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The Unit of
Credit
All units of credit given by Harvest Bible University must be earned by enrolling
in courses, attending classes, completing required work, taking examinations,
and receiving grades. In rare cases, such as Evangelism and certain electives,
a course may be based primarily on directed activity. However, an instructor
is still in charge, written reports and attendance are required, and grades are
issued.
Each course represents two units of credit per quarter. As far as possible, courses
are designed to be similar in total work required; however, some differences
are inevitable, depending upon the nature of the material covered.
Grading System
COURSE GRADES
Grades are issued each quarter for each course and are recorded on the student’s
transcript as well as the permanent record for the course. A report card is given
to the student, a copy of which is kept in his or her permanent file. Grades
are issued on the following basis:
Work/Grade |
Undergraduate |
Graduate |
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Excellent =A |
90% -100% |
95% -100% |
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Good = B |
80% -89% |
90% -94% |
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Average = C |
70% -79% |
85% -89% |
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Poor =D |
60% -69% |
80% -84% |
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Failed = F |
0% -59% |
0% -79% |
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Inc = |
Incomplete (work not completed) |
Aud = |
Audit (no grade earned) |
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W = |
Withdrew from class |
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GRADE-POINT SYSTEM
Grade points are listed for course grades simply for the purpose of calculating
the student’s grade point average. These are not units of credit.
A = |
4.0 points |
C = |
2.0 points |
A- = |
3.7 points |
C- = |
1.7 points |
B+ = |
3.3 points |
D+ = |
1.3 points |
B = |
3.0 points |
D = |
1.0 points |
B- = |
2.7 points |
D- = |
0.7 points |
C+ = |
2.3 points |
F = |
0.0 points |
Examinations
Examinations are kept to a minimum so undue academic pressure does not build
up on students. However, examinations are an important part of the learning process
and are, therefore, handled in a manner consistent with the Word and the way
God Himself tests us.
Some specific points are that: (1) God does not test us more than we can bear.
Therefore, instructors at Harvest attempt to avoid scheduling tests in various
classes during the same week. (2) God tests us for our good, for our growth into
the image of Christ. Therefore, all testing at Harvest in the form of examinations
is done to increase learning not to put pressure on students.
This is accomplished through (a) the increased attentiveness of the student to
material that will be on exams; (b) the process of learning the material better
through studying for the examination; (c) the actual “review” of
taking the test; and (d) the feedback when the test is returned and the student “sees” how
he or she did. This last part is very important, and consequently it is university
policy that instructors return graded tests by the next time the class meets
after an examination, except in the case of final exams, which must be returned
to students or sent to the university office within one week after the end of
the quarter.
Missed Examinations and Homework
A student who misses an examination must take the examination the next time he
or she comes to class. Unless the reason for missing was an excused absence (see “Attendance” section)
the grade received on the test will drop one grade if it was needlessly taken
late. So be sure to talk to your instructor if this happens.
It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor and arrange
for the makeup exam. A student who fails to turn in a homework assignment, except
for an excused absence (see “Attendance” section) will be dropped
one grade if it was needlessly turned in late.
The reason for these policies is not to help the university or the instructors,
but to help the students keep from putting things off so long that they get discouraged
and give up. If you find yourself behind and getting discouraged be sure to see
your instructor, the Registrar, or the Dean for help and encouragement.
Incompletes
If a student is not able to complete the work in a course before the end of the
quarter due to illness or other pressing reasons (not just putting it off), he
or she may request that the instructor issue an “Incomplete” instead
of a grade. The student will then be allowed extra time to complete the missing
work, up to 30 days normally after the last day of class for the quarter. If
the student does not complete the work in that time, the grade for the course
will be based upon work which was completed, with missing grades and assignments
being averaged in as “F’s,” which may result in a lower grade,
or even an “F,” for the quarter. Note that it is the student’s
responsibility to follow through, not the instructor’s nor the university
office’s.
Report Cards
Instructors must turn all grades and attendance records in to the Registrar’s
office within one week after the end of each quarter. The Registrar’s office
will issue report cards to students who have earned grades.
Repeating a Course
If a student has taken a course and received a poor grade, he or she may request
permission to retake the course and have the better of the two grades entered
on his or her official transcript. Note, though, that credit will only be issued
for one time through the course, not two. Also, regular tuition will be charged
for each time the course is taken.
Academic Probation
Any student who gets six or more units with the grade “F” will be
placed on “academic probation.” This simply means that during the
next quarter the student will have the care and concern of the faculty and administration
to help him or her do better. If there is not any improvement the student must
meet with the Dean, and may be suspended from the university if there is no promise
of change. Readmission will be only by faculty approval. It is advisable to come
to an instructor or the Dean before getting to this point. They will be glad
to help.
Adding, Changing or Dropping Classes
A student may add, change, or drop courses during the first three weeks of the
quarter by going to the Registrar and filling out the proper form. If a student
desires to drop a course, he or she must notify the Registrar. This way, financial
credit will be received according to the refund schedule in the financial section
of this catalog, and the student will receive a “W” for that course
(Withdrew). If a student simply stops attending class, he or she will still be
carried on the roll sheet, charged accordingly, and may receive an “F” for
the course. So be sure to let the Registrar know before dropping so that your
grades and charges do not get messed up.
Auditing
Sometimes a student wants to take a particular course but does not want to take
it for credit. This is referred to as “auditing” a course. It involves
no homework, tests, or attendance requirements, and has a lower tuition cost.
The “auditor” simply sits in the class and listens.
Audit students do not normally receive a grade, since they are not taking the
course for credit. However, some audit students would like the option of receiving
credit later for a course. They need to do the following: Let the instructor
know; fulfill all normal attendance, homework, and test requirements; and ask
the instructor to issue them a “grade” in his or her grade book at
the end of the quarter. When they later want the audit changed to credit, they
must come to the Registrar and request the change. If everything is in order,
they may pay the rest of their tuition and the Registrar will enter their grade
and units of credit on their official transcript.
Attendance
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required, even if a student can pass exams without coming to class.
This is because God’s goal for us is to sit under men and women of God,
picking up their spirit, not just information to fill our minds. God ministers
through lives. The personal contact with an instructor is more important than
gathering his or her notes.
Also, maintaining the unity of the Body with other students in the class is essential
to growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. When some students
miss class often, or straggle in late, the unity is broken and a detached attitude
sets in which takes the joy and depth out of growing together in Christ. Therefore,
absences and “tardies” are recorded. Here are the specifics of the
Attendance Policy:
•Tardy—arriving in class after it
has started. Three “tardies” are recorded as one
unexcused absence.
Note: Students arriving more than 15 minutes after class starts are counted absent.
•Unexcused absences —one per class,
each quarter, maximum.
•Excused absences —three per class,
each quarter, maximum.
•Total absences—three per class,
each quarter, excused or not. Definition: Excused absences are
allowed for sickness, death in the family, or other pressing
business. They are not allowed for vacations, helping someone
move, working overtime to get extra money, or other “good” reasons.
(Prov. 21:2)
“Total absences” means the sum total of excused and unexcused
absences, including absences recorded due to having three or more “tardies.” (For
example, if a student has one unexcused absence, then he or she only qualifies
for two excused absences, not three. Or if he or she has three “tardies” and
one unexcused absence, then only one more excused absence is allowed. The total
cannot exceed three in any case.) Any unresolved situations will be referred
to the Dean, whose decision will be final.
If a student exceeds the limit of allowable absences, he or she may go to the
Registrar and request to be changed from “Credit” to “Audit” for
that course, so as to be able to continue taking the class; or he or she may
request to officially withdraw from the course to avoid an “F.” Doing
neither will result in an “F” for the course.
If a student is getting close to the limit, he or she should talk to the Registrar
or the Dean before it’s too late and credit for the course is lost.
CHAPEL ATTENDANCE
Chapel is one of the most significant parts of the Bible university experience.
It is a time when we all come together out of the classroom to rejoice in the
Lord—singing, praising, and worshiping Him; praying for each other; fellowshipping
together; and edifying each other in the Body of Christ. It is also a time when
we can have outside speakers or other special series, let students have a chance
to preach, and do many other “extras” together.
When chapel is held, it will be in the middle of the evening, between the two
class sessions. Everyone attending school that night is required to attend, even
if they only have one class. Those who do not have a class that night are encouraged
to come, but are not required to.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Harvest Bible University does not exist simply to issue degrees nor just to pass
on information. The goal of the university is to produce mature men and women
of God who are living examples of healthy, committed Christians. Therefore, all
students are to attend weekly worship services at their own home church.
Transferring Credits
Since the goal and calling of Harvest is not to issue degrees, but to train men
and women of God who love Him with all their heart and have become knowledgeable
and competent in the Bible, theology, and ministry, requests to transfer credit
from another college or university are carefully evaluated before acceptance.
The following standards apply as a minimum:
1. The student must have the other school send an official, sealed transcript
to the Registrar here at Harvest.
2. The other school must be accredited or approved. If it is not, then the Dean
will make an objective analysis of the quality of the institution based upon
its catalog, a perusal of the student’s course syllabi and class notes,
information in listings of colleges and universities, and contacts with the school
itself and others familiar with it.
3. Courses with a grade of “A” or “B” will be considered
for transfer of credit. Courses with a “C” may occasionally receive
partial or full credit. (Semester credits are converted to quarter units as follows:
1 semester unit = 11/2 quarter units.)
4. Direct equivalents of courses at Harvest will transfer. Courses which are
similar may transfer at partial credit. Courses which are different but which
would definitely contribute toward the specific degree being sought may transfer
at partial or full credit.
5. At least one-fourth of the units toward a degree or certificate must be earned
at Harvest.
6. In every case, the decision of the Dean will be final.
Graduation Policy
All degrees are awarded at the annual graduation ceremony. No degree may be issued
at any other time, nor to a student who does not attend and participate in the
ceremony (except in cases such as extreme illness or death in the family).
Also, as explained earlier, Harvest is not nearly as interested in issuing degrees
as it is in building men and women of God. Therefore, simply completing all academic
requirements does not automatically equal a given degree. If a student were to
insist on living an unChristlike life after repeated admonitions from the faculty
or Dean, he or she might not receive a degree. However, this policy refers only
to clearcut cases, where the student has been warned more than once by the Dean
of the possibility of not receiving a degree and has been given special attention
on a number of occasions to help with the problem(s). |
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