International Seminary: Academic Policies

Academic Evaluations

  Prospective students interested in a preliminary evaluation to determine their standing are encouraged to call
the Seminary at (407) 886-3619, or complete the online evaluation form found by requesting information from
our main page. The evaluation provides the potential student with a clear idea of the level in which he would
enter, and specific guidelines for enrollment in that program.

Notice Of Non-Discrimination

  International Seminary admits students of any race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin to all the privileges,
programs and activities generally accorded or made available to seminary students. It does not discriminate on
the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin.

Admission

  Admission to International Seminary is based upon the character, ability, and motivation to satisfactorily
complete the academic requirements. It also depends on the Christian experience, call to ministry, and moral
character of the individual. Students must maintain personal integrity, respect and tolerance for those from other
Christian faith groups, a desire for spiritual growth, and a readiness to accept correction.

  All degree-seeking applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent. Overseas applicants
must have graduated from secondary (leaving) school or have successfully completed the GCE examination.

Enrollment Procedure

  Specific information and enrollment materials can be obtained on campus or are mailed upon request to
prospective students. All official enrollments require the following:

1.        A completed Student Information and Evaluation Form.
2.        A completed Tuition Payment Plan/Enrollment Form.
3.        Validation of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
4.        Official transcripts of all college studies (mailed to International directly from the college).
5.        A recent photograph.
6.        The enrollment fee.

  Upon receipt of these items, a student file will be processed and complete instructions for beginning studies will
be sent. All applications are subject to the approval of the Admissions Office.

Life-Experience Credits

  Applicants with substantial ministerial experience (more than five years in a recognizable position in the church)
may receive advanced-standing credits based upon their life experience. Life-experience credits are not
automatic, and substantial proof of the learning obtained through life experience must be submitted. This type of
credit may be awarded only on certain bachelor and master degree programs. No diplomas or degrees can be
awarded based purely upon life-experience credit. A minimum number of credit hours must be completed
through International Seminary for the awarding of any diploma or degree. An estimate of life-experience credits
is given at the time of academic evaluation, but must be validated using the Seminary Credit Assessment Form
(available upon request).

Transfer Credits

  International Seminary accepts transfer credits from approved colleges for courses on which a grade of C or
better was earned. The student must submit official transcripts sent directly from the college to International.
Acceptance of transfer credit is subject to the approval of the Admissions Office. The Seminary routinely deals
with transfer students whose credits or degrees were earned from non-accredited colleges (especially overseas),
or from colleges that are no longer in existence. Every effort is made to provide recognition for these studies.
Contact the Admissions Office if you have questions concerning your previous studies.

Credit By Examination

  Qualified applicants who have a minimum of five years of active, ministerial experience, are eligible to apply for
credit through examination. Eligibility is determined at the time of academic evaluation.

Minimum Of Required Courses

  Even though students often apply to International with numerous life experience and/or transfer credits, a
minimum number of semester credit hours must be completed through International for the awarding of any
diploma or degree. This is considered at the time of academic evaluation and is determined by the degree level,
the student's major, and the nature of the credit hours being transferred. For instance, one pastor of a very
large church entered International with more than 300 earned, accredited, transfer credits, and only an
Associate of Arts degree. Having taken and passed most courses offered in Bible College, an individualized
study program was designed by International for the completion of his degrees. For more information or an
academic evaluation, contact the seminary office.

Transcripts Of Credits

  A transcript of credit will be issued by the Registrar's Office upon receipt of a written, signed request from the
student. Students receive a "student copy" of the transcript at the completion of their program. Official
transcripts are those sent directly from International Seminary to another college or authorized agency.
Transcripts are not issued until all academic and financial requirements have been fulfilled. Official transcripts or
additional student copies are available at the cost of $5.00 per transcript.

Dismissal Policy

  The Seminary reserves the right at any time to place on probation, suspend, or dismiss a student whose
academic standing, financial obligation, progress, or conduct is not satisfactory.

Re-Admission

  Re-admission after suspension or academic probation is never automatic. The student must apply for
re-admission through the Admissions Office, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents. If re-admission is
granted, the student must re-enroll in the program, subject to the rates and requirements in effect at the time of
re-enrollment.

Seminary Honor Code

  Professionals with the highest of responsibilities as students of the ministry, are required by society and God to
show a level of integrity that is beyond reproach.

There are two reasons an Honor Code is needed:
1.        There should be a sense of satisfaction that you have done what is Biblical correct.
2.        There should be a recognition that people around you see and know that you are a Christian in all you
say and do.

Integrity Starts In The Classroom!

LYING
Lying is making an assertion which intentionally deceives or misleads. This deceitful assertion may be oral,
written, or clearly communicated by a gesture.
Your responsibility for the truth goes beyond what is said or written. It includes what is understood and
perceived by others.

STEALING
Stealing is defined as intentionally depriving someone else of property or service without permission.

CHEATING
Cheating is defined as attempting or aiding in the attempt to receive undeserved credit or to give an unfair
advantage.
The essence of cheating is the act of deceiving an instructor into thinking that some piece of work is your own,
when in fact, it is not.

CONDUCT
At all times and in all situations the student will conduct himself in a Christ-like manner. This applies to both
classroom and personal situations. At all times you must reflect the values a minister of Christ would hold, at
home, work, recreation, and in the classroom.

All students of International Seminary are required to sign and abide by the Seminary Honor Code or they may
be dismissed from the program.

Correspondence Courses

  International offers two correspondence courses titled "Be Successful In Your Ministry I" and "Be Successful In
Your Ministry II." In this mode of study, written lessons with reading assignments and homework are provided to
the student. Grades are based upon examinations given during the course of study.

Directed Home Study Courses

  Similar to independent study courses at most universities, the student is given a course syllabus, a list of
primary and alternative textbooks, and instructions for beginning studies. After completing the reading and study
assignments, a research paper is submitted for evaluation and grading. Standard college and seminary
textbooks are used and can be purchased through the Seminary Bookstore.

Honors

  Students who complete their academic programs with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or above, graduate
"Magna Cum Laude" (Latin meaning with high honors), while those with a grade point average of 4.0 graduate
"Summa cum Laude" (with highest honors). Graduating with honors is noted on the official transcript, and
indicated on the degree diploma by a gold bar beneath the title of the degree.

Graduation

  Each year in June, International Seminary conducts commencement exercises in Central Florida. Participation
is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. The student must complete all financial and academic
requirements and be registered for commencement by April 1. Registration is not automatic; however,
registration forms are available by February of each year. If the student completed studies during the summer,
fall or winter, and has already received the official degree certificate, a commemorative certificate, suitable for
framing, will be presented at the ceremony. Souvenir hoods, caps and gowns are used, and ample opportunities
for photographs with professors, administrators and peers are available. There is a registration fee for
participation in commencement.

Textbooks

  Textbooks are selected for their academic value and non-sectarian doctrinal stances. The Seminary
Bookstore carries a wide selection of textbooks used in all academic programs, and students are encouraged to
make use of the Bookstore throughout their studies. The cost of textbooks is not included in the tuition, and a
current list of books and their prices is available through the Bookstore. Students are allowed to utilize textbooks
written by their own denominational writers with the approval of the Seminary.

Grading System

International Seminary uses the following grading system:

Excellent:         A+      4.0
    A        3.8
    A-       3.6
    B+      3.4
Good:              B        3.0
    B-       2.6
    C+      2.4
Average:          C        2.0
    C-       1.6
    D+      1.4
    D        1.0
Not Acceptable:    F         0.0

94 - 100        Excellent
85 - 93          Good
76 - 84          Average
70 - 75          Poor
Below 70       Not Acceptable

Note: On some graduate and all post-graduate programs, only 3.0 (B) work and above is counted toward
degree requirements.

Library

  International Seminary maintains a small but adequate library on campus. Students also have access to some
of the largest library systems in the world, including many public, college, university, and seminary, and online
libraries.

Honorary Degrees

  The honorary degree is typically awarded to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to
Christianity or to the awarding college. International Seminary awards no more than five honorary degrees per
year. The selection process is extremely tedious and candidates must be nominated by a member of the Alumni
or Board of Regents. The honorary degree is normally awarded during commencement.

Academic Policies ...

International Seminary
"Go ye therefore and teach all nations"
Matthew 28:19