances arise. Extension requests:

• Must be submitted before applicable deadlines whenever possible.

• Are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• May require documentation when appropriate.

• Are not automatically granted.

Students enrolled in the MBA program may request up to one (1) additional year to complete their program, subject to institutional approval and any applicable extension fees. Students enrolled in Postgraduate Certificate programs may request up to six (6) additional months, also subject to approval and applicable fees.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is fundamental to The Mana College community. Students are expected to conduct themselves honestly and ethically in all academic work. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Plagiarism

• Cheating

• Unauthorized collaboration

• Fabrication of information or data

• Falsification of project results

• Misrepresentation of authorship

• Unauthorized use of another individual's work

Violations may result in:

• Assignment failure

• Course failure

• Academic probation

• Suspension

• Dismissal

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Mana College recognizes that artificial intelligence can be a valuable educational tool when used responsibly. Students may use AI tools to:

• Brainstorm ideas

• Improve writing clarity

• Conduct preliminary research

• Generate outlines

• Support learning

Students remain fully responsible for:

• Accuracy of submitted work

• Proper attribution where appropriate

• Original analysis

• Independent critical thinking

• Ethical use of AI

Faculty may prohibit AI use for specific assessments. Submitting AI-generated work as one's own original work without authorization may constitute academic misconduct.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

Students retain ownership of their original academic work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

By submitting assignments, students grant The Mana College a limited, non-exclusive license to evaluate, archive, and use submitted work for academic administration and accreditation purposes.

Students are responsible for ensuring they have permission to use proprietary or confidential organizational information in assignments and projects.

Confidentiality of Organizational Projects

Many students complete projects within their employers or organizations. Students are responsible for:

• Protecting confidential information

• Removing sensitive data where appropriate

• Complying with employer confidentiality agreements

• Obtaining necessary permissions before sharing organizational information

Transfer Credit and Prior Learning

Transfer credit and recognition of prior learning may be considered in accordance with institutional policies.

Approval is not automatic and depends upon:

• Academic equivalency

• Learning outcomes

• Documentation provided

• Institutional requirements

• Accreditation standards

The Mana College reserves sole discretion regarding transfer credit decisions.

Graduation Requirements

Students must satisfy all program requirements before graduation. Requirements may include:

• Completion of required coursework

• Successful completion of all assessments

• Required applied projects

• Capstone portfolio (where applicable)

• Resolution of financial obligations

• Compliance with all institutional policies

Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee immediate conferral of credentials until all institutional obligations have been satisfied.

Academic Appeals

Students may appeal academic decisions including:

• Final grades

• Academic probation

• Dismissal

• Graduation decisions

Appeals must:

• Be submitted in writing

• Include supporting documentation

• Be received within the timeframe established by the College

Appeals are reviewed by the appropriate academic authority, whose decision is final unless otherwise provided by institutional policy.

Academic Policy Changes

The Mana College reserves the right to revise these Academic Policies to maintain compliance with accreditation standards, legal requirements, and institutional best practices.

Students will be notified of material policy changes. Unless otherwise stated, the version of the policy in effect at the time of a student's enrollment will govern that student's academic requirements.

Last Updated: August 2026