Academic Standards

Advising

All students will be assigned to advisors based on their preferred majors and in accordance with efforts to achieve a balanced advising load among all faculty. Advisors help plan and approve students’ programs prior to registration.

Registration

Students may register online or in person. ALL registrations require:

• A written or electronic signature [usage of student ID]
• Approval of the advisor

Registration is complete and binding once it has been approved by the advisor and entered into the university database. If the student has any bar to registration, the process will not be completed. When the registration is complete, it will display on the student’s personal page in MyWeb.

Students may not sit in a class until:

• They have been cleared by the Registrar
• Their registration displays on MyWeb

Failure to attend class is not the equivalent of withdrawing. A student who enrolls in class and never attends and does not withdraw will be obligated to pay in full for the class.

NOTE: Second session classes can be added or dropped until the published drop/add date for second session. Students must make changes prior the drop/add period to avoid paying the drop/add fee.

Courses are designated by numbers which indicate roughly the year in which they should be taken.

• 100 level are primarily for freshmen
• 200 level are primarily for sophomores
• 300 level are for sophomores and juniors
• 400 level are for juniors and seniors

Two other designations are important to proper registration.

• Section designation (A,B,C) indicates location, day, and time that the course will be offered in a certain class.
• Courses offered in a compressed session (or subterm) rather than a course offered for the full term will be designated by a session number. The cost and amount of credit earned will be the same; the pace will be faster in the shorter sessions.
  • Session I - First half, 7-8-week duration
  • Session II - Second half, 7-8-week duration
  • Special Sessions will be indicated in a key on the class schedule.

Changes in Registration

Dropping or Adding a Class

Prior to deadlines for completion of registration and payment arrangements published in the academic calendar for new and returning students, respectively, students making changes in their schedules incur no fee. However, after those deadlines, students will be assessed a late registration fee, and during the drop-add period after the first day of classes students also will incur a drop-add fee for each Drop-Add Request Form completed. Each completed form is considered a separate transaction, and previous transactions will have no bearing on the calculation of charges. Students receive no grade for classes dropped during the drop-add period, and upon its expiration students no longer may add classes to their schedule.

Withdrawing from a Class

Withdrawal from a class or classes is a change in a student’s schedule after the expiration of the drop-add period that does not involve the complete withdrawal from the university. To withdraw from a class, students must either complete a “Withdrawal from Class Request Form” (available in the Registrar’s Office or by downloading the form from the Registrar’s page on the web site), or they must complete the withdrawal from class process in MyWeb. In either case, an official withdrawal from class first must be approved by an academic advisor (or the Registrar) and by the course instructor. The process is complete only upon a student’s submission of the completed, approved form to the Registrar’s Office, whether submitted by email or by hand-delivery to the office.

When a student withdraws from a class after the drop-add period but before 5:00 P.M. on the published deadline for withdrawing from classes without grade point penalty, the grade of “W” will be assigned, and the student incurs no penalty. Students withdrawing from classes after this deadline will receive the grade “WP”, “WF”, or “WY” as assigned by the instructor. Withdrawal from class during the final two weeks of class meetings during any session is not permitted. Students who stop attending class without officially withdrawing are subject to the penalty of failure for excessive absences.

Withdrawing from the University

After the start of classes students registered for that semester or session may petition the university for a complete withdrawal from all classes (and therefore from the university). To withdraw from the university, students either must complete a “Withdrawal from the College Request Form” (available in the Registrar’s Office or by downloading the form from the Registrar’s page on the web site), or they must complete the withdrawal from the university process in MyWeb.

In either case, to withdraw from the university the student is responsible not only to complete the information requested on the form, but also for securing approval signatures from each of the offices listed on the form. The process is complete only upon a student’s submission of the completed, approved form to the Registrar’s Office, whether online or by hand-delivery to the office. Failure to complete the withdrawal from university process may result in failing grades and/or ineligibility for full or partial refund of tuition and specified fees. For refund purposes the date of withdrawal is the date the completed, approved form is submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

When a student withdraws from the university after the drop-add period but before 5:00 P.M. on the published deadline for withdrawing from classes without grade point penalty, the grade of “W” will be assigned and the student incurs no penalty. Students withdrawing from university after this deadline will receive the grade “WP”, “WF”, or “WY” in each class, as assigned by the instructor. Students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing from the university are subject to the penalty of failure for excessive absences.

Changing Registration for Winter, Summer, and Other Short Terms

Drop-add and withdrawal deadlines for Winter Term, Summer Sessions I and II, and other short or special terms that may be offered from time to time will be published with the class schedules for these terms, made available in the Office of the Registrar or on the university web site.

Academic Credit Hour Load Policy

Students’ loads are computed on the credit-hour value of the courses in their programs of study, whether taken on campus, off campus, or by distance learning.

Undergraduate Students

• Undergraduate students are considered full-time if they take 12 credit hours or more in the fall or spring semester.
• In order for a student to finish a degree in 4 years, s/he must pass a minimum of 30 credit hours each academic year (fall/winter/spring/summer combined).
• No undergraduate student may take more than 18 credit hours in a fall or spring semester without approval from the provost.
• No undergraduate student may take more than 12 hours in the summer without approval from the provost.
• No undergraduate student may take more than 6 hours in the winter without approval from the provost.

Graduate Students

• Graduate students are considered full-time if they take 6 credit hours or more per semester.
• No graduate student may take more than 12 credit hours in a given semester without approval from the dean.

Important Provisions

• Any stipulations placed on a student’s credit hour load based on admission status take precedent over this policy.

Students are not permitted to enroll in another institution for resident, correspondence, or extension courses while enrolled at Brewton-Parker Christian University except in extraordinary cases when authorized by the Provost. If students enroll simultaneously at Brewton-Parker Christian University and another institution without written authorization, no transfer or transient credit will be given by Brewton-Parker Christian University for courses taken at the other institution.

Grading System

Changes in Grades

• The grade of “I” is assigned at the instructor’s discretion when students fail to complete a course as a result of illness or other acceptable reasons. An “I” must be removed within one semester following the close of the semester in which the “I” was earned. Failure to remove the “I” will result in an automatic “F” in the course.
• Requests to change other grades must be made by the instructor on official forms available to the instructor in the Registrar’s Office, or the form may be accessed in MyWeb under faculty login. When a form is completed and signed by the instructor giving the reason for making the change, the Registrar will make the necessary correction on the student’s transcript, if approved by the Provost.
• Requests to change a grade of XF may be made only after two semesters at the university following the imposition of a penalty with no student conduct or academic integrity infractions. In order to have the X removed from the transcript, a student should complete the X-Removal Form in the Registrar’s Office (note that the grade of F will remain). Any student qualified to have an X removed, but who transfers or otherwise leaves the university before submitting an X-Removal Form, may do so after leaving the university. The X will automatically be removed from the transcript of any student who graduates from BPCU.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total calculated hours. Grade points earned are as follows: A= 4 points per credit hour, B= 3 points per credit hour, C= 2 points per credit hour, D= 1 point per credit hour, and F= 0 points. All hours that appear on the Brewton- Parker university transcript are counted in computing the cumulative GPA except as provided in the section below on “Grade Forgiveness.”

GPA will be determined at the end of each semester of the students’ academic progress. The GPA is calculated as follows:

• Determine grade points earned by multiplying the grade point equivalent of each letter grade received by the semester hour credit assigned to the course for which the letter grade was earned (students who earn a grade of “A” in a three-semester hour course would earn twelve grade points).
• Divide the sum of the grade points earned (grade point times semester hours) by the number of total calculated hours.

To determine academic probation, only courses taken at Brewton-Parker Christian University are used.

All hours taken at Brewton-Parker Christian University and all hours accepted in transfer, are counted for the purpose of determining eligibility for graduation with honors.

Grade Reports

Grades are posted on MyWeb at the end of each term. Grade reports will be mailed only by request. A fee may be assessed.

Classification of Students

Freshmen: 0-29 credit hours
Sophomores: 30-59 credit hours
Juniors: 60-89 credit hours
Seniors: 90-plus credit hours

Full-time enrollment is at least 12 semester hours of coursework; part-time is fewer than 12 hours.

Student Honors

Dean’s List

A Dean’s List will be published each semester. To earn this distinction, a student must be registered for a regular academic load of 12 or more hours and earn an overall grade point average of 3.6.

Honor’s Day Awards

Each year, Brewton-Parker Christian University recognizes outstanding student achievement during our annual Honors Day ceremony. Awards are presented across a variety of categories, including but not limited to academic excellence, leadership, service, and character. The following awards represent a sample of those that may be given; however, not every award is guaranteed to be presented each year.

Leadership Awards

Presented to students whose contributions reflect the vision and values of Brewton-Parker. Recipients demonstrate initiative, engagement, and significant leadership within the university.

Champion of Character SSAC/NAIA Athletic Award

Presented to one male and one female student-athlete who exemplify responsibility, respect, integrity, and fairness both in athletic and academic pursuits. These individuals prioritize progress toward graduation and demonstrate exemplary character in all relationships and competitions.

Peer Tutor of the Year

Awarded to a student tutor who goes above and beyond in supporting the Academic Success Center’s mission through courteous, reliable, and effective service to their peers.

Dean’s Scholar Awards

Awarded to students who have qualified for the Dean’s List in at least five of the last seven semesters, reflecting sustained academic excellence.

Outstanding Student Awards

Presented within each academic discipline to students - regardless of major- who exhibit academic achievement, leadership, commitment, and alignment with the university’s mission and values.

Richard B. Russell Award

Presented by the General Richard Montgomery Chapter of the Daughters of American Colonists to a student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in history or political science.

Outstanding Future Teacher Award

Recognizes a graduating teacher candidate who has demonstrated excellence throughout the teacher education program, including coursework, fieldwork, and professional conduct.

Outstanding Biology Achievement Award

Presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional academic performance and future potential in the biological sciences.

Philemon Fellowship Award

Honors individuals who have volunteered their time and talents-without compensation-to support higher education efforts among incarcerated students, as part of the Philemon Fellowship.

Recognition Awards

Presented to one resident assistant (R.A.), one coach, one staff member, and one faculty member who have made a positive impact on the student experience, as nominated by the employee body.

Top Freshman Student Award

Recognizes the first-year freshman with the highest institutional GPA, reflecting academic excellence in their transition to higher education.

Religious Service Award

This award is presented to the student who best exemplifies the spirit of Christ-like service to Brewton-Parker Christian University, the local church, and the broader community. Selected by vote of the university’s faculty and staff, this award is considered one of the highest honors bestowed by the institution, as it reflects the heart of our mission and identity as a Christian university.

The Rhoades-Rich Academic Achievement Award is presented to the graduating senior earning a bachelor’s degree who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average. To be eligible for this award, a student must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of academic coursework in residence at Brewton-Parker Christian University. This includes credit earned through student teaching, internships, or practicums. Credit earned by examination or exemption will not count toward the residency requirement.

Honors

The university grants the distinction of graduation with honors to those students whose academic work meets the following standards:

• Grade Point Average: 3.50 - 3.69: Cum Laude
• Grade Point Average: 3.70 - 3.89: Magna Cum Laude
• Grade Point Average: 3.90 - 4.00: Summa Cum Laude

All courses taken at, and accepted in transfer, by Brewton-Parker Christian University are counted in determining eligibility for graduation with honors.

Uniform Attendance Policy

Engagement and Active Participation

Regular class attendance and engagement are required for all classes at Brewton-Parker Christian University (BPCU) and are essential for student success, not only in the learning process, but also in the broader experience of university life. Whether course content is delivered in-seat, online, or in web-enhanced format by some combination of the two, engagement is defined not merely by presence in-seat or online, but more importantly, by a student’s “active participation” in the learning experience based on mutual trust and commitment to excellence among all participants, including peers and instructors alike.

Active participation is defined as follows. For in-seat classes it starts with timely arrival for scheduled class meetings, but also includes arriving equipped with course materials and supplies and prepared to participate fully in class or group discussions, tests, quizzes, and other planned assignments and activities essential to the learning experience.

Active participation also requires that students conduct themselves as adults in a manner appropriate for the environment of higher education, demonstrating common courtesy and respect for others in accordance with class rules that may be set forth in the course syllabus.

Active participation in web-enhanced and online (web-based) classes requires students to submit grade-eligible course assignments at least on a weekly basis. Examples include discussion posts, completed quizzes or tests, research papers, journal or blog posts, and other such assignments. Note that communication with instructors via the Brightspace learning management system, email, or by personal meeting may not count as active participation and engagement with the content of a course. As with in-seat classes, so also in web-based classes, students have a duty to conduct themselves with common courtesy and respect.

Required Attendance for In-seat Classes

Class attendance, whether for in-seat classes or for the in-seat component of web-enhanced classes, is imperative for a complete learning experience. Students are responsible for reading and understanding the course syllabus and for completing all assignments and other coursework in a timely and professional manner. Students are expected to attend all class meetings, laboratories, tutorials, clinicals, workshops, and other academic meetings required for course completion.

For in-seat classes absence for university-related activities approved in accordance with the policy on “Group Absences” will be excused without penalty. Any other absence for any cause (including illness, family or medical leave, and scheduled surgeries) will be counted as unexcused, provided however that instructors may approve student requests made reasonably in advance to substitute watching the Echo 360 video recording of a class for actual attendance. Students also are required to be punctual; arrival at class meetings after the scheduled start time counts as an unexcused absence, provided that instructors may offer a grace period if warranted because of exceptional circumstances.

Students accruing unexcused absences amounting to more than two full weeks of scheduled class meetings in a regular semester or the equivalent for shorter terms are subject to administrative withdrawal upon referral by the instructor to the Registrar with approval by the Provost.

Classes that include a lab (whether embedded in or separate from lecture) will be regarded as a single course for purposes of this policy, such that withdrawal from the class automatically entails withdrawal from the lab and vice versa. However, absence from clinical learning experiences in the School of Nursing and from field experiences or student teaching in the Educator Preparation Program are subject to separate policies in those respective areas.

Whether excused or unexcused, students are responsible for any tests, quizzes, assignments, or other work missed and, when possible, should alert their instructors of absence reasonably in advance and request an opportunity to make up any work missed. For unexcused absence, instructors are under no obligation to allow make-up or substitute assignments, but may do so in their sole discretion upon good cause shown by the student.

In any Brewton-Parker class, whether in-class or web-based, students must demonstrate their active and ongoing participation in learning. Students failing to do so may be registered in the university’s “Early Alert System” and may also be referred to the Student Enrichment Center for academic intervention, including required tutoring, small-group study, restriction from participation in co-curricular activities, including athletics, or other measures aimed at enhancing the student’s opportunity to succeed.

Required Engagement for Web-Based Classes

For web-enhanced or online classes, because participation in the learning experience takes place in the virtual environment, absence from the residential campus, under the “Group Absences” policy or otherwise, does not count as excused absence. For such classes, failure to logon or to demonstrate active participation as defined above during any two weeks, whether consecutive or not, may result in referral by the instructor for administrative withdrawal.

For such disengaged and/or disruptive students all measures reasonably necessary to encourage their engagement should be implemented. Should a student persist in disengagement after intervention, SEC staff may consider a recommendation of administrative withdrawal (from one or more classes or from the university) as a necessary further intervention to preserve the integrity of the educational environment.

Attendance Record

All course instructors will maintain a record of student attendance and active participation and report that information to the SEC through Progress Reports and the Early Alert System. Based on those records, the SEC will identify students in jeopardy for intervention, or possible withdrawal. Students’ attendance and participation records as defined in this policy will be evaluated for this purpose starting one week after the expiration of the “Drop/Add” period for the term of registration (see 2025-2026 Academic Calendar  on the university’s website for these dates).

Group Absences

Requests for approval of university trips for any group of students must be filed with the Provost’s Office at least one week prior to the proposed departure, provided that the Provost in his/her discretion may accept late requests.

When approval of the trip is granted, the Provost will notify all faculty members immediately and request excused absences for the students whose names are submitted by the group’s sponsor. All absences for university-related activities that are approved by the Provost’s Office will be excused without penalty.

The university also affords this accommodation, to the same extent and for the same reasons, to dual-enrollment students registered for in-seat classes conducted on the university’s main campus. For absence occasioned by such students’ participation in similar events sponsored by the school of their primary enrollment, the school’s Principal or other designated officer will serve as the “Group Sponsor” and have responsibility for timely filing the appropriate request form with the Provost’s Office. For dual-enrollment students who are homeschooled, a qualified parent or guardian will serve as the “Group Sponsor.” This provision does not apply to dual-enrollment students taking in-seat classes taught by adjunct professors at the university’s external sites.

Grade Forgiveness

A student who earns a “B” or a “C” in a course will not be permitted to repeat the course for a higher grade. A student who receives a “D” or an “F” will be permitted to repeat the course for a higher grade. However, if the student repeats a course and earns a lower grade, the original grade will stand. For courses repeated one or more times, the highest earned grade will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average and determining degree completion. However, all grades earned will remain on the transcript, and students planning to transfer or attempt graduate course work should be aware that some institutions may include all hours attempted and all grades earned in computing the cumulative grade point average. Any course repeated for grade forgiveness must be taken at Brewton-Parker Christian University and may not be taken at another institution or through a university consortium. A student also may not repeat a course by directed independent study. Nor may students repeat a course for grade forgiveness after graduating from Brewton-Parker Christian University.

Academic Warning, Probation, Suspension, and Exclusion

Students are required to maintain acceptable minimum grade-point averages in order to remain in good academic standing at Brewton-Parker Christian University. Written records of academic warning, probation, suspension, and/or exclusion will become part of the student’s permanent academic record. Reasonable academic progress is designated as follows:

* “Credit Hours Calculated” does not include courses numbered under 100.

The following steps are designed to inform students when they are performing unsatisfactorily and may need assistance in assessing their academic goals and progress.

1. A student who fails to achieve the necessary cumulative GPA as indicated in the above table will be placed on Academic Warning.
2. If the student does not achieve the required cumulative GPA the next term, he/she will be placed on Academic Probation for one semester. The student may continue to attend classes while on Probation.
3. If the student does not achieve the required cumulative GPA that semester, he/she will be placed on Academic Suspension for one semester (Fall or Spring). The suspension bars the student from enrolling in any courses at the university (including Summer/Winter terms) until they he/she remains unenrolled for one complete Fall or Spring semester. After being out one semester, the student may re-enroll. The student may petition the Provost in writing to waive the term of suspension. If the petition is approved, the student returns to Academic Probation, and to fully satisfy the conditions of suspension, the student must make a 2.0 GPA that term. Failure to do so will result in exclusion for one year as noted below.
4. Upon re-enrollment, the student must make a 2.0 grade point average each semester until the cumulative GPA is raised to the required level. Failure to do so will result in further exclusion periods as outlined below.
   First failure: exclusion for one calendar year before eligible to return
   Second failure: exclusion for two calendar years before eligible to return
   Third failure: permanent exclusion

All procedures concerning academic probation and exclusion apply equally to full-time, part-time, transfer, and special students. Students taking BPC 099 are not subject to the reasonable academic progress rules listed above unless the student also is taking two or more non-developmental courses.

Students on academic probation or suspension are prohibited from representing the university in extracurricular activities or holding office in any extracurricular student organization. Any question of what constitutes “representing the university” or “extracurricular activities or organizations” will be resolved by the Provost.

Directed Independent Study

Students may earn a limited amount of credit through directed independent study (DIS). A DIS course is permitted only if one of the following two criteria is met: (a) to provide interested students with training in a specialized area not covered in a regularly offered course, or (b) to offer a course required for graduation which is not available to the student in the regular class schedule. The student may take no more than four directed independent studies per academic year (fall, spring, summer) - one per regular semester, and no more than two in the summer. If taken in the summer, students may enroll in only one additional summer class while enrolled in a DIS. Directed independent studies include reading, writing, and research projects done under the direction of a university faculty member. Students desiring a DIS should submit a written request to the professor who will direct the study. The professor will provide the appropriate form to request permission to take the DIS. All proposals must be approved by the professor, the appropriate division chairperson, the Registrar, and the Provost prior to registration. A copy of the proposal will become a part of the student’s permanent file.

Students should register for a DIS during the regular registration process. Deadlines will be strictly enforced. Assignments must be completed two weeks before the end of the semester or one week before the end of a summer term.

Transient Credit

A transient student, also known as a non-degree student or visiting student, is a student who is enrolled at one college or university (their “home institution”) but takes courses temporarily at another institution. The student intends to transfer the earned credits back to their home institution, not to pursue a degree at the host institution. It is particularly useful for students wanting to take courses near home during the summer or needing to pick up a course they cannot get at their home institution when it is needed.

A maximum of 9.0 transient credit hours may be applied toward an Associate’s degree and 18.0 transient credit hours toward a Bachelor’s degree.

Transient coursework is permitted primarily for summer enrollment or in cases where a course is not offered by BPCU during the required term.

Students will not be approved to take a course at another institution during the fall or spring semester if that course is offered at BPCU in the same term, unless there is a documented scheduling conflict, extenuating circumstance, or an exceptional hardship approved by the Provost or Provost designate.

The following procedures should be followed for ALL courses not taken at the home institution including online and distance courses.

1. Complete a Transient Permission Form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. Forms are available in Student Forms in MyWeb and on the Registrar’s webpage.
2. If transient permission is granted, the Registrar’s office will send a transient permission letter directly to the host institution.
3. Apply to the host institution for admission as a transient student.
4. Once you are accepted as a transient student, you may arrange with the outside institution to register for the classes listed on your permission letter. It is your responsibility to follow the outside school’s registration procedures. You may need to contact the registrar’s office at the host institution for assistance.
5. If you receive the HOPE/Zell Miller scholarship, you may contact the Office of Financial Aid at BPCU to discuss the transfer of funds for your transient course(s). No other financial aid will be available, and you are responsible for paying for your transient courses.
6. Once you successfully complete your transient course(s), arrange for the official transcript to be sent to your home institution. Contact the Registrar’s Office at the host institution if you need assistance requesting the transcript.
7. A transient student hold (TS) will be placed on your account at BPCU if the Registrar’s Office has not received an official transcript by the start of the following term. A TS hold prevents financial aid from being disbursed, registration for the next term, and the release of transcripts.

Evaluating and Awarding Transfer Credit

The number of transfer credits allowed will depend upon the standing of the institution(s) attended, the nature of the courses taken, and the grades earned. Brewton-Parker Christian University declines to accept transfer credit of a grade lower than a “C.” Coursework transferred in (or accepted) for credit toward a degree must be completed at an institution accredited as degree-granting by a postsecondary regional accrediting commission at the time the coursework was completed. Full credit normally will be given for a course transferred from such an institution if the course approximately parallels those at Brewton-Parker Christian University and the student has earned a grade of “C” or better.

Any questions concerning the similarity or correspondence between courses proposed for transfer from other institutions with courses at Brewton-Parker Christian University should be referred by the Registrar to the chair of the division having oversight of the courses at issue. Such issues and any other matters having to do with evaluation of course credit to be awarded by the institution must be addressed by members of the faculty in the appropriate division qualified to make such judgments.

A student presenting transfer credit from an institution that was not accredited as degree-granting by a post- secondary regional accrediting commission at the time the coursework was completed may seek credit validation upon successful completion of 30 credit hours at Brewton-Parker Christian University, i.e., with a 2.0 Brewton-Parker Christian University cumulative GPA or higher.

Note: for planning purposes, an unofficial evaluation of credit presented for transfer from an institution that does not meet the above criteria will be provided. Upon completion of the residency and satisfaction of the academic progress requirement, the unofficial evaluation will be validated and the courses transferred as noted. The student must submit written notification to the office of the registrar upon successful completion of the residency requirement.

Transfer Credit Policy for Associate’s Degree Holders

Students with an associate’s degree from regionally accredited institutions or those who obtain approved equivalency evaluations at the associate’s level (for international students) will be exempt from all core curriculum requirements, with the exception of a 3-credit hour Christian studies course.

While transfer students with associate’s degrees are exempt from core curriculum requirements, it is important to note that certain prerequisites specific to their chosen major may still be necessary for progression. These prerequisites may vary depending on the program of study and are essential for ensuring students possess the foundational knowledge required for advanced coursework.

It is recommended that students consult with academic advisors upon transfer to determine any prerequisite courses they may need to complete in order to seamlessly integrate into their chosen major. Failure to meet these prerequisites may result in delays in progressing through the program.

Temple Baptist Theological Seminary Credit Transfer and Advanced Standing Policy

Purpose and Scope

This policy establishes guidelines for the transfer of credits into graduate programs, advanced standing based on undergraduate coursework, and graduate-level courses taken by undergraduate students. It ensures compliance with SACSCOC standards while providing appropriate flexibility for students across all graduate programs.

Definitions

1. Advanced Standing: Credit granted in a graduate program based on previous undergraduate coursework in relevant disciplines.
2. Graduate Transfer Credit: Credit from graduate-level coursework completed at another accredited institution transferred into a BPCU graduate program.
3. Shared Credit: Graduate-level coursework completed by undergraduate students that may apply to both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

I. Advanced Standing Based on Undergraduate Coursework

A. Eligibility Criteria

1. Advanced standing may be granted for relevant undergraduate coursework from institutions accredited by any recognized accrediting body, including but not limited to:
   • Regional accrediting organizations (e.g., SACSCOC)
   • The Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
   • The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
   • Other CHEA or USDE recognized accrediting bodies
2. Undergraduate courses considered for advanced standing must:
   • Be directly relevant to the graduate program curriculum
   • Be at the 300+ or equivalent level
   • Have been completed with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better
   • Have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be considered where the student demonstrates current competency)

B. Maximum Credits Allowable

1. General Advanced Standing Policy:
   • Up to 1/3 of program credits may be granted as advanced standing from accredited institutions

II. Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students

A. Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Students

1. Undergraduate students must:
   • Have completed at least 75 undergraduate credit hours
   • Have a current GPA of 2.75 or higher and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for enrollment in a 500-level course or a current GPA of 3.25 or higher and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for enrollment in a 600-level course.
   • Meet all prerequisite requirements for the graduate course(s)
   • Complete the Advanced Standing Authorization Form

B. Maximum Graduate Credits Allowable for Undergraduate Students

1. Undergraduate students may take a maximum of 9 graduate credit hours prior to completing their baccalaureate degree.
2. Of these 9 credit hours:
   • A maximum of 9 credit hours may be designated as “shared credit” that can later apply to both undergraduate and graduate degrees at BPC (double-counted)
3. All graduate courses taken by undergraduate students will:
   • Appear on the undergraduate transcript
   • Be calculated in the undergraduate GPA
   • Be clearly identified as graduate-level courses

III. Graduate Transfer Credit

A. Eligibility Criteria

1. Graduate transfer credit may be accepted from institutions accredited by:
   • Regional accrediting organizations (e.g., SACSCOC)
   • The Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
   • The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
   • Other CHEA or USDE recognized accrediting bodies
2. Graduate courses considered for transfer must:
   • Be directly relevant to the graduate program curriculum
   • Have been completed with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better
   • Have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be considered where the student demonstrates current competency)

B. Maximum Transfer Credits Allowable

• Up to 2/3 of the total program credit requirements may be transferred at the Graduate level

IV. Combined Credit Limitations

A. Total Credit Reductions

1. The combined total of advanced standing (from undergraduate courses) and graduate transfer credits may not exceed 2/3 of the degree program.
2. Double-Counted Credits:
   • No more than 9 credits may be double-counted between a baccalaureate and master’s degree
3. When calculating combined credits, shared credits that apply to both undergraduate and graduate programs are counted at full value toward the maximum limit.

V. Documentation and Approval Process

A. Required Documentation

1. For advanced standing or transfer credit:
   • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
   • Course descriptions and/or syllabi for all courses under consideration may be required
   • A sample of the student’s work from course may be required
   • Documentation of institution’s accreditation status
2. For undergraduate students taking graduate courses:
   • Advanced Standing Authorization Form including a Statement of Intent identifying how graduate courses will be applied with required signatures

B. Approval Authority

1. The Dean of the graduate program, in consultation with appropriate faculty, and Provost or Provost designate has final authority to determine:
   • The applicability of previous coursework to the graduate program
   • The appropriate amount of credit to be awarded
   • Any additional requirements for demonstrating competency
2. All credit determinations must be documented and maintained in the student’s academic record.

VI. Ensuring Academic Distinction and Rigor

A. Graduate Course Standards

1. All graduate courses, whether taken by graduate or undergraduate students, must maintain the same level of academic rigor.
2. In courses with mixed enrollment of graduate and undergraduate students that are listed as dual numbered:
   • Graduate students must complete additional or more advanced assignments
   • Assessment criteria must clearly differentiate between undergraduate and graduate level work
   • The syllabus must document the different expectations for undergraduate and graduate students

B. Program Integrity

1. All programs that utilize shared credit, advanced standing, or transfer credit must ensure that:
   • Traditional students complete a minimum of 141 total credit hours for combined baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Adult/Non-traditional learners admitted under the 90+ hour exception are not subject to the 141 hour requirement.
   • The academic distinction between undergraduate and graduate education is clearly maintained.

VII. Periodic Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Academic Council to ensure continued compliance with accreditation standards and institutional goals. Any modifications will be approved through established governance procedures.

Effective Date

This policy is effective 1 May 2025 and applies to all credit evaluations conducted after this date.

Credit from Non-Traditional Sources

Brewton-Parker Christian University accepts credits from all non-traditional sources recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) and follows ACE recommendations in assigning credit hours. Non-traditional credit will not be assigned a grade equivalent and thus will not factor into the GPA. Examples of non-traditional credit accepted under ACE recommendations are AP, CLEP, DSST, military training and experience, and corporate training programs that have been ACE-evaluated. For further information on ACE and specific recommendations, call the Office of the Registrar. Brewton-Parker Christian University accepts IB credit for scores of 4 or higher in the Higher-Level Program.

Credit for postsecondary study from a school outside the U.S. is based on an evaluation by either a Brewton-Parker Christian University evaluator or an approved evaluation service from the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For information on approved evaluation services, go to www.naces.org or call the Office of the Registrar.

A maximum of 30 semester hours of credit toward graduation, of which no more than 12 hours can be at the 300 or 400 level, may be earned on the basis of ACE-recommended credit.

Exemption from Foreign Language Requirement

A student whose native language is not English and who provides evidence of completion of high school or college work in a language other than English is not required to take foreign language courses in order to satisfy program requirements. In order to qualify for this exemption, the student must pass English 101 and 102, and provide evidence of education in a language other than English. Students who are exempt from the foreign language requirement are required to make up the 3-6 hours, depending on program, by taking other courses of their choice.

Credit for Foreign Language Competence

Students possessing native or near-native competence in any language other than English are encouraged to complete a recognized language assessment examination for academic credit. Brewton-Parker Christian University recognizes the College Board College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Students are required to complete such assessments at their own expense. Credit is based on the level of achievement as recommended by each testing service. If the language is currently, or has been previously, offered at BPCU, credit will be entered into the transcript with ML- and the prefix for that language: ML/SP Spanish, ML/FR French, ML/GR German, ML/RU Russian. If the language has not been offered at BPCU, credit will be entered with the prefix ML/LAN with the language named in the description. Modern Greek and Hebrew are not equivalent to their Biblical precursors and so will receive the ML/LAN prefix. Students will receive credit for the highest level identified in their assessment, along with any prerequisites, to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Students who have completed another mode of assessment, for example the Alliance Française DELF-DALF, are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar.

Auditing Classes

Permission to audit classes may be granted on the following bases:

• The student must meet established admissions requirements of the university.
• The student must have the approval of the instructor and follow regular registration procedures.
• Any change from audit-to-credit or credit-to-audit must be approved by the Provost who will inform the instructor.
• No change can be made from audit-to-credit after the last day for drop/add.