Academics

The academic resources, special learning opportunities, and curricular offerings of the College are the primary means through which academic experiences are structured. Each student is encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities provided by the College in pursuit of individual goals and objectives, recognizing that the benefits derived are greatly dependent upon the energies invested.

The following pages provide information on the requirements for graduation, the policies governing academic life, and the opportunities available to students for the development of their academic capacity. Each student is expected to take personal responsibility for knowing and understanding these policies and expectations. Contact Academic Success, the Office of Academic Affairs, or the Registrar’s Office with any questions or concerns.

ABC Degrees and Other Awards

All degrees or other awards given to students enrolled at ABC shall be provided by the Office of the Registrar in conjunction with the Office of Academic Affairs.

Student Advisement

Arkansas Baptist College is dedicated to student learning and academic success. ABC enriches the student’s educational experience through successful rigorous academic, career and social programs. The college provides First and Second Year Academic Experience with Academic Coaches that advise students for 4 semesters or until they declare a major. To ensure students are on the correct, shortest path to graduation, ABC requires all degree seeking students to be advised every semester.

Advisors provide guidance, direction, and information for the student’s academic experience. However, students are ultimately responsible for correct course selection and non-duplication of course work.

Academic Credit

The College uses the semester system. One credit hour is equivalent to one fifty-minute lecture each week of a semester, or two to three class periods spent in a laboratory or activity. The student receives credit for a class only if officially registered for it. Official registration means the student has completed all steps in the registration process.

Academic Load

Generally, a student is limited to a maximum of 18 semester hours per semester. A student desiring to take more than 18 semester hours must get written permission from his academic advisor, chairperson, dean, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. With proper approvals, sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an overall academic average of 3.50 or above may take up to 21 hours. Undergraduates must be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours to be considered full-time. Enrollment in six semester hours is considered full time for each summer session. Overload permission is required for students taking more than seven (7) semester hours during summer term.

Audit Credit

An auditor is a student attending class as a non-participant. Auditors are not required to submit papers, take examinations, or meet other requirements for credit auditing. Auditors pay the regular student fee.

Students registering for “AUDIT” must indicate their intent during the registration period. The symbol and grade used for a course being audited is “AU”. Auditors pay the regular student tuition and fees.

Academic Clemency

In accordance with Act 1000 of 1991, 78th General Assembly for the State of Arkansas, Arkansas Baptist College has adopted a policy on Academic Clemency. Academic Clemency provides a second chance for students who performed poorly in their early academic careers and who wish to return to college after having gained an appreciation for higher education. In order to qualify for Academic Clemency, students must meet and accept the conditions outlined by the college. Details are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Honesty Policy

As an institution of higher education, Arkansas Baptist College upholds academic integrity as the guiding principle in an individual, or in a collective body of work to represent one’s own intellect and creativity.

Academic honesty and intellectual honesty are reflected in publishing and disseminating any body of work as it relates to the individualized efforts of students, faculty, and/or staff as demonstrated in scholarly works, creative activities, research, professional and community service in keeping with the mission of the College.

This document includes the guiding principle that governs any work occurring online, face-to-face in the classroom, in publications, or through any other media for academic progress. Moreover, this document contains the guidelines for reporting infractions and compliance as an ongoing commitment to the College’s stance on academic honesty.

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty involves acts that may subvert or compromise the integrity of the educational process at Arkansas Baptist College. Included is an act by which a student gains or attempts to gain an academic advantage for himself or herself or another by misrepresenting his or her or another’s work or by interfering with the completion, submission, or evaluation of work. These include, but are not limited to, accomplishing, or attempting any of the following acts:

1. Altering of grades or official records
2. Using any materials that are not authorized by the instructor for use during an examination
3. Copying from another student’s paper during an examination
4. Collaborating during an examination with any other person by giving or receiving information without specific permission of the instructor
5. Stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining information about an un-administered examination
6. Collaborating on laboratory work, take-home examinations, homework, or other assigned work when instructed to work independently
7. Substituting for another person or permitting any other person to substitute for oneself to take an examination
8. Submitting as one’s own any theme, report, term paper, essay, computer program, other written work, speech, painting, drawing, sculpture, or other art work prepared totally or in part by another
9. Submitting, without specific permission of the instructor, work that has been previously offered for credit in another course
10. Plagiarizing, that is, the offering as one’s own work the words, ideas, or arguments of another person without appropriate attribution by quotation, reference, or footnote. Plagiarism occurs both when the words of another are reproduced without acknowledgement and when the ideas or arguments of another are paraphrased in such a way as to lead the reader to believe that they originated with the writer. It is the responsibility of all ABC students to understand the methods of proper attribution and to apply those principles in all materials submitted.
11. Sabotaging of another student’s work
12. Falsifying or committing forgery on any college form or document
13. Submitting altered or falsified data as experimental data from laboratory projects, survey research, or other field research
14. Committing any willful act of dishonesty that interferes with the operation of the academic process
15. Facilitating or aiding in any act of academic dishonesty

Penalties for Actions which Violate Academic Honesty

Students who violate University rules on academic integrity will be subject to disciplinary sanctions (see below). Egregious violations may result in dismissal from the College for one academic year or permanently. Since all violations of academic honesty harm the individual, all students, and the integrity of the College, policies on academic integrity will be strictly enforced.

Violations include, but are not limited to:

• Submitting as one’s own work the words, ideas, or arguments of another person without appropriate attribution and documentation according to the style sheet used in the discipline: “F” on assignment.
• Submitting substantially the same course work to one instructor which has already been submitted to an instructor for credit in another class (self-plagiarism) with noted exceptions allowed in some areas: “F” on assignment.
• Using any materials, devices, or sources of information not authorized by the instructor during an examination, project, or assignment: “F” on assignment.
• Copying from another student’s paper during an examination or allowing another person to copy from you: “F” on examination.
• Collaborating during an examination with any person by giving or receiving information without specific permission from the instructor: “F” on examination.
• Collaborating on homework, take-home examinations, or out of class assignments when students have been told to work independently by their instructor: “F” on work.
• Submitting altered, fabricated, or falsified data as experimental data from laboratory projects, survey research, or other field research: “F” on assignment.
• Falsifying or inventing the sources or facts in a research paper or other assignment: “F” on assignment.
• Altering the answers, markings, comments, or grades on a paper or test to change the grade earned on a test or assignment: “F” on assignment.

Critical Violations

• Sabotaging another student’s work: academic suspension.
• Altering grades or any other official records of the university without following established procedures: academic suspension.
• Falsifying or committing forgery on any college form or document, including materials intended to document excused absences: academic suspension.
• Doing course work for another student or getting another person to do course work for you. This includes the copying of homework assignments, taking examinations for someone else or allowing someone else to take examinations for you, and the purchase of another person’s work to submit as your own: academic suspension.
• Stealing, buying, or otherwise illicitly obtaining information about a not-yet-administered examination: academic suspension.

Reporting Violations of Academic Honesty

Any instructor that alleges a student has committed a violation of academic honesty has the responsibility of documenting, reporting, and proposing sanctions.

Administration by the Vice President of Academic Affairs

The Vice President of Academic Affairs will have the administrative authority and responsibility for the administration of student discipline for academic violations. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will work with faculty members, administrators, and the Academic Review Committee.

Procedures

When a violation of academic integrity is suspected the instructor has the responsibility of informing the student of the charge or allegation of violating academic integrity standards and of proposed sanctions as appropriate for the alleged violation. The instructor will inform the student of his/her right to appeal all decisions. The specification of what occurred to bring the allegation must be submitted in writing to the student. After reviewing the allegation and proposed sanction with the student, the instructor will give the student one week to affirm or deny charges and specifications.

1. If the student does not affirm the allegation or submit a written request for appeal within one week, the silence will be interpreted as affirmative, and the prescribed sanction will be applied.
2. If the student affirms the allegation and proposed sanction, the signed document is forwarded to the following persons for their signature: Chairperson of the department where the violation occurred, the Dean of the student’s academic division, the Academic Review Committee Chairperson, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
3. If the student denies the allegations, the instructor will submit the documents to the following persons for their signature: Chairperson of the department where the violation occurred, the Dean of the student’s and faculty member’s division, the Academic Review Committee Chairperson and the Vice President of Academic Affairs for an independent review and due process procedures.

Proposed Sanctions and Procedures

With all imposed sanctions, the student will be given due process as defined by Arkansas Baptist College The student will be advised of his/her rights to an academic hearing by the Academic Review Committee.

The Chain of Command for Appeals: *

1. Instructor
2. Department Chairperson where violation occurred
3. Dean of Division where violation occurred
4. Academic Review Committee
5. Vice President of Academic Affairs

*The Dean of the division in which the student is enrolled, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs will be copied on all correspondence.

Procedural Steps for Progressive Violations

• For the first violation, the student will be given an “F” for the assignment and given a written warning that is placed in the student’s file but will not be indicated on his/her record. The student will be required to complete training related to academic integrity.
• For the second violation, the student will receive an “F” for the course and a letter will be placed in the student’s academic file.
• For a third violation or first critical violation, the student will be suspended from the College for one academic year, given an “W” on his/her transcript, and a letter will be placed in the student’s academic file.
• For a fourth violation or second critical violation, the student will be expelled from the College for repeated violations of academic honesty. The student will be given an “XF” on his/her transcript and a letter will be placed in the student’s academic file noting the offenses.

The student academic appeal procedure as outlined in the student handbook will be followed. These academic sanctions are in addition to any legal penalties associated with the infractions.

Academic Program/Department Transfer

This policy applies to the transfer of any academic program/department (within the academic divisions) between departments or divisions. Final determination of any program/department transfer rests with the President of the College. Before final determination of any program/department transfer occurs, the division heads, the department chairs and the affected faculty in the programs/departments (those in the program/department to be transferred and those in the department to which the program/department will be transferred) will be consulted about the program transfer being considered.

The Chief Academic Officer will provide the division heads, department chairs, and the affected faculty with opportunities to discuss the implications of the planned transfer before it occurs. The Chief Academic Officer will solicit suggestions from the division heads, department chairs, and the affected faculty to anticipate and reduce difficulties in the program transfer, and to help ensure a smooth transition. Concerns of both students and faculty should be considered. Before final determination of any program/department transfer occurs, all appropriate academic units will be informed of the planned transfer and the reasons supporting it. These groups will be invited to offer comments or recommendations. These recommendations shall be forwarded to Chief Academic Officer who will then forward the recommendations to the President of the College.

Academic Records

The information contained in student records is generally regarded as private and confidential. Public information may be disclosed (last known address, enrollment status and classification). Policies and procedures regarding student records are in compliance with regulations implementing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 which was designed to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Questions regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

Students who have not been enrolled in three years or more forfeit the right to graduate according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at initial enrollment. When academic regulations are modified, changes are not made retroactive, nor will additional semesters of work be required (except when needed to meet certification requirements).

Academic Suspension from an Institution Other Than Arkansas Baptist College

Students under academic suspension from an accredited college or university cannot enroll in Arkansas Baptist College (ABC). Once the students have served their suspensions, they may enroll at ABC on a probationary basis. They may enroll for no more than 13 credit hours and must have a 2.0 GPA. If the students do not meet probation requirements, they will be suspended.

Good Standing, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Suspension

Good Standing

In order to remain in good academic standing at Arkansas Baptist College, all students must maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester/term in accordance with the college policy. Students remain in Good Standing at the close of any enrollment period when they meet the minimum cumulative GPA.

Academic Warning

Students will receive an Academic Warning at the close of the first enrollment period when they do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA. The Registrar’s Office will send an Academic Warning notification through the student portal and/or US mail.

Academic Probation

Students are placed on Academic Probation at the close of any enrollment period after an academic warning status and they do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA. The Registrar’s Office will send an Academic Probation notification through the student portal and/or US mail.

The following process is undertaken for students on academic probation:

• Students are required to meet with an Academic Review Committee member to sign an Academic Agreement/Probation Contract before completing registration to monitor progress and offer academic support.
• Students are assigned an academic advisor on the contract.
• Once the contract is completed, students will receive two copies (one for the advisor and a copy for his/her file). The original contract must be submitted to the Registrar’s office.
• Once the original contract is submitted to the Registrar’s office, the academic hold will be lifted.
• Students will deliver a copy of the contract to the assigned advisor who will then register the students for semester courses.
• Students pre-registered for courses prior to being placed on academic probation will have their enrollment cancelled and all courses dropped. In order to re-enroll, students are required to meet with an Academic Review Committeemember to complete an Academic Probation Contract as previously stated.
• While on Academic Probation, students are restricted to a maximum of 13 credit hours during the Fall/Spring semester and 7 credit hours in the Summer. The Chief Academic Officer must approve exceptions to this policy.
• In order to have probationary status lifted, students must earn a cumulative grade point average equal to 2.0 or above at the close of any enrollment period. If at the end of the probationary period students fail to meet the probationary conditions described for Academic Probation, they will be placed on Continued Academic Probation for a period of one semester.

Continued Academic Probation

Students are placed on Continued Academic Probation at the close of any enrollment period when:

1. Students fail to meet the probationary conditions described for Academic Probation
2. Students semester/term GPA is 2.0 or higher but the cumulative GPA is less than 2.0

The registrar’s office will send an Academic Probation notification through Jenzabar EX portal and/or US mail. The following process is undertaken for students on Continued Academic Probation:

• Students are required to meet with an Academic Review Committee member to sign an Academic Agreement/Probation Contract before completing registration to monitor progress and offer academic support.
• Students are assigned an academic advisor on the contract.
• Once the contract is completed, students will receive two copies (one for the advisor and a copy for his/her file). The original contract must be submitted to the Registrar’soffice.
• Once the original contract is submitted to the Registrar’s office, the academic hold will be lifted.
• Students will deliver a copy of the contract to the assigned advisor who will then register the students for semester courses.

Students pre-registered for courses prior to being placed on academic probation will have their enrollment cancelled and all courses dropped. In order to re-enroll, students are required to meet with an Academic Review Committee member to complete an Academic Probation Contract as previously stated.

While on Continued Academic Probation, students are restricted to a maximum of 13 credit hours during the Fall/Spring semester and 7 credit hours in the Summer. The Chief Academic Officer must approve exceptions to this policy.

In order to have continued probationary status lifted, students must earn a 2.0 semester/term GPA with letter grades of “C” or better (no incompletes “I” or withdrawals “W”) during the semester or following term in which continued probation was imposed. Students must also earn a semester/term or cumulative grade point average equal to (2.0 GPA) or above the required minimumfor their level of attempted credit hours. If at the end of the continued probationary period, students fail to meet the probationary conditions described for Continued Academic Probation, they will be suspended for a period of one semester.

Academic Suspension

Students will be suspended for poor scholarship when there are two (2) consecutive semesters without marked increase in the student’s overall GPA while on continued academic probation. Students suspended for poor scholarship may re-enter on probation after one (1) Fall/Spring semester, excluding Summer sessions. Students placed on academic suspension more than once during a calendar year, must wait one (1) year before applying for readmission. After students have been suspended one (1) year, they are eligible to be reinstated on Academic Probation. If they do not meet the academic requirements after being reinstated, they may be expelled from the institution.

Note: No transfer credit hours will be accepted while on academic suspension. Financial aid is suspended while students are on academic suspension. If approved for registration by the Academic Review Committee, the students will need to submit a written letter of appeal to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Committee to seek reinstatement of financial aid. The SAP committee will notify the students of their financial aid status. See Financial Aid  for details.

Academic Appeals for Suspension

Students suspended for failure to meet academic requirements may file a written appeal with the Academic Review Committee. Students must submit a formal letter stating the reason for the appeal and all relevant documents. Academic appeal requests should be submitted within 21 business days at the end of the semester in which the students were declared academically suspended. All appeals must be made before the last day of regular registration. Students are allowed one appeal per academic year.

Extenuating Circumstances

Students must have documented evidence of extenuating circumstances to file for an Academic Suspension Appeal. These extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Examples of extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Medical issues
• Homelessness
• Court or legal issues
• Family Emergencies
• Accidents

Appeals Decision

Once the Academic Review Committee has received the appeal letter from a student with supporting documentation, theAcademic ReviewCommittee will convene. If theAcademic Review Committee finds that extenuating circumstances are proven, the student will be reinstated on a probationary status and evaluated at the conclusion of the semester. If extenuating circumstances are not proven, the student will remain on suspension for the following semester. The student will be notified regarding status of the committee’s decision.

Appeals Reinstatement

Students who have been reinstated will be restricted to a maximum of 13 credit hours in the Fall/Spring semester and 7 credit hours in the Summer (during the semester immediately following the suspension period). Students will maintain a probationary status during the semester of reinstatement and must earn a 2.0 GPA for the semester. If, at the end of the semester of reinstatement, the students fail to meet probationary conditions described regarding academic appeals, the students will be expelled from the college.

Academic Suspension Waiver

Arkansas Baptist College reserves the right to institute at its own discretion a one-time Academic Suspension Waiver. Under certain conditions, students may be eligible to register once they agree to the conditions of academic suspension approved by the Academic Review Committee. Students who meet eligibility for this waiver will be contacted and given an Academic Suspension Waiver Application to complete. In addition, students are required to write a letter explaining their circumstances and why they should receive this waiver (What will the student do differently to improve academically if reinstated or readmitted to ABC?). Once students complete the application, they will meet with an Academic Review Committee member. The committee member will review and explain the terms of the Academic Suspension Waiver to ensure that the students understand the conditions of the academic suspension waiver terms. Once students state that they understand and agree to the terms, the students will sign the application. If after they sign the waiver and do not adhere to the following conditions during the semester of reinstatement or reenrollment, they will be withdrawn from ABC. Once they are withdrawn, the academic suspension policy will be reinstituted.

Academic Suspension Waiver Conditions

Students must:

• Attend all meetings at the beginning, during, and/or end of the semester
• Attend all scheduled courses beginning the first day
• Meet with tutors (see Academic Agreement/Probation Contract)
• Meet with academic advisors weekly to monitor progress

All academic appeals should be mailed to:

Academic Review Committee
Arkansas Baptist College
1600 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Little Rock AR 72202-6073

Alternative Credit/Prior Learning Assessment

In order for students to progress through the curriculum and meet program requirements expeditiously and with the least amount of redundancy, Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) encourages students to demonstrate acquired learning and skills through alternative methods in order to earn academic credit. A student may earn a maximum number of alternative and or transfer credits equivalent to two-thirds of the program credit hour requirement. Credit is only awarded in areas offered within the curriculum of ABC and must be related to the academic program in which the student is enrolled.

Advanced Placement (AP) Examination

1. Advanced Placement (AP) is a program offering college-level curriculum and examinations to high school students. Students who complete the Advanced Placement Examination with a score of 3 or higher may receive credit for required or elective courses in their programs of study at ABC.
2. To apply for advanced placement credit, a student should have AP test scores sent to the Office of the Registrar where a list of courses awarded for satisfactory scores on AP examinations is maintained.
3. Credit earned will be identified by a “P” on the student’s transcript and will not be calculated into the student’s GPA, but will be included in credits earned.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

ABC recognizes the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board as a method of establishing credit by examination. The College does not administer the CLEP examination, but will accept scores which meet general standards for passing the examination.

Letter grades are not given in any course for which credit is granted by examination. Credit by examination does not count as residence work. Credit by CLEP is recorded only for students after they have been enrolled for one (1) academic semester at Arkansas Baptist College. CLEP credit is not awarded for a course in which the student has already completed a more advanced course in the subject area. The Chief Academic Officer will make the decision regarding the application of credit established by CLEP for academic affairs. The acceptance of CLEP credit by the college does not assure the application of this credit to any specific degree program. There are two (2) types of CLEP exams, General and Subject. Arkansas Baptist College awards a maximum of six (6) semester hours of college credit through CLEP.

Credit by Examination

Each academic department will determine which courses, if any, are appropriate for credit by examination. Exams will be given at the discretion of the department and/or instructor.

Departmental Exam

1. A student who has registered for a course and believes that he/she has appropriate knowledge and/or skill to successfully demonstrate competence may request that the instructor allow the option of testing out of the course.
2. If the course is appropriate for credit by examination, instructor will provide an examination which is equivalent in scope and content to the final examination for the course. Based on the exam, the student will receive a letter grade.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the grade or fails the exam, he/she may remain and complete the course.

Experiential Learning

1. A student may receive credit for college-level learning that has taken place on the job or in other life situations unless a specific program-accrediting agency does not allow portfolio or experiential credit. The maximum number of eligible hours is equivalent to 18 credit hours or one academic semester.
2. A student applying for experiential credit must have completed any required learning support courses and be registered during the semester in which he/she is applying for credit.
3. In consultation with the appropriate academic department, a portfolio for experiential credit must be submitted at least two semesters prior to graduation and the completed portfolio must be submitted at least one semester prior to applying for graduation.
4. The student will be required to document the accomplished learning in a portfolio as it relates to the learning outcomes of the college course for which the student is seeking experiential credit.
5. The student will submit the portfolio to the department chair who will have an appropriate faculty member review the portfolio and make a recommendation to approve/disapprove the portfolio for the requested credit.
6. If approved, the chair will forward the recommendation to the division head for final approval. If experiential credit is approved, the division head will notify the Office of the Registrar.
7. Students who have failed courses cannot challenge them by portfolios nor can a course already taken be replaced with experiential credit.

Credit/Advanced Placement for Licensure/Certification

1. Students who have completed training, passed a national or state registry examination for licensure, certification or equivalent, and hold a current license or certification may be eligible to earn credit or advanced placement by providing a copy of the current/active licensure, certification or its equivalent (licenses or certifications that have expired will not be considered).
2. The department chair or designee that supervises the program of study will review the student’s eligibility and will determine the course credit to beawarded.

Articulation Agreements

Arkansas Baptist College may enter into transfer, articulation, and other cooperative agreements with educational and/or public institutions within and/or outside the State of Arkansas with respect to cooperative enterprises and undertakings related to or associated with institutional purposes and programs in accordance with applicable laws. All agreements must be approved by the Chief Academic Officer and the President.

Assessment and Placement of Students

In order to ensure that students are adequately prepared for college courses and that each has a reasonable opportunity to succeed in their studies, Arkansas Baptist College requires that all students granted degree admission and all others for whom it is specifically required in theGeneral Admission policy are subject to the following applicable assessment requirements:

1. All applicants for regular admission as first-time freshmen who are under the age of 21 must submit ACT or SAT scores to the College to determine proficiency and readiness for college- level work. ACT or SAT scores must have been posted within three years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment.
2. Applicants who are age 21 or older on the first day of classes of the term of initial enrollment and have no transfer credits from another institution are required to take all areas of the Next Generation Accuplacer® placement test prior to enrollment to determine placement into college level courses. However, applicants who are age 21 or older may submit ACT or SAT scores which were posted within three years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment to determine proficiency and readiness for college-level work.
3. Transfer students who have not completed at least one college-level English and one college- level Mathematics course with a “C” or better from a regionally accredited institution will be required to undergo Next Generation Accuplacer assessment in the appropriate areas (i.e. Writing, Reading, and/or or Math).
4. Students who were enrolled in remedial and developmental courses and who are transferring from other accredited Institutions of Higher Learning to Arkansas Baptist College must have their scores on the Next Generation Accuplacer Exam and transcript submitted to the Admissions Office prior to enrollment.

Auditing Courses

Students who are enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours may audit a maximum of three (3) semester hours during that semester without charge. All students auditing a course will pay the regular rate per credit hour. No credit will be awarded for courses audited. The letters “AU” will be recorded in the grade column on the student’s transcript. Audited courses will be counted as part of the stated maximum load for a semester or term. Auditors are not required to submit papers, take examinations, or meet other requirements. An audit status cannot be changed after the close of registration without approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Changes in Schedule - Dropping/Adding Courses

Students may add, drop, or change sections of a course to arrive at a suitable schedule. All such changes require the approval of the appropriate advisors and must be executed on an add/drop form provided by the Office of the Registrar. Courses dropped by students without following prescribed procedures shall be recorded with a grade of “F.”

Changes in class schedules will be made without charge if an advisor error is made or a class is administratively changed. A fee is charged for each student initiated change of schedule made after the student completes registration. Schedule changes are permitted only during the periods stated in the academic calendar.

In rare cases, extenuating circumstances may justify withdrawal from a course after the end of the registration period. If the withdrawal occurs within the designated period for dropping courses after the end of registration, a grade of “W” shall be recorded. If the withdrawal occurs beyond the final drop date, a grade of “W”  shall be recorded. A grade of “W” will be disregarded for the purpose of calculating grade point average.

Students who cease to attend classes without processing an official change in enrollment form automatically receive an “XF” in those classes. If students submit verifiable evidence, at a later date, that they left school due to circumstances over which the students exercised no control, a “W” may be recorded on the transcript. Such evidence must be submitted to the Chief Academic Officer.

Class Attendance

The following statements apply to each student enrolled at ABC.

1. Attendance is the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to regularly attend all classes in which they are enrolled.
2. Instructors will provide each student with the attendance expectation in writing, either in the course syllabus or in a separate handout, and verbally explain them to students the first day of class.
3. The student is responsible for informing instructors in advance when an absence will occur. If this is not possible, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor as soon as possible.
4. For school-sanctioned events such as field trips, band, choir, athletics and similar events, the coordinator of the event should send correspondence to the Vice President of Academic Affairs seeking approval for the respective students to be absent from classes for the event. The correspondence should identify the type of event for which excused absences are being requested and include a listing of all student participants. Following approval, the list should be communicated to all instructors.
5. The Dean of Students will notify instructors when a student is absent three days or longer due to an illness or other issue. This courtesy memo does not alter the institution’s attendance expectation, but rather, it is documentation of the absence
6. Class participation may be used, at the instructor’s discretion, as a factor in determining a student’s final grade for the course.

Enrollment Verification (Census Period)

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education defines an enrollment verification census period. This period begins on the first day of class and extends for five class periods during the summer sessions and eleven class periods during the fall and spring semesters. Students who do not attend class at least one time during the first 11 days of the fall and spring semesters, or the first 5 days of a summer session, will be administratively dropped from the course for non-attendance and may not be allowed reenrollment.

Enrollment Verification Notice of Enrollment Verification Request

For current students and students who have left the college within the last 18 months, and parents: Complete a Notice of Enrollment Verification Request for certifications. The form can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.

For third parties: Attendance can be verified by contacting the National Student Clearinghouse using one of the following methods:

• Visiting their website at studentclearinghouse.org
• Sending an email to service@studentclearinghouse.org
• Calling Student Clearinghouse at (703) 742-4200

Class Load

Students must register for a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours each semester to be enrolled at full- time status. The maximum academic class load for full-time students with less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA shall not exceed twelve (12) hours per semester or six (6) hours for a four week summer term except for a freshman student who will be permitted to carry an overload if the overload will complete freshman requirements. Sophomores, juniors, and senior students who have earned a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average or a 3.50 grade point average for the current semester may register for a maximum of 21 credit hours with written approval from the appropriate Chairperson, Division Head, and the Chief Academic Officer.

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)

All programs offered by Arkansas Baptist College shall bear a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) designation that corresponds to current CIP categories. These CIP designations shall be approved by the Department Chair, Division Head, Chief Academic Officer, Office of Institutional Research, and the President prior to submitting to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for approval.

Classification of Students and GPA Standards

Students are classified according to the number of semester hours successfully completed.

Freshman (0 to 29 Hours Earned)

Freshman students whose cumulative grade point average is less than 2.0 on a 4.00 grade point average must be placed on academic probation. Freshman students on probation whose grade point for the probationary semester is 2.00 or higher may continue on probation for another semester if the cumulative grade point is less than 2.00.

Sophomore (30 to 59 Hours Earned)

Sophomore students whose cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 on a 4.00 grade point average must be placed on academic probation. Sophomore students on probation whose grade point for the probationary semester is 2.00 or higher may continue on probation for another semester if the cumulative grade point is less than 2.00.

Junior (60 to 89 Hours Earned)

Junior students whose cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 on a 4.00 grade point average must be placed on academic probation. Junior students on probation whose grade point for the probationary semester is 2.00 or higher may continue on probation for another semester if the cumulative grade point is less than 2.00.

Senior (90 and Above)

Senior students whose cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 on a 4.00 grade point average must be placed on academic probation. A senior student on probation whose grade point for the probationary semester is 2.00 or higher may continue on probation for another semester if the cumulative grade point is less than 2.00.

Classroom Visitors

Except in emergencies involving the health and safety of those present, faculty will not allowvisitors into a classroom, laboratory, or other instructional facility while class is in progress. Only bona fide Arkansas Baptist College students and guests of the instructor who are invited for legitimate purposes of instruction may attend classes. A bona fide student is one who has been admitted to the college and is officially registered for the class.

This policy is intended to exclude children of faculty and enrolled students, salespersons of books and supplies, and any other unauthorized individuals from visiting classes. No faculty member is authorized to make an exception to this policy without prior approval of the respective department chair.

Concurrent Registration

Students who wish to enroll in courses offered by another institution at the same time they are enrolled at Arkansas Baptist College must get written permission to do so from the Department Chair. In no case will the College permit a student to enroll in more than the normal number of credits allowed per term by the College.

Course Cancellation

Arkansas Baptist College reserves the right to cancel, combine, or discontinue any scheduled class. Cancellation of a class will always occur before the end of the official Drop/Add period, and students will be notified promptly. Students may, in such instances, substitute another class for the one cancelled without penalty of late fees.

Course Enrollment Guidelines

Arkansas Baptist College will establish optimal levels of course enrollments. Optimal enrollments will take into consideration such factors as method of delivery, e.g. lecture, lab, clinical, experimental; accreditation and licensing guidelines; number of work stations; and safety. The institution reserves the right to add or cancel courses.

Course List

The academic Course List is the official record of courses offered for academic credit in a particular term and only courses listed on it may be used to meet course requirements. It becomes fixed as of the last published day for student registration and may not for any reason be altered.

The Course List is maintained by the Office of the Registrar and contains the following information for each course offered during the term.

1. Department Offering Course
2. Course Number
3. Course Type
4. Section Number
5. Course Name
6. Credit Hours Assigned
7. Instructor’s Name
8. Day and Time of ClassMeetings
9. Location
10. Room Assignment
11. Teaching Load Equivalency
12. Enrollment Limits
13. Year and Term

Course Numbering System

The academic courses offered at Arkansas Baptist College are divided into four groups which correspond generally to the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. Courses in the 100s are for freshmen; 200s are for sophomores; 300s are for juniors; and 400s are for seniors. Sequential courses (131 - 132, 255-256) should be taken in succession as indicated in each departmental course listing. Unless otherwise stated, students of any academic classification who have satisfied the prerequisites for any course are eligible for admission to the courses in any group stated above.

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is the basic document to which students, faculty, and administration refer for specific information on a course. It constitutes the official record of the content and mode of evaluation in each course or section of a course. To the student, the syllabus communicates what the course is about, what he or she can expect to do and learn, and how his or her learning will be measured and evaluated. Each enrolled student will be given a copy of the instructor’s syllabus at the beginning of each term. A copy of each course syllabus is also kept on file in the Department Office, the Office of the appropriate Division Head, and the Office of Academic Affairs. Each syllabus must be patterned after the approved general format.

External Study Credit and Cross Enrollment

Students who transfer to Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) must fulfill all the requirements for the program of study selected at ABC. Courses completed at other accredited institutions may be substituted for corresponding courses offered at ABC. Regular students at ABC may, with the approval of the Chairperson, Division Head, and Chief Academic Officer, take courses at other accredited institutions to be applied toward degree requirements. In order to receive credit for external study, students must have a minimum 2.00 grade point average and complete all required documentation prior to enrollment in the proposed courses(s).

General Education

Arkansas Baptist College academic programs seek to develop the whole person. All general education courses are designed to improve student learning by focusing on four common student outcomes (critical thinking, communication, responsibility, and diversity and globalism), developing specific competencies, and improving both instruction and student outcomes performance through continuous assessment. In addition to providing students the opportunity to acquire and use knowledge, general education courses offer an educational experience that enables students to understand and improve their lives. Students learn to communicate and interact effectively with others, think critically and solve problems, develop personal responsibility, and become more globally aware. General Education courses prepare students for working, practicing positive citizenship, as well as respecting, enjoying, and appreciating the values of our culture and those of other cultures. The General Education areas’ competencies and outcomes provide a structure for coherence, reinforcement, and integration of what students need to learn, know, experience, and be able to do.

Grade Changes

All grades, once reported, remain a matter of permanent record and cannot be changed, except in cases of instructor or clerical error. Any appeal or question concerning an assigned grade must be made in writing within one semester after the grade was awarded. The instructor and department chairperson must approve grade changes. Faculty may obtain forms from the Office of the Registrar (no forms are given to or returned by students).

Grade Point Averages

Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) uses a grade point system in recording and computing the students’ records. ABC is on a four point grading system. The grading system includes permanent letter grades and grade point values. Grade point values are as follows:

Students’ GPAs are computed by multiplying the number of credit hours of each grade by the grade points assigned to that grade, and dividing the sum by the total number of hours in which the students were enrolled. A “WF” calculates as an “F” in the grade point average. The GPA system shall be used in determining eligibility for participation in all extra-curricular activities including athletics, honor programs, holding office in Student Government Association and other organizations, and for placement on the Honor Roll, Dean’s List, and President’s List. For purposes of ranking, and to determine the student’s cumulative grade point average, the college computes all transfer credits (pass or fail).

Grade Reports

Instructors are required to submit both midterm and final grades to the Office of the Registrar as indicated on the official academic calendar. Grades must be submitted for all students that appear on course rosters.

Grades and Grading System

Students receive grade reports (upon approval) indicating academic progress at the end of each semester and each summer term. Instructors should assign letter grades using the following guidelines:

A grade of “I” is given in exceptional cases where students have attended at least 65% of the course and completed at least 65% of the course requirements and have the ability to earn a satisfactory grade, but completion of the course is beyond the students’ control. All grades of “I” must be removed by the end of the next subsequent semester in residence. Grades of “I” that have not been removed by the next subsequent semester are automatically converted to grades of “F.” To remove an “I,” the faculty member must submit a Change of Grade Form provided by the Office of the Registrar within ten days of the completed assignment.

A grade of Pass or “P” is equivalent to 60-100. A grade of No Credit or “NC” represents academic achievement below 60. Neither grade will affect the student’s grade point average. However, receipt of a “NC” will require a student to repeat the course until a Pass grade is earned.

Academic Honors

Honors provide lasting evidence of the high standard that students have achieved. Honors are represented by trophies, certificates, written mention in graduation programs, and in ways that give tangible, non-monetary recognition to recipients. The Office of the Registrar publishes an honors list consisting of the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Honor’s List at the end of each semester (excluding summers). Students who meet the requisite grade point average, but earn grades of “D,” “F,” “XF,” “W,” “WF,” “NC,” or “I” are not eligible to receive honors. Students whose enrollment status is less than full-time (12 credit hours) are not eligible for recognition.

President’s List

Students whose academic performance is superior are recorded on the President’s List. The recognition will be granted at the end of the semester in which the students have been enrolled and have met the following qualifications:

1. Students were enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, and shall have earned no grade lower than “C.”
2. Students had a semester 4.00 grade point average.

Dean’s List

1. Students were enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, and shall have earned no grade lower than “C.”
2. Students had a semester grade point average of 3.99 to 3.50.

Honors List

1. Students were enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, and shall have earned no grade lower than “C.”
2. Students had a semester grade point average of 3.49 to 3.00.

Arkansas Baptist College Degrees

All degrees given to students enrolled at Arkansas Baptist College shall be provided by the Office of the Registrar.

Conferring of Degrees

The formal commencement exercises of the College occur at the end of the Spring semester. In order to participate in commencement, a student must have six credit hours or less remaining and meet all other College obligations. Degrees are conferred only during Spring semester and candidates are required to be present for the formal conferring of degrees. All candidates must file a formal application for graduation and pay all financial obligations.

Participation in Commencement Exercises

Participation in commencement exercises denotes completion of all requirements for the degree being awarded. An exception to this policy may be granted if the student meets the following conditions:

• enrolled in all remaining required courses by the last day to add/drop a course for that semester and/or show enrollment for any summer courses needed.
• have the minimum cumulative GPA required for the respective major.
• have satisfied the senior comprehensive exam/portfolio requirement; and

A student who fails or withdraws from one required course (a lecture with a concurrently required lab constitutes one course for the purpose of this policy) during that last semester may be allowed to participate in Commencement.

Grades from institutions other than Arkansas Baptist College may not be available in time to confirm participation eligibility. Students approved to enroll at another institution must submit an official transcript to the Registrar’s Office at least ten business days prior to Commencement. CLEP scores must be received in the Registrar’s Office at least ten business days prior to Commencement.

Disclaimer: Participation in Commencement Exercises is not a conferral of degree. The degree will be conferred at the conferment following the completion of all requirements.

Wording on ABC Degrees

The wording on all degrees shall be “Arkansas Baptist College has conferred upon (Insert name of graduate) the degree of (Insert name of degree) and all the rights and privileges appertaining to that degree. In Witness Thereof, this diploma duly signed has been issued and the seal of the College hereunto affixed. Issued upon recommendation of the faculty at Little Rock, Arkansas this (Insert date of award).” All degrees shall bear the signature of the President.

Delegation of Authority of the President to Sign and Distribute Degrees

The President has been delegated the authority to sign and distribute degrees to qualified students at Arkansas Baptist College. Prior to the graduation each year, the Chief Academic Officer will submit to the President a certified list of students who have met all requirements of graduation, the designation of their earned credentials, and their date of graduation. These actions will be ratified by the Board during April of each year.

Graduating with Honors

The Bachelor’s degree with honorsmay be conferred upon candidates who at graduation have earned aminimumcumulative grade point on all college work (both transfer and residence credit) as follows:

1. Summa cum laude - highest ranking graduate with a minimum grade point of 3.75 - 4.00
2. Magna cum laude - minimum grade point of 3.50 - 3.74
3. Cum laude - minimum grade point of 3.25 - 3.49
4. Distinction in Field - minimum grade point average of 3.00-3.24

A minimum of 30 hours in residence at Arkansas Baptist College is required to qualify for these degrees with honors. Students qualify for the honors degree based on:

1. The grade point average on all hours, including transfer hours, whether or not accepted for credit (no grade below “C” will be used in determining graduation with honors)
2. The grade point average on all hours, including repeated courses at Arkansas Baptist College (no grade below “C” will be used in determining graduation with honors)

Awarding of Degrees Posthumously

Arkansas Baptist College may award associate and bachelor degrees posthumously to the family of students who have completed all graduation requirements with the exception of participation in the graduation ceremony. The Board of Trustees approval must be obtained and all of the following conditions must be met:

1. The student must be registered or enrolled for classes at the time of death.
2. The student must be registered or enrolled in courses that, if completed, would have fulfilled graduation requirements.
3. The student must have a GPA at the time of death which meets ABC graduation requirements.

Honorary Degrees

Subject to the Board of Trustees approval, the President is authorized to grant an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to any individual who has made substantial achievements in their respective field of endeavor. All degrees, whether honorary or earned, shall be conferred by vote of the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the President and Chief Academic Officer.

Honorary degrees shall not be granted in a specific discipline and shall not be printed in a manner to be mistaken as an earned degree granted by Arkansas Baptist College (ABC). Two categories of individuals are excluded from receiving honorary degrees: (1) faculty or staff members currently employed at ABC, (2) Arkansas elected and/or appointed officials in office at the time of selection and conferral.

Independent Study, Practica, Cooperative Education, and Internships

Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) provides students with opportunities to gain real-world work experience while pursuing their educational goals. The following options are available:

Independent Study

Individual Study requests must have pre-approval and follow these guidelines:

1. Students must be eligible for graduation during the academic year in which the request is made
2. The Individualized Study must count toward graduation requirements in lieu of another required course or as part of a special project
3. The students must have demonstrated academic achievement sufficient to warrant such a study
4. Students must be capable of doing individualized work without constant supervision
5. Individualized studies can only be supervised by qualified instructors within the department of request, and must be approved by the Department Chair, Division Head, and Chief Academic Officer
6. An Individualized Study Request Form must be completed and signed by all parties and processed through the Business Office; Regular registration procedure is followed
7. Instructors receive no additional monetary compensation for an Individualized Study; Agreement to supervise such a study is strictly voluntary; Students are not assessed any additional fees (unless enrollment constitutes an overload)

Practica

Practicum provides the student an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to work situations. A student interested in a practicum experience may obtain the requirements from the appropriate Department Chair.

Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (Co-op) study is a process which integrates the student’s classroom study with related work experience in industry, business, or government. The program allows students to gain “real world” work experience with area employers, while earning academic credit at ABC. In order to qualify, students must have aminimum overall GPA of 2.5, have completed 12 college-level credit hours and be employed in a position related to their major prior to enrolling in a Co-op course. Each academic program maintains the guidelines for the co-op experience.

Internships

Some academic programs at ABC require internships. An internship provides a student with an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on, work experience related to their chosen career. Each academic program establishes the criteria for internships.

Learning Outcomes

Academic Affairs monitors the extent to which educational goals and learning outcomes are achieved.

Library Community Usage

In accordance with college policies, individuals not affiliated with the college may use the library and the computers if available. Those persons outside of Arkansas Baptist College are not allowed to borrow or check out materials from the library. Library privileges may be extended to members of the Board of Trustees and staff as well as Friends of the Library at the discretion of library staff.

Master Inventory of Courses

The Master Inventory of Courses is the official record of all approved courses offered for credit by Arkansas Baptist College. The Master Inventory is maintained by the Office of the Registrar and revised periodically to reflect approved curricular changes. All such revisions are subject to the following rules:

1. Courses are placed on the Master Inventory after they have received faculty approval through positive action of the Curriculum Committee and the final approval of the Chief Academic Officer.
2. Only courses that have been officially entered on the Master Inventorymay be published in the college catalog.
3. Only courses that have been officially entered on the Master Inventory may be scheduled and published in the schedule of classes except that the Chief Academic Officer authorizes the offering of a course on a pilot basis.
4. The rubric, number, title, and assigned credit hours of a course as recorded in the Master Inventory may not be altered without prior approval by the Chief Academic Officer.
5. The content and any prerequisites of a course listed on theMaster Inventory may not be altered without prior approval of the faculty through positive action of the Curriculum Committee.