Academic Classification
In determining a student's classification, all credits that have been successfully completed are counted. Transfer credits count toward classification when official transcripts have been received and processed. The classifications are:
| Freshmen |
0-29 credits |
| Sophomores |
30-59 credits |
| Juniors |
60-89 credits |
| Seniors |
90 credits and up |
Academic Integrity Policy
Click
Academic Integrity Policy @ LBC to view the complete statement.
Academic Load
In order to be considered as a full-time student, a student must register for 12 or more credits per semester. Approval from the faculty advisor is required for a student to take more than 18 credits.
Code of Conduct
Campus Standards and the Judicial Process
The purpose of campus standards is to create the best environment in which students can live and education can flourish. At the cornerstone of this effort to create the best possible living/learning environment is the mutual obligation of students to treat all other members of the academic community with dignity and respect – (including other students, faculty members, neighbors, and employees of the college) and of Lancaster Bible College personnel to treat all students with equal care, concern, dignity and fairness.
The U.S. Department of Health, Education & Welfare has released a General Order ED025 805. This directive deals with Judicial Standards of Procedure and Substance in Review of Student Discipline in Tax-Supported Institutions of Higher Education. The order is designed to encourage consistency with a ruling that took place in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
In summary, colleges and universities do not prosecute criminals; they discipline students who violate their rules. This order views the discipline of students in the educational community, for all but the case of irrevocable expulsion, as part of the teaching process. In the case of irrevocable expulsion for misconduct, the process is not punitive or deterrent in the criminal law sense, but the process is rather a determination that the student is unqualified to continue as a member of the educational community.
In administering any discipline, Lancaster Bible College is careful not to act arbitrarily or capriciously. Students are treated fairly and given due process. The General Order ED025 805 states:
The voluntary attendance of a student in such institutions is a voluntary entrance into the academic community. By such voluntary entrance, the student voluntarily assumes obligations of performance and behavior reasonably imposed by the institution of choice relevant to its lawful missions, processes, and functions. These obligations are generally much higher than those imposed on all citizens by the civil and criminal law. So long as there is no invidious discrimination, no deprival of due process, no abridgment of a right protected in the circumstances, and no capricious, clearly unreasonable or unlawful action employed, the institution may discipline students to secure compliance with these higher obligations as a teaching method or to sever the student from the academic community.” (pp. 5, 6)
A student admitted to Lancaster Bible College accepts the responsibility to conform to all College rules and regulations. Failure to meet this obligation will justify appropriate disciplinary sanctions. The sanctions are listed below in ascending order of severity.
Responsibility and Enforcement
The Board of Trustees is charged by law with the responsibility of making rules and regulations for the college and establishing policy governing the conduct of the college, its employees, and its student body. The president of the college is elected by the Board of Trustees to serve at its pleasure. The president is the chief executive officer entrusted by the Board of Trustees with the execution of its policies and the internal government and administration of the college. The Board of Trustees orders and directs the president of the college to administer and enforce its policies as herein announced. In carrying out this responsibility, the president is vested with authority to take such disciplinary action as in his judgment the circumstances warrant. The president has delegated this function to the Office of Student Affairs.
However, the president reserves the right to retain any case in which:
1. There is an alleged violation of a student regulation where college property has been damaged or destroyed.
2. There is an alleged violation of a student regulation where the conduct in question may threaten the safety of any member of the college community or any college property.
3. There is an alleged violation of a student regulation where the action in question would disrupt the educational process and/or orderly operation of the college.
4. There is an alleged violation of a student regulation where a federal, state or local law may have been violated
Judicial Procedures
The following procedures will be followed when reports of incidents alleging violations of college policies or student and community life standards have surfaced:
Disciplinary Procedures: Minor Infractions:
After a series of investigatory meetings, an appropriate disciplinary sanction for minor infractions (i.e., sanctions 1-5), based on the totality of the circumstances, may be imposed by Resident Assistants, Resident Directors, Director of Residence Life, Associate Deans, or Dean.
Disciplinary Procedures: Major Infractions:
After investigatory meetings, an associate dean or dean (who may or may not have listened to the deliberations) will set the appropriate disciplinary sanction(s) (i.e., sanctions 6-11), based on the totality of the circumstances, after a violation is found, and after receiving the non-binding recommendation of the fact finders.
Common Sanctions:
1. Admonition or Reprimand: An oral statement to the student explaining that he/she has violated a student regulation and implies the student’s behavior is inappropriate and is not to be overlooked.
2. Issuance of a Community Violation Notice (CVN): A CVN is a written communiqué advising the student he/she has violated a college regulation.
3. Censure: An official written statement to the student explaining that he/she has violated a student regulation. It is intended to communicate most strongly both disapproval and reprimand by the college community.
4. In-Kind Restitution (may include but is not limited to): the reimbursement of costs for damage to, or destruction of, college property or property of any person; restitution in the form of appropriate service to be completed by the student; the relocation of the student within college housing facilities; the required attendance of the student to the appropriate educational programs based on the circumstances of the case.
5. Social Probation: Indicates the behavior exhibited is socially unacceptable. Therefore, a designated period of time is set and a specific action plan is agreed upon for the student to take corrective action and adjust behavior to socially acceptable standards.
6. Restriction of Privileges: The restriction of college privileges for a specified period of time. These restrictions may include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Denial of regular priority for room assignment in college housing.
b. Denial of the privilege to vote in college held elections.
c. Denial of the privilege to attend nonacademic college functions.
d. Denial of the privilege to participate in non-academic college organizations or activities.
e. Denial of parking privileges.
7. Disciplinary Probation: A specified period of review and adjustment during which a student is under an official warning that his/her violation was very serious. While on disciplinary probation, a student will be considered to be “not in good standing” with the college and may face specific restrictions on his/her behavior and/or college privileges. Students involved in similar or additional disciplinary incidents while on probation may be recommended for immediate suspension or expulsion.
8. Eviction: Eviction from college housing without a refund if the student is currently residing in a residence hall or an on-campus apartment.
9. Disciplinary Suspension: The denial of enrollment, attendance, and other privileges at the college for a specified period of time. In cases where a student is suspended for the duration of the semester, clearance for re-enrollment must be received from an associate dean. Permission to apply for readmission upon the termination of the period may be granted with or without conditions/restrictions. A student who has been issued a disciplinary suspension sanction may be prohibited from visiting on campus or attending all college or open social functions and is deemed “not eligible to return” to the college during the suspension period. The suspension shall be followed by a period of disciplinary probation.
10. Interim Suspension: An interim suspension may be imposed by the Vice President for Student Services or his/her designee, prior to the beginning of the administrative process. The interim suspension may be imposed in extreme cases where the alleged action of a student(s) may pose a threat to the wellbeing of the college, any of its members, or him/herself, or there is substantial evidence that the continued presence of the student(s) on the campus will disrupts the college. Prior to imposing an interim suspension, every effort will be made by the Associate Dean for Student Development & Success, Associate Dean for Student Engagement & Retention, or his/her designee to give the student an opportunity to respond to the charge(s). Following the imposition of an interim suspension, the opportunity for an administrative hearing, as described below, will be provided as expeditiously as possible, but no later than ten calendar days after the interim suspension – unless the student waives the ten days.
11. Expulsion: The dismissal of a student from the college without the ability to apply for re-enrollment. A student who has been expelled is deemed “not eligible to return” to the college for a period of two years. Expulsion requires approval of the president.
1. Denial of the privilege to represent the college to anyone outside the college community in anyway, including representing the college at any official function, intercollegiate athletics or any forms of intercollegiate competition or representation.
2. Denial of the privilege to participate, be elected, or appointed as a member or officer of student government or any registered student organization.
3. Denial of the privilege to live in college housing.
Appeal Process:
If the student(s) disputes the alleged charges or sanctions, there remains the right to appeal. All appeal requests must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs. An appeal must be made in writing and include the basis for the appeal, and must be received within three calendar days after the receipt of an imposed sanction. An appeal is normally based on one or more of the following conditions:
1. The sanction imposed is grossly disproportionate to the offense.
2. The decision was not supported by substantial evidence.
3. New evidence has become available that would significantly alter the results.
When an appeal is received, the following process will normally be followed:
1. A hearing before a judicial committee will be scheduled. The judicial committee will be appointed by an associate dean and will consist of five (5) members, including at least:
a. One (1) faculty member;
b. One (1) professional staff member; and
c. One (1) student government representative.
2. The judicial committee, upon convening, will choose a chair and function only as a fact-finding body. They will review the disciplinary policy and procedures stated in the Student Handbook, and determine whether the alleged violations are sustainable. All issues, findings or judgments of the committee will be decided by majority vote.
3. The student will be provided with a written statement of his/her rights in the disciplinary process. These rights include:
a. Provision of copies of all written material that will be presented at the hearing.
b. The opportunity to have an advisor/advocate of his/her choice present providing the advisor/advocate sits quietly in the hearing room and does not try to participate during the proceedings. The provision of an advisor/advocate at the hearing is at the student’s expense.
c. The opportunity to tell his/her side of the incident; to call witnesses with critical knowledge of the incident; to ask questions of those who filed reports against the student; and to summarize his/her feelings concerning the incident.
4. If the judicial committee decides that additional evidence or testimony before rendering a judgment is needed, a second hearing date may be scheduled with the student to review this information. The committee may invite the presence and testimony of relevant witnesses.
5. A student who does not appear at a scheduled hearing will be considered as having acknowledged the violation and voluntarily terminated the request for appeal. A student summoned to a hearing will be required to participate regardless of classes, work, or other scheduling conflicts.
6. In its deliberations, the committee will make decisions based on a sufficiency of evidence, “more likely than not,” after reviewing witness testimony, written statements, and other relevant information. In re-evaluating any conflicting testimony or statements, the committee will determine which version of events is more credible.
7. The committee will make an audio record of the disciplinary hearing. This verbatim record remains the property of the college. The following are guidelines for audio taping:
a. Test the tape recorder at the beginning of each hearing. Make sure the recording equipment works and will pick up and record everyone who speaks.
b. Have the chair identify each speaker, so subsequent listeners will know who is asking questions or giving responses.
c. Allow the student who is considering filing an appeal and his/her advisor to have post-hearing access to the audiotape. Provide this access in a room near the Office of Student Affairs during normal business hours and preserve confidentiality with a rule that the tape itself may not be taken off premises. Keep a log of the time spent reviewing the tape, so there will be no question about fair access. A member of the student services staff will sit with the student and his/her advisor while they review the tape.
d. Make a copy of the tape, which should also remain in the Office of Student Affairs. The duplicate ensures that someone does not erase the tape, “accidentally” or otherwise.
e. In order to preserve the confidentiality of the process, both the original and the duplicate audiotape remain the property of Lancaster Bible College. No one, not even a student’s attorney or other advisor, should be allowed to take the tape out of the Student Services Office or to make a dub of either tape. This is important for preserving the integrity of the process, because the process itself may be seriously undermined if testimony at a hearing was played later as “entertainment” in living quarters (on- or off-campus).
f. Do not permit court reporters or extra tape recordings at hearings. This policy not only helps to preserve the dignity and confidentiality of the process, but it also deters individuals from trying to give the process a “courtroom” atmosphere, rather than the atmosphere of an educational process.
8. The committee will submit its findings in writing to an Associate Dean or Dean, along with all materials reviewed.
Grading
The college follows the 4.0 grade point system and requires a 2.0 (C) average for graduation. The grades, grade points, and their interpretation are as follows:
| A |
4.0 |
Excellent |
| A- |
3.7 |
|
| B+ |
3.3 |
|
| B |
3.0 |
Good |
| B- |
2.7 |
|
| C+ |
2.3 |
|
| C |
2.0 |
Average |
| C- |
1.7 |
|
| D+ |
1.3 |
|
| D |
1.0 |
Passing |
| D- |
0.7 |
|
| F |
0.0 |
Failure |
| I |
Not calculated in GPA. |
Incomplete |
| W |
Not calculated in GPA. |
Course Withdrawal |
| S |
Not calculated in GPA. |
Satisfactory |
| U |
Not calculated in GPA. |
Unsatisfactory |
| AU |
Not calculated in GPA. |
Audit |
| P |
Not calculated in GPA. |
Pass |
Incomplete Grade Policy
Graduation Requirements
The college grants degrees and certificates to those students who meet the following standards:
Spiritual
- Demonstration of the assurance of salvation as evidenced by the fruit of the Holy Spirit and approved conduct in accordance with Christian character as prescribed in the Student Handbook.
- Demonstration of Christian service by successful completion of the Christian service and student internship requirements as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Academic
- Satisfactory completion of one of the college's programs with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above.
- Satisfactory completion of at least 30 of the last 60 credits for a bachelor's degree or at least 15 of the last 30 credits for an associate's degree or certificate in courses offered by the college.
NOTE - Upon graduation, all financial obligations and academic or financial aid documentation requirements must be fulfilled in order to receive your diploma and/or transcripts.
Application for Graduation and Ceremonies
All students need to fill out an application for graduation to signal an official audit of their credits and to declare their intention to graduate, regardless of whether or not they participate in a ceremony. Students should work in tangent with their advisors to determine readiness for graduation. More information about graduation and commencement ceremony and the application may be found at lbc.edu/graduation.
Student Rights Under FERPA
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords you, the student, certain rights with respect to your educational record once you are admitted as a student to the College.
- FERPA Letter to Parents and Students
- LBC FERPA Permission to Release Information Form
What are my rights under FERPA?
As a college student you have four rights under FERPA: (Forms to exercise rights #1-3 are available in the registrar's office)
- To inspect and review your educational record within 45 days of your request.
- To request amendment of your educational record.
- To have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your educational record, except in the areas that FERPA authorizes disclosure without student consent.
- To file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
What documents are included in my educational record?
Student educational records are specifically defined as all paper and computer records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to you, the student, and maintained by LBC or someone acting for the College according to policy. Excluded from student educational records are records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel in the sole possession of the maker and that are not accessible or revealed to any other person, except a substitute. Additionally, notes of a professor or staff member intended for his/her own use are not part of the educational record, nor are campus security records, parents' financial statements, application records of students not admitted to the College, alumni records, or records of physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, or other recognized professionals.
Educational records are maintained by, but are not limited to the following offices, departments, and/or individuals: Registrar's Office, Financial Aid Office, Business Office, Student Services Office, placement office, and academic advisors.
What is Directory Information?
Some information about students is considered "Directory Information." Directory information may be publicly shared by the institution without student consent unless the student has taken formal action to restrict its release. "Directory Information" at LBC includes: name, address (current, local, home, and electronic mail), telephone number (current, local, and home), date of birth, parent/spouse contact information (address and phone number), photo, major/program, weight and height (athletic teams), date(s) of attendance, enrollment status (full-time, part-time, not enrolled), date(s) of graduation, degrees and awards received, and participation in officially recognized activities and sports.
Can I control the release of Directory Information?
Yes, you can restrict the public release of directory information by completing a form available in the registrar's office. You should carefully consider imposing a restriction on the Directory Information. The limits of the College's student information system make it an all or nothing option. For example, your friends would not be able to obtain your directory information nor would the College be able to use it in graduation programs and news releases. This restriction should be reserved for extreme circumstances or on the advice of a legal or medical professional.
Who and under what circumstances can someone access my educational record?
According to FERPA regulations, no one has access to your educational record (other than directory information) without your written permission, except: (1) a school official (defined as: administrators, faculty, professional staff, staff, student workers, and students serving on official College committees) who has a legitimate education interest (defined as: the information or records requested are relevant and necessary to the accomplishment of some task or determination related to the inquirer's employment responsibilities/committee responsibilities or are acting within the course and scope of their employment and/or authority). (2) a parent or guardian who presents a certified copy of the most recent federal income tax form that reports you as a dependent. Other, less common individuals who may access your educational record without your consent include: (3) authorized representatives of accrediting agencies, as well as federal, state, and local government offices, persons or organizations providing financial aid to a student, (4) persons in compliance with a judicial order or subpoena, (5) persons in an emergency if the protected information is needed to protect the safety of the student or other persons, (6) parents regarding the student's violation of any federal, state, or local law, or any college policy or rule governing the use of alcohol or a controlled substance as long as the institution has determined that there has been a violation and the student is under the age of 21 at the time of disclosure, (7) the victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense (limited to the final results of the disciplinary proceeding conducted by the College), and (8) the public in relation to a determined crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense that violates College policy or rule (disclosure limited to the student's name, the violation, and any sanctions imposed by the institution against the student).
Am I required to use my social security number as a personal identifier?
A Federal court ruling upheld the use of the social security number as a personal identifier for administrative purposes in higher education. We protect the privacy of the social security number as required by FERPA. However, you may request (form available in the Registrar's Office) the assignment of an alternate identification number. Effective January 2002, any new students admitted to LBC will no longer have a social security number as a personal identifier for administrative LBC purposes.
Which College Officer is responsible for administering the FERPA guidelines?
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the institutional compliance with the FERPA guidelines and maintenance and release of the educational record. Questions, interpretations, further explanations, or concerns about FERPA and the College's FERPA policy are to be directed to the registrar.
How do I file a complaint with the US Department of Education?
Complaints are to be filed with the:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Transcript Requests
Students desiring a transcript should use the Transcript Request Form located bottom right on the footer of every page on the LBC website and in the Student Portal. If there are any questions related to transcript requests, please contact the Registrar's Office.
Transfer Policy
Lancaster Bible College accepts credit from accredited institutions of higher education and from other institutions of higher education which have academic standards comparable to LBC. Transfer credit is limited to those courses which are applicable to the program in which the student is enrolled and to those courses in which a grade of "C-" or higher was earned. Only the credit is transferred; the grade and grade points are not figured in the student's grade point average. It is recommended that all transfer students to degree programs at Lancaster Bible College satisfactorily complete at least one course from Bible & theology, arts & sciences, and a professional department of the college.
English Language Proficiency Policy
Lancaster Bible College|Capital Seminary & Graduate School
English Language Proficiency Policy
An English language proficiency exam (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) will be required of any non-citizen international applicant applying to LBC|Capital in order to show proof of English language proficiency. Proof of English language proficiency is required before the issuance of the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) form, used to apply for an F-1 student visa. Applicants must submit official copies of their scores.
Minimum Qualifying Scores:
The following scores are acceptable for admission to Lancaster Bible College|Capital Seminary & Graduate School
|
|
Undergraduate
|
Graduate/Seminary
|
Doctoral
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOEFL
|
69
|
79
|
100
|
|
IELTS
|
6.5
|
7.0
|
7.5
|
|
Duolingo
|
95
|
105
|
120
|
Exemptions:
Citizens from the following countries are exempt:
Canada
Australia
The United Kingdom
Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas
Barbados Bermuda
British Virgin Islands (Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis)
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Grand Turks and Caicos Islands
Grenada
Guyana Jamaica
Saint Lucia
Trinidad and Tobago
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
*The exemptions above may be reviewed by the admissions staff on a case-by-case basis, if the counselor deems a proficiency score necessary to make a final admissions decision.
Waivers:
The English language proficiency exam may be waived if the following conditions are met:
- An applicant receives an admissible score on the SAT (960 combined with at least a 480 in Reading), ACT (19 combined with at least a 19 in Reading) or CLT (62 combined with at least a 21 in Grammar/Writing)
- An applicant has earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a regionally accredited US college or university (or an institution abroad where the sole language of instruction is English, and in a country where English is the primary spoken language), and the student meets the specific GPA requirements for the LBC|Capital seminary, graduate, or doctoral programs. See the college catalog for program specific GPA/program requirements
Revised: 04/2017 (Include Caribbean countries)
Revised: 02/2018 (IELTS, TOEFL waivers)
Revised: 07/2019 (SAT/ACT/CLT waiver, High School, Faculty interview)
Revised: 08/2021 (Duolingo, Clarify waivers)
Previous policy allowed for an Admissions Committee decision to accept student with lower exam scores, who would be given additional English language assistance at the institution, but with the implementation of the SEVP Policy Guidance S13.1 this policy has been revised, and no I-20 will be issued for a student who doesnot meet the above English language proficiency requirements.
Academic Probation
Bachelor's degree students with a cumulative grade point average below 2.00 at the end of any semester will be placed on academic probation and limited to 15 credits. Students on academic probation who have between the following GPA and 2.00 may participate in only one co-curricular activity at any one time:
Freshman (up to 29 hours) 1.70 GPA
Sophomore (30-59 hours) 1.80 GPA
Junior (60-89 hours) 1.90 GPA
Senior (90 or more hours) 2.00 GPA
Minimum GPAs for Associate's degree students:
25% of degree completed = 1.70 GPA
26% to 49% of degree completed =1.80 GPA
50% to 74% of degree completed =1.90 GPA
75% or more of degree completed =2.0 GPA
Students below these minimum GPAs may not participate in any co-curricular activities exceeding the credit limit. All probationary students must attend two weekly appointments with a tutor through Academic Mentoring Services (located in the Ally Center), the college’s academic support program. In addition, they must attend two weekly study hours. Study hours are offered throughout the day as well as in the evening. Hours are chosen at the student’s convenience. The specific schedule for AMS is posted on the Ally Center’s scheduling website at the beginning of each semester. The Veterans Administration will be notified if a student receiving VA benefits does not meet the academic progress requirements after serving a probationary period of two semesters. Probation students who miss 20% or more of their required tutoring appointments or study hours in the Ally Center during any one term will receive notification of academic dismissal at the end of that term, with the right to appeal.
Academic Dismissal
Any student whose cumulative grade point average is below the minimum standards at the end of two consecutive terms will be placed on academic dismissal. The minimum standards are:
Hours Registered Toward
|
| Graduation Requirements |
Minimum GPA |
| 0-59 |
1 .50 GPA |
| 60–89 |
1 .75 GPA |
| 90+ |
1 .90 GPA |
Appeals of academic dismissal may be made by the student, in writing, to the Registrar. All appeals will be heard by the Student Appeals Committee.