COLLEGE ACADEMIC HANDBOOK 2010-2011

ACADEMIC LIFE We believe that the classroom experience is the foundation of education at our college. We are dedicated to providing an education that is excellent in quality, balanced in scope, and spiritual in focus. Weve provided the following information to help students make the most of their academics at Briercrest College and Seminary. Syllabus The course syllabus is the written prescription for the focus and requirements for each class at Briercrest. Students should use their syllabi, which are available on the Briercrest Live website, to plan their semester workload. Class Attendance Policy In order to benefit fully from a Christian college education, to be good stewards of time and finances, and to be considerate of their classmates and faculty members, students must be in class at every opportunity. The following outlines the class attendance policy at Briercrest: All students missing more than two full weeks of a particular class, from the first day of class till the last day of class, will receive an automatic fail (0 per cent). A student may appeal a course failure due to excessive absences. We will grant successful appeals only in rare cases where all absences are clearly beyond the students control. Students must make appeals through the appeals process. The appropriate forms are available in Academic Services. Examinations Students are allowed three hours to write their final exams. As much as possible, exams are scheduled to avoid conflicts with other course exams. Students must write their final exams as scheduled unless the college has scheduled a conflict (i.e., two exams at the same time). We will not reschedule exams for personal reasons (e.g., travel home for Christmas). If a scheduled conflict does occur, students will write one of their conflicting exams during the scheduled conflict period (if possible). Teachers who give mid-term exams will schedule them during regular class time. ALL final exams are mandatory. Failure to write a final exam will result in an F (0 per cent) for the course. WE DO NOT PERMIT STUDENTS TO LEAVE BEFORE COMPLETING THEIR FINAL EXAMS. Students may not purchase a plane ticket or plan any other transportation that will require them to leave before their last final exam. It is solely the students responsibility to ensure that flights and/or travel arrangements or other circumstances do not conflict with her or his exam schedule. Conflicts with travel arrangements are not appropriate reasons for exam rescheduling.

Late Assignment Policy Promptness is a necessary ingredient in the development of a disciplined life. We encourage students to begin their assignments well in advance of the due date. Though individual faculty members may disallow late assignments at their discretion, the following is a statement of policy concerning late assignments: 1. All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the assigned day. 2. Professors will accept late assignments for one week from the original due date with a 20 per cent deduction from the assignment value. All late assignments are due at the beginning of class one week from the assigned date. 3. Professors will not accept assignments more than one week from the original due date. Students will receive a grade of zero per cent. Assignment Extension Policy 1. Individual faculty members may grant extensions, but rarely and only in unusually extenuating circumstances. They will not grant extensions due to other assignments or cocurricular involvement. 2. Faculty members do not have the authority to grant extensions beyond 5:00 p.m. of the last day of classes in the semester. Academic Probation The purpose of Academic Probation is to warn students who have experienced academic difficulty that they need to seek help to improve their grades or they may be required to discontinue their studies at Briercrest Students on Academic Probation are those whose semester GPA is below 2.0. The registrar will notify students of their probationary status in writing. Co-curricular Involvement for AP Students: Students who are on Academic Probation and who wish to participate in Clipper athletics, Worship Arts teams, or other significant co-curricular activities may do so for one semester and only if they submit a Student Success Contract that is approved by the registrar. Subsequent semester GPAs less than 2.0 will automatically disqualify AP students from co-curricular participation in the semester that follows. Distance Learning and AP Students: Students on AP are not allowed to take distance learning courses. Required to Discontinue All students will be required to discontinue after two consecutive semesters of attaining a semester GPA of less than 1.0. Students who attain a semester GPA of less than 2.0 for two consecutive semesters will also be required to discontinue unless they have demonstrated a serious commitment to their studies. We will not permit students to enrol in classes (on site or distance learning) for 12 months from the time they are required to discontinue. The registrar will notify students of this decision in writing.
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Students who wish to appeal this decision must follow the Appeal Policy in the Academic Calendar. Grade Recalculation Policy If students believe that a course instructor has made an error in their grade transcription or calculation, they should ask him or her to recalculate the grade. Students should be aware that their grade may go up or down, depending on the error. If students are not satisfied with the response, they may follow the academic appeal process as outlined in the Academic Review and Appeal Process (see page 5). Grade Recalculation Process 1. Students should approach the faculty member with their request. 2. If necessary, the faculty member will submit a grade change to Academic Services. The student will not pay a fee. Grade Review Policy If students believe they should receive a better course grade, they should request that the faculty member involved review the final mark. The decision to review the students grade is at the discretion of the faculty member. Students should also be aware that the faculty member may raise or lower the grade depending on the review of the assignment(s). If students are not satisfied with the response, they may follow the Academic Review and Appeal Process (see page 5). Grade Review Process 1. Students must initiate the grade review process within 30 days of the commencement of the following semester. 2. Students should approach the faculty member with their request. 3. If necessary, the faculty member will submit a grade change to Academic Services and a fee will not be charged. Remedial Work Policy The following is a statement of policy as it pertains to students requesting a review of a course grade: If a student believes that he or she has a valid reason to receive additional consideration on a course grade, he or she may ask the course instructor to reconsider the grade. The decision to reconsider the students grade and/or to assign remedial work is at the discretion of the faculty member. In order to qualify for remedial work, the course grade must be 45-49 per cent; the maximum that a grade may be raised as a result of remedial work is six per cent. (Example: If a student gets 49 per cent in a course, the maximum grade that student may receive after successful remedial work is 55 per cent.) In addition to remedial work, students must complete all regular course assignments with passing marks to qualify for the grade increase. If a faculty members decision is not acceptable to the student, he or she may follow the academic appeal process in the Academic Calendar. Multiple requests for grade reviews by the same student in
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consecutive semesters, as well as the students overall academic progress, will have a bearing on the consideration of his or her request. The student is responsible for the administrative fee that results from this process, except where there has been an error in grade transcription or calculation. The student must initiate the review process by September 30 for the winter and summer semester grades and by January 31 for the fall semester grades. Remedial Work Process 1. The student must initiate the review process by September 30 for the winter and summer semester grades and by January 31 for the fall semester grades. 2. The student must submit the request for a grade review in writing to Academic Services using the Remedial Work form. 3. The registrar will consult with the faculty member and either begin the process or deny it. 4. Academic Services will charge an administration fee of $100 to the students account upon approval of the appeal. 5. Upon completion of the remedial work, the faculty member will submit the revised grade (if any) to Academic Services. Academic Review and Appeal Process* Preamble Occasionally students may wish to appeal decisions that relate to course work (e.g., mark on an assignment, exam, or course grade), to other academic issues (e.g., program requirements or transfer credits), or to the application of some policy (e.g., a discipline matter, a program requirement). The Academic Review and Appeal Process attempts to ensure that students receive fair and appropriate treatment in such cases.** Our goal is that the student will understand and accept the outcome of this process. When appeals reveal out-of-date polices or inadequate process, the college will work hard to learn from the process and adjust the policies and/or processes. As such, the principles of careful research, attentive listening, and spiritual sensitivity are all key to the Academic Review and Appeal Process. 1. Request for Review Within the Situation If a student wishes to petition a review of an outcome in a particular situation, whenever possible, the request for a review should begin with the individual(s) who made the decision; such a request can be made either verbally or in writing. If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the faculty member or administrators decision, he or she may begin the appeal process as outlined below. 2. Appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee Following the outcomes of his or her request for review from the faculty member or administrator, there may be situations where a student feels that an appeal of this outcome is in order. He or she must make such an appeal in writing (see guidelines below) and submit
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it to the registrar. The registrar will take this appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee, who may ask for a written response from the faculty member or administrator involved in the case, after which the committee will render a decision. The student will receive a written response within one week of submission indicating the outcome. The committee maintains the right to defer the appeal to the next level (Education Team) if, for some reason, they require broader counsel to make the decision. 3. Appeal to the Education Team If a student wishes to appeal the situation beyond the steps indicated above, he or she may submit a written appeal/grievance to the Education Team within 14 days of the decision of the Academic Appeals Committee (unless it relates to a time-sensitive issue like exam schedules, in which case the appeal must occur within the appropriate time frame). The appeal must be in written form and should include all the details of the case as well as the decisions rendered in the appeals process. The student should direct it to the academic dean, who will present the appeal to the Education Team. The Education Team will communicate the decision to the student within two weeks of the appeal. The Education Team maintains the right to defer the appeal to the next level (Presidents Cabinet) if, for some reason, they require broader counsel to make the decision.

4. Grievance to the Presidents Cabinet

If, after following the appeal process up to and including the Education Team, the student is still dissatisfied with the outcome of her or his appeal, he or she may choose to file a grievance with the Presidents Cabinet. This grievance must be in written form and should include all the details of the case as well as the decisions rendered in the appeals process. The student should submit the grievance to the president or one of the vice-presidents of Briercrest College and Seminary. At this point, the Presidents Cabinet may recommend some form of Christian conciliation where an external ombudsman is asked to come and lead the review process. The decision of the Presidents Cabinet shall be considered the final stage of appeal within Briercrest College and Seminary.***

Notes: *The student can receive helpful guidance for beginning the appeal process from the registrar. **When necessary, a student or designate may be asked to be present at any point in the appeal process. ***To appeal the decision of the Presidents Cabinet, a student may contact the Association for Biblical Higher Education at (407) 207-0808 or through mail at 5575 S. Semoran Blvd, Orlando, Florida, 32878-0339.

Guidelines for Appeals at all Levels 1. Students must submit all appeals in writing and must include their full name, contact information, and date of submission. 2. Students may not begin the appeal of course grades more than 30 days after the start of the following semester. 3. Appeals must include a concise description of the reason(s) why the student is seeking an appeal. 4. Appeals must include details of any prior decisions along with the rationale given from the deciding body. 5. Students will receive all decisions in writing. The Appeals Committee will file copies of the communication at each level. 6. In recognition of the need for impartiality throughout the appeal process, no one will be allowed to make decisions on the students appeal at more than one level, though he or she may need to clarify the rationale for his or her decision. For example, if a faculty member denies the students appeal, that faculty member will not be responsible for making further decisions on that case if the student decides to appeal to a higher level. Class Changes Students may add or drop classes at no charge during the add/drop schedule at the beginning of each semester. Adding and Dropping Courses Students may add or drop courses until the add/drop deadline at no charge. Dropping courses after the add/drop deadline for semester courses results in no tuition refund. For modular courses dropped after the deadline, there is a 50 per cent tuition refund until 5 p.m. on the first day of the modular class. For additional information, visit www.briercrest.ca/college/current/information/keydates and read the current Add Drop Policy document. Auditing Courses Individuals who wish to audit courses may do so as students or prior to admission into the college or seminary. The student must register for the course through Academic Services and pay the current audit fee. Generally there are no assignments associated with auditing a course; however, in order for students to gain the most benefit from the course, we highly recommend that they complete the pre-course reading as indicated in the syllabus. Auditing students are welcome to participate in the class, but we ask them not to inhibit the participation of those taking the class for credit. The auditing student will not receive credit for the course; however, the audit will appear on the students transcript. Students may audit a course they have already taken for credit for free at any time. They must obtain permission from both the professor and Academic Services and submit a
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request to Academic Services. Academic Services reserves the right to limit or prohibit free audits in certain circumstances. A spouse of a student registered in a course may attend the same course as the student free of charge. The student should notify Academic Services ahead of time. Academic Services reserves the right to limit or prohibit spouses to attend. The student must also obtain permission from the course instructor.

NOTE: These courses do not show up on the spouses transcript. Upgrading a Course from Audit to Credit Students can upgrade an audit of a class to a credit prior to the add/drop deadline providing that they complete pre-course work. All due dates as outlined in the course syllabus apply. Students cannot upgrade courses from audit to credit after the add/drop deadline. Changing from Credit to Audit A student may request to change a course from credit to audit on or before the add/drop deadline with a 100 per cent refund of the tuition fee difference; after the add/drop deadline the student will receive 50 per cent of the tuition fee difference. Modular Class Changes Students may add a modular class up to the first day of the modular unless there is required pre-course work, in which case the student must receive the instructors permission to add the course after the add/drop deadline at the beginning of the semester and register through the Academic Services office. Students may drop a modular with full tuition refund only during the add/drop period as specified for the particular modular. Students may drop a modular and receive a 50 per cent tuition rebate after the add/drop deadline and up to and including the first day of the course. Taking a Year Off Students who plan to take time away from their studies at our college but who intend to remain in their program must notify Academic Services and ensure that they have applied for and been accepted into that program prior to leaving school. In order to maintain their status as a student in that program, students must complete at least one course per academic year (this includes internships). Students who do not complete at least one course during the year they are away will be required to re-enter under the requirements of the latest Academic Calendar (Catalogue). Visiting Students/Taking Courses at Another University or College We strongly encourage students who wish to take courses at another institution and who want those courses to be applied toward their college program at Briercrest to request a Letter of Permission from the registrar. This letter may make it easier to enrol in the course at the other institution and will ensure that the course will transfer providing the student has met the conditions of the letter.

Student Record If a student wishes to receive a copy of her or his official student file, he or she may submit a signed, written request to the Academic Services office. There will be a $20 fee for this service. The student can expect to receive copies the following as part of her or his official student file: * All transcripts that have been sent to Briercrest from other educational institutions * A current Briercrest transcript (unofficial) * Application (with the exception of confidential references) * Official correspondence with students (AP, RTD, disciplinary action, emails etc.) Not part of the official student record: * Internal Briercrest communication (notes, emails, etc) * Info in the BEAM comments field for internal purposes unless it is a copy of an email sent to the student Academic Integrity and Honesty Purpose: Briercrest College and Seminary is committed to high academic standards and expects students to achieve these standards in a manner marked by integrity and honesty. Academic honesty is the hallmark of true personal integrity. Students are accountable to perform each task according to principles of academic honesty. Principles of Academic Honesty 1. Students work must represent their own ideas, concepts, and current understanding. 2. Student must document appropriately any ideas or concepts borrowed from other sources, including research, papers or projects that the student has simultaneously or previously submitted as coursework for other classes. 3. We measure learning progress by course assignments and examinations, and thus, we cannot recognize standards of academic achievement when cheating occurs. 4. Cheating, plagiarism, or any form of dishonesty is unacceptable. 5. Cheating in any form devalues the credentials of the college and is detrimental to all students. 6. The reputation of students, faculty, and the institution is damaged if Briercrest College and Seminary administration does not apply appropriate discipline. Examples of Academic Dishonesty 1. Plagiarism: submission of the work of others, published or unpublished, in whole or in part without acknowledgment or proper documentation. 2. Cheating on examinations by the use of crib notes, unauthorized retrieval of information previously stored in a computer, copying from another paper either before or during the exam, or by any other means. 3. Theft of examination papers. 4. Deliberately allowing another student to copy one's work. 5. Buying or using a term paper or project composed by another person and turning it in as one's own work. 6. Writing an exam for another student. 7. Unauthorized collaboration on the preparation of course work.
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8. Submission of identical or substantially similar papers and/or course projects in more than one class without the prior approval of faculty member(s) involved. 9. Deliberately misusing or creating references. Process of Academic Discipline At times, it may come to light that a student has violated one or more of the principles of academic integrity or honesty outlined above. In such cases, the student may be required to undergo a process of academic discipline. The following outlines the process used in such cases. 1. The instructor of the course will assess the severity of the alleged infraction and initiate the disciplinary process. 2. The instructor will meet with the student(s) to discuss the reason(s) for the allegation and to give opportunity to the student for explanation or confession. Confession of dishonesty upon confrontation may permit more grace to be factored into the disciplinary process. At this point, the instructor may choose to impose one of the penalties as outlined in the Academic Discipline chart below. 3. If the instructor is not satisfied with the outcome of the first stage of interaction with the student, or if he or she feels that it requires further action, he or she will write a brief report of the allegation and present it to the academic dean. 4. The academic dean will meet with the student(s) and render a decision on the case, including assessment of the level of academic discipline. 5. Any failure or expulsion resulting from academic dishonesty will be the action of a committee (such as the Academic Appeals Committee). 6. A student may appeal the decision rendered by following the Academic Review and Appeals Process. 7. Academic Services will appropriately document all cases of academic discipline in the students personal file. 8. Multiple cases of academic dishonesty by the student may result in the student being required to discontinue his or her studies at Briercrest College and Seminary and may result in a notation on the students transcript. Academic Discipline Academic Offense Unauthorized Collaboration on Assignment Unauthorized Use of Previous Paper or Project Plagiarism on Assignment Cheating on Exam Writing Exam for Another Theft of Exam Minimum Penalty Verbal Reprimand Verbal Reprimand Grade Penalty Failure of Exam Failure of Course Failure of Course Maximum Penalty Failure of Assignment Failure of Assignment Failure of Course Failure of Course Expulsion from College Expulsion from College
Created Aug 29, 02 Modified Aug 14, 08 Modified Jun 21, 10