The Academy reserves the right to modify its policies, procedures, admissions criteria, curriculum, course offerings, instructional methods (including virtual delivery), program structure, academic calendar, scheduling, program duration, graduation or certificate requirements, tuition and fees, and student resources at any time. Such updates may be made to ensure the continued relevance, quality, and rigor of The Academy’s programs in a rapidly evolving professional and information environment. Any material updates to this Handbook will be communicated to students through official Academy channels. Students are responsible for remaining informed of all current policies, requirements, and expectations outlined in this Handbook, as well as any additional policies associated with their specific program. This Handbook is intended as a guide for current students. It does not constitute a contract between The Academy and any student.
Welcome
Welcome to The Academy.
You are now part of a learning environment designed for disciplined thinking, applied understanding, and meaningful professional growth. We are honored to have you join a community of individuals who operate in complex, high-stakes environments—and who seek not just knowledge, but clarity, judgment, and wisdom.
The Academy is led by scholar-practitioners from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area—leaders who have operated at the highest levels of government, intelligence, defense, policy, corporate strategy, and academia. Here, you will learn not only what is known, but what has been tested.
Our courses are intentionally designed to bridge theory and application. Concepts are not left abstract—they are examined critically, pressure-tested against real-world constraints, and refined into tools you can apply directly within your professional sphere. Equally important is the environment you are entering. The value of The Academy lies not only in its curriculum, but in the disciplined exchange of ideas among professionals who understand responsibility, complexity, and consequence. Your peers will challenge you, sharpen your thinking, and expand your perspective.
This handbook serves as a guide to help you navigate your experience at The Academy. It outlines the standards, expectations, and resources that will support your success. Our objective is not simply credentialing—it is transformation.
At The Academy, knowledge is the foundation, understanding is the journey, and wisdom is the destination.
Welcome—we look forward to the work ahead.
Accademic Resources
The Academy provides students with access to a focused set of academic and professional resources designed to support applied learning, critical thinking, and real-world decision-making.
Glocal Platform Access
Glocal is designed not only to aggregate, categorize, and synthesize global information, but also to enable members to actively engage with and improve the information environment itself.
Students are encouraged to use Glocal to:
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Track and analyze current events and information trends
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Support research and written assignments
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Develop structured, insight-driven perspectives
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Strengthen their ability to operate within high-volume, complex information environments
In addition, Glocal enables active participation through:
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Content Evaluation – Students can rate and assess information quality, contributing to a more accurate and reliable information ecosystem
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Meaningful Engagement – Students can engage directly with issues through structured interaction with content
Through Glocal, students are not only consumers of information—but participants in improving and leveraging it.
Faculty Access and Office Hours
Students have direct access to faculty—scholar-practitioners with real-world experience—through:
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Live course sessions
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Optional office hours
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Targeted feedback on assignments
This access is a core component of the Academy experience and is intended to support both academic development and professional application.
Professional Mentorship- Career Preparation & Guidance
Beyond the classroom, our program directors and visiting professors provide personalized career guidance, interview and résumé support to help students advance confidently into the next stage of their professional journey. Whether students are applying to the CIA, DIA, NSA, FBI; our scholar-practitioner faculty is there to mentor you; however, job placement is understandably not guaranteed.
Accessibility & Accomodations
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equity and access to programs. Students are responsible for communicating their needs to The Academy before the start of classes to allow time to review the documentation and make recommendations for appropriate accommodations.
Requesting Accommodations
Students seeking accommodations are responsible for initiating the process by contacting The Academy at info@theacademy.university prior to the start of their program. This allows sufficient time to review documentation and determine appropriate accommodations.
Requests should include:
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Relevant documentation of the disability
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A description of the requested accommodation(s)
The University is not responsible for making special accommodations for students who have not declared their disabilities and have not requested an accommodation in a timely manner. Also, The Academy need not modify course or degree requirements considered to be an essential requirement of the program of instruction.
The Academy is committed to ensuring that all students—regardless of circumstance—have the opportunity to fully engage with and benefit from the learning experience. At the same time, students are expected to meet the academic and professional standards of their program.
Honor Code
At The Academy, integrity is not an abstract principle—it is a professional requirement.
Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty, ethical judgment, and personal responsibility in all aspects of their work and engagement.
As a member of The Academy, I commit to:
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Produce work that is my own, grounded in truth and accurate representation
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Acknowledge the ideas, analysis, and contributions of others with integrity
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Engage in rigorous, respectful discourse—challenging ideas without compromising professionalism
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Use knowledge and frameworks gained through The Academy responsibly and ethically
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Uphold the standards of this institution in both academic and professional contexts
I understand that violations of this code undermine not only the learning environment, but the trust required among professionals operating in complex and high-stakes domains. Integrity is the foundation of sound judgment.
Sexual Misconduct and Non-Discrimination
The Academy is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, and misconduct. In accordance with applicable laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, The Academy prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct.
Commitment to a Safe and Professional Environment
All students, faculty, and participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with professional standards of respect and integrity.
Sexual misconduct in any form is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
The Academy is committed to:
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Supporting individuals who report misconduct
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Addressing concerns promptly and appropriately
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Maintaining, to the extent possible, the privacy of all parties involved
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Students who experience or become aware of sexual misconduct are encouraged to report the incident as soon as possible.
Reports may be made by contacting The Academy directly at:
info@theacademy.university
The Academy will review all reports and take appropriate action, which may include investigation and disciplinary measures, up to and including removal from the program.
Faculty and Staff Responsibilities
Faculty and staff who become aware of potential sexual misconduct are expected to report such information to The Academy administration so that appropriate steps can be taken to address the situation.
Interim Measures and Support
Where appropriate, The Academy may implement interim measures to support individuals involved in a report. These may include adjustments to course participation, communication boundaries, or other reasonable measures within the online learning environment.
Pregnancy and Related Conditions
The Academy is committed to supporting students who are pregnant.
Students may request reasonable modifications related to pregnancy and/or childbirth by contacting:
info@theacademy.university
Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure continued access to the program while maintaining academic standards.