Bethel Seminary
Scholastic Regulations
Academic Advising
Each incoming degree program student is assigned an advisor who seeks to understand the academic and vocational goals of the student, as well as his or her personal needs. Returning students are assigned advisors according to their concentrations. Students are encouraged to attend all of the group advisee/advisor meetings planned during the year.
Academic Integrity
Written material submitted must be the original work of the student. Academic dishonesty constitutes a serious violation of scholarship standards at Bethel and can result in denial of credit and possible dismissal from the school. Any act that involves misrepresentation regarding the student's academic work is forbidden. Academic dishonesty includes cheating on assignments or exams, plagiarism, fabrication of research, multiple submissions of work in different courses, misrepresentation of academic records, the facilitation of academic dishonesty, and depriving others of necessary academic resources. Students charged with academic dishonesty have the right to appeal any disciplinary action. Contact the chair of the Academic Programs Assessment and Accreditation Committee (APAAC) for details on the appeal process. For more information consult the "Academic Integrity" brochure available in the registrar's office.
Academic Load
Four courses each quarter, 15-16 quarter hours, is a full-time load for students who wish to complete an M.A. degree in two years or an M.Div. degree in three years. Three courses each quarter, 11-12 quarter hours, however, is also considered a full-time load and is recommended for students who must spend considerable time in outside employment. Seven quarter hours per term is considered half-time. SemPM modular program students have full-time status as long as they stay continuously enrolled in the program.
Normal progress toward the degree is defined as completing work at a rate which, if continued, will result in completion of the degree within the specified time limit. Students are encouraged to take family, ministry, and work responsibilities into account when planning their course schedules.
A student whose grade point average is lower than 3.0 (B) is not permitted to carry more than four courses a quarter. A reduced load will be required when employment, the care of a church, or other activities conflict with satisfactory school work. A student who works 40 hours or more a week must demonstrate his or her ability to earn a B average carrying an academic load of three courses before he or she may increase the course load.
Academic Policy
Each student is responsible for knowing the academic regulations and other program requirements of the school. While the academic dean, the student's faculty advisor, and the registrar may provide appropriate reminders, the primary responsibility for knowing and fulfilling all policies rests with the individual student.
Academic Probation
A student who achieves less than a C (2.0) average is placed on academic probation for the following quarter. Failure to obtain a 2.0 average for the year will result in dismissal.
Advanced Standing
Students are encouraged not to duplicate undergraduate-level work in their seminary studies. Thus, a formal program of advanced standing by qualifying examination is in operation with the understanding that a student who is permitted to waive a requirement will take at least one advanced course in that department. The purpose of such substitution is to provide the student with a better educational experience. Both student and advisor should give serious consideration to the substitutions that are made.
Forms for advanced standing may be obtained in the registration office and must be returned to that office for proper recording on the student's permanent record.
Appeals Process for Academic Matters
Regulations are formed in keeping with academic policy and the best interest of the entire student body. The Academic Programs Assessment and Accreditation Committee (APAAC) will take action on petitions for adjustments or exceptions to academic rules or policies upon written request by the student. If students believe they have a justifiable concern about any matter of academic procedure (e.g., grade, Supervised Ministry), they should confer with the instructor about the problem. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, an appeal may be made to APAAC through the registrar. The appeal must be submitted by the student in writing within six months of the date the problem arose. Following a thorough review, the APAAC will advise the student in writing of its decision.
Auditing Courses
All master's-level degree students and their spouses may audit courses (excluding InMinistry courses) without charge during any quarter the student enrolls in a course for credit, with the number of audited courses not to exceed the number of courses taken for credit. In order to have the auditing fee waived, spouses must complete a registration form for that purpose. Pastors and full-time Christian workers and their spouses, as well as senior citizens (60 years of age or older), may audit courses for a minimal fee. In order for an audit to be recorded on a transcript, regular attendance at the class sessions and participation in the class, when feasible, is required. Individual instructors may also require some portion of class assignments for auditors.
Other persons wishing to audit courses should possess a four-year degree or its equivalent, and will be required to complete an "Application to Audit." If the person is not a college graduate, he or she may submit a petition indicating the reason for taking the class and college work completed.
Students who audit a course and then wish to receive credit at a later date must register again for the course. In no case will a student be allowed to change an audit to a credit after the first week of the course. Students who have taken Elementary Greek at the undergraduate level may audit NT108-109 as a review before entering NT110.
Change in Degree Program
Students are admitted into the degree program for which they apply. Should the student's vocational interests change, he or she must make formal application to change to another degree program. Students who make changes must meet the requirements in effect at the time of change to the new program.
Change in Delivery System
Students are admitted into the delivery system for which they apply (day/evening program, SemPM, and InMinistry). Should a student wish to change to another delivery system, he or she must make formal application in the registrar's office, and must secure approval from the director of the program that he or she wishes to enter. A $100 fee will be assessed at the time of the change. Students who change delivery systems must meet the re-quirements in effect for the degree in the new delivery system at the time of the change.
Class and Chapel Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Those who find themselves unable to do so should drop the course completely. Unexcused absences, not to exceed the number of course hours a week, are allowed without penalty.
Since the chapel experience is both symbolic and expressive of our corporate life as a Christian community, students are expected to attend. Set within the context of various traditions, the primary emphasis of the chapel service is on the worship of God expressed in a variety of ways, including the proclamation of the Word, prayer, music, and meditation. Time is also set aside for focusing on other aspects of our corporate life, such as fellowship, growth in mind and spirit, small group experiences, the sharing of concerns, lectureships, and forums.
Classification of Students
Master of Divinity degree students are classified at the beginning of the fall quarter as juniors, middlers, and seniors on the basis of having completed the following number of credits:
Juniors 0-36 credits Middler I 37-72 credits Middler II 73-108 credits Seniors 109-144 credits
Students in the M.A. programs who complete their programs in two years are classified as juniors the first year (0-48 credits) and seniors the second year (49-96 credits).
Special students are those who are only part time and not enrolled in a degree program. Not more than 25 percent of the courses required for a degree may be taken while enrolled under special student status. At Seminary of the East, no more than 12 credits may be taken under special student status.
Courses in Nonacademic Settings
The faculty has established a policy whereby any student wishing to obtain credit for a seminar or course conducted in a nonacademic setting must meet the following stipulations:
- The amount of time spent in the course must be 60 hours for a two-quarter-hour course, 90 hours for a three-quarter-hour course, and 120 hours for a four-quarter-hour course.
- The course must be taken under the direct guidance of a Bethel professor who will oversee the work.
- Credit must be arranged with the registrar before taking the course.
- A written evaluation must be prepared and submitted to the Bethel professor overseeing the work.
- Tuition will be billed by Bethel at the current fee for course credit.
Course Numbers
| 100s, 200s | Master's level, graduate credit |
| 300s | Master of Theology level, graduate credit |
| 400s | Marriage and Family D.Min. Courses taken at graduate (pre-doctoral) level |
| 500s | Doctor of Ministry level |
Course Papers
All assigned course and term papers in all degree programs (with the exception of those in Marriage and Family Studies) are to be submitted in thesis form in conformity with the most recent edition of Kate L. Turabian's A Manual for Writers. When this manual is not sufficient, the student should refer to The Chicago Manual of Style. Students submitting papers in the Marriage and Family Studies field should follow the requirements of the fourth edition of The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. In addition, students are expected to use inclusive language.
Courses for Spouses
Wives and husbands of seminary students are encouraged to take advantage of the stimulating opportunities for study while on campus. As an incentive to study, special tuition credit is available for spouses of students in the master's programs while both are enrolled in course work, and in the doctor of ministry program when both are concurrently enrolled doctor of ministry students.
The Office of Admissions will be happy to send information on the certificate and degree programs, or about taking one or more selected courses. Those desiring to take seminary work for credit should submit an application form and a transcript of their college work. Upon approval of those materials the spouse of a student will be able to take course work for credit at one-half tuition. In every case, the half-price discount will be applied to the account of the student taking fewer credits in a given term. An added benefit for spouses of master's level degree students in the resident programs is free audits in all seminary level courses; audited courses must not exceed the number of courses taken for credit by the spouse. Due to the technical nature of distance courses, the spouse audit benefit does not apply to the InMinistry program.
Examinations
No week of final examinations is scheduled, but the professor may elect to give a final examination through a variety of means. Faculty members seek to be sensitive to student needs in the scheduling of examinations.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
Bethel Seminary complies with the requirements established by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-380).
In general, the purpose of the act is to give students access to their educational records maintained by the school, and to protect students' rights to privacy by limiting the transfer of their records without their consent.
As provided by the act, the seminary has the right to release at its discretion the following information with respect to each student presently or previously enrolled: the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, church membership and denominational affiliation, program of study, dates of attendance, degree earned, previous educational agencies or institutions attended by the student, and awards and honors. Students may withhold directory information by notifying the registrar in writing within two weeks after the first day of classes for that quarter. Requests for nondisclosure will be honored by this institution for only one academic year. Thus, authorization to withhold directory information must be filed annually in the Office of the Registrar.
The law further provides students with the right to review information contained in their educational records, with the exception of reference forms or other material for which the student has waived his or her right to access for recommendations received prior to January 1, 1975. This information includes application for admission, copies of correspondence to the student, and transcripts of college and/or seminary work. In order to review the material belonging to his or her educational record, the student must make written request of the appropriate administrative office, which will set up a time for the student to do so within 10 days.
Grades
The faculty has adopted a four-point grading system with 12 levels as follows:
|
Grade
|
Points
|
|
A
|
4.0
|
|
A-
|
3.7
|
|
B+
|
3.3
|
|
B
|
3.0
|
|
B-
|
2.7
|
|
C+
|
2.3
|
|
C
|
2.0
|
|
C-
|
1.7
|
|
D+
|
1.3
|
|
D
|
1.0
|
|
D-
|
.7
|
|
F
|
.0
|
In addition to the student meeting due dates and using correct English, the following will serve as general criteria for grade levels:
| A | Excellent work submitted; outstanding evidence of ability to synthesize and utilize course knowledge; initiative expressed in preparing and completing assignments; creativity and originality manifested in assignment process and outcomes; positive contributions verbalized in class; and consistency and thoroughness of work submitted. |
| B | Good work submitted; substantial evidence of ability to analyze and utilize course knowledge; positive contributions verbalized in class; and consistency and thoroughness of work submitted. |
| C | Satisfactory performance and thoroughness of work submitted; moderate evidence of ability to utilize knowledge of the subject; and satisfactory class contribution. |
| D | Poor performance in comprehension of work submitted; and meets minimal credit standard of the professor. |
| F |
Inadequacy of work submitted or performance and attendance in class. The grade of F may be superseded by a second grade when the student retakes the course. The first F remains on the transcript but is removed from computation of the grade point average. |
| I | Incomplete (granted for emergency situations only). |
| P |
Pass. C work or above (course without grade points). Students are allowed to take three advanced-level courses on a Pass/Fail basis. Such courses, however, may not be in the student's concentration in the M.A. program or the M.Div. program if the student is pursuing a concentration. The work in a Pass/Fail course must be of at least C level for a grade of Pass. The decision to take a course Pass/Fail must be made within the first two weeks of the quarter and the appropriate form completed for that purpose. Students should realize that the professor has the prerogative to require a letter grade if he or she feels that the nature of the material involved demands such evaluation. No core courses may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. Students may take more than three Pass/Fail courses only if they take more than the minimum number of courses required for graduation in that degree program. |
|
W |
Withdrawal during the third through seventh weeks of the quarter. From the eighth week, a grade of F is recorded for withdrawals. SemPM modular students receive a W if they withdraw in writing by the fourth class session of a five-week course. Students enrolled in year-long courses (SP101, SP102, and ministry practicum courses) will be granted a withdraw on a prorated basis, with three weeks being equal to one week of the course. |
Incomplete Course Work
Students are expected to submit all work by the dates set by the course instructors and complete all course requirements on or before the last day of the quarter.
The grade "Incomplete" is temporary and will be granted only in unusual circumstances (such as serious illness or critical emergencies) and will not be considered for a student who is simply behind in the assignments.
No Incomplete will be granted automatically. The student is responsible to submit the Incomplete Contract to the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of the quarter. The date for completion of the work will be arranged with the professor involved, but that date cannot extend beyond one quarter. If the work is not completed by the specified date, the grade indicated on the contract will be entered on the student's record. Special problems regarding a student's eligibility to receive the Incomplete shall be referred to the Academic Programs Assessment and Accreditation Committee.
Graduation Requirements
Students are responsible for meeting the graduation requirements
set forth in the catalog at the time of their
matriculation. Students who take extended leaves of absence of one
year or more are subject to the
graduation requirements set forth in the catalog at the time of their reinstatement,
unless written permission was obtained prior to the extended leave. Candidates
for a degree in the Master of Arts or the Master of Divinity programs must have
completed at least 48 quarter credits in residence.
Graduation is held only in the spring of each year. Students must make written application to graduate during the fall quarter of the year in which the student anticipates graduation. Any student who fails to do so by February1 will not be listed for graduation that year. All degrees are voted by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the faculty.
The registrar will complete a curriculum check at the end of the fall quarter of the year in which the student has applied for graduation. In addition to academic requirements for graduation, students in the Master of Arts or Master of Divinity programs must fulfill the following requirements:
- Participate in the self-assessment and evaluation program;
- Participate in covenant groups or other formation experience as indicated in the degree program;
- Complete Supervised Ministry requirements including Profiles of Ministry, if required in the degree program;
- Write a personal statement of faith acceptable to the faculty;
- Achieve a grade point average of C (2.0) or above;
- Present a clearance on financial accounts; and
- Participate in graduation ceremonies unless approval has been given by the Academic Programs Assessment and Accreditation Committee (APAAC) to graduate in absentia. Written requests to graduate in absentia must be made by April 1 to be granted. Students whose attendance status changes after April 1 must contact the registrar's office to notify them of the change, and will be charged a $100 administrative fee.
A student who has not completed the required work by graduation may be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies only if the student has a specific contractual agreement to complete the degree by September 1 of the same year. The student's diploma will be withheld until the work has been completed as specified in the contractual agreement.
Harassment Policies
Bethel Seminary is committed to providing a Christ-centered community where students, faculty, and staff can work together in an atmosphere free from all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, including racial and sexual harassment. All members of the Bethel community are expected to educate themselves about sexual and racial harassment. Copies of the harassment policies are available in the Office of the Provost in St. Paul, and the Office of the Dean and Executive Officer in San Diego, as well as in both libraries. To file an informal or formal complaint, please contact the compliance officer in St. Paul, or the dean at the San Diego or Seminary of the East campuses.
Honors
The following criteria are established for the determination of graduation honors for students in the Master of Arts programs and the Master of Divinity program: minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.60 cum laude; 3.75 magna cum laude; 3.90 summa cum laude. Honors are based on the cumulative average as of winter quarter prior to graduation and are listed on the official transcript and diploma.
Students of Hebrew language who meet the scholastic requirements are inducted each spring into the Hebrew Honor Society Eta Beta Rho
Independent Study
An independent study course provides the student with an opportunity to pursue a specialized area that may not be explored through normal course offerings. Approximately 120 hours of study (for a four-quarter-hour class) will be involved in such courses over a two-quarter period. The student must submit a written proposal to the professor for approval. If the proposal is accepted, both the student and the professor sign the Form for Independent Study Course, return it to the registrar, and complete the necessary registration. Professors are limited to directing three independent studies each year.
The Institute of Theological Studies offers a program of independent courses in biblical studies, church history, pastoral care, and missions. Each course includes recorded lectures, a printed study guide, and a bibliography. These materials may be ordered for a modest fee. Catalogs of the program are available from the registrar. To receive graduate credit, the student must register for an independent study course at Bethel and study under the direction of one of the school's instructors. Some additional work may be required. These taped courses are open to enrollment also by those who have not yet entered the seminary.
Only three independent study courses may be taken in the student's degree program. None may be substituted for required courses. Any course that the student takes in a nonacademic setting will count as an independent study course. Students may take a maximum of 20 credits in their degree program in combination of independent studies, correspondence courses, or extension courses.
International Students
International students enter the United States on an F-1 visa, and the permit to stay is issued for the duration of full-time study or until 60 days following graduation. Thirty days prior to the expiration date on their visas, students are expected to file an application for extension on Form 1-538, which may be obtained in the Office of Student Life at Bethel College.
Full-course of Study
International students with an F-1 student visa are required to carry at least three courses (11 quarter credits) each quarter to maintain their legal status to remain in the United States. Students who require exceptions to the full course of study are required to report to the International Student Advisor.
Employment
A Social Security number is required prior to any type of employment. International students are allowed to work no more than 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session; 40 hours per week during holidays and vacation period. Off-campus employment without authorization is not allowed.
Savings Accounts
Students who wish to open a savings account in a bank or who have permission to work must obtain a Social Security Number (or Tax Account Number). This number is obtained by filing form SS-5. Check with the Office of Student Life at Bethel College for further information. Students in San Diego and Seminary of the East should consult the associate registrar.
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is required for international students and dependents. It must contain the provision to fly the student home if necessary, or to fly his or her body home in the event of death. This may cost up to $500 per year for an individual student. Contact the seminary Office of Student Life for health insurance information.
If you have any concerns regarding Form 1-20, maintenance of status, medical insurance, Social Security card, on-campus and off-campus employment, curricular practical training, optional practical training, program extension, change of level/degree, transfer, reinstatement, change of status, travel, dependents, etc., please contact the International Student Advisor at 651-638-6161.
Military Service
Upon involuntary military call-up, a student so affected will be granted a withdrawal from courses with a full refund. If 70 percent of the course work has been completed, no refund will be granted and an incomplete will be activated and remain in force until one year after completion of active status. If the statute of limitations is exceeded, a grade of W will be assigned automatically.
Prerequisites
BT101/BI101 Hermeneutics is a recommended prerequisite to admission in all of the Old Testament and New Testament courses with the exception of Greek language courses. Old Testament, New Testament, and Systematic Theology required courses should be taken in sequence. Advanced Old Testament courses are not to be taken before completing the beginning sequence. CP101 Introduction to Preaching is required before taking any Preaching Practica. Preaching Practicum A is also a prerequisite to Preaching Practicum B and advanced preaching courses.
Registration
Fall registration for entering students in St. Paul is held during the summer or the orientation session. Students may meet with their faculty advisors to plan and receive approval for course selections. Registration for winter and spring quarters may be done at this time also. Continuing students register for the new academic year either in May or late September and must secure approval from their faculty advisors and the Office of Formation and Placement. Students may change their registration for winter and spring quarters at registration days held in late November and February, respectively. Students who register outside the regular registration times will be subject to fines. Students not on the official class list will be asked to leave class to complete registration. In no case will students be permitted to register for two classes that overlap meeting times.
San Diego and Seminary of the East students should consult the associate registrar for information on registration dates and times.
Registration Changes
Students desiring to drop or add courses must fill out a change in registration form and secure the approval of the professor involved and the faculty advisor before returning the form to the registrar. Mere absence from class sessions will not constitute withdrawal. Courses may not be added, or changed from audit to credit, after the first week of the quarter. Students may change from credit to audit, or drop the course, through the seventh week of the quarter. After the second week of class, a grade of W will be entered for each dropped course. From the eighth week a grade of F will be recorded unless the student appeals to the Academic Programs Assessment and Accreditation Committee citing exceptional circumstances. Failure to submit a written petition form will result in an automatic F. Students enrolled in year-long courses (SP101, SP102, or ministry practica) will be granted withdrawals on a prorated basis, with three weeks of the year-long course being equivalent to one week of a quarter course.
Statement of Faith
All Master of Arts and Master of Divinity candidates are required to submit a personal statement of faith in their senior year. The purpose of the statement is to provide the student an opportunity to think through his or her faith in an integrated way. Instruction sheets are distributed the spring quarter preceding the year in which the student plans to graduate. Students must meet all deadlines established for submitting their statements or incur a $50 fine. Papers will not be accepted more than two weeks following the due date, thus postponing the student's graduation to the following year.
Time Limits for Degrees
All requirements for the Master of Divinity degree are to be met within eight years of the time of the student's initial enrollment, with the exception of the InMinistry program, in which the time limit is 10 years. Requirements for the Master of Arts day program must be completed within six years, and for the Master of Arts in Theological Studies evening program within eight years. The Doctor of Ministry program must be completed within four years of enrollment. Students are encouraged to consider all other commitments, including family, ministry, and work, when planning their course schedules.
Requests for extensions in the Doctor of Ministry program require approval of the Doctor of Ministry Committee. Approvals for extensions of the time limit in the master's programs require special action of the faculty upon written appeal from the student.
For students receiving federal financial aid, satisfactory academic progress is defined as reasonable progress toward completion of a degree program within the following guidelines:
- Maximum time limits for completion of degrees: M.A.four years (12 quarters); M.Div.six years (18 quarters).
- If a student falls below the minimum number of courses required to maintain satisfactory academic progress at the end of the academic year, he or she will not be eligible for additional federal financial aid until he or she has completed the required number of courses satisfactorily.
- For students in the M.A. or M.Div. programs, a 2.0 GPA is required to maintain satisfactory academic progress. In the D.Min. program, a 3.0 GPA is required. If a student is placed on academic probation, he or she will not be eligible for additional federal financial aid until the academic probation has been cleared.
- A student will be notified in writing in regard to probation, suspension, and reinstatement of federal financial aid.
- A student may appeal a federal financial aid decision according to the established seminary appeal process.
- Satisfactory academic progress will be defined on a quarterly basis, but monitored annually.
Transcripts
Transcript requests for all campuses must be submitted to St. Paul in writing and personally signed. No transcripts are issued for students with unpaid accounts. All transcripts from other schools in the student's file remain the property of Bethel Seminary and cannot be released to the student or other parties. Bethel Seminary releases transcripts only of course work completed at the seminary.
Transfer of Credit
Complete or nearly complete transfer credit is normally granted for course work taken at other accredited, graduate-level seminaries. Upon presentation of a statement of honorable dismissal from another seminary, the transcript will be evaluated in terms of required courses and standards of Bethel Seminary. Partial credit may be given for course work taken at nonaccredited seminaries upon completion of validation examinations. Credits for courses graded below C (2.0) will not be accepted. Credits for courses taken more than 15 years prior to the transfer will not be accepted. Candidates for a degree are required to take a minimum of 48 credits in residence.
A student with an M.A. (or its equivalent) in religious studies from Bethel or another school may be granted advanced standing toward an M.Div. or M.A. degree. To receive the M.Div. degree such persons will be required to take at least two years of full-time academic work (96 credits) and meet all of the other M.Div. requirements. To receive the M.A. degree, such persons will be required to take at least one year of full-time academic work (48 credits) and meet all of the requirements of the M.A. degree. See the registrar for complete details.
Verification of Student Status
Verification of student status for loans, insurance, etc., is made through the Office of the Registrar. .
Veterans
The seminary is approved for veteran's educational benefits. If a veteran finds it necessary to discontinue school during the course of any quarter, tuition will be refunded in accordance with accepted government regulations.
Withdrawal
Students withdrawing from the seminary must confer with the Office of Student Life and their advisors and submit to the registrar (or associate registrar in San Diego and Seminary of the East) a completed petition form before any refunds can be given. If a student withdraws from the seminary and subsequently desires to reenroll, the student must submit a letter requesting readmission. This letter must indicate what the student has done since leaving seminary, current goals, and how seminary fits into those goals.
The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.