Computer Professionals Program at MIU


Agreement
(August 2024 - May 2025 )

Please read this Agreement carefully, enter your handwritten signature, the date, and your email address, and click "Submit". This will email this information to the Computer Professionals Program Admissions Office.

Introduction
The purpose of this agreement is to summarize some of the main aspects of your graduate degree and practicum program, to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the program structure. Many of the points included here are summarized from other places, including the Maharishi International University Catalog, and the Student Handbook. For more detailed information on them see those references. To be sure that you have read and understood this, we request that you sign this agreement as the next part of your admission.

General
This Agreement describes policies for the Computer Professionals Program ("Program"), also known as the Master of Science in Computer Science ("MSCS") Cooperative Program, of Maharishi International University ("University"). This Agreement is applicable only for students who enter the Program in August 2024 to the May entry 2025.

Because policies can change for various entry dates, this Agreement supersedes and has precedence over any other agreements for the Program that the student may have previously signed; and any information contained in the University's web site, written literature, or other promotional materials (since they may not always be revised or updated in a timely manner).

Please note that your acceptance to the Program is also only for the one particular entry. Once you have been accepted to an entry, if you wish to postpone to a later entrance date, you will need to have your application re-reviewed for the next entrance. (The Admissions office will determine which is necessary). In unusual circumstances specific entry dates may change or be cancelled by the University. In the case of an entry cancellation or change, you will need to reapply or have your application re-reviewed in order to be accepted to the next entry date.

Entrance Requirements:

Fees
Students must pay the prepayment amount that is applicable to his / her level of financial aid. The prepayment amount must be paid in full either before or at registration via wire transfer or credit card.

Academic Prerequisite Courses
To be sure that you are successful in your academic program, we have specific courses and academic background requirements (see the requirements page). If you are missing or need refreshing in any of the prerequisite areas, you should arrange to do this prior to your arrival. Notably you need to know how to program in a contemporary higher level OO language.

We have two tracks to the MSCS program. This is to support applicants who have an adequate background, but who may need some refresher course on current topics. These two tracks are:

Direct Track is for students with a Computer Science degree and knowledge of current Object Oriented programming methods.

Preparatory Track is for applicants who need to supplement their basic Computer Science knowledge (including data structures).

You will be evaluated on these basic areas required for the direct track on arrival, and if deficient, you will be changed to the Preparatory Track, and enrolled in a prerequisite class Fundamentals of Programming Practices (FPP), which will provide a concentrated review of these topics. Note that you must pass both the FPP and the MPP courses with a B grade in order to continue in the program.

MS in Computer Science Academic Honesty and Information Integrity Requirements
All information submitted as part of your admissions processing must be true and complete. This includes your transcripts, your resume and all online application information, your programming test, and any academic or other program requirements once enrolled. If in any of these there is inaccurate or misrepresented content, you will be permanently deferred from applying to the program, or if already accepted can be immediately dismissed from the MSCS program.

As a professional program and as part of the integrity of a University academic program, we are always monitoring and checking such items to guarantee the overall quality of all accepted students, and that of the courses and professional placements that are part of the program.

Qualification Test
To confirm entrance qualifications as submitted in admissions materials, all students take a qualification programming exam upon arrival. This exam tests the material covered in the Fundamentals of Programming Practices course. Students who do well in the test may then choose to take the qualification test for the Direct Track. Those students that then pass the Direct Track test can either choose to stay in the Preparatory Track or get into the Direct Track.

Part of the registration requirements on arrival on campus is a comparison of this initial test result to the previous result from a comparable pre-test taken as a part of the admissions process. If the test results after the student's arrival are significantly inferior to those initial test results, it indicates that the application process and information submitted (including the pre-test results) were not accurate, and specifically the integrity of the initial field test is doubted. From this an applicant is then known on arrival not to meet application standards, and is subject to denial of registration and acceptance to the program and immediate dismissal, subject to all relevant dismissal policies. If the applicant shows inferior results on the verification test, the University may deny the student admissions at that time.

English Language Requirement
Fluent communication in the English language is an essential factor for successful job performance and is therefore an important component of this Program. Students are interviewed prior to their acceptance to the Program and then will be re-interviewed and tested for comprehension and pronunciation upon arrival at the University.

University Policies Governing Daily Routine and Student Behavior 
Because full development of every student is the primary goal of the University, we have a schedule and structure of daily classes and campus life which support balance and progress in an easy manner. The MIU CS/Coop program is a professional program, and has a high level of financial support, and therefore students are expected to maintain a high level of good conduct, in accordance with all academic policies and laws and policies of the University and local City/State. Failure to do so will mean a review of their program and financial support status, and may require either dismissal, or a lowering of the level of financial support given.

Use of tobacco, street drugs, and alcohol have been shown to reduce health and intelligence and therefore are not allowed on campus. This policy includes students that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Violation of the university policy is subject to a range of disciplinary measure ranging from a verbal warning, to a fine, to suspension, to dismissal from the university depending on how serious the offense was. Seriousness of offense is evaluated based on who was affected, how serious was the effect on the person(s) affected, how often has this happened, and so on. Please see the Student Handbook for details on these policies and the Corrective Procedures for the offense.

People living in the U.S. are held accountable for the safety of the public, so actions by MIU students that break the law of the local city, State of Iowa, or U.S. Government are taken very seriously here at MIU and could result in immediate dismissal regardless of who was directly affected by your action.

If you have any questions regarding these points, please e-mail to your admissions representative.

1. All students in the Computer Professionals Program learn the Transcendental Meditation Program®-a simple, natural, effortless technique for reducing stress and developing an individual's full potential. The technique allows the mind and body to settle down and gain a state of deep rest and relaxation.This experience results in improved mental clarity, improved ability to focus along with wide comprehension, better social interactions with family, friends, and colleagues, and more productivity and success in one’s profession. These features are highly beneficial to computer scientists and are a major benefit of studying computer science at Maharishi International University. These benefits have been validated by over 500 scientific studies.

The Transcendental Meditation technique is not a religion or philosophy, nor does it involve moral training, belief, or worship. Students from all backgrounds have found it to be a valuable adjunct to their daily routine, and complementary to their cultural and religious beliefs.

To help guarantee effectiveness the Transcendental Meditation technique is always taught in a structured, systematic way. This includes several short lectures and personal instruction, which includes a short traditional ceremony which is the way that the teacher honors the tradition of this knowledge.

The Transcendental Meditation program is a part of the curriculum and an academic requirement at Maharishi International University. The group practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique usually requires about 30 minutes per session, which also includes some simple breathing exercises. It is practiced in groups twice a day--once in the morning and again in the late afternoon. Students also practice the Transcendental Meditation technique for one additional 10-15 minutes before lunch, as part of each academic class they take.  Afternoon meditations are generally done in whatever class the student is attending. Morning meditations are done in a larger group before breakfast. It is a graduation requirement that students attend at least 60% of the morning meditations during their time on campus.

2. The campus dining hall serves a rich and wholesome vegetarian diet. No meat, chicken, or fish is served on campus. The Campus Dining Hall has received widespread recognition for pioneering delicious, organic vegetarian campus dining. The menu is almost entirely organic and is cooked fresh daily. Entrees include pizza, enchiladas, Chinese stir-fry, and Indian peas with panir. The dining hall always offers a salad bar, organic fruits, teas and milk. Food is prepared without the use of onions and garlic. Students are free to bring their own condiments. Fairfield, Iowa has a number of good restaurants that serve international food, but any off-campus meals are not a part of the program, and would be at the student's own expense. Iowa State Fire Safety regulations makes cooking in dormitory rooms strictly forbidden. (Refer to Student Handbook.)

3. A dignified and professional level of dress and conduct is required at all times on campus. General appearance should be coordinated and neat.

Academic Program Requirements
In order to graduate from the Program students must meet all academic requirements of the Program, including satisfactory completion of the Research in Consciousness component (see the University Catalog). In addition to the courses conducted on campus, the Program coursework includes 8 units of practicum that are completed while students work in a professional computing related position.

Program graduation requirements: See the University Catalog.

Practicum Employment
The University will provide assistance and guidance to students in securing practicum employment as computer professionals. The University has contact with more than 300 companies that are interested in hiring its students. However, students are required to diligently seek employment upon completion of their on-campus studies. Students are also required to cooperate fully with the University in its placement activities done concurrently with the student's own job search. Students on the Computer Professionals Program have generally been successful at obtaining practicum employment, but the University cannot guarantee that each student will obtain practicum employment.

Bank Loan
If a student has not taken out an alternative loan, or has only taken out a partial alternative loan, then upon being hired for an off-campus practicum job, the student will secure a loan from a University-authorized Bank to pay for the applicable program costs. (Students also have the option to prepay for all or part of these costs, as described later in this Agreement.) The University will prearrange loans with a University-authorized Bank for students on the Program. This means that students will be accepted for the loan without posting any collateral. While the Bank will require some information from each student, they plan to extend credit to students on this Program who have been hired for off-campus practicum jobs. The Bank, of course, will require all students to sign a bank loan agreement.

The student's bank loan will be at an interest rate set by the Bank based on its rates at the time of the issuance of the loan. Loan repayment schedules usually range between 24 to 30 months depending on the size of the loan and monthly income earned during the professional training phase of the program.

In addition to bank loans, there are other repayment methods for certain jobs such as intern and contract positions which do not allow for a loan to be taken out because of a low salary or a short term of employment. In these cases, students will be asked to pay some portion of their monthly earnings towards their M.I.U. debt which will be applied to their student account balance as a credit. The monthly amount is based on a formula which includes salary, relocation costs (if any), and cost of living index for their city and state. Students consult with the Compro Finance office to determine the monthly amount and then sign an Intern Agreement Form as a condition for their work authorization.

Program costs and loan payments can vary depending on the amount of time a student spends on campus, and other factors. For an example, see http://compro.miu.edu/financial-aid/. Please note that when a practical training job is obtained, the amount of the monthly bank loan payments will be determined using estimated living expenses for single individuals, even if the student is married.

Total Program Costs (Direct Track)

Details of Program Cost in US$  

Direct Track Cost 

Tuition $44,000
Health Insurance (first 12 months estimate) $1992
Campus housing and meals during on-campus studies $7,400
Student fees $730
Total $54,122

Tuition includes STC-1, FPP (Fundamentals of Programming Practices), MPP (Modern Practices in Programming), STC-2, plus eight (4-unit) Computer Science courses. If any additional courses are required, or if retaking any courses, then an additional fee at the current tuition rate will be charged at $3000 for a 4-unit course.

If a student does not learn the Transcendental Meditation program before arriving on campus from a qualified instructor (who submits a TM Recommendation Form approved by the Computer Professionals Program Office of Admissions verifying the student's participation), the student will be charged an additional $210 fee for instruction in the Transcendental Meditation technique at Maharishi International University. This $210 fee will be added to the amount of the loan which the student will take out after securing a practical training job. The loan amount of $210 will need to be paid back to MIU in the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the program.

Health Insurance
Health insurance will be billed to you on a monthly basis unless you provide proof of insurance from your CPT employer. The current cost is $166/month and will be added to your student account charges and therefore paid when you start your CPT position and take out a loan. This amount changes each year on August 1.

Regarding on-campus housing
Please note that the room and board cost of $7,400 covers the cost of the time on campus for the Direct Track (STC-1, MPP, 4 CS courses, STC-2, 3 weeks of Career Strategies Workshop and up to 4 weeks of jobsearch). After 6 months on campus, there is no refund for moving off campus. For any students that stay on campus after the end of the Direct Track date, there will be an additional charge of $210 per week. Students are only approved to remain on campus for 8.5 months. After that time, they will need to find their own housing off campus. This can be in Fairfield or anywhere in the United States.

Due to the great success of this MS in Computer Science program, we have had a large increase in the number of students accepted to the program. We expect close to 400 students will enroll in this academic year. However, our on-campus housing is limited so some students will be given the opportunity to double in a room. For those that are doubled, they will receive a $200 cash stipend each month that they are doubled. The housing charges will be the same, but the $200 will not have to be paid back to MIU.

Prepayment of Program Costs
Students have the option to prepay for the loan amount specified above. Prepayment provides a savings on bank loan interest. For prepayment of the full amount of the loan amount, (based on the Direct track time on campus, the student will receive a $1,000 discount). The prepayment option must be exercised within 30 days of enrolling in the program.

Withdrawals/Dismissals
Students who withdraw (includes receiving a visa and entering the US but not enrolling at MIU, or requesting to transfer out prior to enrollment) or are dismissed from the Program will be responsible for Program Costs incurred to the date of withdrawal as follows:

Minimum withdrawal/dismissal charge is $2,500. 0-2 weeks withdrawal fee is $2,500 which covers all expenses for the first two weeks, but is also charged even if the student does not register or attend any classes at MIU.
. Tuition for more than 2 weeks on campus is $3,000 per 4-unit course
. Housing/Meals for more than 2 weeks on campus is $840 per month. After 6 months on campus there is no refund from the $7,400 program room and board cost.
. Fees: $365 from 6 weeks to five months, $730 for more than 5 months
. TM tuition is $210
. Health insurance charges of $166 per month or portion thereof.


Students who withdraw or are dismissed from the program after starting courses totaling more than 34 units will not receive any reduction in program costs. The number of units charged includes practicum units. If a student begins practicum, then this is treated as one course worth, 4 units of credit.

In the event the student is not placed in a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) position within 12 months of commencement of diligent search for the CPT position, commencing one month after completion of on-campus studies, any unpaid balance will be waived upon leaving the United States for 7 years.

Additional costs that are included in withdrawal/dismissal amounts include:

  1. additional room and board costs for staying on campus beyond covered period;
  2. additional tuition fees for courses enrolled in beyond the standard covered courses;
  3. unpaid health insurance costs billed to the student;
  4. Distance Education fees or CPT employment fees incurred for violating MIU policies;
  5. additional unpaid costs for enrolling in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program;
  6. all unpaid Student Account balance amounts that are not paid within 6 months of graduation or completion of all MIU courses;
  7. the amount of loan payments paid by MIU while student is employed in CPT or OPT that were not paid back by the student.

Legal and Collection Costs
In the event that a student violates either this Agreement or the Bank loan agreement, the student will be required to pay all legal and collection costs incurred by the University in enforcing these agreements. 
You agree that the University may conduct criminal background and employment checks on you through your period of enrollment and practical training and for 90 days thereafter.

Statement of Student's Acceptance 
August 2024 - May 2025 agreement form.

Please sign below to indicate the following:

I, the undersigned, have carefully read and understood this Agreement in its entirety, and I accept and agree to all the provisions in this Agreement.

I understand that these policies are in addition to the standard university policies.


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