WCBCS PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Curriculum Map and Student Services Map (.xls)
BACHELOR’S PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO #1: Exegetically Competent: Learners will be able to identify, interpret, and apply the Word of God in any setting.
PLO #2: Theologically Competent: Learners will be able to recall and defend the truth of God’s Word with respect to traditional, conservative biblical doctrine.
PLO #3: Pastorally Competent: Learners will be able to discuss, assess, and conduct pastoral ministry from a vocational or volunteer perspective.
PLO #4: Academically Competent: Learners will be able to research, analyze, and solve real-world problems in life and ministry.
PLO #5: Personally Competent: Learners will be able to evaluate and integrate God’s Word in their lives to develop Christlike character.
PLO #6: Communicatively Competent: Learners will be able to formulate and express their personal faith, whether orally or written, for the growth of the Kingdom of God.
MASTER’S PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO #1: Learners will accurately interpret the Bible through sound hermeneutical principles in light of biblical context to apply it in life and ministry. By understanding historical context, languages, and reception, the learner will be able to extrapolate relevant principles for faith and practice.
PLO #2: Learners will identify and develop practical and relevant ministry skill sets necessary for 21st-century ministry. Using their exegetical skills, learners will analyze historical and current ministry practices and develop ministry skills to implement in current and future ministry settings.
PLO #3: Learners will recognize and review various methods to effectively communicate the Gospel in any environment or context. Learners will also be able to distinguish what methods and messages are appropriate for recipients in different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, education levels, ages, and situations.
PLO #4: Learners will evaluate church ministries in relation to biblical evangelism and discipleship. This evaluation These assessments will draw from, but not be limited to, faithful exegesis, 21st-century ministry practices, and effective oral, written, print, and/or video communication.
PLO #5: Learners will demonstrate the ability to assess and synthesize information to apply it to a practical ministry problem. By investigating current events, ministry trends, biblical scholarship, and cultural analysis, the learner can create ministry materials that will be useful in their ministry context, church, and community.
PLO #6: Learners will appraise and conduct research that will contribute to the academic and ministerial conversation through research and completion of a Masters Research Project (MRP). Through the application of principles gleaned throughout their master’s courses, learners will evaluate and implement their knowledge and skills to develop a research project that is academically sound, faithful to Scripture, and is ministry relevant to ministry.
DOCTORAL PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO #1: Learners will demonstrate a thorough understanding of advanced Christian ministry principles and exhibit the ability to apply these concepts in a contextualized, real-world ministry setting.
PLO #2: Learners will analyze, articulate, and apply a biblical and theological perspective in current ministry practices and cultural applications.
PLO #3: Learners can effectively communicate their understanding of ministry and pastoral skills in many communication modes, including oral, written, print, and/or video formats.
PLO #4: Learners will acquire the knowledge and skills to apply to their own life of faith and spiritual formation for their own well-being.
PLO #5: Learners can design, develop, and implement avenues for faith formation in contextual ministry environments.
PLO #6: Learners will engage in and contribute to the academic and ministerial conversation through research and completing a Doctoral Research Project (DRP). Through applying principles gleaned throughout their doctoral courses, learners will evaluate and implement their knowledge and skills to develop a research project that is academically sound, faithful to Scripture, and ministry relevant to ministry.
WCBCS STUDENT CORE COMPETENCIES
Competency #1: Students will obtain knowledge specializing in biblical studies.
Competency #2: Students will acquire knowledge specializing in effective Christian ministry.
Competency #3: Students will learn and integrate broad knowledge in general education toward the development of a Christian worldview.
Competency #4: Students will develop and exhibit critical thinking skills to resolve issues in contemporary culture through the ministries of the Church.
Competency #5: Students will discover and enhance ministerial skills through practical application assessments.
Competency #6: Students will cultivate a Christ-like attitude, biblical convictions, and learn how to positively collaborate and respond to others.
If these program outcomes and competencies match the type of program you are looking for, then we would love to have you as a student!
GRADUATION GPA REQUIREMENTS
To graduate, students must successfully pass each course and maintain a 2.0 (Bachelor), 3.0 (Master), or 3.5 (Doctoral) on a 4.0 scale.
GLOBAL TRANSCRIPT ASSESSMENT POLICY (.pdf copy)
If a transcript is received in a language other than English, WCBCS personnel may take one of the following steps:
REQUIREMENTS
If a transcript is received in a language other than English, WCBCS personnel may take one of the following steps:
Step #1: Contact a local high school or college language teacher/professor to ask for their assistance
Step #2: Use a respected third-party agency qualified to translate the transcript into English at the expense of the student
Acceptable third-party firms are:
Educational Credential Evaluators
101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 200
Milwaukee, WI 53212-3963
Tel: 414-289-3400
WES - World Education Service, Inc.
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station, New York,
NY 10274-5087
Tel: 212-966-6311
Fax: 212-739-6100
Step #3: Contact the school that sent the transcript directly to see if there is someone who can translate it into English
GRADING SCALE
100 – 90 A
89 – 80 B
79 – 70 C
69 – 60 D
59 & below F
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HONORS
• 3.95 - 4.00 Summa Cum Laude
• 3.75 - 3.94 Magna Cum Laude
• 3.50 - 3.74 Cum Laude
No honors will appear on the degrees earned by the student.
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GRADE APPEALS PROCESS
If a student feels that there is an error on his grade report, they must begin the appeal process within thirty days of receiving the grade report by contacting the WCBCS offices at info@westcoastbible.org. After thirty days, the grade is considered final and is not subject to appeal by the student or any third party.
WCBCS is not responsible for lost tests, projects, etc. Please be sure to make a copy of all material before submitting material to WCBCS for grading or evaluation.
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WCBCS SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY
Credit Hours: For a student to maintain satisfactory academic progress, they must:
1) Pass a minimum of 75% of all classes with a “C” average; and
2) Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (Bachelor's), 3.0 (Master's), or 3.5 (Doctoral's) on a 4.0 scale.
Academic Warning: If any student fails to satisfy either of these conditions the first time, they will be given an academic warning via email informing them they must meet the minimum standards. The student will be placed on Academic Probation if their performance does not improve.
Academic Probation & Appeal: Being placed on Academic Probation requires a student to maintain a 2.0 GPA moving forward, or they may be administratively withdrawn from their program. In this case, the student will receive an email and phone call from the WCBCS offices. Students have five (5) days to appeal this decision in writing. After five (5) days, it may not be appealed.
Letters grades will be assigned the following numeric point values:
A = 4.0
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
D = 1.0
F = 0.0
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ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY (.PDF COPY)
STUDENT INTEGRITY/VERIFICATION POLICY (.PDF COPY)
WCBCS affirms that the student who takes an assessment is the same person who enrolled in the program and that the examination results will reflect the student’s knowledge and competence per stated learning outcomes.
All students must endeavor to fulfill the following expectations:
Preserve academic honor and integrity by repudiating all forms of academic and intellectual dishonesty.
Treat others with respect and dignity.
Respect the rights and property of others.
Act with concern for the safety and well-being of all associates.
WCBCS is committed to high standards of academic conduct and integrity. Students will be held responsible for violations of academic honesty.
The definition of various forms of academic dishonesty is as follows:
5 TYPES OF PLAGIARISM WITH EXAMPLES
1) Direct: Copying a person's entire or partial work without giving them credit
2) Mosaic: Copying the work of several authors without crediting them while rearranging the work to make it appear it is your own
3) Paraphrasing Without Citing: Rephrasing the ideas of someone else without citing the author
4) Self-Plagiarism: Using work you did in a previous course without the permission of your current or previous professor
5) Inadequate Citation: Failing to present the full information in your source citation
5 TYPES OF CHEATING WITH EXAMPLES
1) RECEIVING ANSWERS: Getting answers from another student's test, homework, vocally, or in writing
2) GIVING ANSWERS: Allowing someone to copy from your test or assigned work
3) ACCESSING MATERIALS DURING TESTING: Using ANY course materials other than what is stated in your syllabus without the professor's permission
4) COLLABORATION: Improperly collaborating on any individual assignment without the professor's permission
5) FALSIFICATION: Having someone else write or plan a paper for you, including ANYONE or ANY SERVICE that is not your 100% work product
OTHER FORMS OF CHEATING INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
1) BRIBERY: Exchanging ANYTHING for academic assistance
2) CONSPIRACY: Work with others to perpetrate academic fraud
3) FABRICATION: Any knowing alteration or manipulation of data or information that is not accurate
4) LYING: Telling a lie to receive any benefit, including a higher grade
If a student receives a failing grade in a course due to academic dishonesty, existing academic policies may lead to probation or dismissal.
In extreme cases, a dishonesty violation may warrant consideration for dismissal, suspension, or other disciplinary action. These disciplinary actions require a formal judicial process as outlined in the Student Handbook.
If a student is caught cheating, the following steps will be taken:
1) The student will be contacted and made aware of the situation and given an opportunity to respond.
2) The student will be placed on Academic probation if it is deemed there was a violation.
3) The first offense will result in a "0" being given to the student on the assignment.
4) The second offense will result in a six-month suspension from the college to allow it to consider its actions and determine future actions.
5) The third offense will result in a final expulsion. A student may appeal the decision to the WCBCS President, who will present the
request to the WCBCS board, and the board will render the final decision.
6) When a student is expelled for cheating, NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN.
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GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (LINK TO SUBMIT A GRIEVANCE)
WCBCS aims to resolve all complaints, including but not limited to school-related complaints, alleged sexual harassment, or any other form of complaint, fairly and just for all persons involved. To this end, the Grievance Committee, composed of representatives from faculty and administration, has been established.
The VP of Student Services serves as the chair of the Grievance Committee. All complaints against a faculty member or staff of WCBCS, WCBCS students, or disciplinary action taken against the student must be submitted via Student Forms on Wufoo. When preparing a formal appeal to the Grievance Committee, the following information should be documented and submitted to the committee chair. (a) Nature of the Complaint or dispute; (b) Date the alleged dispute or problem occurred; (c) Names of the individuals involved; and (d) Copies of all relevant documents. The President’s office, for the purpose of this procedure, assumes a neutral role and is available to discuss the problem with the employee or student.
All grievances will be dealt with from a Matthew 18 perspective. A link to submit a grievance can be found on the ACADEMICS page of the website.
How to submit a student complaint: After exhausting the institution's grievance/complaint process, current, former, and prospective students may initiate a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Board by submitting the required forms and evidence of completing their institution's complaint procedures. Complaints may be submitted using one of the following three options:
Completing the online student complaint form and uploading the required supporting documentation in Portable Document Format (PDF) To access the online student complaint form, use the "Contact Us" link to submit an email with "Student Complaint Against a Higher Education Institution" selected as the Contact Reason. After submitting your email, wait a few moments for the online student complaint form to be automatically presented for your use.
Sending the required Student Complaint and Release Forms and supporting documentation as PDF attachments by email to studentcomplaints@thecb.state.tx.us OR send via mail.
READ THE FULL POLICY HERE
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR
WCBCS operates on an asynchronous schedule, allowing students to enroll and begin taking courses year-round. Once started, a student has 90 days to complete a course. No extensions are granted.
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STUDENT RIGHTS REGARDING RECORDS
In compliance with Public Law 93-380, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you are hereby informed of your rights with regard to education records made at WCBCS.
• WCBCS officials with legitimate educational interests have access to the records. Officials of other schools where the student seeks to enroll will have access to these records upon the student's written consent.
• Also having access are authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary, the Commissioner, and the Director of the National Institute of Education. In connection with a student’s application for receipt of financial aid, access is granted to state and local officials or authorities to which such information is specifically required to be reported or disclosed pursuant to state statute adopted before November 19, 1974 (nothing in the paragraph shall prevent a state from further limiting the number or type of state or local officials who will continue to have access thereunder.)
• Access is granted to organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it is conducted.
• Accrediting organizations will have access rights to carry out accrediting functions.
• Records may be viewed in compliance with judicial order or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, upon condition that the students are notified of all such orders or subpoenas in advance of the compliance therewith by the educational institution.
• Student records will be updated for each course enrolled, and coursework with grades and total grade point averages are figured for the course’s work.
• The student has the right to inspect his/her records maintained by WCBCS. To do this, the student must request a permanent record from the Registrar. Also, if the information contained in the file is determined to be incorrect, the right to a hearing to change, delete, or write explanations regarding the information in question will be granted. Should a file contain information on another student, only that information about the inquiring party will be provided.
The student has the right to waive the option of reviewing recommendations for admission. The student opting to waive the right of inspection may sign the form “Student Waiver of Rights” provided in the Registrar’s office or sign the “Waiver of Rights” provided on the front of the recommendation forms used for admissions purposes. The student is not required to waive the right of inspection and would not be refused admission or any of the services offered by WCBCS because of failure to sign the waiver.
•The student has the right to challenge the content of his/her education records. To do this, the student should request the form “Request to Amend or Remove Educational Record” from the Registrar’s office. After completing the form, it should be presented to the Registrar, and if the request is not approved, a hearing date will be set. The student may be present during the hearing and will be notified of the action taken on the day of the hearing. A scheduled fee is charged for a copy of a transcript.
•Students have until the last day of late registration to request that “Directory Information” be withheld from the public. Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, “Directory Information” includes a student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees, and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. If one does not want the “Directory Information” made public, he/she only needs to sign the form “Notice to Withhold Directory Information” that is available in the Registrar’s office.
•This law does not grant the right to contest the grade given for the student’s performance in a course or the right to examine a teacher’s grade book. Questions regarding the rights provided by Public Law 93380, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, should be directed to the Registrar’s office.
CANCELLATION/TERMINATION POLICY
Any student desiring to cancel or terminate their enrollment should email info@westcoastbible.org to receive a link to an official withdrawal notification. Students are responsible for canceling any future payments with PayPal.