TRANSFER CREDITS

Transfer credit may be granted for courses taken at accredited institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) when such work parallels courses listed in this academic catalog. Applicable undergraduate courses and credits taken with a grade of D or better are transferable. Applicable graduate courses and credits taken with a grade of C or better are transferable. Transfer credit must be applied against each degree’s course requirements to ensure that the student meets the intent of the program objectives. Transfer credit is not granted toward a graduate program for studies completed at an undergraduate level. In addition, transfer credit is not granted for course work if it has been applied previously to another degree or if it is determined to be too dated.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to evaluate all nonaccredited institutions regarding their academic standards and educational viability to determine if limited transfer credit is allowable. Grades and grade point averages earned at another institution do not transfer. The credits may apply toward graduation, but the previous grade points are not used in calculating the academic average required for graduation. Also, transfer applicants should have left the sending institution in good academic, financial, and moral standing.

Applicants desiring a transfer credit evaluation should request such in writing to the Office of Admissions (admissions@faithiu.edu or ext. 121), accompanied by all pertinent transcripts, a list of courses proposed for transfer, and a copy of the academic catalog where the courses were taken. Semester hours from other schools will be converted to the institution’s quarter hour system. Transfer of credit does not occur automatically, but only when requested. Final decisions regarding transfer credit rests with the Admissions Committee. Official transcripts that become part of a student’s permanent admission file must come directly from the sending institution.

TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDIT DISCLOSURE
Academic institutions are autonomous in determining policies for transfer of credit.

The transferability of credits earned at Faith International University is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution. Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at Faith International University will be accepted by the receiving institution. Similarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma, or other academic credential earned at Faith International University to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at Faith International University will be accepted by or transferred to another institution. To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and/or acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned. Therefore, transfer of credit is controlled by the receiving institution meaning that Faith International University cannot guarantee or promise transferability of credit either to or from another institution. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students examine the policies of educational institutions to which they may wish to apply in the future regarding the acceptance or nonacceptance of transfer credit or a degree from Faith International University.

If asked about the recognized status of Faith International University, it is appropriate to describe the institution as an accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a “National Faith-Related” accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION (CPE) TRANSFER CREDITS
Faith International University does not offer a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program or CPE training. CPE credits from approved training centers may be transferred into graduate degree programs. Up to 12 quarter hours of CPE education (1 unit) can transfer to a master’s program pending transcript evaluation. Up to 30 quarter hours of CPE (2 units) can transfer to an undergraduate program pending transcript evaluation.

MILITARY CHAPLAINCY SCHOOL TRANSFER CREDITS
Faith International University accepts 12 quarter hours of transfer credit toward the Master of Divinity degree upon the completion of Military Chaplaincy training and up to 16 additional hours of transfer credit for documented practicums, field ministry, or internships.

COURSE EXEMPTION
Exemption from certain required courses may be requested on the basis of previous work completed at another school. However, exemption does not equate to transfer credit. Alternative elective courses must be taken to make up the total number of credit hours required for a degree. Any person desiring exemption should submit such request in written form to the Registrar, accompanied by a transcript, a list of courses proposed for exemption, and a copy of the academic catalog where the courses were taken.

ASSESSING UNDERGRADUATE PORTFOLIO CREDIT
In accordance with guidelines established by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the institution has developed a way for undergraduate degree-seeking students to receive credit for prior ministry or learning experiences through a portfolio program. The composition of a portfolio is not simply an account of prior experience or learning. It is in and of itself, a learning process. The process of building a portfolio offers the student an opportunity to recapitulate key experiences, analyze and interpret them, and articulate and critique how these experiences contributed to what they have learned both academically and practically. The portfolio process has the potential to significantly deepen understanding of our experiences and how they have influenced who we are and how we live our lives. Students must provide documentation, written or performed, substantiating that knowledge, skills, and abilities have indeed been gained from their prior experience(s).

A maximum of 20 hours of portfolio credit may be granted for previous applied ministry experiences that correspond with applied ministry courses in the institution’s undergraduate curriculum (PT 301). In addition, a maximum of 20 hours of portfolio credit may be granted for previous learning experiences that correspond to academic courses in the institution’s undergraduate curriculum (PT 401). Credit granted must be course specific with respect to the student’s degree plan.

ORIENTATION/ACADEMIC ADVISING
An orientation for new students normally is scheduled 7-10 days before the Fall Quarter begins. A one-on-one orientation may be scheduled with the Dean of Students prior to the beginning of any quarter. The purpose of the orientation is to facilitate a student’s transition to college and seminary life by providing information about academic policies and procedures, student rights and responsibilities, and other services available at the institution. Undergraduate students normally are required to take College Life Orientation (CLO 101) as their initial course. Academic advising and degree maps are provided through the Office of the Registrar and/or the Dean of Students for undergraduate and master’s programs to help students plan an appropriate course of study to meet educational goals. Doctoral students should contact the program director for both orientation and advising.