Policies

CU accepts IB credits with a minimum score of 4 in the high level (HL) subject areas and 5 in the standard level (SL) subject areas.

These policies cover topics including transfer credit, registration & advising, grading, and attendance. While CU does not guarantee the transfer of credits from any educational institution, the university is receptive to the transfer of credits earned within the past ten years from recognized institutions and credit for demonstrated competencies gained through professional work, military training, and alternative educational pathways. In some cases, discipline specific accreditation requirements may further restrict the maximum number of transferable credits and may not permit credit for any mandatory courses specified for such accreditation. Credit Gained at other Colleges/Universities Carolina University is receptive to the transfer of credits from accredited colleges/universities approved by the Department of Education or determined to be equivalent to such by an approved evaluation agency. • Undergraduate and seminary courses must have a grade of C or better to be considered for transfer of credit. • Courses taken at other institutions (including correspondence courses) while a student is enrolled at Carolina University require prior approval by the Registrar. • Correspondence work from some colleges may be transferred. Where an articulation agreement exists, an eligible student who is in good standing from the partner institution will be automatically granted credits as provided in the articulation agreement toward an applicable degree program at CU. Current articulation agreements include: • Camino University - incoming credits applicable to Certificate in Biblical Studies, AA Bible, and BA Biblical Studies • Forsyth Technical Community College - incoming credits applicable to BA Criminal Justice • Stanly Community College - incoming credits applicable to BA Criminal Justice • Winston Salem State University - outgoing credits applicable to BS Elementary Education Credit by Examination Advanced Placement, CLEP, and DSST Carolina University awards credits based on passing scores obtained in external examinations such as the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs), the Defense Language Proficiency Tests, and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

The total combined credit hours of course challenge, transfer, and Advanced Standing may not exceed 75% of the requirements for an undergraduate degree and 50% of the requirements for a graduate or doctoral degree. Prior Learning Carolina University awards Prior Learning Credit (PLC) for post-high school, pre-enrollment professional experience. Prior Learning Credit may be granted for professional/workplace certifications, employment experience validated by an employer, training experiences such as assessed seminars or professional development, or substantial volunteer activities that are congruent with course learning objectives or graduate attributes.

Academic institutions are autonomous in determining policies for admission and transfer of credits.

Transfer credits are not used in the calculation of the GPA.

Transfer Policy Carolina University grants transfer credit for previous college work from colleges or universities that are accredited by agencies approved by the Department of Education. Visiting Students A visiting student is a non-resident, non-degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a degree program at another institution who wishes to take a limited number of classes at Carolina University for transfer credit to his/her present institution.

Carolina University Transfer Policy Carolina University grants transfer credit for previous college work from colleges or universities that are accredited by agencies approved by the Department of Education. Visiting Students A visiting student is a non-resident, non-degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a degree program at another institution who wishes to take a limited number of classes at Carolina University for transfer credit to his/her present institution.

Carolina University Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment Fee (per credit hour) $200.00 Room for Module (per week, as available) $175.00 Transcript Fee (each) $15.00 Payment Plan Enrollment Fee (per semester) $40.00 Direct Study Fee $250.00 Ph.D.

School Piedmont Divinity School CIP Code 390602 a Program Classification Graduate Requirements Requirements Admissions Requirements • Master’s degree or equivalent in bible, theology, or ministry from an accredited institution • GPA of 3.00 • Credentials earned outside of the US must be evaluated by an approved agency • Autobiographical essay giving testimony of salvation and reason for applying to the program • Two letters of recommendation, including one from current pastor, member of pastoral staff, church board, etc., where the applicant is currently serving • Read and sign the Carolina University Doctrinal Statement and the Standards of Behavior statement • Read and agree to respect the Faculty Doctrinal Statement • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions • Completed application with Carolina University Degree Requirements • The maximum time limit to complete the program is five years • Advanced Standing of six hours is available for applicants with a master’s degree of 36 or more hours Graduation Requirements • Shall have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 84 / 598

Credit for Prior Learning Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) recognizes learning gained outside of a traditional college classroom. Eligible students may earn academic credit based on prior learning, helping reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree or certificate. CPL may be awarded through methods such as standardized exams, military training, work experience, industry credentials, and skills validation. Examples include AP, CLEP, DANTES/DSST, International Baccalaureate, Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, and approved licenses. For more information, visit the RVC Credit for Prior Learning page.

While CU does not guarantee the transfer of credits from any educational institution, the university is receptive to the transfer of credits earned within the past ten years from recognized institutions and credit for demonstrated competencies gained through professional work, military training, and alternative educational pathways. In some cases, discipline specific accreditation requirements may further restrict the maximum number of transferable credits and may not permit credit for any mandatory courses specified for such accreditation. Credit Gained at other Colleges/Universities Carolina University is receptive to the transfer of credits from accredited colleges/universities approved by the Department of Education or determined to be equivalent to such by an approved evaluation agency. Undergraduate and seminary courses must have a grade of C or better to be considered for transfer of credit. Courses taken at other institutions (including correspondence courses) while a student is enrolled at Carolina University require prior approval by the Registrar. Correspondence work from some colleges may be transferred.

Criteria for Evaluation of Transferable Credits Transfer credit must be earned at a regionally accredited institution. Whenever possible, RVC course equivalents for 100- and 200-level credits are awarded. If this is not possible, up to 21 credits of electives may be granted. 300-level (junior-level) credits will transfer on a course-by-course basis once equivalency is determined. 400-level credits require permission from the appropriate dean if a potential equivalency is determined. Students may be required to provide course descriptions or syllabi to complete the transfer credit process. Elective credit may be re-evaluated by submitting a syllabus to the Records and Registration Office. RVC accepts “D” grades only if the overall GPA is 2.0. Refer to course descriptions at the back of this catalog for minimum course grade requirements. Additional information is provided in the degree requirements for the Associate of Arts and Associate in Science, and in the degree and certificate requirements for Career and Technical Education Programs. Transfer credit does not affect the cumulative GPA at RVC. All new students intending to earn an Associate of Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Engineering Science are required to complete STU 100. It is recommended that this requirement be completed during the first academic semester. Students intending to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or a certificate are not required to complete STU 100 but are strongly encouraged to do so. RVC does not honor substitutions or waivers made at another institution unless approved by the appropriate dean. Only degree- or certificate-required courses will be transferred into a student’s record. A maximum of 49 transfer credits will be applied. A minimum of 15 RVC credits is required to complete an RVC degree or certificate. Foreign transfer credit must be evaluated by Education Credential Evaluators. Military transfer credit may be awarded upon evaluation of the Joint Services Transcript (JST). The JST can be ordered at no cost to the student through the Joint Services Transcript website (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard). Air Force students must request an unopened copy of their official transcripts from the Community College of the Air Force. In response to the Credit for Military Experience Act (HB 3701), the college uses the American Council on Education (ACE) to conduct and facilitate academic reviews of military courses and occupations. Four (4) Fitness, Wellness, and Sport (FWS) credits are automatically awarded to students who have completed basic training. The evaluation of transfer credit may require course descriptions or syllabi. Course content must be equivalent to a Rock Valley College course to transfer as equivalent credit. Vocational elective credit may be awarded if Rock Valley College does not offer an equivalent course. Vocational elective credit cannot be used toward degree completion.

Prior Learning Carolina University awards Prior Learning Credit (PLC) for post-high school, pre-enrollment professional experience. Prior Learning Credit may be granted for professional/workplace certifications, employment experience validated by an employer, training experiences such as assessed seminars or professional development, or substantial volunteer activities that are congruent with course learning objectives or graduate attributes. A student seeking PLC is required to complete an application for admission and submit a portfolio to the Registrar’s Office that demonstrates the relevant competencies toward the credits claimed, and supported by an essay or statement (max. 3000 words) reflecting the acquisition of the required learning objectives. The quality of the presentation of the material and weight of evidence will be considered in making credit awarding decisions. The portfolio submitted will be evaluated by the dean of the appropriate school, an assigned content expert, or a contracted professional. Evaluation of the portfolio may include an oral presentation or video interview to assess the student’s competency in the areas claimed. The credit awarded will be based on the competencies documented rather than on a course by course equivalency. The amount of credit given will be determined by the documentation of learning rather than evidence of simply doing a task or serving in a position for a period of time. Students should allow up to two weeks for review of their portfolio submission. An official report will be provided specifying the credits granted or denied. A fee will be charged for each credit assessed. A student who is aggrieved by a PLC determination may appeal that decision to the Provost by stating reasons why the appeal should be allowed and providing any new evidence that is relevant to the appeal under the procedures established. The decision of the Provost shall be rendered within two weeks after the appeal has been received and communicated in writing to the student. 16 / 598

The Associate in Engineering Science Degree is designed to provide graduates with transfer credits to a baccalaureate engineering degree program. Degree can complete all of the general education requirements at Rock Valley College, they may be required by the program prerequisites at the transfer school to take three years to complete the baccalaureate engineering program.

Reverse Transfer Credit Reverse transfer credit is a program designed for students who attended a community college and then transferred to a university without earning their associate’s degree. Credits successfully completed at a university may be transferable back to your community college and used to determine if these courses will satisfy any remaining degree requirements for your associate’s degree. This is similar to the process on how credits transferred from your community college to a university - just in reverse. The community college will evaluate your university work and determine if credits taken at the University will fulfill any and all remaining requirements for your associate’s degree. All Illinois public universities and Rockford University participate in this partnership with Rock Valley College.

If transfer courses are not accepted after all provisions of the University Transfer Credit Guarantee are followed, the college will allow the student to take additional Rock Valley College courses, up to the number of credits not transferred, without charge for tuition and fees.