Virginia Christian University

GRADING SYSTEM

Semester grades and grade points are assigned as following the 4.0 grade point system and requiring a 2.0(C) average for graduation. Grades and their interpretation are as follows.

I(Incomplete)-- An Incomplete grade may be issued by a faculty member in lieu of a final grade when course requirements have not been met by the end of the semester. An Incomplete Grade Contract must be completed by the faculty member and signed by the student. Request for an "I" must be made prior to the due date of the work required. The student is responsible for removing an "I" from his record. This work must be completed within six weeks of the end of the semester in which the "I" is received. Failure to meet this deadline will automatically result in an "F" for the course.

Withdrawal--- A student desiring to withdraw from the Seminary at any time should report that fact in writing to the Academic Dean, so that his records may be completed, and his transcript released. Failure to complete the proper withdrawal form will result in the non-release of the transcript.

Examination---All examinations must be taken at the time scheduled. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the professor with the approval of the Academic Dean. Requests for such an exception must be submitted in writing prior to the set time.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students from other acceptable seminaries who seek to complete their theological studies at VCU must meet the requirements set forth in the catalog. Transfer applicants will be considered for acceptance by the Admission Committee upon presentation of satisfactory transcrips from accredited college and universities which grant higher degrees.

Credit will be given for courses completed in other accredited institution when such courses are comparable to those offered in this institution;

(1) The grades of D or F are not transferable.
(2) Transfer of some credits is allowed toward all degrees from accredited graduate theological schools or other accredited university.
(3) All transfer students for Th.B degree must complete at least two full years of work(70 credit hours) at this University to be eligible for graduation.
(4) No more than 40 hours of credit for M.Div degree may be transferred.
(5) No more than 25 hours of credit for MCC(MCE) degree may be transferred.
(6) No more than 15 hours of credit for Th.M degree may be transferred.
(7) No more than 15 hours of credit for doctoral degree may be transferred.
(8) No credit is given for correspondence courses of all degree program.

1. Application forms may be obtained by writing to:

Virginia Christian University.
14012-F Sullyfield Circle
Chantilly, VA 20151

The application should be submitted as soon as possible together with the a application fee of $30.00 and the other items required. The application fee is not refundable.

2. An original transcript of credits from each past school and college or seminary institution attended by the applicant should be sent by each institution directly to the Director of School.

3. Satisfactory references from the pastor of local church or professor of School.

4. The Director of Admissions may require an interview with applicant before admitting her/him as a student at the seminary. After all required data have been received, the Admissions Committee will prayerfully consider the applicant, and the Director of Admissions will inform the applicant of their decision.

All diploma and degree candidates of the VCU are expected to conduct themselves at all times as mature Christians. The VCU stands committed to the position of the Westminster Standards as sound exposition of the biblical principles of conduct as well as of faith and doctrine. The VCU reserves the right to refuse to admit or dismiss students whose conduct fails to meet the ethical principles set forth in the Bible and the Westminster Standards.

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where with ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"(Eph.4:1-3).

In keeping with the goal of a drug-free campus, possession or consumption of alcohol anywhere on the VCU campus, including class rooms, is not permitted. The VCU prohibits the possession or use of alcoholic beverages on campus or at functions elsewhere held by the VCU or its organizations. Public display, drunkness, and misconduct are violations of the VCU conduct rules and those violating these rules will be disciplined in accordance with the seriousness of the violation.

The VCU prohibits the possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs. Anyone apprehended using or selling on campus will be subject to immediate dismissal.

The VCU reserves the right to conduct an inspection of any class room or automobile when it has good reason to believe that VCU regulations are being violated. The VCU also must reserve the right to request at any time the withdrawel of a student who cannot make the required progress toward graduation or whose conduct is detrimental to his or her health or whose conduct is not satisfactory to its officials. A student may be asked to withdraw because of unsatisfactory conduct in the absence of any specific charge.

CLASS ATTENDANCE REGULATION

All class work taken is directed to glory of God, and designed for the best preparation of students for their service to God. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and to be on time for all class sessions. No student should absent himself from one class in order to fulfill requirements of another class. The handling of unexcused absences is left to the discretion of the professor.

Attendance at 70 percent of the sessions of a course, both credit and audit, is required. All absences for any reason must fall within the 30 percent allowed. A student with four unexcused absences for a two hour course, six for a three hour course or eight for a four hour will be dismissed from the course with a failing grade. Excessive absences may be appealed to the Academic Affairs Committee. Additional attendance requirements may be stipulated by the professor.

The faculty believes that class attendance is an integral and meaningful element in courses of instruction. Since the importance of the common gatherings of participants may vary from course to course, instructors are given the responsibility of regulating attendance in their classes, subject to the following limitations:

(1) Attendance regulations are to be clearly announced in writing by the instructor at the beginning of each term.
(2) Attendance regulations for multi-section courses are to be set by agreement at department level.
(3) Excessive absences may result in suspension from the course with the grade of F. When a grade of F is given for excessive absences, the instructor must notify the Registrar in writing.
(4) Student appeals concerning attendance regulations are to be made to the VCU Academic Regulation Committee.

COURSES SELECTED OR CHANGED

During the third month of the spring and fall terms each student should, in consultation with the faculy advisor, select courses for the following term and submit the selections to the Office of Redistrar on a preregistration form. Any change in the course of study must be made at start times during the first two weeks of the semester with written permission.

Courses discontinued(with permission) after the first two weeks of the Fall or Spring Term are recorded WA(authorized withdrawal). Courses dropped after the date announced in the registration bulletin for each long term will automatically get the garde of WF( withdrew failing).

The deadline is announced at each registration. Courses marked WF are counted as hours attempted in the grade point ratio while grades of WA are ignored in computing the grade point ratio.

Student may be permitted to do independent academic work in close consultation with a professor. They must have completed at least one course in the discipline, have an overall grade point ratio of 2.50, and sophomore standing. No student may have more than 10 percent of the total semester hours in independent study.

To register for independent study, a form which describes the chief requirements must be completed, be endorse by the chair of the department and Dean of Academic, and? be filed in the Registrar's office.

A student may retake a course for the purpose of improving a grade only if a grade of "D" or "F" was earned previously. Such a request must be approved in writing by the Academic Dean of the VCU.

The last grade earned shall be used to determine credit for the course and in the computation of the student's grade point ratio, although the student's record will list the course and grade each time it is taken. This policy applies only when the student completes the course.

Should a fourth course be retaken, both grades for that course will be computed in the grade point ratio. No student who fails a course twice is permitted to taken it a third time without permission from the Academic Dean and the professor concerned of the VCU.

CLASS CALENDAR

The Virginia Christian University is conditioned on a two-semester basis with the first semester concluding prior to Christmas and the second semester concluding in the early part of June. Each semester is 15 weeks long including one week for examination. Virginia Christian University conducts abbreviated summer and winter sessions in addition to the two regular academic semesters for an opportunity of students to advance in their programs.

CRITERIA FOR EXPULSION A STUDENT

(1) By regulation of federal education.
(2) By the school regulation.
(3) Student fails to attend for one month of the semester without permission of the Virginia Christian University.
(4) Student does not register a course for two month by the school regulation.
(5) Student does not return to the school after the student asks for a of absence for one semester.
(6) Student recieves 3 warnings of educational matters by the school regulation.
(7) Student gains admission to another school without permision of the Virginia Christian University.

CRITERIA FOR DISMISSAL FROM CLASS

(1) Student may be dismissed from class for adequate cause by the VCU. Students dismissed have the right to appeal the decision to the Academic Regulations Committe within 48 hours.
(2) Before a student can be dismssed from a class, the professor must have given prior written warning to the student that the student is in imminent danger of dismissal. If the student is later dismissed, written notification must again be given. Copies of the notices shall be sent to the Academic Office and the Office of Student Services.
(3) If dismissal from a class causes the student's course load to fall below that required to remain in the dormitory, the student may petition the Dean of Students to modify this requirement. Appeals may be made to Professor Committee of the VCU.
(4) A student who is dismissed from class in the Winter Term or the Summer Term will be required to vacate the dormitory room within 24 hours following appeal verdicts. Faculty members dismissing a student from a class during the Winter Term or Summer Term are required to notify the Dean of the VCU of their actions immediately by telephone.

STUDENT RECORDS POLICY

The permanent records of students at VCU shall consist of files in the Academic Office, and the Office of Student Services, and placement folder. All information collected on students during attendance at the college shall be retained during the time of attendance at VCU and for seven years thereafter. Student may examine their academic records by contacting the Academic Office to make an appointment.
After seven years the VCU will maintain only the following:

(1) the application for admission;
(2) the academic records, including a listing of courses attempted, credits, grades, quality points earned;
(3) the transcripts, which will list courses attempted, credits earned, grades, and quality points, date of graduation, degree awarded;
(4) the placement file;
(5) the student financial account.

MAXIMUM COURSE LOAD

The maximum course load during regular terms is 16 semester hours, but the student of the Th.B. degree may exceed 16 hours with approval of the Dean of Academic of the VCU. A normal course load (full-time) is 12 hours per semester for all course. The maximum course load for the Summer Module Term is four semester hours and also for the Winter Module Term is four semester.

A student may normally take no more than 9 hours or 3 courses as independent studies during the College career. Student who have full-time employment should consider spreading their work over a longer period of time. The maximum time to complete the Th.B. degree is six years from the date of matriculation, and five years for the M. Div. degree, and four years for the M.C.E or M.C.C degree.

SPIRITUAL LIFE OF STUDENT

Student Orientation....VCU offers orientation each semester for new and continuing students to provide information on school life, policies, regulations, faculty, administration, and the surrounding community for the upcoming semester.

International Students...The needs of international students studying at VCU are unique and require additional attention to meet their needs. VCU recognizes that these students need more help than local students in adjusting to life at VCU. Although the university does not operate dormitories, ample housing is available nearby.

Student Fellowship... Every student enrolled at Virginia Christian University is a member of the Student Fellowship. The student activity fee funds student activities. The Student Fellowship seeks to stimulate prayer and community among students and organizes the bi-annual mountain prayer meetings and the¡°Praise the Lord¡±program in campus.

Student Clubs of VCU....VCU encourages the formation of student clubs that will be beneficial to the students academically and emotionally. Friendship and fellowship among Christians can be soothing to the soul, promote a spirit of cooperation and a desire to continue the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. We, therefore, encourage the clubs that abide by our Christian values and ethics, spiritual life. Examples of clubs are: Mentoring Club, Book reading Club, Short-term missions Club, Bible study Club and more in VCU campus and field work.

Worship and Spiritual Life... Students at Virginia Christian University enjoy a variety of opportunities to enhance their spiritual development. It is expected that all students will regularly attend and be involved in a local church. Virginia Christian University conducts Revival Meetings at the beginning of each semester. There are chapel services for students every Monday. Chapel services feature worship, as well as messages by members of the faculty and other Christian leaders. All students are expected to attend chapel. In addition, to assist in the spiritual nurturing of the student body, the Student Government Council arranges the Mountain Prayer Meeting during each semester. The worship services and other spiritual nurture opportunities are intended to complement the instruction and spiritual growth students receive in the classroom.

ATTENDANCE POLICY OF STUDENT

It is the privilege of VCU to provide quality instruction in an environment where learning can flourish. In order to receive maximum benefit from the instructional program, students are expected to attend school regularly and be punctual each day and each class time of lecture for best learning. It is understood that good attendance positively impacts the learning process.

Good school attendance is so very important. School attendance very closely correlates with academic performance in schools; therefore, enforcing compulsory school attendance is everyone's job both law enforcement and schools. We, as attendance workers must work hand in hand with law enforcement to keep students in school. If allowed to continue violating school attendance law, student will sooner or later become a dropout statistic. Every student deserves an education, and we must see that they attend school to get an appropriate education. School attendance workers have an important part in building our future.

(1) CLASS ATTENDANCE.... Regular and punctual attendance in classes is expected of all students at VCU. Each faculty member is to state in writing to all students in a class the attendance policy for that class. The faculty member is the judge of whether the student has met the stated attendance requirements of the course.

Class attendance is considered essential to the educational process. The VCU subscribes to the philosophy that academic success is directly proportional to class attendance. It is important that students regularly and punctually attend all class sessions. Attendance will be recorded from the first day the class meets through the final exam.

(a) The professor must receive the names of students from the office of VCU.
(b) The professor must call attendance from those who have registered for every class.
(c) The professor must verify the student through their ID and attendance record the first day.
(d) The professor must announce the class policy to their students for the attendance of class.
(e) The professor will report to the school office on those students who have missed two or more classes.

Recognizing that situations may arise to prevent a student from attending a class, the VCU will accommodate occasional absences but recommends that students who attend less than 80% of the scheduled class meetings submit a withdrawal request to the VCU Office according to the Withdrawal Procedures described in the VCU Catalog and Faculty Handbook.

Regular attendance and participation in schooling is an important factor in educational and life success. Students who are regular non-attenders are at risk of alienation from education that can lead to decreased options for future pathways.

(2) SEMINAR ATTENDANCE...... The success of a seminar depends upon the regular attendance and participation of each member. For this reason, an unusual number of absences from the regular meetings of a seminar will result in a grade of F for the course, despite completion of other requirements.

(3) All absences are unexcused except those caused by illness of the student, quarantine, death in the immediate family, recovery from an accident, required court attendance, educational tours and trips, and certain religious holidays. If a student is absent from school, his/her family should call the School office at (703) 250-8711, report the absence. It does not alleviate your responsibility to provide a written excuse, as directed in this policy. A student shall not be absent from school or from any other required school hours except for illness or other providential cause, unless with written permission of the teacher, or other duly authorized school official.

(4) ILLEGAL EXCUSE....A student, who is absent from school without legal excuse, will be marked as being unexcused for the period of each absence. Students will be notified of their responsibility for their unexcused absences by the proper school authority;

(a) The office of VCU will also send a notice by mail to the students who have accumulated three absences from the class of school, informing them of the attendance policy and inviting them to contact the VCU Office to discuss the matter.
(b) An unexcused absence occurs when the student does not provide, within two (2) days after an absence, an explanatory note signed by the student or visitation by a physician, which satisfies the criteria for excused absence. After three (3) days unexcused absences from school or the class, an official notice of unexcused absence will be sent to the student. The notice will list the dates of unexcused absences and notify students that any further illegal absence constitutes a summary offense under the School Code .

(5) EXCUSED ABSENCE...Excused absences may be granted for: illness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, impassable roads, school-sanctioned educational trips, family trips, religious holidays, and exceptionally urgent reasons which affect the student and which do not include work at home. Absences for other reasons will be considered unexcused. For an absence to be excused, the student must send a note to the office of VCU within two (2) days after each absence or the day of absence.

Instructor(Professor)s may advise any student with excessive absences to withdraw from the course involved to protect the academic standing of the student. It is the students responsibility to monitor absences and to comply with the instructors syllabus concerning make up work. Failure to complete make up assignments or to withdraw when it is clear that the student cannot achieve an acceptable grade in the class may result in a low grade, including possibly an F based on grade performance in the course. Grades will not be raised or lowered based directly on attendance.

(6) EARLY EXCUSE.... Students are not permitted to leave the school campus at any time during the school day without permission from the principal or Academic Dean. If student wish to be excused early during the school day, student must present a note to the Academic Dean of VCU. The note should indicate (1) the date and time of dismissal; (2) appropriate reason of absence; (3) signature of the student.

The secretary of VCU will issue an "early dismissal" slip to the student, which student must present to the teacher (for his/her signature) at the time of departure of the student. If student return to VCU on the same day, student are to report to the office or Academic Dean before going to class.

(7) APPEALS PROCESS... If a student disagrees with the assignment of an unexcused absence, a tardy or denial of permission to make up missed work, an appeal may be made to the appropriate chief instructional officer or his designee. The appeal must be submitted in writing within one week of the incident.

(8) ASSIGNMENTS.... Students are expected to spend two-three hours outside of class reading and/or studying the material or working problems for every hour spent in class. Students are required to read the chapters listed on the Assignment Outline. Lectures and class discussion will follow and supplement the text. Students should read the assignments before class, take notes during class, and follow up by reviewing and/or working related problems immediately after class. Many classes meet every other day and some students make the mistake of thinking that they should study for that class every other day. Best results are realized when students study each class every day.

The student alone assumes responsibility for all absences. A student who presents the instructor with an adequate and documented reason for an absence normally will be given an opportunity to make up the work missed. The responsibility for initiating the request to make up class work missed is vested in the student.