Academic Catalogs
Graduate Catalog: |
2006 - 2007 Academic Information
Admissions
Religious Experience
All applicants admitted for studies at Southwestern must evidence a born again spiritual experience as defined by the following passages of Scripture: John 3:3; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; and I John 1:7-10. A minister’s recommendation is required (not required for licensed or ordained ministers with the Assemblies of God or other recognized denominations).
Entering Student
1. Submit a completed, signed application for admission via mail, fax (972.923.8154), or on-line at www.sagu.edu/admissions/apply.shtm.
2. Submit an official transcript indicating graduation with a baccalaureate degree from a region-ally or professionally accredited college or university as well as official transcripts from any other college or university attended.
3. Submit a recommendation from his/her minister along with the admission application. (Licensed or ordained ministers in good standing with the Assemblies of God or other recognized denominations may skip this requirement.)
4. Submit a recommendation from a college faculty member or administrator.
5. Submit with application a $50.00 application fee. This fee is a one-time processing charge and is nonrefundable.
6. Present a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on the undergraduate program.
7. Realize that some programs may have additional admissions stipulations. Please refer to the academic program of your choice for further details.
All materials submitted during the admissions process become property of Southwestern.
Early Admission Program
Southwestern allows an exception to the previously stated admission requirement by offering only to its seniors the opportunity to enroll early in a graduate course. However, permission to enroll in a graduate course is not recognized as admission into the graduate program.
1. Eligibility for early enrollment in a graduate course is limited to Southwestern's seniors who have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75.
2. The student must receive authorization from his/her academic advisor for early enrollment into a graduate course.
3. The student is allowed to enroll in no more than three hours of graduate studies per semester for a total of six hours.
4. Where applicable, graduate courses, according to the above guidelines, may be used as electives to meet requirements of an undergraduate degree program. Graduate studies counted toward a baccalaureate degree may not count toward a higher degree.
College Transfers
Transfer students will observe the same application process as other students. An official transcript from each college attended must be sent directly from each college to the Registrar’s Office. Any student transferring from an Assemblies of God (or related college) must submit a transfer clearance form.
Transfer students are expected to be in good standing and eligible to re-enroll in the last school attended.
Transfer of Credit
A maximum of 25% of credit hours that have been earned at other regionally or professionally accredited colleges or universities with a grade of “B” or above may be transferred to Southwestern. Courses completed with a grade of “C” or below will not be accepted in transfer. Only courses counting toward a student’s degree requirements will be used in calculating transfer grade point average and classification.
Once enrolled in the graduate program, the student must gain approval from the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies or the Vice President for Academics before taking a graduate course at another University.
Graduate Chairs
Students attending a Christian University benefit from close relationships with the faculty. At Southwestern, instructors take personal interest in the spiritual, educational, social, and professional welfare of all students. Students are encouraged to work closely with the Graduate Chair who oversees their academic program.
Graduate Distance Education
Southwestern offers online graduate programs and courses to students who cannot relocate to Waxahachie or interrupt their current vocational involvement to assume on campus studies. Contact the Graduate Enrollment Counselor for information on program and course offerings.
The same academically and spiritually qualified faculty who teach on-campus graduate courses generally teach Graduate Distance Education (GDE) courses. SAGU also makes all of its educational resources and student services available to every distance education student.
Students enrolling for graduate distance education will attend a required first semester orientation which will introduce them to the distance education processes at SAGU and provide appropriate academic and financial counseling. During the orientation, students will complete the initial semester registration process. Following this, students will return home to complete online courses via the internet.
Each semester thereafter, distance education students will complete online pre-registration and registration without the need to travel to campus each semester.
For any academic counseling that may be needed, students should contact the office of the School of Graduate Studies.
For questions on the distance education process, orientation, or general information please con-tact the Graduate Enrollment Counselor.
Further information and course schedules are available on the SAGU web site (www.sagu.edu/graduate).
Guidelines for Admission as a Distance Education Student
Students seeking enrollment in Graduate Distance Education must meet all admission stipulations. Students will be expected to have a personal computer, possess computer literacy, and have regular and reliable access to the internet.
Guidelines for Admission as a Special Student
Non-degree-seeking students should contact the Graduate Enrollment Counselor for current information regarding special student admissions. Inquiries may also be made by email to info@sagu.edu.
Admission of International Students
Southwestern is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to educate non-immigrant students (F-1 classification). Applicants must apply no less than six months prior to the semester they intend to begin classes at Southwestern.
Students must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) prior to being accepted to the graduate school (refer to admission policies).
Students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least a 525 (computer based 197) prior to acceptance.
International students must arrange for their own financial sponsors. These sponsors must assume all expenses incurred while at Southwestern. An Affidavit of Support Form must be filled out to verify sponsorship. These forms can be downloaded online at www.uscis.gov.
When all admissions information is complete, the records will be carefully evaluated. If admission requirements are met, an Immigration Form 20 (I-20) and an acceptance letter will be issued.
In addition to being accepted, DHS requires all graduate international students to maintain full-time enrollment while studying in the U.S.
Admission of International Transfer Students
Students desiring to transfer coursework from a non-U.S. institution must have their transcripts evaluated by a third party evaluator. Students must use an evaluator approved by Southwestern.
In addition to the requirements stated above, international students wishing to transfer from another U.S. institution must also:
1. Present documentation (I-20) indicating valid non-immigrant status;
2. Provide official transcripts or documented proof (International Transfer Clearance Form may be obtained from the Admissions Office) verifying that the student is “in-status” and has been pursuing a full course of study during the term immediately preceding the transfer from the institution last authorized by INS for attendance.
Admission of Former Inmates of Penal Institutions
Anyone who has been in a penal institution shall re-establish himself/herself in society for at least one year prior to the date of application before coming to Southwestern Assemblies of God University.
The Admissions Committee has the responsibility of evaluating each applicant with a criminal record following the guidelines listed below to determine admission to the University.
1. No court cases may be pending.
2. Repeat felons may not be admitted.
3. Following a judgment of probation, a student may apply to enroll at SAGU after a period of one year.
4. Following imprisonment, a one-year period of rehabilitation/re-establishment is required prior to the student applying for enrollment.
5. Consideration will be given to waive the aforementioned stipulations if an individual has successfully completed a spiritual rehabilitation program with Teen Challenge/Life Challenge and can provide a positive reference from the director of Teen Challenge/Life Challenge.
6. Extensive character references should be included with any application submitted by a convicted felon.
Character Criteria
It is the purpose of the university to establish in students high standards of Christian conduct and to encourage them to maintain high standards of conduct. Applicants who are engaging in con-duct that is generally regarded as less than exemplary will be denied admission.
Late Registration
A fee is charged for registration after the official registration day and time. See the applicable dates on the academic calendar and fee schedule.
The Unit of Credit or Semester Hour
The unit for calculating credit at Southwestern is the semester hour. Each course gives as many semester hours credit as the number of hours spent in class per week. It is expected that three hours preparation will be made for each hour spent in class.
Student Load
A full-time graduate student is one who enrolls in nine or more hours of graduate instruction per week. Students desiring to exceed the regular load must secure special permission from the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
Students enrolled in fewer than nine semester hours of graduate work are considered part-time students.
Academic Policies
Student Participation in Promotion of University Excellence
Southwestern Assemblies of God University engages in an ongoing program assessing the effectiveness of its education programs and services. This process, under the direction of the Institutional Effectiveness Office, involves the participation of students in nationally recognized tests and surveys as well as tests and surveys developed within the University. Information from these sources is used to assist in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of its educational pro-grams and services, and to make informed strategic planning decisions.
Although the type and frequency of assessment instruments will vary according to the needs of the University, SAGU expects each student to engage the following events periodically:
Student Satisfaction Inventory
National Survey of Student Engagement
Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency
Graduating Student Survey
Career Services Exit Questionnaire
Residence Hall Survey
Others as needed
Academic Records
Student records are housed in the Registrar’s Office. Grade reports are available on-line at the conclusion of each semester. Transcripts may be requested in writing for a fee. In order for a tran-script to be released, it is required that the student be clear of all financial obligations to the University and be current on all student loans. If a student wishes to petition a grade it must be done in writing to the Registrar’s office.
Classification of Students
Classification of students is determined at the beginning of each semester. Classification will be determined as follows:
Full-time Student: A student who is carrying at least 9 semester hours.
Part-time Student: A student who is carrying less than 9 semester hours.
Special Student: A student who is not pursuing a degree.
Grading System
Grade point averages are computed using only the following grades and grade points for each semester hour attempted.
A+ 97-100 4.0
A 93-96 4.0
A-90-92 3.7
B+ 87-89 3.3
B 83-86 3.0
B-80-82 2.7
C+ 77-79 2.3
C 73-76 2.0
C-70-72 1.7
D+ 67-69 1.3
D 63-66 1.0
D-60-62 0.7
F 59-below 0.0
CR Credit
NC No Credit
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
Incomplete Work
The grade of “I” (incomplete) is an exceptional grade given only to students who have satisfactorily completed 50% of the course assignments/requirements, but who, for reasons beyond their control, have been unable to complete all course requirements. The granting of an "I" occurs only when mutually agreed upon by student and instructor.
Procedures
1. The student must apply to the instructor for an “I” by a specified date on the academic calendar.
2. The student is responsible for obtaining the remaining requirements of the course from the instructor.
3. If the work is completed within sixty (60) days from the last day of the semester, or within a shorter time frame specified by the professor, the “I” will be changed to the earned grade. No academic work may be submitted after the conclusion of the sixty (60) day period.
4. If the instructor does not submit a change of grade, the “I” will become the terminal grade.
5. The grade of “I” will appear on the permanent record of the student but will not be used in the determination of the cumulative grade point average. It does, however, count in the determination of satisfactory academic progress.
Examinations
1. Instructors of on-campus courses give regular examinations during class hours within the semester. In order for a student to make up an announced test, approval must first be secured from the instructor.
2. Exams in Distance Education are administered in various manners. Students will take open and closed book online exams depending on the specifications provided by the instructor. Students are expected to comply with exam procedures outlined in the course syllabus. Any deviation from established guidelines will be investigated with great concern.
Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to be honest in fulfilling all academic requirements and assignments. This pertains to examinations, writing assignments, book critiques, reading reports, and all other assignments. A student will not be allowed to withdraw from a course if he/she is under investigation for academic dishonesty. In the event that the student is determined guilty of academic dishonesty, then the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course and will receive the grade determined by the faculty member, either an “F” for the assignment and/or an “F” for the course. Dishonesty could possibly result in further disciplinary action. Refer to Biblical Standards in the Student Handbook.
Academic Probation and Suspension
A satisfactory level of academic achievement is determined on the basis of a student’s cumulative grade point average calculated on the basis of all graduate work attempted. To be eligible for continued enrollment in good standing, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average as follows:
During the first nine semester hours attempted, the student must achieve a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.75.
For ten or more semester hours attempted, the student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.00.
Should any student fail to maintain satisfactory progress toward graduation as specified by these regulations, the student will be placed on Academic Probation and will be required to follow the guidelines below. (The time frame of an academic suspension relates specifically to the fall and spring semesters. A student suspended at the end of the Spring semester would not be allowed to enroll in the following Summer and Fall semester.)
1. A student on academic probation will not be allowed to enroll in more than nine hours.
2. A student on academic probation for two consecutive semesters will be suspended for the following semester regardless if the semester is spring, summer, or fall.
3. A student on academic suspension may appeal to the Dean of the Graduate school for re-admission on probationary status. If the appeal is granted, the student will not be allowed to enroll in more than nine hours. The student must also repeat the course at SAGU in which a low grade was earned in order to receive the degree. Only two courses may be repeated in the graduate program.
4. A student will continue on academic probation until the cumulative grade point average meets the prescribed standards of the university; however, a student on academic suspension who fails to earn a semester grade point average of 3.00 or better will be automatically suspended for the following semester with the suspension enforced.
5. A student academically suspended for a second time will not be allowed to re-enroll. In such instances the student cannot appeal the suspension.
Course Repetition
Any course taken in residence at Southwestern or at any accredited or approved institution may be repeated in residence at Southwestern in order to improve the student’s grade for that course. The student must apply to the Registrar’s Office for application to retake the course. Only the final grade and grade points will be counted in the student’s grade point average. However, the original grade remains part of the permanent record. A course taken at Southwestern MUST be repeated at Southwestern.
In order to maintain the minimum GPA to graduate, only six hours (two courses) may be repeated for those courses in which a grade of “C” or less were received. Regardless of the GPA, a student will not be allowed to graduate with a final grade of “D” or “F” in any course.
Class Attendance Policy
Southwestern’s on-campus academic program is designed as an in-class learning experience. In this type of instructional setting, the ability to pass examinations and complete outside projects is only a partial measure of the student’s knowledge, skills, understanding, and appreciation of the subject matter. Therefore, students are required to maintain regular and punctual class attendance.
A student who is absent from a class is totally responsible to make the appropriate advance arrangements with the faculty member for possible make up work. The faculty member will have the prerogative to determine if a student may make up any examinations or outside assignments due to a student’s absence, along with the time frame in which the work must be completed.
Withdrawal/Drop
Course Withdrawal (Drop)
Students desiring to withdraw from an on-campus course must file a change of schedule in the Registrar’s Office. Students desiring to withdraw from a distance education course must submit a drop form online via http://www.sagu.edu/registrars/forms/dropform/instructions.htm. A fee is charged; consult the current Schedule of Fees.
A student will be allowed to withdraw from a course only within the first two-thirds of the semester (i.e., tenth week of the fall and spring semesters). A grade of “W” will be recorded on the student’s transcript for the class dropped. Consult the academic calendar for the last day to drop classes.
Students failing to follow the correct procedure or meet the deadline in withdrawing from a class will receive a grade as determined by the teacher.
A student will not be allowed to withdraw from a course if he/she is under investigation for academic dishonesty. In the event that the student is determined guilty of academic dishonesty, then the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course and will receive the grade deter-mined by the teacher, either an “F” for the assignment and/or an “F” for the course.
Automatic Administrative Withdrawal (Distance Education)
Because SAGU faces a lawful responsibility and a financial aid liability with regard to “unofficial withdrawals” the following policy concerning automatic administrative withdrawal is in effect: Each instructor in a distance education course will require two progress reports (by e-mail; mail; or web-form) during the semester of study whenever a student has not turned in any work. One progress report will be due from the student during the 4th week of the semester (3 rd week for summer), and the second will be due during the 8th week of the semester (6 th week for summer). If no work has been received nor a progress report received by the 4th week (3 rd week for summer), a report shall be made to the Registrar. If no work or progress report has been received by the 8th week (6 th week for summer), a report shall be made to the Registrar for the purpose of automatic administrative withdrawal. In the event of administrative withdrawal, a grade of “W” will be assigned and a fee will be assessed. All outstanding tests must still be returned to the SDE Office. Failure to do so will result in a block on the release of transcripts and future enrollment.
School Withdrawal
Students who desire to withdraw from the Graduate School are encouraged to contact the Graduate Studies office for assistance in resolving any issues that they may be experiencing. On-campus graduate students who find it necessary to withdraw from the University must submit an official withdrawal notice with the Registrar’s office. Graduate Distance Education students who find it necessary to withdraw from the University must contact the School of Distance Education.
Students failing to follow the proper procedure in withdrawing are not eligible for any refund and will receive grades in all courses as determined by the teachers. Transcripts cannot be released until proper clearance is arranged.
Graduation
Graduation Under a Particular Catalog
A student may graduate under the requirements of the catalog in force during the semester in which first enrolled, provided graduation is within six years from the end of that semester. The summer term may count as a part of the semester before or after it. However, a student may choose to graduate under the requirements of the current catalog, but only if the requirements of the catalog chosen are followed as a whole. The Graduate Chair and the Registrar’s Office will help the student in every way possible to avoid errors, but the student has the final responsibility for satisfying all degree requirements according to the catalog chosen.
Graduation Regulations
1. Application for graduation must be made by the end of late registration in the semester in which the student anticipates to graduate. In order to qualify for a specific graduation date, graduates must have all program and course requirements completed. All official transcripts must be on file in the Registrar’s Office.
2. The student must complete all prescribed course work for the program.
3. To fulfill residency requirements the student must complete the final twenty-four hours at Southwestern. (Additional residency requirements may vary for specific graduate programs.)
4. Only courses taken within six years of the graduation date will be counted toward degree requirements.
5. The student must have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0. In order to maintain the minimum GPA to graduate, only six hours (two courses) may be repeated for those courses in which a grade of “C” or less were received. Regardless of the GPA, a student will not be allowed to graduate with a final grade of “D” or “F” in any course.
6. The student must have successfully completed the Graduate Comprehensive Examinations which are given during the final month of the student’s graduate program.
7. No credit toward a graduate degree may be earned by correspondence study.
8. Before a final transcript or diploma will be released, the student must clear with the follow-ing offices: Registrar, Accounting, Library, Financial Aid, and Career Services.
9. Requests to withdraw an application for graduation for a specific graduation date must be received by the end of late registration in that given semester. Changing one’s graduation date to a later semester will require reapplication and fee. No refund is given for fees.