Administration of the Curriculum

The Semester System

Belhaven University operates on a semester basis with the academic year divided into three semesters.  Students receive course credit toward graduation on the basis of semester credit hours. 

The Traditional Campus offers full-semester courses in a classroom or laboratory setting and begin in August and January. 

The Online Campus offers 14-week and 7-week asynchronous and hybrid courses that begin in August, October, January, March, May, and June.

Credit Hour Policy

Credit hours awarded for courses is determined by the faculty and academic administration in accordance with the mission and goals of Belhaven University. This determination is aligned with the Carnegie collegiate student credit hour, Federal definitions and requirements, and the standards, commission policies, and guidelines of SACSCOC, our regional accreditor. This credit hour policy guides the process for assigning credit hours for courses in the attainment of the Belhaven University mission and goals.

Conforming to sound, commonly accepted best practices, the following statements are Belhaven University’s working definition and principles for credit hour determination:

• The faculty oversees the content and quality of the curriculum and is responsible for the learning outcomes; therefore, it is the responsibility of the faculty to determine course credit hour valuations.
• The number of credit hours awarded for each course is determined on the basis of time spent in classroom instruction, outside class direct instruction, and outside class student work.
• One semester hour of credit is granted for the equivalent of 750 minutes of classroom instruction and 1500 minutes of outside class student work or 2250 minutes based on a combination of classroom instruction, outside class direct instruction, and outside class student work.
• Classroom instruction and outside class direct instruction times are equivalent for the purposes of credit hour valuations.
• Classroom instruction includes the formal class meeting, supervised labs, private instruction, or any similar instructional meeting between and instructor and one or more students.
• Outside class direct instruction includes student activities that:
  • Has a planned educational purpose or outcome
  • Is facilitated by an instructor or field supervisor (guided, monitored, or observed)
  • Is graded and documented
• Outside class direct instruction activities include but are not limited to
  • Online lectures or instruction (synchronous or asynchronous)
  • Video presentations, journal or blog writing
  • Chat rooms
  • Discussion boards
  • Field trips (which includes virtual field trips)
  • Group/team-based activities
  • Online test or quizzes
  • Video conferencing
  • Virtual labs
  • Supervised field experiences
• Outside of class student work includes course related activities that do not qualify as direct instruction. These activities include but are not limited to reading, writing, studying, preparing, practicing and researching.
• The ratio of classroom/outside class direct instruction and outside of class student work may vary depending on the course type. The ratio of outside of class student work serving in support of classroom/outside of class direct instruction is 2:1 (two minutes of outside of class student work supports one minute of classroom/outside class direct instruction.)
• The credit hour valuation is the same for all course formats, lengths, level, locations, and modes of delivery, which includes the traditional classroom, laboratory, online, electronic, private lessons, internships, practicums, independent study, senior thesis, or hybrid.
• The amount and level of credit hours awarded for a course will be determined according to these expectations and courses will be periodically evaluated to ensure that they meet or exceed these expectations.

The course credit hour audit uses the Credit Hour Evaluation Form that includes the Master List of Student Engagement as approved by the faculty (see Appendix A).

• The Credit Hour Evaluation Form identifies the course being evaluated, the courses outside of class direct instruction, outside of class student work, and classroom time as documented in the course student syllabus.
• The Master List of Student Engagement documents the possible outside of class direct instruction options and outside of class student work used to achieve the goals of the course beyond the formal classroom time. The normal time to complete for each method/modality is the estimated number of minutes an average to below-average student would take to complete the method/activity in order to achieve the expected learning outcomes for the course.

The Credit Hour Evaluation Form may be used for traditional courses at the discretion of the academic leadership.

For all new courses in the adult, graduate, and online areas, the Course Credit Hour Evaluation Form will be completed during the new course development process. For any course revisions in the adult, graduate, and online delivery modality the Course Credit Hour Evaluation Form will be completed during the update process. Department chairs/directors or other academic leaders may ask faculty to complete the Course Credit Hour Evaluation Form on selected courses as deemed necessary.

Exceptions to the Master List of Student Engagement such as methods or modalities not included on the master list or an adjustment to the normal time expected to complete an activity must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Zero Credit Courses

A zero-credit course may be approved through the curriculum approval process if the following conditions are met.

• The course does not meet as a class on a regular basis
• The course is part of an approved program curriculum
• The course is graded on a pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis
• The course does not meet the federal standard for a credit baring course
• The course requires minimal faculty involvement and minimal use of other university resources such as equipment or library resources

Examples of zero credit courses include but are not limited to:

• Orientation courses
• Residencies
• Dissertation phase of a doctoral program
• Dissertation defense
• Seminars
• Dance performance
• Marching band
• Belhaven Leadership Council
• Curricular practical training

The faculty of Belhaven University has participated in the development of this policy and its procedures and holds the responsibility for approval and subsequent revisions through the accepted faculty processes and procedures.

Approved by the Educational Review Council 2-4-24

Classification

An undergraduate student’s classification is determined by the number of semester hours credited to the student at the beginning of the first semester of each year. For sophomore standing, a student is required to have earned 24 semester hours credit; for junior standing, 54 semester hours; for senior standing, 90 semester hours.

Course Load Per Semester

For students attending the Traditional Campus, the minimum semester course load for full-time status is 12 semester hours; the normal load is 15 to 18 semester hours; and the maximum load is 18 semester hours. Requests to exceed the maximum of 18 hours must be made to the registrar on the Request to Exceed 18 hours form on the Registrar page in Blazenet and will be reviewed primarily on the basis of the student’s previous record of achievement and the courses in which the student wishes to enroll. No student may receive credit for more than 21 hours in a semester under any circumstances.

For undergraduate students attending the Online Campus, a normal course load in a term should not exceed 12 semester hours. No student may receive credit for more than 18 hours in a term.

For graduate students, a normal course load in a term should not exceed 6 semester hours.  No student may receive credit for more than 12 hours in a term.

Class Attendance Standards

For courses taught in the Traditional campus setting:

Belhaven University believes that learning can be demonstrated through typical assessments such as tests, quizzes, papers, and class participation. However, we also believe that learning occurs beyond engaging in these assessments and that class attendance enhances learning in immeasurable ways.

In consultation with their Dean or Department Chair, all faculty members set their own policy for class attendance for the course. Be sure to review the course syllabus to understand the attendance requirement. Most faculty set one of these four policies:

1. Class attendance is important in this course and students missing more than 20% of classes will fail the course and receive an F (except in the case of unique medical or family extenuating circumstances to be considered in consultation with the Registrar.)
   
   8 absences for a class that meets three times a week
   6 absences for a class that meets two times a week
   3 absences for a class that meets once a week.
   
   Persistently arriving late or leaving early may impact a student’s final grade.
2. Class attendance is important in this course and missing more than 20% of classes will lower the student’s final grade (except in the case of unique medical or family extenuating circumstances to be considered in consultation with the Registrar.)
   
   1 letter grade 21-29% absent 3x week 9-11 2x week 7-8 1x week 4
   2 letter grades 30-39% absent 3x week 12-15 2x week 9-11 1x week 5
   3 letter grades 40% or more absent 3x week 16+ 2 x week 12+ 1x week 6
   
   Persistently arriving late or leaving early may impact a student’s final grade.
3. Class attendance is important in this course and students must notify the professor if a class is to be missed and make arrangements to make-up the work.
4. Class attendance is not a high priority of this class and students should use their judgment in how to use their time best to gain the most from this course.

In consultation with their Dean or Department Chair, faculty members will articulate their policy in the syllabus for the course. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and follow the attendance policy for each course. While faculty members set their attendance standards, a student’s grade may not be lowered for missing up to 20% of the course’s classes.

All reasons for absences (e.g., illness, representation for University activities, emergencies, and late registration) are included in these standards.

For courses taught in the Online Campus:

Attendance is measured by student’s interaction with the course through submitting an assignment or posting to the discussion forum. If the student performs either of these elements, he or she is automatically marked present for that week. If not, the student is marked absent. Financial Aid will not be disbursed until a “present” is marked by faculty.

Adding or Dropping a Course

A course may not be added for credit or audit, or changed from one enrollment status to another (credit, audit, pass/fail), after the first week of a semester or mod (see Calendar for specific dates).

Courses may be officially dropped through the first week of a semester/mod (see Calendar for specific dates) without having the course entered on the student’s transcript. Beginning day one of week 2 of the semester, a student will be allowed to withdraw from a course, but that course will appear on the student’s transcript with a grade of W.

Withdrawal from a course after the last day to “Withdraw with a grade of W” will receive a grade of F. (see Calendar for specific dates)

A student who stops attending class without securing official withdrawal approval receives an F in the course(s).

Independent Study

Independent study courses will be available only for degree seeking seniors facing imminent graduation who are unable to get a needed course at the regularly scheduled hour.

Students must complete a Special Request Form and obtain permission from the appropriate Dean or Department Chair.  The professor is not authorized to grant final approval for an independent study course. The request should be made as soon as possible, but must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office no later than two days prior to the last day to enter a course or change enrollment status.

At times, Department Chairs or Deans may determine that a course should be offered based on student planning trends, while knowing that there will not be enough students to justify a regular section.  In these instances, the course will be submitted for approval to a Dean or the Provost, and if approved, students will be granted petitions to allow them to register for the course.

Pass/Fail Option

Undergraduate students in the traditional campus may elect to enroll for a maximum of four courses on the pass-fail option during the junior and senior years. No more than two courses may be included on this plan during any one semester. Core courses and courses in the major area (required or elective) may not be included. Grades of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) are assigned. Credit hours, but no quality points, are recorded for grades of S and count toward degree requirements. The pass/fail option is not allowed in courses required for teacher certification. A student wishing to use the pass/fail option must file a special request form in the Registrar’s Office prior to the last day to add a course or change course enrollment status.

Auditing Courses

Undergraduate full-time students may audit a maximum of two courses each semester with the permission of the Registrar. A course is listed on the student’s permanent record as AU (audit) unless the instructor of the course informs the registrar that class attendance or participation does not justify the listing, in which case it would be listed as NA (no audit).

Course Substitution

In cases when, through no fault of the student, required courses in a major are not offered in a rotation that permits the student to graduate on schedule, the Dean or Chair of the major department may approve a similar course in the major as a substitute.

Grades and Quality Points

The meaning of the course grade is as follows: A, Superior; B, Good; C, Average; D, Passing; F, Failing; I, Incomplete; AU, Audit; NA, No Audit; W, Withdrew Before Grades; S, Satisfactory; U, Unsatisfactory; GS, Graduate Satisfactory; GU, Graduate Unsatisfactory; CR, Credit; NC, No Credit.

The grades S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), GS (Graduate Satisfactory), and GU (Graduate Unsatisfactory) are used for courses completed on the Pass-Fail option. The grade CR (Credit) is given for nonacademic courses to indicate that credit has been earned. The grade NC (No Credit) is given for nonacademic courses to indicate that no credit has been earned.

A plus/minus system of grading was implemented in the fall semester of 1985. The plus/minus changed the quality points associated with the letter grades; therefore, the letter grade A now carries 4.00 quality points; A- 3.66; B+ 3.34; B 3.00; B- 2.66; C+ 2.34; C 2.00; C- 1.66; D+ 1.34; D 1.00; D- 0.66; F 0.00. Beginning in 2018, graduate programs in the School of Education ceased utilizing plus/minus system, with the exception of C+.

A grade point average is calculated at the end of each semester by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of semester hours attempted, grades of F being counted as hours attempted. Only the grades listed immediately above carry quality points. Cumulative totals are also computed following each completed grade period.

Transfer work does not affect the Belhaven cumulative grade point average (GPA). The Belhaven cumulative GPA is based entirely upon work done at Belhaven University.

Incomplete Grades

For courses offered on the Traditional Campus:

The grade “I” is given at the discretion of the instructor and only in case of a prolonged illness or other emergency and indicates that all requirements in a course have not been met. In order for students to receive the grade “I”, they must have made satisfactory progress in the course up to the point of illness or emergency. The grade “I” cannot be given prior to the last day to withdraw from a course without an F. The dates for completion of the necessary work should within 30 days of the last class meeting date for the course in which the “I” is requested. Should a student fail to complete the required work by the deadline, the grade “I” will automatically be changed to a grade of F by the office of the Registrar.

For courses offered by the Online Campus:

The Dean of Online Studies must approve Incomplete grades for students in online sections before they are posted by an instructor.  Faculty and student should work together complete the following:

• Verify the eligibility of the student’s request.  Students must provide supporting documentation such as doctor or hospital verification, obituary, etc.
• Email your request and all supporting documentation to the Dean of Online Studies.  Graduate Education faculty (MAT/MED) - should email the request and all supporting documentation to the Chair of the Graduate School of Education
• Upon request approval, a note shall be added to the student’s DropOut Detective folder.  Do NOT activate the alert.
• When final grades are posted, enter the completion date for all students receiving an incomplete grade. This date should fall within 30 days of your course’s last class meeting date.  Should a student fail to complete the required work by the deadline, the grade of “I” will automatically be changed to a grade of “F” by the office of the Registrar.

Grade Reports

At the conclusion of each course and semester, final grades are available on Blazenet. Grades will not be discussed or given out by phone or e-mail. Mid-semester grades are submitted for each traditional course and may be viewed on Blazenet.

Academic Standing

Academic standing describes a student’s performance in their academic program. Belhaven assesses academic standing using a quality point index. A quality point index is calculated at the end of each semester and a student will be assigned an academic standing in accordance with the charts below which indicates quality point deficiencies allowed.

Undergraduate

All undergraduate students are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.00 with no quality point index deficiency.  The formula for calculation of quality point index is (GPA and Quality Point Index are calculated on Belhaven GPA credits only.): Belhaven earned quality points - (Belhaven GPA hours times two) = quality point index.

Graduate

All graduate students are required to maintain a grade point average of 3.00 with no quality point index deficiency.  The formula for calculation of quality point index is:

Belhaven earned quality points - (Belhaven GPA hours times three) = quality point index.

In cases where a student feels they experience extenuating circumstances which impacted their GPA, students may submit an appeal to be readmitted one time for a suspension and one time for a dismissal. All decisions made by the Academic Appeals Committee are final. If after an appeal which has been granted, the students’ academic standing is not improved, no second appeal shall be considered.

Extracurricular Activities: Good Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress

In general, a student who is eligible to enroll for classes is considered to be in good standing for extracurricular activities. Additional and more stringent requirements may be established by supervisors of those activities, groups, organizations, or societies.

For participation in intercollegiate athletics, a student must demonstrate good academic standing and satisfactory progress toward a degree. In order to demonstrate good academic standing, a freshman (0-23 hours) or sophomore (24-53 hours) must earn and maintain Good Standing - Clear or Good Standing - Notice. A junior (54-89 hours) or senior (90+ hours) must earn and maintain Good Standing - Clear. In order to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, a student-athlete must be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 semester hours) unless fewer hours are required for graduation and meet academic standing requirements.

Freshmen students may participate in intercollegiate athletics during their first semester upon admission to Belhaven University and full-time (a minimum of 12 semester hours) enrollment. Transfer students meeting NCAA exceptions may participate during their first semester upon admission to Belhaven University and full-time (a minimum of 12 semester hours) enrollment. After their first semester at Belhaven, freshmen and transfer students (who met NCAA exceptions) are considered returning students and will be required to meet the academic standing requirement and the satisfactory academic progress requirement for intercollegiate athletics. If a transfer student doesn’t meet NCAA exceptions for participation, he/she must meet NCAA guidelines for residency requirements.

Financial aid requirements for satisfactory progress and other regulations are explained separately in this catalog and elsewhere.

Academic Lists

At the end of each semester, the following academic lists are published:

Undergraduate:

President’s List: full-time students with a 4.00 semester GPA.
Dean’s List: full-time students with a semester GPA between 3.40 and 3.99 and no grade lower than a C.

Graduate (master’s level):
President’s List: Students must complete at least 6 credit hours in a semester with a GPA of 4.0

Graduation with Honors

To graduate cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, a baccalaureate degree-seeking student must have earned a minimum of 60 academic hours carrying quality points at Belhaven University. At the time of graduation, the student must have established a cumulative grade point average (calculated on the 100th decimal place and not rounded) on the Belhaven University record and meet the minimum to be eligible:

• cum laude, 3.40 - 3.69
• magna cum laude, 3.70 - 3.89
• summa cum laude, 3.90 and higher

To graduate “with honors,” a student must have a minimum of 45 academic hours carrying quality points at Belhaven University and a 3.40 cumulative grade point average at Belhaven University

Belhaven University baccalaureate degree-seeking students who graduate with academic honors will wear Belhaven University honor cords for the graduation commencement ceremonies. Students are not allowed to wear any other regalia from societies, sororities, or organizations not affiliated directly with Belhaven University.

Repeated Course Policy

The student cannot use this option to repeat a course in which a grade of A, B, or C was earned. This can only be used to replace a grade of C- or below (except graduate level students needing to repeat a grade of B-, C+, or C to maintain a 3.0 overall GPA). 

Repeating a course may influence a student’s financial aid or sports eligibility.

100 or 200 Level Undergraduate Courses - limit 3 attempts

Students who have taken a course three times and failed the course each time cannot be registered for the course again unless approved through the academic appeals process. The student may be approved to take the course a fourth time but must pass the course on the fourth attempt; no additional registration for the course will be allowed after a failing grade is earned in the course for the fourth attempt.

300 or 400 Level Undergraduate Course or Any Graduate Course - limit 2 attempts

Students who have taken a course twice and failed the course (“failed” at the graduate level is a grade of D+ or below) both times cannot be registered for the course again unless approved through the academic appeal process. The student may be approved to take the course a third time but must pass the course; no additional registration for the course will be allowed after a failing grade is earned in the course for the third attempt.

Failure: Repeated Courses

Forgiveness Policy on Repeated Courses

Repeating a course may influence a student’s financial aid or sports eligibility.

The following stipulations apply to this policy:

1. An F cannot be removed from a student’s record. However, if a student enrolls again in a course that he or she failed, the second grade is recorded on the permanent record for the semester in which the course was repeated.  Although both courses and the respective grades and quality points are shown on the permanent record, the semester hour’s credit is only earned once.
2. The student cannot use the forgiveness policy to replace a grade that was earned at another school, nor may grades earned at Belhaven be replaced by grades earned at another school. This policy will only affect the Belhaven grades and quality point index.
3. All grades remain on the transcript; however, the highest grade earned in each course will be the one used to recalculate the GPA.

Academic Appeals Process for Repeated Course Policy

Students must file an appeal to repeat a course if the course has been taken the maximum number of times and failed. The appeal must include information about why the student was not successful in the first attempts. This must include information and documentation to identify the reason for any missing assignments, for low attendance, or any reason being given for the student’s lack of success in completing the course. Students will submit the appeal to the Registrar’s office who will submit the appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee for review. Failure to complete the course with minimum grade allowed may result in the student being unable to continue in their current degree. Approval to repeat course does not override the end of term Academic Standing earned by the student; the student must sit out a term if placed on Academic Suspension and if approved, may repeat the course in the next available term. The decision of the Academic Appeals Committee if final.

Program Withdrawal

• A student who withdraws from the program is to submit the online withdrawal form located on the Blazenet.
• The official date for withdrawal to be used to calculate tuition charged and the student’s grade in the course will be the date of withdrawal form submission. The effective date for Financial Aid purposes will be the date of the withdrawal form submission.
• The refund policy is stated in the Catalogue under “Student Financial Services Regulations” and in the Kilt under “Financial Information.”
• It is advised that a student withdrawing from the program speak with a Financial Aid counselor and a Student Account counselor so that the student understands any financial ramifications of the withdrawal, including the return of Title IV funds and any payments that might be due from the student.
• A Program Withdrawal will affect the grace period of any outstanding student loans and may cause the student to enter into immediate repayment.

Course Withdrawal

A student who withdraws from a course is not considered to have withdrawn from the school. A course withdrawal is approved if:

• To drop a course from registration at any time before the last date of a course, the student must complete and submit the online Course Withdrawal form (CW).
• The course will be dropped or graded according to the submission date on the student’s course withdrawal form. Any course withdrawals processed from a course withdrawal or program withdrawal form submitted after the published “Last day to withdraw” date in the calendar for that term will result in a grade of “F” for the course.
• A course withdrawal covers only the course listed on the withdrawal form; the student may list the courses they wish to have withdrawn from registration.
• Financial aid may be affected by course withdrawals. The student understands that he/she must consider the financial aid effects of a course withdrawal.
• The student understands that any missed required courses must be completed at a later date in order to complete their degree/program.
• Course withdrawals will not be processed if submitted after the last day of a course.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students may be administratively withdrawn for nonpayment of tuition, misconduct, noncompliance with academic policy, and/or nonattendance.

Transcripts

Students can order an official transcript via the National Student Clearinghouse Transcript Ordering Center (https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/select). The Registrar is not permitted to issue transcripts for a student with an active account hold without permission from Student Financial Services.

Transcript Fee Schedule (Per Recipient)

Copies 1-2: $10.00 total
Copies 3 +: $2.00/copy
Processing: $2.50
Electronic PDF: $1.00 (Applies only to transcripts sent electronically to a recipient outside of the NSC Electronic Transcript Exchange network)

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

Belhaven University informs students of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. The act, with which the University intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA) concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the act.

Belhaven University accords all the rights under law to students who are declared independent. No one outside the University shall have access to nor will the University disclose any information from students’ education records without the written consent of students except to personnel within the University, to accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, and to persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons. All these exceptions are permitted under the act.

Within the Belhaven community only those members individually or collectively acting in the student’s educational interest are allowed access to student education records. These members include personnel in the office of the registrar, provost’s office, admission’s office, student learning office, student life office, financial aid office, business office, office of institutional effectiveness, faculty, and academic support counselor.

Students may not inspect and review the following as outlined by the act: financial information submitted by their parents, confidential letters and recommendations associated with admission, employment or job placement, or honors to which they have waived their rights of inspection and review, or education records containing information about more than one student, in which case the University will permit access only to that part of the record which pertains to the inquiring student.

Honors Program

The Honors Program on the Traditional Campus at Belhaven University offers academically advanced students a forum in which to deepen and expand their education both intellectually and spiritually. Students who demonstrate seriousness about their calling, a past record of academic achievement, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary dialogue are eligible for Honors courses as described below:

Honors Colloquium (HNS)

An interdisciplinary seminar exploring diverse topics from the humanities, sciences, and arts. Through reading and round-table discussion with faculty and peers, students hone their ability to critically evaluate ideas from a Christian perspective and articulate responses both orally and in writing.

Students who meet any of the following criteria may take Honors Colloquium for elective credit:

• ACT composite 26 or above (SAT CR+Math 1190 or 81 CLT score)
  or
• ACT English/Writing 28 or above (SAT Writing 630 or above)
  or
• College-level GPA 3.5 or above, earned over at least 2 semesters, and interview with Director of Honors Program

Graduation as an Honors Fellow

Students who complete the Honors Program by meeting the following requirements may graduate with distinction as an Honors Fellow:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or above
• At least 12 hours of Honors Colloquium (HNS) with a grade of B or above
• At least 15 hours of Honors-level coursework with a grade of B or above, to include at least 9 hours in the student’s major
• Honors-level courses are available by arrangement with faculty who have approved the Honors designation for their courses. To merit the Honors designation, students must fulfill higher and/or additional requirements as determined by the faculty and demonstrate integration of the subject matter with a Christian worldview. Changes in grade weights and standards for Honors students will be indicated in the syllabus.
• Requests for Honors course designation must be signed by the faculty and submitted by the student to the Registrar’s Office no later than the date specified by the Registrar and the Director of the Honors Program.

Incoming transfer students from an honors program at a university or college may be awarded up to 6 credits of Colloquium credit and 6 credits of Honors-level coursework. Credit awarded, if any, is subject to the sole discretion of the Director of the Honors Program and the Registrar.

Registration at Other Institutions

A student who is enrolled at Belhaven University may not register for courses at any other institution without approval of the registrar and the chairpersons of the departments involved. This policy refers to summer classes taken elsewhere as well as at any time when a student is pursuing a degree at Belhaven. A student may not be concurrently enrolled at Belhaven and another institution except in the situation of a senior needing a course for imminent graduation and said course is not currently offered at Belhaven University. The form to request a course at another institution is available on Blazenet. The form must be approved by the Registrar’s Office before a student can register for the course at the other institution.

Concurrent Online Campus Enrollment - Traditional Students

• Full-Time Students

  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.0 GPA or higher.
  • May register for one course per 7-week term.
• Part-Time Students
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.0 GPA or higher.
  • May register for one course per 7-week term.
• First-time Incoming Students
  • Must have cumulative admit GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • May register for one course per 7-week term.
  • Must be approved by advisor/Registrar’s Office.

Please note that licensure programs may have additional rules regarding registration for online courses.  Please see the Belhaven licensure page or speak with the Dean or Department Chair of your program for further details.

Changing Locations/Programs

All Traditional Campus students who wish to change programs to enter the Online Campus must satisfy standardized requirements for computer hardware, software, internet connection, complete online orientation, and meet class attendance requirements.

• Program Change within the Traditional Campus
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.0 GPA or higher to change to Sports Medicine & Exercise Science, Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Elementary Education, Math, or Engineering.
  • Some programs have additional admission requirements
  • Must have Department Chair signature for the new program.
  • Requires approval of Registrar.
• Program Change within the Online Campus (Undergraduate)
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.0 GPA or higher.
  • Must have approval from Student Services Advisor.
  • Requires approval of Registrar.
• Program Change within the Online Campus (Graduate)
  • Must have a cumulative Belhaven GPA of 3.0 or higher to change to the Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, Master of Science in Data Science, or Master of Computer Information Systems
  • Some programs have additional admission requirements.
  • Must have approval from Student Services Advisor.
  • Requires approval of Registrar.

Program changes and location changes for currently enrolled student will become effective in between semesters (SPRING/SUMMER/FALL).   Students must ensure their program is as intended the semester before they intend to degree complete or participate in a graduation ceremony.  All programs for incoming students (new as well as students returning from a hiatus) will be dated to begin the first date of the term their classes begin.  

Student Intern Programs and Practicums

Student intern programs provide practical experience and training. In order to receive academic credit (one to six hours) for a student intern program or practicum, the program must be a structured one, approved in advance by the department in which credit is to be given. A student may not register for an internship or practicum until the office of the registrar has received the approval. The internship application should be turned in to the office of the registrar three days prior to the last day to add a class in order for there to be ample time for administration to provide internship approval. Registration must take place by the first week of the semester (see academic calendar for specific dates to add a course) or the student will not receive credit. A 2.75 cumulative Belhaven grade point average and junior or senior standing are required of the student to be considered for a student intern program or practicum. See the registrar’s office for further information.

CCCU Study Programs

Belhaven is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, an association of more than 185 Christian institutions around the world. Consequently, a number of off-campus learning opportunities exist. These include an American studies program in Washington, D.C., the Uganda Studies Program, the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, a Middle East studies program in Amman, Jordan, an immersive entertainment industry training program in Nashville, and both Semester and summer study program opportunities in historic Oxford, England. 

Also please reference: https://www.belhaven.edu/academics/resources/opportunities/study-abroad-programs.html

Alternative Credit (For undergraduate degrees only)

Belhaven University does recognize Advanced Placement (AP) and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Official score reports must be sent directly to Belhaven University from the Educational Testing Service. High school transcripts with scores are not considered official notification of scores. Credit will be awarded once the office of the registrar has received the official qualifying scores and the student has met with the department chair to determine how the credit will be allocated. Students planning to enter professional school should verify that AP credit is accepted by the professional school they plan to attend. (All alternative credit must not exceed 45 credit hours toward the undergraduate degree.)

• Advanced Placement Tests
  A score of 3, 4, or 5 is required on an Advanced Placement exam. Students with scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Test of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) will have earned, upon admission, up to six semester hours credit granted in any one subject.

Grade equivalents are granted as follows:

Score of 3 is given a grade equivalency of TC

Score of 4 is given a grade equivalency of TB

                             Score of 5 is given a grade equivalency of TA

Credits are not used in computing a quality point index but may be used toward a major or minor. Elective credit may also be given.

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  Advanced placement and credit may be awarded to students who earn at least the minimum scores recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) on the subject examinations (not the general examinations). Once the office of the registrar has received the official qualifying scores and the student has met with the department chair, credit will be awarded. Any student wishing to be exempt from certain degree requirements should take the appropriate advanced placement test of the CEEB.

• International Baccalaureate Program
  College credit will be granted to those high school students enrolling in Belhaven University who have completed courses in the International Baccalaureate Program with a score of five or better on each higher-level examination. The courses for which credit will be awarded will be those subject courses that are a part of Belhaven’s general education core.
   
• Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) (Maximum credit - 30 hours)
  Belhaven University is among more than 600 colleges and universities involved in assessing documented learning for academic credit toward an undergraduate degree. The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), an educational association founded in 1974 to promote the acceptance of the awarding of college credit for documented and experiential learning, has led the way in developing and implementing assessment techniques. Belhaven University uses the guidelines developed by CAEL. In order for the credit to be granted officially and recorded on the transcript, the applicant must have completed successfully a minimum of 12 semester hours of academic course work at Belhaven University. This type of credit is not necessarily transferable into or out of Belhaven University.
  
  PLA if assessed through two course options as described below:
  
  BU 294 Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio 
  This course is designed to assist the student with the development of an experiential learning portfolio. This includes developing a resume, reflecting on the personal journey through an autobiographical essay, application of a Christian worldview, and identifying knowledge and skills learned from previous work educational and work experiences in the experiential essays. The portfolio will be the basis of evaluation of work and life experiences for possible college credit. Students may write for up to 12 hours of credit for each occurrence of BU 294  (resulting in a total possible of 15 credits, 3 from BU 294  and up to 12 experiential credits). Students must register for BU 294 ​ in term 1 of the semester prior to the semester of graduation. BU 294 ​ may be repeated if more than 12 credit hours of PLA credit need to be assessed, not to exceed the limit of 30 credit hours from this option, including the credits earned through BU 294 ​. (Note: BU 294 may only be taken twice)
  
  BU29X Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio 1-3 credits
  This course is designed to assist the student with the development of an experiential learning portfolio when less than four credit hours are needed. This includes developing a resume, reflecting on the personal journey through an autobiographical essay, application of a Christian worldview, and identifying knowledge and skills learned from previous work educational and work experiences in the experiential essays. The portfolio will be the basis of evaluation of work and life experiences for possible college credit. Students may write for 1-3 hours of credit in BU290. Students must register for BU 291 , BU 292 , or BU 293  (depending on the number of elective credits needed) in term 1 of the semester prior to the semester of graduation. BU 291 , 2, or 3 are Pass/Fail courses. All PLA submissions from either course option listed above must be completed by the end of term 1 of the semester prior to the semester of graduation.

Credit from alternative credit programs may be given in a specific area in which a student wishes to major or minor, dependent upon departmental policy. Credit in Bible, history, culture, or literature courses from these sources to meet general education curriculum requirements will not be accepted. The maximum total of such credit listed above, in any combination, is 45 semester hours, not to include more than 30 hours of experiential credit. Hours earned through alternative credit programs do not carry quality points and therefore are not considered as residential hours for honors calculations.

• Credit for Work Completed in Armed Service
  Credit for specialized training received in the armed services will be granted on the basis of recommendations published in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Only those courses or programs that may be regarded as consistent with the curriculum at Belhaven University will be credited toward a degree.
  
  A student who presents evidence of at least six months of military training with an honorable discharge may receive a maximum of four semester hours non-academic credit in physical education.

Advanced Course Placement:

• Placement in Advanced English
  Each year, the department of English selects a limited number of freshmen for placement in Advanced Freshmen English on the basis of scores on the ACT, the English Placement Test of the CEEB, and the Belhaven English Placement Test. Students who qualify may take ENG 121 and an Advanced Composition Elective in lieu of ENG 101 and ENG 102.

• Placement in Advanced Language
  Students who wish to continue at Belhaven University a language begun in high school should take a language proficiency test to determine the college-level course most consistent with their previous training. Students who have credit for two or more units of a foreign language in high school may receive college credit, though not college hours, for the 101-102 courses in the same language after receiving a C (2.0) or better in 201-202 at Belhaven University. A waiver of language courses, especially 101 and 102, may be granted upon the Language Department’s avowal of a student’s proficiency. No semester hours, grades or quality points will be awarded.
  
  Those students who are eligible to enter a foreign language course at the 300 level and complete six hours at this level may then elect to take examinations in the intermediate course (201-202) to receive six hours of credit.
   
• Placement in Advanced Mathematics
  Students who have had extensive training in mathematics in high school and who wish to continue their study in this area at Belhaven University may enroll in MAT 207 and MAT 208 with the permission of the chairperson of the department of mathematics rather than in a lower level course.
  
  Students who are eligible to enter the course in calculus (MAT 207 and MAT 208) and complete six hours at this level may then elect to take examinations in algebra and trigonometry (MAT 101 and MAT 102) to receive six hours of credit. If a passing grade is achieved on the examination, the credit hours are recorded and a grade of ES (Examination Satisfactory) is assigned. In the event of an unsatisfactory grade, no grade is recorded or credit given. The grade of ES carries credit hours, but no quality points, toward degree requirements.

Veterans’ Regulations

Each recipient of VA benefits enrolled at Belhaven University is expected to become familiar with, and to adhere to, all academic policies stated in the current issue of the Belhaven University catalogue.

Pre-Professional Programs

The courses offered at Belhaven University enable students to pursue specific preparatory programs for the ministry, law, medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and engineering. Requirements for professional schools vary.

1) Pre-Medical

2) Pre-Physical Therapy

3) Pre-Occupational Therapy

4) Pre-Dental

5) Pre-Pharmacy

6) Pre-Veterinary Program

7) Pre-Law Program

Most law schools require that applicants hold an undergraduate degree. Generally, they do not prescribe any particular major or sequence of courses, but recommend precision and effectiveness in speaking and writing and a critical understanding of the political and economic institutions with which the law deals. To provide these skills, Belhaven offers a major in Pre-Law. This degree integrates courses from a range of disciplines (Criminal Justice, Communications, History, English, Political Science, Philosophy, Business, and Intercultural Studies) to help students build the proficiencies that will enable them to succeed at law school.

8) Pre-Engineering Program

Belhaven University has partnered with The University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University to offer dual degree programs in the natural sciences and engineering. This partnership gives students the unique opportunity to receive a Christ centered liberal arts education and earn a degree from Belhaven. An additional degree can be earned from either the University of Mississippi in Civil, General (Business Administration, Pre-Law, or Pre-Med Emphasis), or Mechanical Engineering or from Mississippi State University in Chemical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering.

Upon applying for admission, students will select a pre-approved major at Belhaven. At Belhaven, in addition to major’s requirements, students will take standard engineering science and mathematics courses (Introduction to Engineering, Programming in Matlab, General Chemistry I and II, Calculus I-IV, Differential Equations, Engineering Physics I and II, Statics, Thermodynamics). Students then will enroll at their selected partnership university and complete degree requirements to fulfill both degrees.

To declare Engineering as a major ACT math sub score must be 25+ (SAT math sub score must be 610+, or High School Calculus grade must be A or B if Test Optional). If ACT math sub score is 22-24, may declare Engineering as a major contingent on passing MAT 101 the summer before Freshman Fall.

Belhaven’s Mathematics and Science faculty will advise students to help with the admissions process, course advisement, Co-op opportunities, and financial aid at their selected partnership