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.