Academic Information

Registration begins approximately six weeks prior to the start of a new semester. Early registration is encouraged. A late registration fee will be charged.

Advisement

New and continuing students are encouraged to seek academic advisement in planning their education. Advisement for new students is available through the Student Services Office. Advisement for continuing students is available through their faculty mentor.

Drop and Add

Students may add courses during the first two weeks of a 15-week semester and during the first week of a 7-week summer mini-mester. Additions after that time must be approved in advance by petition to the Administrative Committee. Students may drop courses without grade penalty during the first six weeks of a 15-week semester or first three weeks of a 7-week summer mini-mester. Any course dropped after that time will be recorded with a failing grade, unless the student has been granted permission to drop without academic penalty by petition to the Administrative Committee. All course changes are the responsibility of the student. Requests for a course change must be made in writing to the Student Services Office.

Auditing

Any student who has been admitted to one of Grace School of Theology's degree programs may register to audit a course without credit. Anyone auditing a course is considered a regular participant in the class, though completion of written assignments or examinations is not required. Audit enrollment may be limited in some courses. Audit students must meet normal attendance requirements. Audited classes may be repeated for credit.

Independent Study

Permission may be granted for a student to enroll in a regular course through independent study. Students who take courses by independent study lose the benefit of classroom interaction with the professor and other students. Therefore, independent studies are granted only in extenuating circumstances, and should not be undertaken solely for personal convenience. A request for an independent study should be submitted to the Student Services Office well in advance of the scheduled registration time.

Attendance

Grace School of Theology believes classroom interaction between professor and students is a vital part of training. Absence from more than two class sessions during the semester (or one class session during a summer mini-mester) may result in a grade reduction for the course. Absence from more than four class sessions during the semester (or two class sessions during a summer mini-mester) will result in failure of the course. To request an exception to this policy the student may submit a petition to the Administrative Committee.

Taking Classes

Examinations

Specific examination times are announced by the professor. A schedule of final examinations is provided by the Student Services Office. In the case of serious illness or family emergency, arrangements may be made to take the examination(s) at another time.

Grading (make a table w. lighter text over the darker background to match the page bkgd.)

Course Extensions

In the case of serious illness, family emergency or other extenuating circumstances, students may request an extension that will allow them to complete their coursework beyond the end of the semester. The request for extension must be approved in advance by the instructor for the course and may be granted for up to four weeks past the last day of the class. This period may be further extended only by petition to the Administrative Committee. If an extension is approved the student will be given a temporary incomplete for the course. If the student fails to complete the work by the end of the subsequent semester, the incomplete will be changed to a failing grade. Students are advised to plan their courses a year or more in advance. The minimum full-time academic load for degree programs is eight credit hours. The minimum half-time load for those programs is four credit hours.

Pursuing Your Degree

Course Load

A credit hour normally represents one 50-minute class meeting per week over a 15-week semester. For each hour in class the student should anticipate studying approximately two hours outside of class. The first semester of enrollment generally requires more time for adjustment and the development of effective study and management skills.

Faculty Mentoring

Each Advanced Diploma student is assigned to a faculty mentor within the first 6 months of enrollment at Grace School of Theology. Faculty mentors work closely with the local church to facilitate the student's development in godly character and ministry skills. Faculty mentoring is an integral part of the training process and an important distinctive of Grace School of Theology.

Academic Standing

To remain in acceptable academic standing, the following grade point averages must be maintained:

Academic Probation/Dismissal

The Student Services Office reviews the total academic record of each student each semester. If a student's cumulative grade point average falls below the minimum standard (see Academic Standing), the student is automatically placed on academic probation. If the student improves his or her cumulative grade point average to the minimum standard during the subsequent semester, the student is automatically removed from probation. If a student remains on probation for two consecutive semesters, he or she may be subject to dismissal. Any student in a degree program whose grade point average falls below 1.0 for a semester is subject to dismissal at the end of that semester. If a student is dismissed for not meeting academic standards, the student may appeal to the Administrative Committee for readmission.

Incoming students may be admitted on academic probation if the student's undergraduate grade point average was below the admission standard or if the baccalaureate degree was granted from a non-accredited institution. In such cases, probationary status may be removed after the completion of 12 credit hours of satisfactory work.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Grace School of Theology maintains a variety of records relating to students. The Student Services Office retains the official file, which includes the student's original application for admission, recommendation forms, transcripts and other pertinent information. These records are available to faculty and staff who have legitimate educational interests.

Educational records are released to outside individuals or agencies only with the student's written permission. The only exceptions are those specifically required in Section 438 of the General Provision Acts.

Transcripts

Grace School of Theology students and alumni are entitled to receive transcripts of their completed coursework. Upon the written request of the student, with signature, the Student Services Office will issue an official transcript to appropriate institutions or individuals. Transcripts will not be issued for students who have not met their financial obligations. A transcript fee is charged.

Completing Your Degree

Requirements

Students must:

1. Give evidence of biblical understanding, godly character and readiness for ministry.
2. Successfully pass a comprehensive theology review exam.
3. Complete the prescribed course of study and achieve the required grade point average as outlined in the catalog.
4. Settle all financial obligations, including payment of the graduation fee.
5. Receive the recommendation of the faculty and approval by the Board of Trustees for graduation.
6. Make a request in writing, prior to enrolling for their final semester, to be considered for graduation.
7. Attend commencement exercises. Permission to graduate in absentia should be requested in writing from the Administrative Committee at least six weeks prior to commencement.

Students who have not completed all academic requirements may petition Administrative Committee to participate in commencement if the remaining requirements will be completed by the end of summer semester and if eight hours or less remain for completion.

Commencement exercises are held only at the end of the spring semester.

To return to the Admissions Information, Click Here >>>