Academic Catalogs
Undergraduate Catalog: |
2005 - 2006 Academic Information
Admissions Policies
Religious Experience
All applicants admitted for studies at Southwestern must evidence a born again spiritual experi-ence 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. Applicants are expected to have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord and be striving to live a Christian lifestyle. A minister’s recommendation is required (not required for licensed or ordained ministers with the Assemblies of God or other recognized denominations) as part of the application process.
Admissions Deadlines
For admissions in Fall, the Priority Deadline* is March 15th. The Regular Admissions Deadline is rolling until August 15th. For admissions in Spring, the Priority Deadline* is October 1st. The Regular Admissions Deadline is rolling until January 2nd. For admissions in Summer, the Priority Deadline* is April 1st. The Regular Admissions Deadline is rolling through May 1st.
*Priority Deadline indicates the date that the admission process can be completed before registra-tion. Prospective students are encouraged to make application as early as possible.
Entering Freshmen
For acceptance into Southwestern Assemblies of God University, applicants for admission must meet the following requirements:
1. All applicants must submit a high school transcript showing the date of graduation and a minimum GPA of 2.0 from an accredited high school, or proof of high school equivalency (GED). High school transcript must include the appropriate "college preparatory classes."
2. Applicants must submit a completed, signed application for admission. An application form is in the back of this catalog or you may apply online at www.sagu.edu/admissions.
3. The application should be accompanied by a $35.00 application fee. This fee is a one-time processing charge that is non-refundable.
4. Applicants must submit recommendations from a licensed minister who knows them personally and a friend along with the admission application.
5. All applicants are required to submit scores from an American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that has been taken within the last 5 years. The Admissions Committee will use these guidelines to determine the applicants' Admission status. Students will be notified of their status at the time of acceptance. If deemed necessary, a student may be given provisional admittance and must abide by the following:
- Enroll in and successfully complete developmental courses as determined by ACT/SAT scores.
- Enroll in no more than 12-13 credit hours for each of the first two semesters.
- Achieve at least a 2.0 GPA in order to enroll in the next semester and achieve at least a 2.0 GPA for the year in order to enroll in the next year.
- Enroll in and successfully complete GES1112, Learning and Development.
- Enroll in a one (1) hour, no credit, Pass/Fail class through the Achievement Center each of the first two semesters. (GES 0010 AIM Skills I and GES 0020 AIM II)
If students' scores are below the national average and time permits, they may want to retake the ACT/SAT test and try to increase their scores.
All materials submitted during the admissions process become property of Southwestern and will not be returned.
Admission of Home-Schooled Students
Home-schooled students are encouraged to apply for admission. The Admissions office works with home-schooled students individually considering each situation as unique. Requirements are the same as other freshmen or transfer applicants. A record of grades from grades 9-12 must be submitted in the form of a transcript, or GED certification. An ACT or SAT score is also required.
Home-schooled students under the age of 17 who do not have a high school diploma from an accredited high school or organization, and do not have a GED, may be admitted under a "non-degree seeking" status. By law, these students are not eligible for state or federal financial aid until they reach the age of 17, but may be eligible for institutional aid. At age 17, these students will be changed to "regular-degree seeking" status, at which time they may be eligible for state and federal financial aid.
Early Admission Program
The Early Admission Program is designed for high school seniors who wish to gain college credit at Southwestern while still attending high school. All admission requirements for this program are standard, except that the high school transcript may reflect only grades through the junior year. If the student continues at Southwestern after high school graduation, a final transcript will be required. Contact the Admissions Office to apply for the Early Admission Program.
Admission as a Transfer Student
New Student
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 Admissions 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. Any enrollment permitted without an official transcript is only conditional and no credit will be allowed until a satisfactory transcript is on file. Any student in this category will be considered a freshman until official transcripts are received and processed.
Waiving High School Transcripts and ACT or SAT Scores
Students transferring into Southwestern with 21 hours of applicable transfer credit may have their High School transcripts and ACT or SAT scores waived. Applicable credit is defined as credit that applied to the student’s degree program at Southwestern. Southwestern reserves the right to request transcripts or scores from students, regardless of total number of credits transferred.
Transferring From Unaccredited College
Students transferring in from unaccredited institutions will be required to submit ACT or SAT scores, regardless of total number of credits transferred. These scores will be used for academic placement purposes. For complete details concerning Southwestern’s Unaccredited College policy, please refer to the Transfer Policy section.
Learning and Development
On-campus students transferring into Southwestern with 21 hours or more may also have the course GES 1112 Learning and Development waived. Although the course requirement is waived, the hours must be made up in the student’s general electives.
Academic Status
When determining a transfer student’s academic status, the total number of hours attempted and cumulative grade point average from all transfer schools will be used. Any student transferring into Southwestern whose cumulative grade point average falls below Southwestern standards will be placed on the appropriate academic status. If deemed necessary, a student may be given provisional admittance and must abide by in part or full of the following:
- Enroll in and successfully complete developmental courses as determined by ACT/SAT scores.
- Enroll in no more than 12-13 credit hours for each of the first two semesters.
- Achieve at least a 2.0 GPA in order to enroll in the next semester and achieve at least a 2.0 GPA for the year in order to enroll in the next year.
- Enroll in and successfully complete GES1112, Learning and Development.
- Enroll in a one (1) hour, no credit, Pass/Fail class through the Achievement Center each of the first two semesters. (GES 0010 AIM I, GES 0020 AIM II, or GES 0030 Crossroads)
Returning Transfer Student
Students returning to Southwestern, who have taken courses from other colleges since their previous enrollment, must submit official transcripts from each college. Both previous credit from Southwestern, as well as all transfer credit will be used to determine a student’s current academic standing.
Admission as a Special Student
Non-degree-seeking students should write the Admissions Counselor for current information regarding special student admissions.
Admission of International Students
Southwestern is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to educate non-immigrant students (F-1 classification). All international students will observe the same admissions policies as other entering students.
General Criteria
Applicants should apply no less than six months prior to the semester they intend to begin classes at Southwestern.
Students must take the ACT or SAT prior to being accepted to Southwestern. International students may not take the residual ACT offered at Southwestern as part of their admission requirements. All applicants are required to submit scores from an American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that has been taken within the last 5 years. The Admissions Committee will use these guidelines to determine the applicants' Admission status. Students will be notified of their status at the time of acceptance. If deemed necessary, a student may be given provisional admittance and must abide by the following:
- Enroll in and successfully complete developmental courses as determined by ACT/SAT scores.
- Enroll in no more than 12-13 credit hours for each of the first two semesters.
- Achieve at least a 2.0 GPA in order to enroll in the next semester and achieve at least a 2.0 GPA for the year in order to enroll in the next year.
- Enroll in and successfully complete GES1112, Learning and Development. Enroll in a one (1) hour, no credit, Pass/Fail class through the Achievement Center each of the first two semesters. (GES 0010 AIM I and GES 0020 AIM II)
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, who 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 undergraduate international students to maintain fulltime enrollment while studying in the U.S.
First Time International Students
In addition to the requirements stated in the General Criteria, international students who are first time freshmen must also meet the same admissions requirements as all other entering freshmen (see Entering Freshmen admissions policies).
International Transfer Students
In addition to the requirements stated in the General Criteria:
International 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.
International students wishing to transfer from another U.S. institution must:
1. Present documentation 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.
Divorced/Separated Students
Divorcees who have not remarried, and whose former spouse is still alive, may be admitted only on the following conditions:
1. The divorce must have been legally finalized for at least three months prior to admission.
2. The applicant must agree to pre-registration counseling with the Vice President for Student Services and to reside off campus if required. Dating is prohibited without the consent of the Vice President for Student Services and the parents. Persons who are separated from spouses are not permitted to date.
3. The university reserves the right to grant admission based upon the facts found in each individual case.
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. The following guidelines will be followed:
1. No court cases may be pending.
- Repeat felons may not be admitted.
- Following a judgment of probation, a student may apply to enroll at Southwestern after a period of one year.
- Following imprisonment, a one-year period of rehabilitation/re-establishment is required prior to the student applying for enrollment.
- Consideration will be given to waive the aforementioned stipulations if an individual has successfully completed a spiritual rehabilitation program with Teen/Life Challenge and can provide a positive reference from the director of Teen/Life Challenge.
- Extensive character references should be included with any application submitted by a convicted felon.
Transfer Policies
Transfer of Credits from Accredited Colleges or Universities
Credit for courses that have been earned at other accredited colleges or universities with a grade of “C” or above may be transferred into undergraduate studies at Southwestern. Courses completed with a grade of “D” or below will not be accepted in transfer. Official transcripts must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office in order to transfer credit. The University determines acceptable transfer credit from other institutions based on evaluation of course content as described in the catalogs of those institutions and in consultation with appropriate academic units at SAGU as necessary for clarification. Transfer credit may only be received for course work completed at regionally accredited institutions, or institutions which satisfy Southwestern’s Unaccredited College Policy. A lower-level course that is transferred for an upper-level course does not count towards the upper-level hour requirement.
New/Returning Transfer Student
For policies concerning transfer credit for new and returning students, please refer to section entitled Admission as a Transfer Student.
Current Student
Current students planning on transferring in courses from other colleges must check with the Registrar’s Office before taking any external course work. All transfer credit counts toward the student’s cumulative grade point average.
Transfer of Credits from an Unaccredited College
In order to have courses from an unaccredited college evaluated, the student must complete the following steps:
- An official transcript (signed and sealed) must be sent directly from the college to the Registrar's Office.
- An official transcript from the sending college as to the duration of courses must be provided. This must include how many minutes the course met each day, how many days it met each week, and how many weeks it met in each semester.
- Letters from at least three (3) colleges that are regionally accredited or accredited with the ABHE (Association for Biblical Higher Education) that indicate acceptance of the credits from the unaccredited college in question must be submitted. In addition, a statement of how the credits are accepted should accompany the letters (for example, the credits are accepted on probation, only half of the credits are accepted, only Bible courses are accepted, etc.).
- A catalog that has a full course description of each course represented on the transcript must be provided.
- The student must provide a syllabus for each course.
- Please note that first time transfer students will be required to submit ACT/SAT scores regardless of total number of hours transferred.
Finally, the student must validate the transfer of unaccredited courses by earning at least a 2.00 grade point average during the first 24 credit hours of study at Southwestern.
Military Credit
Credit is reviewed on a course-by-course basis.
Correspondence Work
Southwestern will accept up to twelve hours of correspondence work from a regionally accredited university toward a degree.
Credit by Examination and Advanced Placement
The following policies and procedures govern all credit awarded through any advanced placement or credit by examination program:
1. Credit by examination may be earned for:
a.) any course (or its equivalent) in which the student has not been officially enrolled in at SAGU beyond the 12th day of classes.
b.) any subject area in which the student has not already earned credit for a more advanced course, except by permission of the Vice President for Academics.
c.) any course for which the student has not already received a grade.
2. Credit by examination courses are recorded on the transcript as a credit (CR) rather than a letter grade.
3. A student may receive credit for a maximum of 25% of course work toward a degree. These hours do not count as credit earned in residence.
4. Credit received by examination satisfies degree requirements in the same way as credit earned by passing courses.
5. Students may not attempt credit for a CLEP examination for a course in which a failing grade has been earned at any educational institution.
6. Students desiring undergraduate credit based upon examination must take the examination at least one semester prior to the semester of their graduation.
7. Students are required to officially declare any CLEP, AP, or ACT credit within their first academic year.
8. A recording fee will be charged per credit hour. See current fee schedule for amount.
9. Credit will be posted after twelve semester hours have been earned in residence.
ACT Scores
Any student scoring 26 or higher on the Mathematics or Natural Science area, or 29 or higher on the English section of the American College Test (ACT) is eligible to receive up to three hours college credit for each score validated by the Registrar’s Office.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
High school students with superior academic achievements may earn college credit through the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Scores should be submitted to the Registrar's Office. Only scores of 3,4, and 5 will be considered for credit.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP tests are designed to evaluate nontraditional college-level education such as independent study, correspondence work, etc. Both enrolled undergraduate students and entering freshmen may receive CLEP credit for CLEP tests, which are classified as "Subject Examinations." Scores are not accepted for CLEP "General Examinations." Credit will be awarded based on the University's criteria and required scores. (Students are not eligible to earn ENG 1113 credit by examination if they have earned more than 30 credit hours.)
Defense Activity for Nontraditional Educational Support (DANTES) Program
Enrolled undergraduate students and entering freshmen may receive DANTES
credit for some examinations. Credit is awarded on a course-by-course basis as recommended by the Registrar. Credit will not be accepted for business, English, foreign languages, history or speech courses. Contact the Registrar's Office for information.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
Students who received their diploma through the International Baccalaureate program will receive college credit on the Higher Level International Exam with a test result of 4 or better. The amount of credit awarded will depend upon test scores. The hours will only be awarded after review of the International Baccalaureate transcript.
College Credit
English Development: Upon initial enrollment, students enrolling with an ACT score of 15 or less in English or an SAT Verbal score of 375 or less are required to enroll in and pass ENG 0010 Developmental Composition in their first semester in order to be eligible to then enroll in ENG 1113, Composition and Rhetoric I.
Students having lower than a 2.50 grade point average in their general studies composition courses (ENG 1113 Composition and Rhetoric I and ENG 1123 Composition and Rhetoric II) are required to take ENG 2213 Studies in Composition and earn at least a 2.00 in ENG 2213 to fulfill requirements for graduation. ENG 2213 Studies in Composition will count as elective credit.
Reading Development: Upon initial enrollment, students enrolling with an ACT Reading score of 15 or less or an SAT Verbal score of 375 or less are required to enroll in COM 1112 Reading Enrichment Strategies. COM 1112 Reading Enrichment Strategies will count as elective credit.
Math Development: Freshmen and transfer students who have not fulfilled the math requirements for their program and have an ACT Math score of 15 or an SAT Math score of 375 or less are required to take MTH 0010 Developmental Mathematics. After successful completion of this course, the student may then enroll in either MTH 1113 College Math or MTH 1133 Integrated Math.
Any student wishing to take MTH 1123 College Algebra must take a Math Placement Exam given during New Student Orientation prior to registering for this class. Students indicating a math deficiency will be required to take either MTH 0020 Beginning Algebra and MTH 1213 Intermediate Algebra or MTH 1213 Intermediate Algebra alone depending on the level of deficiency. Once students have successfully completed these courses, they may move on to take MTH 1123 College Algebra.
Late Registration
A fee is charged for registration after the official registration day. No student may enroll for credit after the last day of late registration except for seminars and special short-term courses. See the applicable dates on the academic calendar.
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 programs 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 after the conclusion of each semester. Transcripts may be requested in writing for a fee. Transcripts will be released only when students are clear of all financial obligations to the University and are current on all student loans. A student wishing to petition a grade it must do so in writing within 90 days of the conclusion of the semester in which the grade was earned. The petition should be sent 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:
Freshman: 0 - 29 hours
Sophomore: 30 - 59 hours
Junior: 60 - 89 hours
Senior: 90 or more hours
Regular Student: A student who is working toward graduation.
Full-time Student: A student who is carrying at least 12 semester hours.
Part-time Student: A student who is carrying less than 12 semester hours.
Special Student: A student who is not pursuing a degree.
Grading
Grade point averages are computed using only the following grades and grade points for each semester hour attempted.
A 90-100 4.00
B 80-89 3.00
C 70-79 2.00
D 60-69 1.00
F 59-below 0.00
CR Credit
NC No Credit
P Pass
NP No Pass
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
The following grades are given as grades to specific courses, and those courses can only receive one of these grades: CR, NC, P, NP. These grades do not affect grade point averages, but do count toward academic degree requirements and academic progress.
The Unit of Credit or Semester Hour
The unit for calculating credit is the semester hour. Each course (except developmental, physical education, music performance, and laboratory courses) gives as many semester hours credit as the number of hours spent in class per week. It is expected that two hours preparation will be made for each hour spent in class.
Student Load
Students enrolled in fewer than 12 semester hours are part-time. Full-time students enroll in 12 to 19 hours of instruction per week. Students desiring to exceed the regular load must secure special permission from the College Dean over their discipline.
Seminars
Southwestern offers a variety of CR/NC seminars usually for the purpose of exposing students to talented field expertise. Students are allowed to take as many as they wish, however, only three seminars graded "CR" may be counted toward meeting graduation requirements.
Majors and Specializations
Major refers to the student’s general field of study and consists of a minimum of 9 hours for an Associate’s degree and a minimum of 48 hours for a Bachelor’s degree. Specialization refers to the specific sub-field of study within the major and consists of a minimum of 9 hours for an Associate’s degree and a minimum of 18 hours for a Bachelor’s degree. All Bachelor degrees require a minimum of 24 hours of Bible and Theology.
Double Majors/Specializations
A student completing the requirements for one major or specialization may earn additional majors or specializations by completing the hours unique to any other major or specialization. This does not apply to the Professional Development major.
Minor
A minor consists of 15-18 semester hours of coursework in a single subject (as outlined by academic departments) outside the student's major field. At least 6 of those hours must be at the junior/senior level. General education courses in the minor subject may count toward the total required hours for the minor. The purpose of the minor is to give the student an additional, though lesser, area of concentration and expertise beyond the major field.
Incomplete Work
1. 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.
2. Procedures
- The student must apply to the instructor for an “I” by a specified date on the academic calendar.
- The student is responsible for obtaining the remaining requirements of the course from the instructor.
c. 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.
d. If the instructor does not submit a change of grade, the “I” will become the terminal grade.
e. 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.
Select Groups
Students who represent the school in extracurricular activities must demonstrate appropriate qualities in the following areas:
a. Spirituality
b. Academics (a "C" average, 2.00)
c. Emotions
d. Human relations
Honors
After each semester, the Registrar publishes a President’s List of all students who have been enrolled for at least 12 semester hours earning a 4.00 grade point average, and a Dean’s List of students making a 3.50-3.99 grade point average. All work must have been completed on time. A student earning grades of “WF” or “NC” or “NP” do not qualify.
Honors are noted at commencement to graduating students with high cumulative grade point averages for all their college work.
3.50 - 3.74 Cum Laude
3.75 - 3.89 Magna Cum Laude
3.90 - 4.00 Summa Cum Laude
Examinations
1. Instructors give regular examinations during class hours within the semester. To make up an announced test, approval must first be secured from the instructor.
2. Final examinations occur at the end of each semester. All students must take these examinations. Graduating seniors with a grade of B or higher within a course may be exempted from the last examination of the course if the professor designates it as a final exam. However, a graduating senior with a grade of B or higher within a course, at the professor's prerogative, may or may not be exempted from a unit exam given during the final examination week. Early final examinations will not be permitted except for extraordinary emergencies.
3. Late final examinations may be administered by the Academics Office up to 60 days after the end of the semester only.
Distance Education Examinations
Exams in Distance Education are administered in various manners. Closed book exams require the assistance of a proctor, approved by the School of Distance Education to act as the professor’s agent to insure exam security and adherence to exam instruction. Open book exams usually do not require the use of a proctor. Because the professor is not present when proctored exams are administered, the university views the security of the exam proctor system with utmost importance. Proctor guidelines are available from the Distance Education Office. Any deviation from established guidelines will be investigated with great concern.
Academic Dishonesty/Cheating
Students must fulfill all academic requirements and assignments with honesty. This pertains to examinations, papers, book critiques, reading reports, and all other assignments. Students are not allowed to withdraw from a course when 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 academic work attempted. For continued enrollment in good standing, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average as follows:
Academic Alert
A freshman or sophomore is considered on academic alert when their semester cumulative grade point average falls between a 2.0 and 2.25. Academic alert serves to warn a student who has not yet dropped below minimum standards, but could be in danger of doing so.
(This will not be reflected on the student’s permanent record (transcript). The student will receive a letter informing them that their academic performance, though satisfactory, could be strengthened by their course selection, repeating courses with low grades, visiting the Achievement Center, and other possible recommendations.)
Academic Probation
A student is placed on academic probation at the end of any enrollment period in which the cumulative grade point average drops below a 2.0. A student on academic probation will not be allowed to enroll in more than 12 hours, excluding one hour in either Physical Education or Applied Music. Also, students will be required to enroll in a one (1) hour, no credit, pass/fail course (GES 0030) through the Achievement Center.
Academic Suspension
A student who, during a probationary semester, fails to raise the cumulative grade point average to the minimum 2.0 standard, fails to make at least a 2.25 for the semester, or has been of academic probation for 50% of their academic career will automatically be placed on Academic Suspension.
Students on academic suspension may appeal to the Dean of Academic Services for re-admission on probationary status. If the appeal is granted, the following requirements will be applied: the student will not be allowed to enroll in more than 12 hours, excluding one hour in either Physical Education or Applied Music; the student must enroll in a one (1) hour, no credit, pass/fail course (GES 0030) through the Achievement Center.
The student continues 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 2.25 or better will be automatically suspended for the following semester. A student academically suspended twice will not be allowed to re-enroll for one academic year, and that is without appeal.
A student academically suspended a third time will not be allowed to re-enroll for three academic years, and that is without appeal.
Achievement Center Policy
The Achievement Center, located on the second floor of the Nelson Library, exists primarily for the purpose of instructional assistance. It has been established by the university in harmony with its commitment to academic excellence. The Achievement Center is open to all students to facilitate their learning experiences. It also assists students needing academic accommodations because of a documented learning or physical disability. Students needing such assistance must make application with the Director of the Achievement Center at the time of enrollment. The Director of the Achievement Center will make recommendations to the faculty and students to maximize the learning experiences for students attending the Achievement Center.
The following policy defines voluntary and mandatory participants, and specifies some related procedures for the Achievement Center.
1. The following students will be required to attend the Achievement Center (Any student who is required to use Achievement Center services, yet does not comply with Achievement Center policy will be reported to the Dean of Academic Services):
a. New students with a composite ACT score of 17 and below or a combined SAT score of 840 and below must enroll in a one (1) hour, no credit, Pass/Fail class through the Achievement Center each of the first two semesters.
b. Students taking ENG 0010 Developmental Composition and/or MTH 0010
2. Students enrolled in Developmental English or Math will complete a computer-assisted program under the guidance of the Achievement Center and in cooperation with the respective course instructor.
3. Students with verifiable learning challenges may apply to voluntarily participate in Achievement Center programs.
Academic Advising/Counseling
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. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor for academic counseling to assist in dealing with issues the student may encounter. Faculty members are also available at stated times during the week for personal conferences.
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 to retake the course. Only the final grade and grade points are 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.
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.
Please refer to the Student Handbook for specifics on this policy. The attendance policy is also recorded in each course syllabus.
A student who is absent from a class is responsible to make the appropriate advanced 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. However, no point reduction will be imposed upon a student's final grade for absenteeism.
Tardy Policy
Students missing fifteen minutes of a class will be counted as absent for that session. Every three tardies acquired in classes that meet three times a week and every two tardies acquired in classes that meet twice a week will be considered as an absence. The student is responsible, at the end of class, to identify his/her tardiness to the professor.
Course Drop
A student will be allowed to withdraw from a course (except in the cases of alleged academic dishonesty) 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 dropping a class will receive a grade as determined by the instructor. Students desiring to withdraw from a course must file a change of schedule in the Registrar’s Office. This change must be approved by the faculty advisor and instructor. A fee is charged; consult the current Schedule of Fees.
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, and the second will be due during the 8th week of the semester. If no work has been received nor a progress report received by the 4th week, a report shall be made to the Registrar. If no work or progress report has been received by the 8th week, a report shall be made to the Registrar for the purpose of automatic administrative withdrawal. In this event, 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 needing to withdraw from school must file an official withdrawal notice in the Registrar’s Office before the last day of classes. 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 instructors. Transcripts cannot be released until proper clearance is arranged.
Graduation Policies
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 6 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. To change catalogs, the student will need to complete the necessary paperwork from the Registrar’s Office. The advisor 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
The following will establish the 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.
2. All course work must be completed and a passing grade received before the student is allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
3. A student must have attained an overall grade point average of 2.0 “C” to qualify for any degree or diploma awarded by Southwestern.
4. Only 6 hours of the last 30 hours toward a degree or diploma at Southwestern may be taken by transfer of credit (this includes all nontraditional credit and correspondence courses).
5. A student awarded any degree or diploma from Southwestern must have completed at least 30 hours of course work at Southwestern.
6. A student is required to have completed a minimum of 30 hours of upper-level credit to be awarded a Bachelor's degree.
7. Students desiring undergraduate credit based upon examination must take the examination at least one semester prior to the semester of their graduation.
8. Before a final transcript or diploma will be released, the student must clear with the Accounting Office and Library, and an exit interview must be held with the Financial Aid Office and the Career Services Office.
9. Students having lower than a 2.50 grade point average in their general studies composition courses (ENG 1113 Composition and Rhetoric I and ENG 1123 Composition and Rhetoric II) are required to take ENG 2213 Studies in Composition and earn at least a 2.00 in ENG 2213. (Education majors refer to page 119.) Failure to meet this requirement will result in a student not being allowed to graduate.
Requests to withdraw an application for graduation for a specific graduation date must be received by the end of late registration in the semester that graduation is intended. Refunds of graduation fees will only be granted to requests observing this time frame. Changing one's graduation date to a later semester will require reapplication and fee.
Graduation Rates
The graduation rate calculates from the first-time, full-time students who enter Southwestern and complete within a six-year period. From the first-time, full-time students who entered in 1987, 26% graduated; 1988, 29%; 1989, 23%; 1990, 18%; 1991, 41%; 1992, 30%; 1993, 32%; 1994, 44%; 1994-1995, 38%; 1995-1996, 39%; 1996-1997, 39%, and in 1997-1998, 40% graduated.
Some students enter Southwestern for reasons other than obtaining a degree. Students come to experience the Pentecostal atmosphere and enjoy the spiritual dynamics. Others come and take courses for transfer purposes. This group of students accomplish their goals, however, they affect the graduation rate of Southwestern students.
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree is conferred upon completion of all required collegiate course work including the satisfactory completion of the general education studies curriculum required for the baccalaureate degree and the curriculum required in a major field of study. The Bachelor of Arts degree stipulates an additional requirement of satisfactory completion of at least twelve (12) semester hours of any one Biblical or foreign language.
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree is conferred upon completion of all required collegiate course work including the satisfactory completion of the general education studies curriculum required for the baccalaureate degree and the curriculum required in a major field of study.
Associate of Arts
The Associate of Arts degree is conferred upon completion of all required collegiate course work including the satisfactory completion of the general education studies curriculum required for the A.A. degree and the hours required in a declared major.