ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

BICU is committed to the highest standard of academic integrity in all areas of its scholastic operations. To this end, the institution seeks to expound and practice the principles of honesty, equity, industry, transparency, uncompromising research and the careful proliferation of knowledge. Each student and professor of BICU is required to abide by these core principles.

 

DEPORTMENT/CONDUCT

Students, faculty, staff and all other persons directly connected to BICU are required and encouraged to display a professional attitude, undergirded by love, courtesy, compassion, civility and dignity at all times. Workers while representing BICU are required to be appropriately dressed as befitting a professional Christian environment and as the specific context so requires. Crass, coarse, lewd and vulgar behavior are not allowed in the physical environment of BICU or on its online operations. Online students are also required to abide by these principles while being engaged in online encounter(s) with the institution and hopefully wherever they are at other times as a sound character matters to a more elevated state of existence.

 

FULL TIME STATUS

At the undergraduate level the student is in full time status when he/she is taking twelve (12) or more credits per semester. Full time status at the graduate level is nine (9) or more credits per semester.

 

RESEARCH PROTOCOL

BICU is a research-based teaching institution that seeks to add to the wealth and store of human knowledge in ways that will create paradigm shifts in multiple fields of study/practice both on a micro and macro scale.  In pursuit of this vision, faculty and students are encouraged to do original research, to present papers at academic conferences and to publish in scholarly or peer-reviewed journals. BICU will sponsor at least one academic conference each academic year.

 

PLAGIARISM

According to the standard definition, plagiarism is the deliberate use of another person’s or organization’s words or ideas and passing them off as being one’s own. This practice, otherwise called ‘literary theft’ is strictly prohibited by BICU. As outlined below, the consequences for this practice can be rather severe. BICU encourages all persons associated with the institution not to be involved in this dishonest practice. Expressions of this practice involve but are not limited to:

1. Use of quotes from sources without giving credit to the author(s)
2. Making presentations using other author(s) works without giving credit (reference to the name and date of publication) to these author(s)
3. The forging of signatures 
4. Securing of files, letters or any document without proper authorization 
5. The unauthorized altering of any document from or presented to BICU  
6. The procurement of term papers, research data from artificial intelligence (AI), online agencies and submitting them as your original work.
7. Submitting another person’s exam or portions thereof as being one’s own 
8. Other verifiable evidences of academic dishonesty

 

GRADES AND CREDITS 

BICU uses a letter grade system (A, B, C, D and F) on a graduated numbers scale (4.0) to represent achievement in each subject completed. The points assigned to each letter grade are as follows:

Grade	Points	Grade	Points
A	4	C+	2.33
B	3.67	C	2.00
C	3.33	C-	1.67
B	3.00	D	1.00
C	2.67	F	0.00

 

In addition to the letter/points designation assigned to grades, the following calibrations are also attached to grades. These notations however, do not affect the computation of the GPA

I	Incomplete	WF	Withdrawal Failure
AU	Audit	P	Pass
AW	Administrative Withdrawal	DG	Deferred Grade
W	Withdrawal	NC	Taken for no Credit
WP	Withdrawal Passing	F	Fail

 

Incomplete Grade

An Incomplete ‘I” grade will be awarded to students in cases where they are unable to complete a course within the time specified. This “I” designation will be awarded to students who have completed at least 75% of the assigned work. Students will have eight (8) week to complete the outstanding work from the official end of the course.

 

Deferred Grade

 In cases where a student has completed less than 75% of the outstanding work for a course but is on a trajectory to pass and needs additional time for completing outstanding work due to illness or other grave unforeseen circumstances, s/he can be awarded a ‘Deferred Grade’ (DF). S/he will be expected to complete and submit all outstanding assignments within the arranged time or receive the earlier grade as indicated on the signed agreement form.

 

ACADEMIC PROBATION 

Bachelor’s and Associate’s Levels: BICU encourages its students to maintain high academic standards. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 at the end of a particular semester, that student will be placed under an “immediate advisement” status. With this status, the student will be: i) given special academic counseling by his/her advisor/or other designee, ii) not be allowed to take more than 9 credits for the ensuing semester, iii) encouraged to reduce extra-curricular activities relating to BICU, and iv) cautioned in writing of the consequences of maintaining this status for a successive semester.

A Bachelor’s/Associate’s student whose cumulative grade point average is less than 2.5 for two consecutive semesters and who has gone through the process described above, will be asked to withdraw from the program for at least two semesters after which the student may reapply to resume his or her studies.

 

Master’s Student: A student enrolled in any of the master’s program is required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on BICU’s 4.0 graduated numbers scale. At the end of the first semester, if the student’s GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed under an “immediate advisement” status. With this status, the student will be: i) given special academic counseling by his/her advisor/designee, ii) not be allowed to take more than 6 credits for the ensuing semester, iii) encouraged to reduce extra-curricular activities relating to BICU, and iv) cautioned in writing of the consequences of maintaining this status for a successive semester.

If the student fails to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters then the student will have to redo the courses contributing to the lowered GPA, under special advisement/tutelage. In any master’s program, a student is allowed to earn only one ‘C’ grade for the entire program.

 

HONORS SOCIETY 

The Honors society of BICU consists of students who have achieved excellence in course work along with a commendable citizenship attitude. Excellence in course work computes to: 1) a grade point average between 3.5 and 4.0 over an uninterrupted school year of course work, 2) students with a GPA of 3.00 -3.4 are designated as ‘Honor students’ and 3) students with a grade point average between 3.5- 4.0 are honored with the designation of “Scholars.”

The achievement of the required GPA does not totally guarantee access to the Honors society. Along with academic excellence, BICU highly values good ethical conduct and caring human relationships. Hence, commendable citizenship attitudes also factor into access to the Honors society.

‘Commendable citizenship attitude’ means that the student’s general deportment/conduct is exemplary and there has been no public immoral, illegal, or scandalous behavior for which the student was found guilty within the particular school year for which the honors standard is being computed.  The guilty verdict may have been in a court of law or by the administration of BICU or other reputable public body.

‘Uninterrupted school year’ means that the student took classes for at least two consecutive semesters. Honor students and Scholars are honored at a special ceremony held in the Spring semester of each school year. Honors are not awarded for the summer terms.

 

DOING COURSE(S) ABOVE ONE’S PROGRAM LEVEL 

There may be special cases where a student can be allowed to take course(s) above his/her program level. For example, a Bachelor’s student may be allowed to do 500 level course(s). This can only be done after the following criteria are met: 1) the student must request this in writing to the Registrar’s office, 2) the student must be recommended by his/her academic advisor for this consideration, 3) the student’s GPA must be at or above the required standard for his/her program, 4) no more than three (3) such courses can be so taken within a given school year, and, 5) the  written request is considered on a case by case basis by the Academic/Petition Committee.  

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR ACADEMIC VIOLATIONS & UNSATISFACTORY CONDUCT

All consequences for academic violations and unsatisfactory conduct at BICU are designed to be restorative even if punitive measures have to be taken. For extreme circumstances, a student may be asked to sever links with the institution. In such dire situations, an attitude of Christian love and care will be utilized to preserve the dignity of all as best as possible. Academic violations will be dealt with by the Academic Appeals Committee and the Citizenship & Disciplinary Committee will handle citizenship violations.

 

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES/ACTIONS

Procedure for Handling Complaints

Where a complaint/grievance needs to be lodged, the following steps are to be followed:

1. Write a formal letter or email outlining the grievance that has occurred. Be sure to include time of incident, date, witnesses (if applicable)/persons involved, the essential facts of the circumstance and the action that you are seeking.
2. Send this letter or e-mail to your immediate supervisor. If you are a student, send your letter or e-mail to the professor involved. For matters other than academics, send your letter/e-mail to the Students’ Services Director.
3. Once the letter or e-mail has been received, the supervisor, professor or Students’ Services Director will investigate the matter, collect all the relevant facts and should respond within three (3) days.
4. Where the complainant has not received a response within three (3) days from the supervisor/professor or other applicable party, s/he should follow up with a reminder.
5. The resolution of the matter may require that a meeting be convened or follow up e-mails be sent.
6. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome s/he has the right to appeal to the next higher-ranking officer in the department or work unit. For example, a student would appeal to the Department Chair after addressing the matter with the professor without satisfaction.
7. If the outcome of the appeal is still unsatisfactory, then the complainant may write a formal letter or e-mail to the Appeals Committee of the University which will research the facts of the given case, convene a meeting of the parties or take other relevant and timely measures to resolve the issue. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.

 

Procedure for Handling Disciplinary Actions

 In the event that the need arises for disciplinary action among employees and/or students, the following steps will be taken:

1. A careful gathering of all the relevant facts and details should be undertaken after which a formal letter or e-mail should be sent to the offender and copied to the immediate supervisor or professor.
2. The immediate supervisor or professor will convene a meeting and seek to address the matter in a redemptive manner that is ethical, equitable and respectful of diversity (Exodus 18; Ga. 6:1).
3. If the disciplinary measure taken is considered to be unjust then the offended party may write a formal letter or e-mail to the Appeals Committee of the University. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.

 

ADMISSIONS PHILOSOPHY 

BICU believes that everyone was created with the ability and potential to learn. We therefore have a very open policy to anyone who demonstrates the aptitude and willingness to apply himself or herself to the rigors of academia within the Christian ethical framework and context of BICU. We admit persons irrespective of religion, denominational affiliation, age, race or gender so long as their conduct is respectful and professional.

  

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS 

See section under each Program of Study.

 

REGISTRATION POLICIES

1. Complete application form online 
2. Submit completed application form with required processing fee. This fee is non-refundable  
3. Submit completed application form at least two (2) months before the start of the semester
4. Attend an interview as deemed necessary by the admissions committee
5. Fulfil the application requirements that are specific to the program of study to which you are applying. For further details, please see the registration policies and application processes for the respective programs. 

 

TRANSCRIPTS 

A transcript will be provided once the student has completed any course of study at BICU and has a zero balance on his/her financial account. A processing fee of $15.00 applies. The transcript will show all courses that have been completed including repeat courses, withdrawals and administrative withdrawals among others (see section 6- Grades and Credits).

 

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Students can register online at www.xxxxx. Recommendations can be uploaded by person (s) who will be sent a special password from the Registrar’s office.  The registration form gives the details for this process.

 

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts will be accepted in hard copy or electronically (from institution to institution). Hard copies (sealed envelopes) are to be mailed to:

 

Baldwin International Christian University
Registrar’s Office
9750 Apollo Drive, Suite B #124
Largo, Maryland 20774

 

LATE REGISTRATION

Registration is considered late if the student’s matriculation process is not completed seven (7) days after the official beginning of the semester. These days do not include weekends, that is, Saturdays and Sundays. After the seventh day, a late registration fee of $150.00 will be charged. This amount is mandatory and non-refundable. The registration process closes 15 instruction days (i.e. excluding Saturdays and Sundays) after the official commencement of a particular semester. At this time, no more students can be registered for that particular semester, unless by special consideration by the administration.  

 

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Students will be taught in the virtual space and some may face differences in time zones. Students are expected to attend at least 80 percent of the scheduled classes in a particular course, if attendance is affected by time differences then the student is expected to login and complete all readings and assignments pertaining to each class asynchronously. Failure to do so in a punctual and regular manner can result in: i) a reduction in letter grade for that subject to a low of C- or, ii) administrative withdrawal of the student by the professor of the course.

Note: Where a student is on Financial Aid, this non-attendance or low class attendance could affect future assistance. In addition to being a spiritual, intellectual, and social encounter, the classroom experience is a professional engagement in which all the policies and principles of BICU must be adhered to by both students and teachers. This policy will be printed in each course syllabus.

 

DEFINITION OF UNITS OF CREDITS

1. The university uses the semester model of credits based on the Carnegie System which is 15 weeks of instructional time.
2. A three-credit course comprises 45 clock hours. This is distributed between scheduled class time of at least two (2) 80 minutes sessions each week, with the remaining time consisting of home work/assignments/field experience. For our online system, classes will be held virtually – synchronously and asynchronously.
3. A two (2) credit course comprises of 30 clock hours. This is distributed between scheduled class time of at least two (2) 50 minutes sessions each week, the remaining time consisting of home work/assignments/field experience and additional out of class activities. For our online system, classes will be held virtually – synchronously and asynchronously.

 

CLASS STANDING FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Class standing is dependent on the total number of semester hours successfully completed. Successful completion means that the student earns a minimum grade of ‘C’ in all the courses taken to accumulate number of hours in each designated category.  

Freshman	less than 30 credit hours
Sophomore	30-60
Junior	61-90
Senior	91-124

 

DIVERSITY POLICY

BICU is a Christian community of students, professors and workers that seek to be very inclusive. We do not discriminate based upon gender, race, religion, ethnicity or cultural affiliations. Our inclusive posture is guided by the Christian ideals of love, mutual respect and care to which BICU subscribe.

 

FINANCIAL POLICIES 

BICU advocates financial integrity and pledges to honor all its financial commitments in a prompt, honest and fair manner. BICU expects the same from all its clients. The following charges are automatic to the respective engagements with BICU. These charges are marked to market conditions and subject to change. They are only incurred as they are relevant to each program (see section on program charges). Charges will include:

1. Application fee – $50.00
2. Registration fee – $120.00
3. Late registration – $150.00
4. Lab fees – $60/semester (where applicable)
5. Technology fee – $149.00/semester
6. Late monthly payment fee – $25.00 (for payment plan)
7. Transcripts – $15.00
8. Graduation fee – $60.00

 

TUITION FEES BY PROGRAM

 The tuition fees will be provided for in-state, Florida and out-of-state in the USA. The overseas tuition fees will be set as a percentage (~80-90%) of these stated fees given exchange rate variations, consideration for parity value and affordability.

1. The cost per credit for the Associate of Arts degree will be $213.00 for in-state students and 398.00 for out-of-state students.
2. The cost per credit hour for a Bachelor’s degree is $423 for state residents and $478.00 for out-of-state students.
3. The cost per credit hour for the MBA program for state residents is $504 and $756.00 for out-of-state students.
4. The cost per credit hour for a Master’s of Arts degree in Religion or Master’s of Arts degree in Pastoral Theology for state residents is $489.00 and $799.00 for out-of-state students

Financial Assistance – For students who qualify, financial assistance may be available via federal student loans and grants (USA), military and veterans’ benefits (USA) or via a semester payment plan. To apply for federal student loans, go to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For useful links go to: Home | Federal Student Aid.  A student will have to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the semester to keep FAFSA benefits. Any student taking a loan or entering into a payment plan will have to sign the relevant forms to acknowledge that they are aware of their financial obligations based on the applicable terms and conditions of such loan(s).

 

TRANSFER CREDITS 

BICU welcomes students from other tertiary institutions who wish to join our university family. BICU accepts transfer credits from recognized or approved institutions accordingly. For the: 

1. Master of Arts in Religion (MA): A maximum of 12 credit hours with evidence of a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses with a letter grade of ‘C’ will not be accepted.
2. Master of Pastoral Theology: A maximum of 16 credit hours with evidence of and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses with a letter grade of below ‘C’ will not be accepted.
3. Master of Arts in Religion and Church Administration: A maximum of 12 credit hours with evidence of a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses with a letter grade of “C” will not be accepted.
4. Bachelor of Arts in Religion (BA) degree, a maximum of 75 credit hours with evidence of cumulative GPA of 2.50
5. Associate of Arts in Religion: A maximum of 60 credit hours with evidence of an accumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. All transfer students are required to complete the application process specific to the desired program of study.

 

CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION PROCESS  

The protocol pertaining to applicants who wish to discontinue their application process are as follows:

1. The applicant must complete a withdrawal form indicating the withdrawal of his/her application. Should the applicant have made any payments during this process, BICU will charge US$50.00 withdrawal fee, then:
2. Grant 100% return of whatever payments have been made, if the applicant’s withdrawal form is received by BICU within 5 months after the applicant has made these payments. After five (5) months an additional 2% processing cost will be charged.
3. Note: Registration/processing fee is not refundable.

 

WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS

 Registered students who wish to withdraw from all classes after the semester has begun will be charged a withdrawal fee of US$25, after which refunds will be based on the protocols below.

1. If students have not attended any classes, 100% refund will be given
2. If students have attended a minimum of one class session in the following weeks then for:

Week	Refund
1	100%
2	90%
3	80%
4	70%
5	60%
6	50%

After the sixth week of class no refund will be made whether or not the student has attended any class(es). Note: The student must complete the withdrawal form and have it signed by his/her advisor before withdrawing from the class. Registration/processing fees are not refundable.

 

PAYMENT PLAN

Students who are not able to meet all financial obligations at registration are welcome to negotiate a payment plan with the university. Once this agreement is made, students are expected to honor their commitment or be transparent if for any reason re-negotiation needs to be made. BICU will make every effort to accommodate students financially. However, silence or simply ignoring an arrangement will not be countenanced.

 

FINANCIAL CLEARANCE 

The registration process is completed when financial clearance is given by BICU. Financial clearance means that the student has paid all charges in full or has negotiated a payment plan. Financial clearance must be obtained in order to write major exams. Thus, financial clearance given at the beginning of a semester may not suffice for end of semester exams as clearance then will depend on whether or not the student has honored the initial negotiated commitments or has made new arrangements.

 

FINANCE CHARGES

Students with an outstanding balance and who have not negotiated a payment plan, will be charged a late fee of $25.00 dollars on the 25th of each month when no payment has been made by that date.

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, PRIOR LEARNING & CHALLENGE EXAMS

In order to graduate from BICU, students must complete the following requirements according to their respective program of study. In each case, an application form will be completed and the application fee of $60.00 be paid. (For detailed information regarding each program of study please see the appropriate section of this bulletin).

For the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion:

1. Complete 120 credit hours with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on BICU’s 4.0 grading scale
2. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 104 credit hours of the degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the register’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia. 
3. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s)

 For the Associate Degree in Religion: 

1. Complete 60 credits hours with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Successful completion can be demonstrated via the successful completion of courses, challenge exams or standardized tests and evidence of prior learning for credit. Where standardized tests or challenge exams are included, learning will be assessed to ensure commensurability at the credential level. Evidence of prior learning will have to be validated, evaluated, and confirmed by qualified instructors of BICU.
2. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 51 credit hours of the degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the register’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
3. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s)

  For the Master of Arts in Religion (NT Emphasis): 

1. Complete 48 credit hours, with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on BICU 4.0 grading scale. Successful completion can be demonstrated via the successful completion of courses, challenge exams or standardized tests and evidence of prior learning for credit. Where standardized tests or challenge exams are included, learning will be assessed to ensure commensurability at the credential level. Evidence of prior learning will have to be validated, evaluated, and confirmed by qualified instructors of BICU.
2. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 33 credit hours of this degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the Registrar’s Office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
3. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s).

For the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies: 

1. Complete 64 credit hours with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on BICU’ 4.0 grading system. Successful completion can be demonstrated via the successful completion of courses, challenge exams or standardized tests and evidence of prior learning for credit. Where standardized tests or challenge exams are included, learning will be assessed to ensure commensurability at the credential level. Evidence of prior learning will have to be validated, evaluated, and confirmed by qualified instructors of BICU.
2. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 52 credit hours of this degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the register’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
3. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s)

For the Master of Business Administration 

1. Complete 39 credit hours with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on BICU’ 4.0 grading system. Successful completion can be demonstrated via the successful completion of courses, challenge exams or standardized tests and evidence of prior learning for credit. Where standardized tests or challenge exams are included, learning will be assessed to ensure commensurability at the credential level. Evidence of prior learning will have to be validated, evaluated, and confirmed by qualified instructors of BICU.
2. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 24 credit hours of this degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the register’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
3. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s)

Note: In all cases, students must make all outstanding financial payments to BICU, or if payments cannot be completed, negotiate a payment plan accordingly. This must be done before one can participate in the graduation exercises.

Note: While a student may be allowed to graduate with an outstanding financial balance, that student will not receive his/her degree until all negotiated payments are made.

 

PLACEMENT SERVICE & JOB MARKET

BICU will seek to liaise with employers in the job marketplace for possible placement of graduates however, it makes no claim to offer any guarantee of jobs. The onus will be on the graduates to apply ahead of graduation for possible job and career opportunities.