National Bible College & Seminary
―Training men and women… …as if souls depend on it‖
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2006-2007
Dr. Stephen L. Lowery, President Dr. Aaron Jones, Vice President Dr. Richard Archer, Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Idrenne Lim-Alparaque, Dean of Online Studies
TABLE OF CONTENTS NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AUDIT POLICY STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY GRIEVANCE ON CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION GRADING POLICY PAYMENT POLICY REFUND POLICY INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY REPEATING A COURSE POLICY WITHDRAWAL POLICY GIFT GIVING GRADUATION POLICY TRANSCRIPT POLICY ORDERING TEXTBOOKS POLICY ACADEMIC PROBATION FINANCIAL POLICY M1 VISAS POLICY TERM PAPER POLICY 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 11 11 12 13 14 15
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STUDENT PRACTICUM EVALUATION TEST TAKING TECHNIQUES HOW TO ANSWER ESSAY QUESTIONS
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NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
National Bible College and Seminary policies are in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PL-88-353) and all regulations adopted pursuant to such title to the end that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, gender or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. Furthermore, National Bible College and Seminary does not discriminate against ethnic origin, or gender in administration of its educational policies, scholarship programs, or admission policies, nor with regard to access to, or treatment in its programs in respect to those with impaired vision, hearing, or physical mobility. NBC/NBS is an Equal Opportunity Institute of Higher Learning.
AUDIT POLICY
Students who enroll on a non-credit basis are classified as audit students. The cost to audit a course is $120.00. Courses will appear on the student's transcript, but will not receive credit. Audit students who enroll in a course and later decide to convert the course for credit shall file an approved academic petition within four weeks prior to the end of the semester and must be passing the course at the time of the request. Upon approval, the student shall pay the additional tuition and must submit all course assignments by the end of the semester for a course grade to be applied to his/her transcript. Students who do not hold a Bachelor's Degree will not be allowed to audit graduate courses.
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STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS
Because of the Biblical demands of discipleship, it is expected that all students attending NBC/NBS will maintain the highest standards of conviction and conduct. Some specific rules and guidelines are as follow: Respect administration, faculty, and staff at all times. Faculty are not allowed to accept gifts except on special occasions (i.e. Birthdays and Christmas). Students are not allowed to solicit money or other favors from faculty or staff members (James 3:1-2). Students are expected to live in a manner consistent with the Word of God. Our school testimony depends on how our students witness to the world (Matt. 5:15-16). Students may dress casually, except when notified; however, no shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, etc., may be worn. Each student is expected to practice modesty and good hygiene. During classroom prayer or worship, students should refrain from the laying of hands or ministering to other students without their consent and professor’s approval. Since practical training is vital, all students are encouraged to participate in practical ministry at their home church. Students can receive evaluations and credit for practical ministry. All students are expected to bring a Bible, textbook, note pad, and pencils (pens) to each class. Students should maintain academic integrity at all times in order to complete assignments, tests, and research. Plagiarism and other forms of academic cheating will not be tolerated. Pagers and cell phones must be on vibrate during class.
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CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
Classroom attendance is essential for satisfactory academic achievement. Students are responsible for all course requirements, and regular class attendance. Punctuality is mandatory! Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students are responsible for all coursework missed during their absence. Your record of attendance will have an adverse effect on your final grade. Extended absences caused by accident, illness, and extenuating circumstances should be discussed with the professor. Students are responsible for make-up work for any classes missed. Note: Each faculty member should evaluate student attendance in computing final grades. NOTE: Students must receive professor’s approval to miss the last class. Missing final exams are not allowed.
Section on Grievance of Classroom Instruction
This section applies to students who disagree with classroom instruction. Because we employ trained professional personnel, students may not dispute course instruction, except subjects taught, non-related to instruction or grading policies. First, students must arrange a time to meet with the professor. Second, meet with Chair of department. Third, meet with the Academic Dean of students. At no time during class instruction should a student attempt to degrade the knowledge of a professor. Should such occur, the professor may notify the Dean of Graduate Studies for immediate action, which could result in major consequences.
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GRADING POLICY FOR UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE
GRADING SYSTEM
A+ A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF P AU W
4.00 grade points 3.90 grade points 3.80 grade points 3.70 grade points 3.50 grade points 3.00 grade points 2.70 grade points 2.50 grade points 2.00 grade points 1.70 grade points 1.50 grade points 1.0 grade points 0.0 grade points Pass (not in GPA total) Audit (no credit) Withdrawal GRADING SCALE
A+ = 98-100 A = 94-97 A- = 90-93 F = 59 & below
B+ = 87-89 B = 84-86 B- = 80-83
C+ = 77-79 C = 74-76 C- = 70-73
D+ = 67-69 D = 66-64 D- = 60-63
After receipt of a grade, a student has one week (seven days) to dispute any grade or an "I=Incomplete". If a student fails to submit the required course work during the grace period, the final grade given is recorded. Any contingent changes after seven days will be determined by the NBC/S administration. Student is responsible for all fees. A student must have a 2.00 (C) average or higher to graduate as an undergraduate student and 3.00 (B) average or higher to graduate as a graduate student.
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PAYMENT POLICY
Two types of payment plans are available: Students paying tuition in full at registration will receive a 10% discount. Students may pay in three installments. One payment is due at registration, with the remaining two payments due the first of each month. Payments will not extend past three months.
REFUND POLICY
No refund of fees. Refund on tuition, audit, or semester hour: Prior to first class……..……………….….100% First week (1st –7th day)……………….…...90% Second week (8th –14th day)……………….80% Third week (15th-21st day)…………………70% No refund after the third week or 21st day.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In case of inclement weather, the student should be aware of the following: Step #1 Monitor school closing for Prince George’s County Colleges (i.e. P.G. Community College, Bowie State University, etc.) Note: In the event one or all are closed follow step #2. Step #2 Call NBC/S at 301-567-9500, ext. 153. This extension will provide updated information on cancellation of classes for a particular day. Note: Do not leave messages for faculty at this extension.
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REPEATING A COURSE POLICY
A student who receives a grade of F in a required course must repeat the course in order to graduate. When a course is repeated, the last grade (points and credit hours earned) replaces the previous grade (points and credit hours) in computing the grade average. However, all grade entries on the transcript remain a part of the student's permanent academic record. The student must indicate that it is a repeat course at the time of registering for the course.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Voluntary - A student who wishes to withdraw voluntarily during a semester shall meet with the Registrar. The student must submit a letter of withdrawal and satisfy all financial obligations before withdrawal or they will not receive academic transcripts. A Grade of ―W‖ shall be placed on the student's transcript for the courses in which the student was enrolled. Unauthorized - A student who leaves during a semester without officially withdrawing may receive an ―F‖. Students should follow procedures for voluntary withdrawal. In exceptional circumstances such as a prolonged emergency, a student may be administratively withdrawn.
GIVING OF GIFTS
Students are not give gifts to faculty or staff in excess of $10.00.
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GRADUATION POLICY
Undergraduate To qualify for a bachelor degree, a student must: 1. Fulfill the academic requirements for the degree with a 2.00 (C) average or higher. 2. Fulfill all financial obligations thirty days before the graduation date. 3. Pay the graduation fee. 4. Students must submit a Request For Graduation Evaluation to the Registrar’s Office no later than one semester before the anticipated graduation.
Graduate 1. Fulfill the academic requirements for the degree with a 3.00 (B) average or higher. 2. Fulfill all financial obligations thirty days before the graduation date. 3. Pay the graduation fee. 4. Students must submit a Request For Graduation Evaluation to the Registrar’s Office no later than one semester before the anticipated graduation.
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TRANSCRIPT POLICY
A transcript contains all essential academic data such as the courses, grades and credits awarded, degree w/major and graduation date. Definitions: 1. An Official Transcript has the National Bible College and Seminary seal, date, and an appropriate signature for students who have attended this institution. Transcripts cost $7.00 each. Official Transcripts can only be released upon receipt of a written request from the student. 2. An Unofficial Student Transcript is an unofficial record of grades obtained while a student is attending NBC/NBS. It is issued to the student and has the appropriate signature and is dated without the College seal. When all coursework has been completed and all financial obligations are fulfilled, one (1) Unofficial Transcript will be available at no charge. All subsequent Unofficial Transcripts are $5.00 each. Official or Unofficial Transcripts will not be issued to a student who fails to meet all financial obligations to NBC/NBS.
ORDERING TEXTBOOKS POLICY
All students are required to have a textbook for each class. At the time of registration, books can be ordered through the Registrar. Before any books are ordered, the student must provide full payment for each book(s). Otherwise, the student will be responsible for buying his/her own book by the first day of class. Every semester a book list is enclosed with the course schedule.
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ACADEMIC PROBATION
Undergraduate Students placed on academic probation will remain on probation for one year. Students found in violation of rules and policies during probation will be expelled. The following examples are reasons for academic probation: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Cheating on test, quizzes, or homework.* Plagiarism Failure to maintain 2.00 GPA. Failure to abide by the Standards of Conduct (see page 1). Failure to abide by M1 Visas policy (see page 13).
The Academic Dean makes all decisions regarding academic probation. *Any student caught cheating will be placed on academic probation and will go before the school board to determine whether or not expulsion is necessary. Graduate 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Cheating on test, quizzes, or homework.* Plagiarism Failure to maintain 3.00 GPA. Failure to abide by the Standards of Conduct (see page 1). Failure to abide by M1 Visas policy (see page 13).
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FINANCIAL POLICY
Payment Plan At the time of registration the student will pay one third of the full tuition. The remaining payments are due in two installments at the first of each month. All classes must be paid in full by the end of each trimester. Checks and Late Payments A returned check is any check written to National Bible College and Seminary that is returned due to insufficient or stopped payment. A returned check of $30.00 and any late fees due will be applied to the account for each check that is returned. Checks are deposited only once. If your account has two returned checks, all remaining payments must be made in cash, money order, MasterCard, Visa or Debit card. If your account has three late payments, we reserve the right to ask to pay your account balance for the year in full. Finance Office Hours Financial Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Drop box is available when office is closed). There are some days the Finance Office may be open, such as school holidays and some school closures. Please call 301-567-9507, extension 20, if you have questions about these hours. Also, if you a special need to see Finance Office personnel when the office is not open, please call to schedule an appointment. Payment Office Address All payments are to be made to the finance office (across the street from the National Bible College and Seminary): National Bible College and Seminary 6700 Bock Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 Attn: Finance Office
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M1 VISAS POLICY
Failure to follow any of these procedures may result in dismissal from school: 1. All students attending NBC/NBS on an M1 visa must immediately notify the school of any change of address, phone number, or sponsor status. 2. Work permits will not be issued to M1 students. Students are not allowed to obtain employment while attending NBC/NBS. 3. M1 students must apply for renewal of their visa no less than 60 days prior to expiration of their current visa. Students must provide a xerox copy of their I-20’s and I-94 card whenever a renewal is approved. (I-20’s will not be renewed if the student has a balance due on their account, or if their current I-20/I-94 is not on file.) 4. Students may not travel outside of the Washington Metropolitan area without informing the college/seminary in writing. Requests for official documents (i.e., identification cards, driver’s license, etc.) must be made in the student’s state of residence. On application, students may only travel outside of the United States during the summer and Christmas breaks. Overseas travel requires written permission from the school, and endorsement of their I-20 by the Administrative Dean of NBC/NBS. 5. Students on an M1 visa may not transfer to another school without prior permission of the college. 6. Students must understand that they are visitors in the United States, and should follow all laws of the land. All incidents involving law enforcement officials must be reported to the college and seminary. 7. Students attending NBC/NBS are on a one-year visa. A student may receive an extension for one additional year after review of their academic and financial status with the college and seminary. 8. Any student not enrolled in classes while on an active visa will be expelled from the school and reported to INS.
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TERM PAPER POLICY
The following texts should be consulted when writing term papers: Primary Source: Barron, Alvin. Bud's Easy Research Paper Computer Manual-11 Steps to An A+ paper 5th edition (or most recent edition). New York: Lawrence House Publishers, 2003. *Note: MLA Handbook (chapters 4-1 thru 8-10)* Note: This book may be found in local bookstores or ordered from companies. Term papers are long essays that are approximately five to seven pages. The purpose is to give students opportunity to demonstrate their use of language tools in theology and analyses of Biblical text. Students will demonstrate knowledge of vocabulary, syntax and argument, and problem solving. Students will develop a bibliography to support the final paper; which will consist of a Works Cited page. Both form and content are appraised in the term paper writing. Clear English prose, correct grammar, and correct spelling are required. Typing is double-spaced. Number pages will vary (i.e., term papers may be than five to seven pages). Elaborate literature reviews may not be deemed as necessary when writing term papers (In-text citations may be used in writing term papers). Paragraphing becomes vitally important in term papers. They replace chapters ordinarily in theses and dissertations.
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Headings are equally important: Centered Headings with major terms in capitals are underlined, with spacing 3 inches above and 2 inches below. Side Headings are underlined (or italicized) with first letter of each word in capital, with spacing 3 inches above and 2 inches below, and finally Paragraph Headings are underlined (or italicized) with first letter of each word in capital and spaced 3" inches above. There are no chapter headings except at the very beginning of the long essay. The manual cited in the first paragraph of this write-up gives adequate description of standard formats for: A. Abbreviations E. Bibliography B. Spelling F. Italics C. Quotations G. Indirect quotations D. Omission H. Footnotes E. Interpolations I. Numbers Associates Students must write a five to seven page paper. Bachelor Students must write a five to seven page paper. Masters Students must write a ten to fifteen page paper.
Doctorate Student must write a fifteen to twenty page paper.
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The Practicum Attendance Hours Requirements
Associates Students must work in a setting three hours per week for a trimester. Bachelor Students must work in a setting four hours per week for a trimester. Masters Students must work in a setting five hours per week for a trimester. Doctorate Students must work in a setting six hours per week for a trimester.
The Paper
The paper must include: Cover page: name of student, name of work site, address and phone number, work site supervisor, student major and degree sought, dates of assignment, and title of assignment Table of contents Introduction—Describing the position and type of assignments(s), state all things learned, i.e., teaching methods, counseling techniques, administration Body—Discuss each thing learned and how learning will be applied in your future, and give examples that enhances learning
Conclusion—Sum up the learning. Discuss good and bad experiences
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Supervising Instructor
Per the assignment, students will be assigned a supervising instructor, often the Chair of the department. The supervising instructor will visit the site and see student in ―action‖ one or more times. This visit will assist the instructor to determine the final grade.
The Grade
The paper—50% The supervising teacher’s assessment—30% The work site supervisor’s assessment—20%
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The Practicum
A practicum is required for all degrees: Associates, Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate.
STUDENT PRACTICUM EVALUATION
Course Number and Name:__________________ Trimester and Year_______
Instructions: This student has enrolled in ministry practicum/internship in your church or ministry. The student should be involved in ministry for ____ hours per week from_________________ to _______________ (enter dates of practicum). The pastor or ministry supervisor should complete this form. This evaluation helps determine the final grade. Please complete this form and return it to the Department Chair listed in the cover letter. Student Name:________________________________ Degree Program:____________________________ Church/Ministry:______________________________ Ministry Type:_____________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________Phone:____________ Street City State Zip Evaluators Name: ___________________________________Title: _______________________________
Please Print-This Must Be the Student’s Ministry Supervisor Please use 1=never/poor 2=sometimes/fair 3=most of the time/good 4=always/excellent
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Does the student demonstrate the ability and attitude necessary to cooperate and work successfully with people in the local church? _____ Does the student possess an adequate level of mental, emotional, and spiritual maturity necessary for the ministry? _____ Do lifestyle and communication of the student reflect a positive level of spirituality? ____ How would you rate the overall integrity of the student? _____ How would you rate the student’s overall ministry performance: _____
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3. 4. 5.
PLEASE LIST DUTIES THIS STUDENT PERFORMED BY PRACTICUM OR INTERNSHIP: ______________________________________________________________________________________ HOW MANY HOURS DID HE/SHE AVERAGE PER WEEK? ____ HOW MANY WEEKS?_________
Suggested grade for practicum or internship? (Circle one: A B C D F)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: ______________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________ Supervisor/Pastor’s Signature ____________________________________ Date
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO NATIONAL BIBLE REGISTRAR COLLEGE WITHIN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE PRACTICUM.
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TEST TAKING TECHNIQUES
Stand on John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Begin studying course materials the first week of class. Always take good class notes. If possible, tape-record the class sessions. Find a study partner or group. Always identify what you do know and review that material. Put more emphasis on the material you do not know. Find a secluded place to study (i.e. library, bedroom, or basement)—no television, radio, or telephone. If possible, get proper rest the night before the test. Eat a balance meal the day of the test. Never study the day of the test. The day of test is for review. Never cram for a test. Always answer the question you know first. Read all questions thoroughly before answering.
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HOW TO ANSWER ESSAY QUESTIONS
Read the questions thoroughly. Answers to essay questions must have at least five complete sentences. Use examples and life applications. If possible, cite the source of your response (i.e. book or magazine). Never respond with a ―yes or no‖ without providing an explanation. Check for grammar and punctuation errors. Outline your responses. Use Scripture references. Be detailed and precise.
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National Bible College and Seminary
6700 BOCK ROAD FORT WASHINGTON, MARYLAND 20744 301-567-9500 ext. 153 www.nationalbiblecollege.org
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