Academic Policies for All Students

Academic Regulations

The Provost/Dean of the Faculty administers the academic policies and procedures of Southeastern. These academic regulations are established by the Faculty under the authority of the Board of Trustees. Southeastern reserves the right to change academic policies and requirements as needed. Questions concerning the current status of all academic matters should be addressed to the Registrar.

The information in this catalog applies to this respective academic year only. Southeastern reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to review, modify, amend, alter, rescind, abolish, or delete any provision of this catalog or of any other catalogs, policies, publications, or statements of the seminary. This right includes, without limitation, admission or graduation standards, degree requirements, and accreditation of academic programs. The most current version online is always operative.

Students may take advantage of any improvements that appear in later catalogs while they are enrolled. A student who withdraws from enrollment for more than one academic year will be required to re-enter under the catalog current at the time of readmission.

Doctrinal Guidelines

Since Southeastern’s founding in 1950, each elected member of the faculty has publicly signed the Abstract of Principles  at the beginning of his or her teaching career at the Seminary. Southeastern’s faculty members also publicly sign and affirm The Baptist Faith and Message  statement as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000. Trustees have also approved the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy  and Hermeneutics and the Danvers Statement  as doctrinal guidelines for the school.

Student Records

Southeastern has established and is committed to certain guidelines for maintaining the confidentiality of student educational records in keeping with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA generally bars colleges from releasing any educational records that include “personally identifiable information” without the student’s consent). Current personal educational records, including transcripts, enrollment records, and academic plans, are not released or shown to anyone other than Southeastern personnel except in accordance with the written consent of the student.

Access to these files by Southeastern personnel is allowed under the authority of the Provost/Dean of the Faculty on a need-to-know basis for honors evaluation, routine processing, academic concerns, and to fulfill necessary administrative tasks. Student records are otherwise held in confidence.

A student’s permanent academic record consists of the following:

• Completed application for admission
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Final Southeastern transcript (showing degree received and the date awarded)
• Graduation application with the final degree check
• Original church recommendation for admission
• Annual Church Membership verification forms
• Copies of any correspondence regarding disciplinary issues and the student’s written response(s), if any. U.S. Courts have ruled that disciplinary files qualify as “educational records” under FERPA.
• Any other information deemed pertinent to a student’s academic history

A student has the right, with the Registrar present, to view his or her permanent file but is not allowed to alter the content in any way except by the addition of written and signed correctives. Failure to provide truthful and/or accurate information on applications, church certifications, or other permanent records provided by the student may be grounds for dismissal.

Directory information published by the Seminary is in the public domain. Students may request that the school not disclose directory information about them. This may be done by completing a Directory Information Opt-Out Request. Questions regarding directory information and/or permanent student records should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

The institution considers the following information as Directory Information:

• Student Name
• Dates of Attendance
• Participation in Campus Organizations and Intramurals
• Date of Birth

It is Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s practice not to provide student education record information to any party outside the institution with the exception of vendors that are contracted to provide a service to the institution and a few entities that provide support to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the College at Southeastern.

Retention and Destruction Policy for Student Files

The Retention and Destruction Policy for Student Files identifies the record retention responsibilities of the Registrar’s Office for maintaining and documenting the storage and destruction of student documents and records after a student has graduated or become inactive. Any student who takes three consecutive terms (winter/spring, summer, fall) off from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary or the College at Southeastern will become inactive and will be subject to this policy.

1. Students who are actively enrolled at Southeastern will have their student file stored in the Registrar’s Office. This file will remain in the office until the student becomes inactive or graduates.
2. When a student graduates, his or her file will be removed from the Registrar’s Office and be stored in the archives, digitized, or both. All of the documents in the file will be retained and the file will be stored indefinitely. Upon digitization of the student file, all hard copies will be destroyed.
3. Students who have become inactive will have their files removed from the Registrar’s Office and stored in the archives, digitized, or both. All of the documents in the file will be retained and the file will be stored indefinitely. Upon digitization of the student file, all hard copies will be destroyed.
4. Digital files will be kept and maintained indefinitely by the Registrar’s Office.

Annual Certification of Church Membership

Southeastern seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. Therefore, to promote accountability in each student’s participation in a local church, each student is required to verify his or her church membership every semester prior to registering for classes (see Term Check-in in Self-Service). In some cases, students will be asked to provide church membership verification from their pastor via an electronic document. Also, due to the tuition subsidy from the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program, church verification must indicate membership in good standing in a Southern Baptist church in order for the student to be eligible for the discounted Southern Baptist tuition and fees.

Chapel Attendance

Because worship is at the heart of God’s design for His children, chapel is at the heart of campus life at Southeastern. It is a time when college and seminary students, faculty, and staff come together for corporate worship of our great God and Savior.

Chapel services are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Occasionally, there are Wednesday chapel services as well. Chapel is an important component of spiritual life and discipline. Faithful attendance, even on those days when we might not be inclined to come, builds a wise Christian habit that will honor God and strengthen our walk with Christ. The goal of Southeastern’s administration is to foster a spirit of worship and instruction through prayer, Scripture reading, singing, and faithful exposition of the Bible. All students are required to attend chapel in accordance with chapel policies as stated in the Student Handbook and agreed to in the Southeastern Covenant.

On-campus students are expected to attend in person. Students with extenuating circumstances may set up an appointment with the Dean of Students or Director of Student Life to request permission to listen to chapel messages online.

Our desire is for as many students to gather, as much as possible, for corporate worship. Therefore, Distance Learning and Commuting Students are asked to make every attempt to order their schedule in a way to adhere to chapel requirements in person. If, however, the student’s schedule, throughout their time as a student, does not allow them to attend in person, they have the option of listening to chapel services online.

Graduate students are required to attend twenty (20) chapel services or listen to twenty-five (25) chapel services online during four (4) semesters of enrollment.

Undergraduate students are required to attend twenty (20) chapel services or listen to twenty-five (25) chapel services online during six (6) semesters of enrollment.

Quality Points

Quality points are awarded on the following basis: One point is awarded for each semester hour earned with the grade D; two points are awarded with a C; three points with a B; and four points with an A. No points are given for the grade F. Students must complete their work with an overall average of 2.0 in order to receive their degree. If a student repeats a course, the higher grade will be used to calculate GPA, though both marks will be noted on the student’s transcript.

Evaluation and Grading

Each faculty member is responsible for setting the requirements for courses and for informing students of the grading scale that is used (usually on the course syllabus). The symbols defined below are used for all degree programs.

Seminary Grading Scale

The numerical guidelines are recommendations for graduate courses, affirmed by the Faculty, but they are not enforced as a policy. Variations in numerical grading are commonly based on variations in testing methods and class content, but the A grade would rarely be given for averages less than 90 even in the more difficult classes, and averages less than 60 should, as a rule, be considered failing.

College Grading Scale

The numerical guidelines are recommendations for college courses, affirmed by the Faculty, but they are not enforced as a policy. Variations in numerical grading are commonly based on variations in testing methods and class content, but the A grade would rarely be given for averages less than 90 even in the more difficult classes, and averages less than 60 should, as a rule, be considered failing.

Incomplete Grade Policy

Blank grades will turn into Incompletes (I) three weeks after the last day of classes each term. An Incomplete (I) will automatically turn into an F four weeks after the last day of classes. After this, grades can only be changed at the request of the course professor.

Class attendance

Regular class attendance is expected and students are responsible for completing all assignments. The individual instructor is responsible for his or her attendance policy. Instructors are at liberty to assign a failing grade to any student who is absent from 25% or more (for graduate students) or 15% or more (for undergraduate students) of the scheduled class meetings regardless of assignment and/or examination grades.

Academic Load

Full-time undergraduate academic course load is 12-16 hours per semester (i.e., Spring, Fall, Summer, and Winter). An undergraduate student must receive prior approval from his/her academic adviser, the Registrar, and the Dean of the College in order to take more than 18 hours per semester, including hours taken concurrently at another institution. (Additional information may be found in the Concurrent Enrollment section below.) An undergraduate student may not take more than 21 hours per semester.

Full-time graduate academic course load is 9-16 hours per semester (i.e., Spring, Fall, Summer, and Winter). The maximum academic load for graduate programs is 18 credit hours per semester. An average academic load of 15 hours per semester enables the M.Div. with Christian Ministry degree to be earned in six semesters–an intensive three-year program of study.

Students are expected to give priority to the program of study in which they have enrolled. In regard to individual course expectations, normally each course, whether graduate or undergraduate, is designed for two hours of work outside of the classroom for every hour in the classroom. For example, for a three-credit-hour course, six hours of work outside the classroom are required. When a student assumes responsibilities in addition to academic work, there is an ethical obligation to fulfill all these tasks in a satisfactory manner. Extracurricular responsibilities require a corresponding reduction in the student’s academic load. Students should consult with their faculty advisor each semester to discuss an appropriate course load in light of non-academic responsibilities.

Campus housing is available to students who are enrolled in a minimum of six hours of classes in the college or the seminary, but priority will be given to full-time, degree-seeking students. Enrollment is encouraged but not required in the summer terms. Students actively engaged in course work for advanced degree programs are considered to be full-time students regardless of course load and thus are eligible for student housing. The Housing Office can provide details and priority guidelines.

Undergraduate coursework for credit taken at other schools concurrently while enrolled at Southeastern is not permitted. Any exception to this must include prior approval by the Registrar and Dean of the College.

Student Classification

Graduate

A Senior is a seminary student who has 33 or fewer semester hours remaining toward his or her degree. A Junior is a seminary student who has earned fewer than 31 semester hours toward his or her degree. A Middler is an M.Div. student whose achievement level falls between the other two classifications.

Undergraduate

Progress Reports

Records of academic progress toward the completion of a degree are maintained on all students. Semester grades, Academic Plans, and unofficial transcripts can be obtained online through Self Service, which allows secure access through Southeastern’s CampusNet portal.

Graduation

Students must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) in order to graduate. It is the responsibility of the student to check his or her record in the Registrar’s office to determine if qualifications for graduation have been accomplished or can be scheduled. This graduation check and degree audit should be made no later than the preregistration period for the semester prior to the semester in which graduation is planned. This will allow the student two full semesters to complete courses required for graduation in a specific degree program.

Students who qualify to graduate should submit a graduation application to the Registrar’s office no later than the first official day of the semester in which they intend to graduate. Students submitting graduation applications after these dates will be required to pay a late fee (see Tuition, Fees, & Financial Aid ). No graduation applications will be accepted after the final deadline posted in the Academic Calendar . Any transcript corrections (including grades, transfer credits, advanced standing credits, etc.) must have been made by this time in order to complete the graduation check. Students must have their accounts paid in full in order to graduate.

Academic regalia must be ordered online through Herff-Jones within the first three weeks of the semester in which the student wishes to graduate. The prescribed regalia list is available online on Herff-Jones’ website (Note: graduation cords for the College House System, Great Commission Student (short-term missions participant), etc., are available for purchase in the Ledford Center at the Locker). Additional details and links will be provided by the Registrar’s Office or in CampusNet under the Graduation Checklist.

Students are required to be present at graduation exercises in order to receive their diplomas. A student is excused from attendance only by written permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies (if a graduate student), the Dean of the College (if an undergraduate student), or the Registrar’s Office. Written requests specifying the unusual circumstances leading to such a request to graduate in absentia must be submitted by the student to the Registrar’s Office no later than three weeks prior to the date on which he or she is scheduled to graduate.

Academic Standing and Continued Enrollment

Continued enrollment at Southeastern depends upon a student’s ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward attaining a degree. The college and seminary measure this ability by the student’s semester and cumulative grade point average. To assist students in maintaining satisfactory progress, Southeastern has adopted academic standards designed to provide early identification of students who are experiencing academic difficulty and to provide timely intervention through academic support programs.

Academic Standing

Every student’s academic standing is reviewed at the end of each semester. Each Southeastern student is categorized into one of the following classifications of academic standing.

Good Standing

A student is considered to be in good standing if that student has a grade point average of at least a 2.0 both in the grading period that is the subject of academic review and in the cumulative total (Semester GPA and Cumulative GPA).

Probation

A student must earn or maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher, otherwise, they will be placed on academic probation. Every student with a cumulative GPA above a 2.0 who earns a semester GPA below 1.0 will be placed on Academic Probation Status for the following semester. In addition, any student whose Cumulative GPA is above 2.0 that earns below a 2.0 (but above 1.0) in two consecutive semesters will be placed on academic probation.

A student on probation is limited to 9 semester hours (seminary/graduate school) 12 semester hours (college) and must earn a minimum of a 2.0 average each subsequent term until the overall grade point average reaches the 2.0 level. A student must attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate. In addition, any student on probation must have the approval of the appropriate Dean in order to graduate. In addition, the student must:

1. Complete an Academic Probation Student Agreement form (available from the Registrar’s Office online self-service page) that acknowledges his need for improvement and describes the actions he or she intends to take to improve.
2. The student will meet with his advisor to discuss the form and his advisor will need to sign it before the student can register for further classes.
3. After meeting with his or her advisor, the agreement must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office to become part of the student’s permanent file.

Academic Probation will be noted on the student’s transcript for each applicable semester.

Students will not be considered in good academic standing while on Academic Probation Status and should be aware that this status may (most likely will) impact their financial aid eligibility.

Suspension

A student on probation who fails to earn a term grade point average of 2.0 or higher will be suspended.

A student who has a cumulative GPA above 2.0 but earns a below a 1.0 in two consecutive semesters will be suspended.

A student who is suspended may not take classes at the College at Southeastern or at SEBTS. Academic credits from classes taken while a student is suspended, even if those courses are taken at another institution of higher education, will not be accepted toward fulfillment of requirements for a degree at the College at Southeastern or SEBTS.

A student’s first academic suspension will be for one semester. The second suspension will be for two semesters/terms and thus the student will need to re-apply for admission in order to resume his or her studies in the Southeastern community. A third occasion that would otherwise qualify a student for suspension will result in dismissal from Southeastern and will make the student ineligible for readmission.

Students who have received final grades for at least 12 credit hours at the College of Southeastern or Southeastern Seminary and have earned a cumulative GPA of less than 1.0 will be suspended immediately.

Students who have been suspended from classes for one semester for academic reasons only may remain in campus housing during their suspension. All students who have been suspended for non-academic causes or for greater than one semester for any cause are required to move out of campus housing.

Readmission after Suspension

After each suspension term, the student must appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies (if a graduate student) or the Dean of the College (if an undergraduate student) to re-enroll or be re-admitted after the given suspension period. The student must complete and submit to the appropriate Dean the “Appeal for Readmission after Academic Suspension” form on CampusNet that describes the actions he or she intends to take to improve his or her academic performance. Re-enrollment or re-admission is not automatic and is subject to the approval of the Dean. Upon re-enrollment, the student enters on Academic Probation status and is once again subject to all the regulations related to a student on probationary status.

A returning student must earn or maintain a 2.0 average or higher while on probation. A student on probation is limited to 9 semester hours (seminary/graduate school) 12 semester hours (college) and must earn a minimum of a 2.0 average each subsequent term until the cumulative grade point average reaches 2.0. Failure to meet the 2.0 term/semester GPA will result in further suspension.

Suspension from all other colleges will be honored.

Academic Suspension will be noted on the student’s transcript for each applicable semester.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal results when a student fails to satisfy the requirements necessary for removal from academic probation once that student has been readmitted following academic suspension. Academic dismissal requires the student to withdraw from classes and move out of campus housing. The student is then ineligible for readmission.

Academic Integrity/Policy on Plagiarism

Academic Integrity

Students often have class assignments that involve academic research. In preparing their papers and other assignments, students must not copy the work of others. Any direct quotations must be documented. Summaries and paraphrased materials must also be noted with reference in the text or notes to the original sources. Students should document their sources and maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in all of their work. Plagiarism, cheating on tests, and other forms of academic fraud will not be tolerated. Students who engage in such activity will receive a failing grade on any fraudulent work and may receive a failing grade for the course. All instances of such behavior will be recorded on an offending student’s record with the Registrar and Deans. In addition, the Dean of Students reserves the right to take disciplinary action against those guilty of such behavior.

Southeastern Policy on Plagiarism

Students in attendance at Southeastern are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity appropriate to a Christian lifestyle. Plagiarism and cheating in any form will not be tolerated.

Integrity requires that the Christian student conduct himself or herself according to the highest academic standards. Plagiarism is a very serious offense because it is stealing. Not only does plagiarism steal from the original author, but it also takes away from the student the opportunity to learn and grow in the way the assignment was intended to provide.

What is plagiarism?

Joseph Ribald defines plagiarism in this way: “Derived from the Latin word plagiaries (‘kidnapper’), plagiarism refers to a form of cheating that has been defined as ‘the false assumption of authorship: the wrongful act of taking the product of another person’s mind, and presenting it as one’s own’ ” (MLA Handbook, 6th ed. [New York: Modern Language Association, 2003], 66, quoting Alexander Lindey, Plagiarism and Originality [New York: Harper, 1952], 2). Plagiarism can be committed in a number of ways, four of which are highlighted here:

1. Quoting one or more sentences verbatim without proper citation. This is the most obvious form of plagiarism. In addition, using unattributed direct quotations is a violation of US copyright law. Electronically cutting and pasting is easy to do, so it presents a definite temptation-especially if a deadline for an assignment is looming.
2. Presenting the thoughts or ideas of another without proper attribution. Many students fail to realize that this practice is also plagiarism even if a student writes the summary himself. If one paraphrases the work of another, then he must give a proper citation.
3. Borrowing without proper citation such things as an outline, an idea, or an approach to dealing with a problem that is unique to an author. This type of plagiarism often results from poor note-taking on the part of the student.
4. Using improper methods of citation. The student is responsible for learning the appropriate rules for citing sources and for following those rules throughout the paper. Ignorance of the rules of citation is not an excuse.

For other definitions of plagiarism and ways to avoid it see Robert A. Harris, The Plagiarism Handbook: Strategies for Preventing, Detecting, and Dealing with Plagiarism (Los Angeles, CA: Pyrczak Publishing, 2001.) If there is a question as to whether a citation is necessary at a particular point, it is a good rule of thumb to include it. Very few papers are penalized for over-citing! In addition, help is available from professors, the Writing Center, and the Library regarding how to work with sources.

What is the penalty for plagiarism?

The penalty for plagiarism in a particular course is determined by the professor and generally will range from a failing grade for the assignment to a failing grade for the class. However, all instances of plagiarism are reported to the Dean of Students, along with a copy of the documents in question. The Dean of Students will take disciplinary action on behalf of the school, and the minimal action taken will be disciplinary probation. Disciplinary probation is defined in the Student Handbook as “notice to the violating student that if the inappropriate behavior is repeated, suspension or expulsion is likely.” The infraction will also be recorded in the student’s permanent file. A copy of the disciplinary letter will be sent to the student, the professor, the Registrar, the Dean of the College (in the case of an undergraduate student), and the Provost/Dean of the Faculty.

The disciplinary letter will clearly state that in the event of a second offense the Dean of Students will report the matter directly to the Dean of the Faculty and the result can be expulsion from school.

Revocation of Degrees

Southeastern, by conferring a degree, does not provide a lifetime certification of the good character of the graduate, nor does it guarantee the orthodoxy or spiritual commitments of the graduate. Those who employ any graduate of the institution should conduct interviews and determine whether or not the graduate fits the expectations of the employer.

If it should be discovered after graduation that the student misrepresented personal data on application forms on which admission was improperly based, or if it is found that the student cheated on exams, received transcript credit for courses not actually taken or completed, committed plagiarism in academic papers, or otherwise engaged in academic fraud or other behavior that would have led to expulsion if known at the time, the student may have his or her degree revoked. The academic transcript will note any such revocation from the date of official action. A degree may also be revoked if it is discovered that a diploma was issued in error.

If the student believes the revocation is based on erroneous information or is unjust and appeals the ruling to the Registrar, the case will be reviewed by the Dean of Students, the Dean of the College, and the Provost/Dean of the Faculty. The student would have the right to a hearing and may provide further information to resolve the issue. The decision of the Dean of the Faculty, if it is further disputed by the student, may be reviewed by the President using a procedure appropriate to the case. Unless overturned by the President, the Deans’ decision is final.

Short-Term Courses

Courses are offered in Winter and Summer (between main semesters) on various schedules. Such classes help students to maximize their study opportunities. Students may not enroll in courses that overlap in days or times during any session. Course schedules are available online through Self-Service.

Auditing Courses

Students, student spouses, friends of the Seminary, and other interested parties may audit undergraduate and graduate courses at Southeastern if there is space available, with the professor’s permission, and by paying a $50 audit fee. Music classes are not eligible for auditors.

For Non-Students:

1. The prospective student must fill out the Audit Registration Form to be entered into the student database: https://apply.sebts.edu/register/audit
2. The student should email the professor directly to inquire about the possibility of auditing the desired course.
3. The student must then apply and pay the audit fee using the Application to Audit a Course: https://form.jotform.com/90084280982158. A new form must be filled out for each course being requested.
4. If approved, the student will be registered for the course as an Auditor and will receive access to the course in Moodle.

For Current Students:

1. The student should email the professor directly to inquire about the possibility of auditing the desired course.
2. The student must then apply to audit the course using the Application to Audit a Course: https://form.jotform.com/90085620599161. A new form must be filled out for each course being requested.
3. If approved, the student will be registered for the course as an Auditor and will receive access to the course in Moodle.
4. The audit fee will be applied to the student’s account to be paid through Accounting Services.

To Audit an Advanced (Doctoral) Course

Students who have completed an accredited graduate degree may be allowed to audit advanced level courses (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Min.). In order to audit an advanced-level course, students will adhere to the following approval process:

1. The student must obtain approval from the program director under which the course is listed (e.g., the Director of Ph.D. Studies for a Ph.D. course).
2. The student must obtain approval from the professor of the course(s) to be audited.
3. The student must fill out the appropriate form(s):
   • For Non-Students: Register as an Auditor here: https://apply.sebts.edu/register/audit. Then apply to audit the course and pay the fee here: https://form.jotform.com/92866009285163
   • For Current Students: Apply to audit the course here: https://www.jotform.com/92865922837169
4. No student will be allowed to audit or “sit in” on a doctoral course without meeting the above conditions.
    

Non-Credit to Credit Transfer Policy

Some churches and organizations have formed Schools of Ministry (SOM)/Bible Institutes where students gain practical ministry experience and receive some formal theological education while being taught at the highest standards by academically qualified instructors. When the educational quality and learning objectives are commensurate with what is offered through SEBTS degree programs, SEBTS may partner with such organizations by recognizing them as an unaccredited institution from which we allow new students to transfer up to 30 hours of credit to SEBTS at the graduate and undergraduate levels, unless otherwise stipulated. Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis after evaluation of syllabi and corresponding documentation of academic and ministry experience. These partnerships are managed through the SEBTS EQUIP office. A fee for the transfer of non-credit work is currently waived, but SEBTS reserves the right to request a fee in the future. SEBTS does charge a transcript evaluation fee for all transfers.

Changes in Registration

After registration, any changes in a student’s class schedule must be arranged through the Registrar’s office. No changes are permitted in enrollment or academic status after stated deadlines except by permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies (if a graduate student) or the Dean of the College (if an undergraduate student).

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

Courses may be dropped and fees reversed before the Add/Drop deadline without transcript notation. A fee is charged for each course dropped or added. See Fees and Expenses  for fee amounts and the Academic Calendar  for Add/Drop deadlines for each term.

After the drop deadline, withdrawals are allowed up to the end of the twelfth week of the semester. Withdrawals after that date are not allowed unless circumstances occur that were not present prior to the withdrawal deadline, and are beyond the control of the student, and prevent class attendance and/or completion of class assignments. Heavy workloads, church responsibilities, or other personal and/or family difficulties normally are not sufficient reasons for withdrawing from a class after the calendar deadline. If a student wants to withdraw from a class after the deadline, an appeal must be made to the Dean of Graduate Studies (if a graduate student) or the Dean of the College (if an undergraduate student) and will be approved only in rare circumstances. Fees will not be reversed for withdrawals. The withdrawal will be noted on the student’s transcript as WP or WF but will not affect the student’s grade point average.

Withdrawal from Enrollment

See the specific withdrawal policies for undergraduate students  and graduate students .

Active Student Status

Students are encouraged to register for courses every semester. In order to maintain active student status, students must register for at least one main term course* (i.e., Winter/Spring, Summer, or Fall) per year. This means that students can sit out two terms without penalty and remain an active student as long as they register for a course before the add deadline of the subsequent main term. If a student fails to register for three consecutive terms (i.e., Winter/Spring, Summer, and Fall), they become inactive and must reapply to SEBTS. Students who reapply are required to re-enter under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry.

*Advanced Degree students (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Min., and Th.M.) must remain continuously enrolled based upon their respective program’s guidelines. For modified residency Ph.D. students, this will likely include taking Winter (January) and Summer courses.

Note for Research Master of Arts Students: In order for research MA students who did not complete their thesis or capstone course(s) in one semester to remain active in their program, they will be required to enroll in IND 7000 - MA Continuous Enrollment  in each successive semester until the requirements for the course(s) are completed.

Distance Learning

At Southeastern we recognize that commitments to family, work, and ministry make it impossible for some people to physically attend our main campus at Wake Forest for the total duration of their respective degree program. It may be impossible for students to attend or continue to attend one of our brick and mortar classrooms.

To meet these real needs, an innovative system of delivering theological education has been developed that is academically sound, ministry-focused, and Christ-centered. Whether it is through an online class or a face-to-face extension center experience, this program provides both a supplement and a front door to the world of theological preparation. The Office of Distance Learning is available to answer any questions concerning these opportunities.

Online Courses

Southeastern offers numerous classes through an online-based delivery system. Online courses allow students to complete nine degrees completely online. The *Master of Divinity, MDiv (Basic Description and Core Curriculum) , Master of Arts Christian Studies , Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies , Master of Theological Studies , Master of Arts in Church Planting , B.A. in Global Studies⁺ , B.A. in Pastoral Ministry⁺ , Associate of Arts  and Associate of Divinity  may all be completed entirely online. Online credit may be applied toward the Bachelor of Arts and several other Masters programs. See specific degree pages for details.

Online classes feature lectures by the same professors who teach on campus. Online students receive the same lectures, the same materials, and the same assignments as an on-campus student. Further information is available through the Distance Learning Office and the seminary website.

Extension Centers

Southeastern offers opportunities at several locations around the Southeast, called “extension centers,” for students to complete a significant portion of their degree program in addition to taking classes on our main campus. These courses feature members of our faculty, qualified adjuncts, or doctoral teaching fellows leading face-to-face classroom experiences meeting in various locations such as churches, denominational buildings, and other educational institutions. Courses are taught on a semester schedule, like our main campus, but in an intensive manner. While the class spans the full semester, the typical extension center course requires online coursework for the majority of the semester with one weekend meeting of face-to-face class time. The courses do not count as “on-campus” credit hours. Most courses will meet on Friday evenings and Saturdays, though exceptions to this schedule do occur.

The Office of Distance Learning, the Admissions Office, or the seminary website provides more specific information. Our centers also have local liaisons to provide additional information.

Intensive and Hybrid Format Courses

Southeastern offers two on-campus course delivery formats, called intensive and hybrid format courses, which can aid Distance Learning students in meeting on-campus degree requirements without changing their primary residence. Many required courses are taught in an intensive format, where students meet on campus for an abbreviated period of time (usually one or two weeks). During the abbreviated time period, students receive the same amount of instructional time as full-semester courses. Students often complete course assignments (e.g., reading, written work, etc.) before and after the campus meeting time. The intensive format allows students to complete a required course while being on campus for only a short time.

Hybrid format courses are the second on-campus delivery format beneficial to Distance Learning students. Students watch recorded lectures via Southeastern’s online delivery system and, throughout the semester, interact with the professor and other classmates to complete course assignments by using Southeastern’s online course management system. During the semester, the class meets with the professor on campus for an abbreviated time period (usually a Friday and Saturday) for lectures, question-and-answer time, assignments, and live interaction. Attendance during the campus meeting component of a hybrid course is mandatory without exception for any reason.

Students may register for intensive and hybrid format courses through the regular course registration procedure.

On-Campus Requirements

Except for those students enrolled in a fully online degree program, all students (undergraduate and graduate) must complete the equivalent of one year (24 hours) of full-time academic study at the main campus. No more than 12 of these on-campus hours may be taken in practica, individualized study, travel-based courses, or similar special classes. Courses taken at other Southeastern extension center sites, equipping centers, and online courses do not count as on-campus hours.

Our Tampa, FL, extension center is approved to offer the entire MA Christian Studies degree on-site. Students may earn up to 60 hours towards an M.Div. in Tampa, FL; Charleston, SC; and Charlotte, NC. Students may earn up to 42 hours towards an M.Div. in Anderson, SC, and Richmond, VA. Undergraduate courses may be taken at the Fruitland extension center in Hendersonville, NC.

The school has been approved to offer the MA Christian Studies, MA in Intercultural Studies, MA in Church planting, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Divinity fully online. At the undergraduate level, both the Associate of Arts and Associate of Divinity may be completed fully online.

Email and Computer Use

Electronic mail (email) is a vital communication tool for faculty, staff, and students at Southeastern. Every student is provided an email account by Southeastern. Accounts use the student ID number with @sebts.edu. Students receive this account and instructions for accessing it following the admissions process.

Students will be provided a Southeastern User ID for logging into Southeastern internet services (including CampusNet, Self-Service, online course content, and online classes).

All students have access to the campus computer labs when classes are not being conducted in the labs. Nevertheless, students are strongly encouraged to purchase and learn to use computers with word processing and Internet capabilities.

Each professor may allow or disallow the use of portable computers in his/her classroom. Students should check with each professor about the rules for computer usage for that class. If portable computers are permitted, students should arrive early so that all set-up procedures are complete prior to the beginning of class, turning off all computer sounds, and sitting so that other students will not be distracted by computer images. Computers are to be used for class-related purposes only. If a professor thinks a student is being distracted from lectures or is using a computer for non-class purposes, the professor may revoke a student’s privilege as he/she deems appropriate.

The Student Handbook contains information regarding student privacy concerns and the Southeastern Acceptable Use Policy. It is available on the institution’s website.

Style Requirements for Writing Assignments

The standard style manual for all written work at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Southeastern is Kate L. Turabian, et al., A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 8th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2013). Turabian style is required in all undergraduate composition classes. For any style matters not covered by Turabian, students are to follow The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers, 16th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010).

Professors may require students in upper-level courses (college Junior classification and above) in English to submit written work in conformity to MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. (New York: Modern Language Association, 2009). Professors may require students in upper-level courses (college Junior classification and above) in Education to submit written work in conformity to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009).

The required style manual for the D.Min. and Th.M. is Kate L. Turabian, et al., A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 7th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007). The required style manual for all papers and dissertations in the Ed.D. program is the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009).

The required style manual for all papers and dissertations in the Th.M. with Thesis and Ph.D. programs is The SBL Handbook of Style, ed. Patrick H. Alexander et al., 2nd ed. (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1914). Exceptions are noted in the Ph.D. Handbook. Participants who entered the program prior to Fall 2007 may continue to use Kate L. Turabian, et al., A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 7th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007), though they are strongly encouraged to use The SBL Handbook of Style. For any style matters not covered by the SBL Handbook, students are referred to The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers, 16th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010).

Inclement Weather

As a general rule, classes will always meet. If extreme weather conditions affect campus operations, an announcement will be made on the website www.sebts.edu and on the following television stations: WRAL (5), WTVD (11), and WNCN (17). The switchboard will also be open during regular hours and will have the latest information at 919-761-2100. On days when Wake County Schools publicly announce that they are closed, delayed, or released early due to inclement weather or similar circumstances, students who live away from the main campus will not be penalized for failure to attend class during the time period specified. No one is expected to subject his or her life to any unusual danger in order to travel on days when severe weather is a problem, nor should preschool or school-age children be left unattended during such times. Nevertheless, classes, if at all possible, will meet at all scheduled times.