Undergraduate Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Undergraduate Student Handbook 2013

2 Preface Emmaus ministry to students is based on two academic programs, with our undergraduate higher education programs under the banner of the Bachelor of Theology. There are three exit points, the Diploma of Christian Studies awarded after the completion of one year full time study, The Associate Degree in Christian Thought and Practice awarded after two years full time study and the Bachelor of Theology awarded at the completion of three years full time study. All courses can be completed part-time. Emmaus academic programs are designed for men and women who desire a biblical and theological foundation to equip them, to be effective in the local church, community or mission field. This Student Handbook is for use by all students. It outlines the currently agreed ways of achieving the aims of the College and describes the undergraduate course requirements. Undergraduate Higher Education Courses Available Diploma of Christian Studies Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice Bachelor of Theology Emmaus Bible School Australia Ltd trading as ABN is a Member Institution of the Sydney College of Divinity, a consortium of private teaching colleges, and is authorised to teach their awards. CRICOS Provider Code: 02948J Bachelor of Theology C Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice K Diploma of Christian Studies J : a Registered Training Organisation; registration number

3 Contacts and Information Address 240 Beecroft Road, Epping NSW 2121, Australia Phone and Fax Office Phone Office Fax STD Code (02) International prefix Principal, Dr Leonard J Smith General Manager, Graeme Janes Academic Dean, Theron Young Librarian, Elizabeth Webb Registrar, Chris Haeusler Administration, Robyn Buckle lensmith@emmaus.edu.au graemejanes@emmaus.edu.au theronyoung@emmaus.edu.au elizabethwebb@emmaus.edu.au registrar@emmaus.edu.au admin@emmaus.edu.au Web College: Library: Information Courses: Registrar Community Life: Graeme Janes International Students: Registrar registrar@emmaus.edu.au graemejanes@emmaus.edu.au registrar@emmaus.edu.au A member institute of and accredited through the Affiliated with 2

4 INDEX Contacts and Information Welcome to Emmaus Affiliated with About Emmaus Our Origin Academic Matters Higher Education Courses Offered 2 4 Error! Bookmark not defined Error! Bookmark not defined. People Faculty Staff Academic Regulations Admission For Specific SCD Undergraduate Courses For the Associate Degree of Christian Thought& Practice For the Bacelor of Theology SCD Higher Education Undergraduate Awards Grading System Credit for Previous Study Academic Expectations at Emmaus 32 Assessment Due Dates 33 Fairness Policies 33 Attendance 33 Guidelines for Essay Writing Format and Style of Academic Writing Library Campus Life General Information Mobile Phones Kitchen Alcohol, Illegal Drugs and Smoking College Equipment Breakages First Aid Improper Behaviour Privacy Laws Internet and NSW Public Transport Concessions Fees Government Payments Tertiary Assurance Scheme 43 3

5 Welcome to Emmaus We are glad you have chosen to study at. We are part of the Sydney College of Divinity Theological Consortium, an accredited higher education provider, and a Registered Training Organisation provider accredited through the NSW Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board; we follow the regulations of these two bodies. As part of the college we would like you to be active in a local church during your time at Emmaus. Being involved in ministry is exciting and will help you put your new knowledge into practice. If you are not from Sydney and need to find a church, we will assist you in your search for a church family. Mentoring and prayer are definitely part of the culture at Emmaus. We encourage our staff and students to pray together and look to each other for encouragement and guidance. Staff are available to mentor mature aged students and younger students should look to older students for prayer partners and mentors as well. Remember, our doors are always open to any who want to discuss concerns, seek counselling or have a time of prayer. We pray that God will bless your time at Emmaus. Dr Leonard J. Smith Principal 4

6 About Emmaus Emmaus is an evangelical Bible College accredited through the Sydney College of Divinity and the NSW Vocational Education Training Accreditation Board. Emmaus offers a diverse and flexible study programme offered within a modern facility just a short walk from Epping station. Courses are open to all Christians who seek to develop their Bible and theological knowledge and who wish to develop a solid foundation for their future ministry. Our primary purpose is to prepare men and women for Christian ministry. Our Origin Our mission is to provide excellence in biblical education. Emmaus became known in Australia when Emmaus Correspondence courses were introduced in the early 1950s. The correspondence courses had been the vision of a young missionary from the United States, Dr. Ed Harlow, who founded Emmaus Correspondence School when he returned home following a term on the mission field. Soon after, the Australian branch of Emmaus Correspondence School was established, Mr Gordon Blair had the vision of a residential Bible School and a property in Ray Road, Epping, was purchased in In 1959 Emmaus expanded the teaching programme to include a residential course for students. When began, the vision was to prepare young people for overseas missionary service or for lay ministry within the evangelical Christian traditions. Throughout the years since, different biblical and theological programmes have been offered, however, the original vision remains central. For Christians to: grow in the knowledge of Christ; be effective in their witness within their local church; work together with other members of the body of Christ (reaching non- Christians with the gospel), and encourage one another to continue in the faith. Academic Matters Academic Structures The Governing Board of the College has delegated to the Academic Board responsibility for policy formulation and decision making in all academic matters, and maintaining the academic values, quality and standards of the College. The membership of the Academic Board includes the Principal, Registrar, the Library Manager, one external member and one faculty member. The Academic Board meetings are scheduled to meet six times per year. 5

7 Higher Education Courses Offered As a Member Institute of The Sydney College of Divinity, currently offers a Diploma of Christian Studies, Associate Degree in Christian Thought and Practice and Bachelor of Theology. Diploma of Christian Studies The Diploma of Christian Studies is an undergraduate award based wholly on Bachelor of Theology units. It is designed for men and women who desire an introduction to Christian studies through a one year full-time higher education course. Graduates will have acquired basic knowledge, skills, and values of Christian relevance to their professional, family, church, social, or personal lives and have deepened their awareness of the nature and scope of theology and their affinity with it as a field of study within higher education. Associate Degree In Christian Thought and Practice The Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice course is an undergraduate award designed for men and women which provides an opportunity to undertake some theological study with special focus on Christian Thought (including Biblical Studies, Theology, and Humanities in the Christian Tradition) or on Christian Practice (including Counselling, Liturgical Studies, Missiology, and Pastoral Theology and Practice). The special focus is achieved by completing a major in the area of interest. Majors come out of the sub-disciplines and disciplines across the SCD curriculum. This is a two year full time course; the course may also be completed part time over a period of up to six years. Bachelor of Theology The Bachelor of Theology is a three year full time degree, which can also be completed part time over a period of up to nine years. It is designed for men and women who desire a biblical and theological foundation for long term full-time Christian ministry. The BTh, with its emphases on academic rigour in the study of Christian theology and Biblical Studies, is the central academic award of the College. By the end of this course students will have systematically and comprehensively studied Bible and theology through a structured and progressive course of study. Please Note: After the completion of Year One a student may exit with the Diploma of Christian Studies. After the completion of Year One and Year Two a student may exit with the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice. 6

8 Bachelor of Theology (BTh) Course Structure As Biblical Studies is our core focus schedules our subject offerings to complete a Bachelor of Theology with a: major in Biblical Studies (plus either of Greek or Hebrew languages); and a sub-major in Theology*. Other sub-majors are offered in: Missiology* Church History* Pastoral Theology* (*additional majors in these areas may be negotiated) These majors and sub-majors have been selected from the undergraduate sub-discipline structure established by the Sydney College of Divinity as detailed below Discipline Sub-disciplines Majors / Submajors Biblical Studies BB Biblical Studies Biblical Studies* Old Testament* New Testament* Humanities in the Christian Tradition Christian Practice Theology AL SP HS WH CN LS MS PT ET TH Humanities Hebrew Greek Christian Spirituality Church History Philosophy Counselling Liturgical Studies Missiology Pastoral Theology & Practice Theological Ethics Theology * Not to include language (Greek, Hebrew, Latin) units. - Christian Spirituality Church History Philosophy Counselling Liturgical Studies Missiology Pastoral Theology & Practice Theological Ethics Biblical Theology* Historic Theology* Systematic Theology* 7

9 A typical Bachelor of Theology programme of study could look like the sample given below. SAMPLE PROGRAMME First Year to achieve Diploma of Christian Studies Second Year to achieve Associate Degree in Christian Thought and Practice Third Year to achieve Bachelor of Theology Introduction to the Old Testament (BB) Pauline Literature (BB) Greek 2 or Hebrew 2 (AL) Semester 1 Introduction to Pastoral Theology (PT) Introduction to Theology 1 (TH) Hermeneutics (BB) Cross Cultural Ministry (MS) Daniel (BB) Preaching 1 (PT) Introduction to World Mission (MS) Christology (TH) Ministry in the Church (TH) Introduction to the NewTestament (BB) The Johannine Literature (BB) Romans (BB) Semester 2 Introduction to Theology 2 (TH) Christian Ethics (ET) World Religions (MS) Greek 1 or Hebrew 1 (AL) Evangelism (MS) Church History: Reformation to the Present. (HS) Early & Medieval Church History (HS) Supervised Ministry (PT) Christian Apologetics (TH) Modes: Lecture/Intensive/On Line Course Major: Biblical Studies Sub-major 1: Theology Sub major 2: Missiology 8

10 Structure of the Academic Year The College year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is made up of two terms of thirteen teaching weeks normally separated by a break of two weeks. The first semester normally begins on the first Monday in March and the second semester in mid July. In addition, intensives are often available three times per year being February, July and December Academic Calendar February 25 M Beginning of Semester 1 April 12 M Beginning of mid-semester break April F-Su Israel and Bible Lands Study Tour (17 days) April 29 May 3 M-F Autumn Intensive May 3 F End of mid-semester break May 6 M Recommencement of Semester 1 June M-F End of Semester 1 - Exam Week June 24 M Beginning of mid year break July M-F Winter Intensive July 26 F End of mid-year break July 29 M Beginning of Semester 2 September 20 M Beginning of mid-semester break September M-F Spring Intensive October 4 F End of mid-semester break October 8 T Recommencement of Semester 2 November M-F End of Semester 2 - Exam Week 9

11 People Faculty The Faculty teaches in keeping with the ethos of the Christian Brethren tradition. It accepts the Scriptures as God s written word, containing all that is necessary for salvation and as the final authority in all matters of life and faith. Full-time members of the Faculty with their academic field are: Mr Xavier Lakshmanan PhD cand. (Systematic Theology) Dr Donald Patten PhD (Church History and Historical Theology) Dr Leonard Smith EdD, MEd, Grad Dip Theol (Missiology/Pastoral Theology), BEd Dip Teach (Pastoral Theology and Preaching) Dr Theron Young PhD Hebrew and Semetic Studies, MA, MA (OT), BA (Biblical Studies Old Testament and Greek) Adjunct and part-time members of the Faculty are: Mr Allan Driver BTh (Hons) ThL (Theology) Dr Patricia Harrison PhD, MDiv, MTh, MS, MA, BA, Dip Ed, Grad Dip ME, Grad Dip AbEd (Missiology) Mr Michael Leary PhD cand. MA., BSc (Biblical Studies New Testament) Ms Rowena Reynolds MPsychHns cand. (Counseling) Prof Joe Thomas PhD, MWS, MDiv, BSc (Theology and Ethics) Staff Principal Dr Leonard Smith EdD, MEd, Grad Dip Theol (Missiology/Pastoral Theology), BEd Dip Teach General Manager Graeme Janes B.Bus Registrar Chris Haeusler BTh Library Elizabeth Webb, Librarian Lynn Cleary Volunteer Librarian Assistant Administration Robyn Buckle 10

12 Academic Regulations Admission For undergraduate courses, normal entry is determined on the basis of academic merit a completed Higher School Certificate (HSC), or equivalent, and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent (University Admission Index (UAI), Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER), Overall Position (OP), Grade Point Average (GPA)), as well as an appropriate IELTS score for overseas students. Specific Admission Requirements for the following SCD Higher Education undergraduate courses offered at : Diploma of Christian Studies Associate Degree In Christian Thought and Practice Bachelor of Theology o o Satisfactory completion of Year 12 in the Australian school system with a Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) of 72.5 or above, or its equivalent (eg, OP = or 13), with English Proficiency 1 ; or Mature Age 2 admission for those who have reached the age of 21, with English Proficiency 1, or o Completion of Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology o Special Entry 2 admission, with English Proficiency 1 o In addition, Overseas students 3 must be at least 18 years of age, must have an IELTS (or equivalent) of 6.5 or greater and with no score less than 6.0 in each band of the test and may only enroll in full time courses and cannot complete such courses by more than 25% distance or online learning. 1 English Proficiency This policy applies to all students, except those entering Australia to study on a student visa. These students are Overseas Students 3 and requirements are listed as follows. If students have undertaken their previous studies in an overseas country, they may have to provide proof of proficiency in English to gain entry into a Sydney College of Divinity award. Students must provide proof of proficiency in English if they have undertaken all their qualifications in a language other than English. Students do not have to provide proof of proficiency in English if they have at least one qualification completed in English, or have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time university study in English. Those students who have not completed previous studies in English may demonstrate proficiency in English by completing an IELTS test (or equivalent). The test results required for admission are as follows: 11

13 Award Diploma of Christian Studies Associate Degree In Christian Thought and Practice Bachelor of Theology IELTS Requirements 6.5 or greater overall, with no score less than 6.0 in each band of the test. Provisional admission may be granted for an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 6.0 in each band. All course units must be passed in the first 2 semesters of enrolment for the provisional status to be removed. If this requirement is not met the admission is cancelled. 2 Special Entry A student may be admitted to a course on the basis of Special Entry. Such students might be: a) persons who have not yet reached mature age and who did not do the HSC or failed to meet the ATAR level. For example, a person under 21 years of age who did not do the HSC but has completed a trade certificate or equivalent; b) persons who have been educationally disadvantaged due to: i. socio-economic reasons such as low-family income or poor living conditions; ii. language difficulties; iii. learning difficulties; iv. disrupted schooling; v. physical disability; vi. serious family illness; vii. excessive family responsibility; viii. geographical isolation of home and/or school and lack of support, time or facilities for study at home or school. c) persons of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent who have not followed the normal HSC entry path; persons who were home schooled and show evidence of being able to manage tertiary study; d) students awaiting an IELTS result; e) persons who have completed a prescribed programme of non-award study (4 units) and passed all units. f) All Special Entry admissions are provisional. 3 Overseas Students (Students who are entering Australia to study on a student visa) This does not include students who are residing outside of Australia during their course of study) a) The SCD welcomes overseas students but admission to the SCD is governed by the requirements of the Australian Government, the SCD requirements (as set out above) and a Member Institution s own regulations. 12

14 b) Once the overseas student makes application, the student s academic qualifications are matched against the entry criteria to confirm their potential admission. This is done by the Academic Committee within the Member Institution and then approved by the Student Administration Committee of the SCD. Student s previous academic qualifications are evaluated with the help of AEI Country Education Profiles (CEP) online data. The students English language proficiency is determined by an IELTS test (or equivalent). c) Overseas students may only enrol in full time courses and cannot complete such courses by more than 25% distance or online learning. All courses available to overseas students have units available by distance and / or on-line learning. d) All relevant documents must be submitted with the application, as applications which are inadequately documented cannot be considered. e) Courses in the SCD are conducted in English (except the BTh (Korean Medium)) so: i. students are expected to be proficient in English; ii. assessment tasks shall be set and examined in that language unless special permission to do otherwise is granted by the Academic Board; iii. students who gained their qualifications for admission to any of the SCD s awards up to the level of Master (coursework) in a language other than English, must accompany their application for admission with an IELTS (or equivalent) result normally of 6.0 or better for Diploma, 6.5 or better for Bachelor and 7.0 or better for coursework postgraduate courses - see the table presented in the English Proficiency 1 section for a more detailed explanation of the IELTS requirements including provisional admission; iv. students who gained their qualifications for admission to any of the SCD s postgraduate awards from the level of research Master in a language other than English, must accompany their application for admission with an IELTS (or equivalent) result of normally not less than 7.0 in all bands of the test; v. applicants already in Australia who are required to take an English test shall be advised accordingly; f) (All Member Institutions are required to observe the English language requirements as spelt out in sub-rule (e) (iii) and (iv). g) The information contained in this policy is communicated to the overseas student at the point of initial contact. Hard copy is included in the application package sent to the prospective student prior to them making application. 13

15 ACADEMIC REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC SCD UNDERGRADUATE COURSES OFFERED BY EMMAUS BIBLE COLLEGE ACADEMIC REGULATIONS for the Diploma of Christian Studies 1. Admission to Candidature 1.1. An applicant for admission to candidature for a Diploma of Christian Studies shall: a) have an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 72.5, or its equivalent; or b) have reached the age of 21 and so satisfy the requirements for Mature Age Entry; or c) have adequate grounds for Special Entry 1.2. A candidate for a Diploma of Christian Studies shall be designated as full-time or part-time. A student is designated as a full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester. 1.3 No candidate for the Diploma of Christian Studies may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution, unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board. 1.4 Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 6.5 with no score of less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. A student can be admitted provisionally into the Diploma of Christian Studies when they have an IELTS result of 6.0 with no score less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. They must pass all subjects in the first two semesters to be permitted to continue. 1.5 Application for enrolment in the Diploma of Christian Studies is made to the Registrar of. 2. Course Structure NOTE: Typically each subject equates to nine credit points. 2.1 The Diploma of Christian Studies requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 bachelor level units). Every program for the award shall include: a) at least 9 credit points within the discipline of Biblical Studies; b) at least 9 credit points within the discipline of Theology; c) 54 credit points of electives 2.2 All course units shall be taken from the SCD Schedule of Units of Study for the Bachelor award. 3. Period of Candidature: 3.1 The period of candidature for the diploma shall normally be 1 years full-time and 3 years part-time. 3.2 In certain circumstances the Student Administration Committee may grant extensions. 14

16 4. Leave of Absence 4.1 The Student Administration Committee may grant leave of absence from the Diploma of Christian Studies. The period of leave shall not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the degree. 4.2 The period of leave shall normally be one semester after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester or is required to complete candidature. 5. Assessment 5.1 The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board in line with the College s established guidelines for assessment packages at undergraduate certificate level. 5.2 Students may be required by the Academic Board to present themselves for oral examination. 5.3 Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalised severely in accordance with the regulations of the Sydney College of Divinity. 6. Credit 6.1 A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 45 credit points in the Diploma of Christian Studies. 6.2 Credit will be granted for units that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the Diploma of Christian Studies. 7. Saving Clause 7.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may, in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirement or prescription by these regulations, and report forthwith to the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity. 15

17 ACADEMIC REGULATIONS for the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice 1. Admission to Candidature 1.1 An applicant for admission to candidature for an Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice shall: a) have an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 72.5, or its equivalent; or b) have reached the age of 21 and so satisfy the requirements for Mature Age Entry; or c) have adequate grounds for Special Entry d) seek to articulate from other Sydney College of Divinity programs. 1.2 A candidate for an Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice shall be designated as full-time or part-time. A student is designated as a full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester. 1.3 No candidate for the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution unless the candidate is enrolled in an approved joint degree program, unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board. 1.4 Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 6.5 with no score of less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. A student can be admitted provisionally into the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice when they have an IELTS result of 6.0 with no score less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. They must pass all subjects in the first two semesters to be permitted to continue. 1.5 Application for enrolment in the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice is made to the Registrar of. 2. Course Structure 2.1 The Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice requires the completion of 144 credit points (16 Bachelor level units). Every program for the award shall include: a) at least 18credit points within the discipline of Biblical Studies; b) at least 18 credit points within the discipline of Theology; c) at least one major (54 credit points) in the domain of Christian Thought (drawn from Biblical Studies, Theology, and Humanities in the Christian Tradition) or in the discipline of Christian Practice; 2.2 A major is made up of 54 credit points with not more than 18 credit points at 100 level or with the approval of the Academic Board, up to 54 credit points at 200 and or 300 and 500 level; 16

18 2.3 Students may apply to the appropriate body of their Member Institution to include in the major or sub-major a sequence of units from other areas of study. 2.4 All course units shall be taken from the SCD Schedule of Units of Study for the Bachelor of Theology award. 3. Period of Candidature: 3.1 The period of candidature for the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice shall normally be 2 years full-time and 6 years part-time. 3.2 In certain circumstances the Student Administration Committee may grant extensions. 4. Leave of Absence 4.1 The Student Administration Committee may grant leave of absence from the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice. The period of leave shall not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the degree. 4.2 The period of leave shall normally be one semester after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester or is required to complete candidature. 5. Assessment 5.1 The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board in line with the College s established guidelines for assessment packages at undergraduate certificate level. 5.2 Students may be required by the Academic Board to present themselves for oral examination. 5.3 Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalised severely in accordance with the regulations of the Sydney College of Divinity. 6. Credit 6.1 A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 90 credit points in the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice. 6.2 Credit will be granted for units that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice. 7. Saving Clause 7.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may, in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirement or prescription by these regulations, and report forthwith to the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity. 17

19 ACADEMIC REGULATIONS for the Bachelor of Theology 1. Admission to Candidature 1.1 An applicant for admission to candidature for a degree of Bachelor of Theology shall: a) an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 72.5, or its equivalent; or b) have reached the age of 21 and so satisfy the requirements for Mature Age Entry; or c) have adequate grounds for Special Entry d) seek to articulate from other Sydney College of Divinity programs. 1.2 A candidate for a Bachelor of Theology shall be designated as full-time or parttime. A student is designated as a full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester. 1.3 No candidate for the Bachelor of Theology may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution unless the candidate is enrolled in an approved joint degree program, unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board. 1.4 Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 6.5 with no score of less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. A student can be admitted provisionally into the Bachelor of Theology when they have an IELTS result of 6.0 with no score less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. They must pass all subjects in the first two semesters to be permitted to continue. 1.5 Application for enrolment in the Bachelor of Theology is made to the Registrar of. 2. Course Structure 2.1 The Bachelor of Theology requires the completion of 216 credit points (24 units). Every program for the award shall include either two majors and one sub-major or one major and two sub-majors. As well, the Bachelor of Theology program includes: a) not more than 72 credit points from Philosophy and Humanities; b) at least a sub-major from Biblical Studies; c) at least a sub-major from Theology; d) at least 9 credit points from Church History; e) no more than 90 credit points taken at 100 level. f) at least 36 credit points from the following sub-disciplines: Christian Ethics, Christian Spirituality, Counselling, Liturgical Studies, Missiology, Pastoral Theology and Practice; g) at least 54 credit points at 300 level and above; h) a maximum of 36 credit points in research units with no more than 18 credit points in Independent Guided Study units and 18 credit points in Research Project units; i) no more than 108 credit points in Pastoral Theology and Practice 18

20 j) candidates who have completed 108 credit points towards the Bachelor of Theology may select up to four units (36 credit points) from the Schedule of 500 and 600 level Units of Study. Within these four units, a candidate can only select up to two units(18 credit points) at 600 level and this is provided that they have already completed at least a sub-major in that sub-discipline with a Grade Point Average of at least A major is made up of 54 credit points with not more than 18 credit points at 100 level or with the approval of the Academic Board, up to 54 credit points at 200, 300 and 500 level, and under certain provisions up to 18 credit points at 600 level; 2.3 A sub-major shall require 36 credit points from units assigned to the major including no more than 18 credit points at foundational level or, with the approval of the Academic Board of the College, up to 36 credit points at advanced level; 2.4 Students may apply to the appropriate body of their Member Institution to include in the major or sub-major a sequence of units from other areas of study. 2.5 All course units shall be taken from the SCD Schedule of Units of Study. 3. Period of Candidature: 3.1 The period of candidature for the degree shall normally be 3 years full-time and 9 years part-time. 3.2 In certain circumstances the Student Administration Committee may grant extensions. 4. Leave of Absence 4.1 The Student Administration Committee may grant leave of absence from the Bachelor of Theology. The period of leave shall not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the degree. 4.2 The period of leave shall normally be one semester after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester or is required to complete candidature. 5. Assessment 5.1 The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board in line with the College s established guidelines for assessment packages at undergraduate certificate level. 5.2 Students may be required by the Academic Board to present themselves for oral examination. 5.3 Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalised severely in accordance with the regulations of the Sydney College of Divinity. 6. Credit 6.1 A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 144 credit points in the Bachelor of Theology. 7. Saving Clause 7.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may, in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirement or prescription by these regulations, and report forthwith to the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity. 19

21 General Academic Regulations for SCD Higher Education Undergraduate Awards Offered by SCHEDULE OF UNITS OF STUDY The Academic Board of the SCD prescribes a Schedule of Units of Study approved as qualifying units (subjects) for each program. The Schedule of Units of Study specifies for each unit (subject) details of the level, the number of credit points, the duration and the conditions which a candidate must satisfy to be eligible to enrol. PROGRAM OF STUDY A student s program of study in each year is subject to the approval of the Academic Board of. A program of study consists of units selected from the SCD Schedule of Units of Study. A candidate may be permitted to change the program of study during the year, subject to the approval of the Academic Board of Emmaus Bible College. PREREQUISITE STUDIES A candidate may not enrol in a unit offered by unless the conditions for enrolment specified in the Schedule of Units of Study are satisfied or the Academic Board of has granted permission for enrolment. ENROLMENT This is completed each year with the understanding that the student s enrolment is continuous unless there is a written request for a deferment or leave of absence. and the Sydney College of Divinity do not discriminate on the grounds of race, age, gender, or denomination. Nevertheless, has the right to set legitimate prerequisites for particular courses. (For example, within the traditions represented in the Sydney College of Divinity some courses might demand candidacy for ordination as a prerequisite.) has the right to maintain its cultural and theological stance as part of the ethos of the Sydney College of Divinity. A student may appeal through the Dean of the Sydney College of Divinity. For procedures see the section below on Grievance Procedures. No student may be enrolled concurrently in any other award within the College or that of any other tertiary institution, unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board. Students may take a limited number of units concurrently in another tertiary institution with the approval of the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity. Approval will only normally be given where there is no similar unit available within the College and the unit is seen to be a desirable extension of the student s program of studies. STUDENT IDENTITY CARD All new students are to be issued with a photo-identity card, which is to be carried by the student and shown on request. The card should be presented when applying for transport concessions and borrowing books from a Member Institute library of the College which is not the Member Institute in which the candidate is enrolled. A student who loses his or her identity card is required to contact Emmaus Bible College, complete an application for a new card, and pay the replacement charge where applicable. The number on the card is the student s SCD student number and should be quoted on all correspondence with and the SCD. EXCLUSION FROM ENROLMENT A Student may only attempt any unit twice. 20

22 ATTENDANCE To complete a unit, a student must have been present for at least 80% of all prescribed activities, regardless of the mode of delivery. A student may only attempt any unit twice. Overseas students must satisfy Australian government attendance requirements. WITHDRAWAL & REFUND POLICY Withdrawal from a program is sought when the circumstances are such that the candidate cannot study and can anticipate no change in circumstances in the foreseeable future. This provision allows the candidate to withdraw from the program and to re-enrol when circumstances are more favourable. A student may withdraw without penalty from a unit only if notice of withdrawal is submitted in writing to the Registrar of by 4.00 pm on the Census Date applicable to the subject in question. Any unauthorised withdrawal after the Census Date attracts the academic penalty of an N grade. Withdrawal without grade penalty is permitted at any time with the approval of the Academic Board or equivalent of. In such cases a W grade will appear on the transcript. If withdrawal occurs up to 4.00 pm on the Census Date the tuition fee will be refunded but a withdrawal penalty will be charged to the student and payable immediately. Beyond this time tuition fees will not be refunded. WITHDRAWALS FROM INTENSIVE UNITS With regard to Census Dates, the following shall apply for Intensives: (i) 1 week intensive at the end of Day 1; (ii) 2 week intensive at the end of Day 2. NON COMPLIANCE WITH UNIT REQUIREMENTS If a student has not fulfilled attendance requirements or completed assessment tasks the Academic Board of may exclude the student from further participation in the unit and from attendance at any examination for the unit. Where the student is not excluded the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may take up a recommendation from the Academic Board of to permit the student to meet the requirements for satisfactory completion of the unit by a specified date. DISCONTINUANCE OF STUDIES Situations arise when students find themselves in a position where they discontinue some or all the units they have begun. A student is deemed not to have been effectively enrolled in a flexible delivery or fieldwork unit if she or he discontinues before the date specified by, or in a semester or full-year unit if she or he discontinues not later than 5 weeks after the start of the unit. A student is deemed to have withdrawn from a flexible delivery or field-work unit if the she or he discontinues after the date specified by or in a semester or full year unit if the candidate discontinues after 5 weeks. In such case, the student s record is endorsed with the letter W, denoting Withdrawn. If neither case applies the student is deemed to have failed in the unit, and the student s record is endorsed with the letter N denoting Failed. If a student can show that the discontinuance is due to unavoidable disruption she or he can report the circumstances in writing (supported by a medical certificate or other proper evidence) to the Registrar of, and the Academic Board of may 21

23 determine that the student be recorded as having withdrawn from the unit, with a W denoting Withdrawn recorded on the record. A student who has discontinued all the units in a program of study is not permitted to re-enrol except with the permission of the Academic Board of, and subject to such conditions as the Academic Board of the SCD may determine. A student whose record in a unit has been endorsed with the letter W or the letter N may re-enrol in that unit in a later semester, however the student shall not receive credit for any work previously submitted in that unit. Where a student discontinues a unit which was being undertaken at another tertiary institution as part of the program of study the student s record is endorsed as follows: (a) letter N denoting Failed if the candidate is deemed to have failed the unit by that institution; or, (b) letter W denoting Withdrawn if the candidate is deemed not to have failed the unit by that institution. If the student is deemed not to have been effectively enrolled in the unit by that institution, the unit is deleted from her or his record. TERMINATION OF ENROLMENT If in the opinion of the Board of Studies or equivalent, a student s academic progress is not considered satisfactory, the student is required to show cause to the Board of Studies why she or he should not be excluded from the college. A candidate who fails to maintain the required minimum rate of progress in a program of study is excluded from further enrolment in any units. The required minimum rate of progress for a student in a coursework program is as follows: (a) during the first two years of candidature, 54 credit points for each year of fulltime candidature and 18 credit points for each year of part-time candidature; and (b) thereafter, 54 credit points for each year of full-time candidature and 24 credit points for each year of part-time candidature; A candidate who has not completed the award within the designated time is excluded from further enrolment in any units. 22

24 TYPES OF COURSE UNITS There are 7 types of units: Regular Intensive Extensive Distance education mode Independent guided study Research Project Research Essay Regular Those units which are delivered face-to-face and require weekly attendance throughout a semester. Intensive The usual semester-length course unit is offered over a one or two week period, either during term or in the summer and/or winter academic breaks. It is still a semester course and the student has the same time-frame of a normal semester-long program to complete assessment tasks. Faculty are available for consultation following the intensive. Extensives The usual semester-length course unit is offered over a number of days spread across a semester, e.g., five individual days (say, Mondays) or two to three weekends. It is still a semester course and the student has the same time-frame of a normal semester-long program to complete assessment tasks. Faculty are available for consultation following the extensive. Independent Study mode When a unit, from the SCD Schedule of Units of Study, is not offered in the semester in which the candidate wishes to take it, the candidate, by arrangement with the lecturer, may study the unit in independent reading mode. It is essentially a reading course with some individual, face-to-face contact with the lecturer arranged for mutually convenient times. Fewer students now pursue units by independent study mode because of the large number of units available by distance and online. Independent Guided Study mode This course unit enables students with initiative and creativity to pursue ideas and areas of interest in the subject area. It affords the student an opportunity to continue to develop independent research and study skills. The student, in consultation with the Registrar / Academic Dean, arranges with a suitably qualified supervisor/ lecturer a course unit outline including content, outcomes, assessment and reading list and completes the unit in the normal timeframe. The IGS should not be confused with units studied as Independent Study mode (see above). Up to 18 credit points may be taken in this mode. 23

25 Distance Education mode offers some distance education units within its face-to-face programs. However, as required under the ESOS Act, will only permit overseas students to be taught by distance mode up to 25% of their total program with at least one face to face unit in each of the teaching periods. Research Project The Research Project builds on the theological background, capacity and interests of a student and enables her or him to pursue broad research, often of a survey nature, into an area or topic within a discipline or across disciplines. This research cannot usually be done within the structures of individual coursework units or the focused study of a particular topic. Research Essay The Research Essay is worth 18 credit points and is 10,000-12,000 words in length. The student is assisted in the preparation of the essay by a supervisor appointed by the Member Institution in which the student is enrolled. Approval for the research long essay topic is obtained from the Postgraduate Studies Coursework Committee and, where applicable, may require clearance by the Ethics Committee. The Research Essay is examined by two examiners one of whom is normally from outside Emmaus Bible College. The supervisor is not eligible to be an examiner. DEMAND HOURS Demand Hours are the time to which each student is notionally committed. In the case of full-time students this is hours per week. Over a semester a 9 credit point unit is allocated 162 demand hours. A typical breakdown could include 45 hours face to face in the classroom, 50 hours devoted to assessment tasks, and 67 hours set aside for non-assessable tasks. Demand hours for assessment tasks in the undergraduate program are notionally allocated on the basis of 12 demand hours per 1000 words 12 demand hours per 15 mins of oral exam/class presentation Demand hours in 400 and 500 level graduate programs are notionally allocated on the basis of 10 demand hours per 1000 words 10 demand hours per 15 mins oral exam/class presentation Demand hours in 600 and 700 level graduate programs are notionally allocated on the basis of 8 demand hours per 1000 words 8 demand hours per 15 mins oral exam/class presentation Assessment tasks are generally allocated around 25% of the demand hours of a particular unit. 24

26 PROGRAM OF STUDY Students choose their units from the SCD Schedule of Units of Study for the program in which they are enrolled, taking into account the required pre-requisites, the timetable and other circumstances. Students who do not meet the pre-requisites may apply to the Academic Board of to have these waived. To satisfactorily complete a unit and gain the credit points offered a student shall: (a) attend at least 80% of classes; (b) complete the required essays, exercises and practical work, and sit for any tests and examinations; and (c) reach a satisfactory level of achievement in the required essays, exercises, practical work, tests and examinations as may be determined by the Academic Board of. In circumstance where a student is prevented by unavoidable disruption from satisfying the requirements of the unit, he or she can approach the Registrar of Emmaus Bible College and request that the Academic Board of the Emmaus take into account such disruption when assessing the candidate s performance. ASSESSMENT Assessment of student performance in any unit is continuous or progressive and is determined at the end of the semester in which the unit is completed. The grade for that unit is based on the total marks gained. A grade is final when it has been approved by the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity. Within the Sydney College of Divinity, the development of assessment packages is based on an understanding of demand hours derived from the following principles: 1. The educational model used is that of adult learning. Each class is a community of adult learners, lecturer and students together. The desired end is not simply to impart information to students but for them to develop into self-directed, selfmotivated learners. Their own experience and learning is an essential ingredient in the learning process. 2. Students only have a limited amount of time that can be expended on a course unit. No course unit is entitled to more student time than any other unit for equivalent credit. (Clearly there is some latitude for units with a large praxis component.) Overall student loads per semester can make demands on only a set amount of time in a student s week. 3. Each course unit involves a range of educational tasks: lectures, reading, note taking, tutorials, presentations, essays etc. Assessment tasks make up only a percentage of learning tasks, and can therefore demand only a corresponding percentage of the time allocated to that unit. 25

27 EXTENSIONS OF TIME FOR COMPLETION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS It is a requirement of a student s course that all assignments be completed by the due dates set by the lecturer and published in the unit outlines. Assignments without an approved extension may be submitted up to 10 working days beyond the due date of the assignment but will attract an automatic penalty deduction of 1% of the total mark available for the course unit for each working day the assignment is late (i.e. one mark per day). Assignments submitted without an approved extension beyond ten working days after the due date will NOT be accepted and will NOT be marked. An extension of an assignments due date may be granted on the following grounds Medical illness (certified by Medical Certificate) Extreme hardship Compassionate grounds In such cases an extension of up to twenty eight days may be granted without penalty but only if requested prior to the assignment due date. The student should submit an Application for Extension including supporting documentation to Emmaus Bible College for authorising and signing by the Lecturer / Registrar prior to the due date. The student will then be informed of the result of the request. In extreme cases, extensions beyond twenty eight days may be granted. Such extensions must be applied for in writing, including supporting documentation, to the Member Institution setting out the extreme circumstances. The appropriate Emmaus Bible College committee will consider such an unusual extension and notify the student of the outcome in writing. If the unit assessment includes an examination and an extension is granted arrangements will be made for an alternative examination to be given to the student within the extension period. This information is attached to all course unit guides given to SCD students 26