Policies and Procedures are important because they assist a school in creating standards for learning and for accountability. Without policies and procedures, our school would lack the structure needed to provide quality education to our students.
Please read the Policies and Procedures of Dominion Theological Seminary as it is our desire that you get the most out of your education, and seminary experience.
1. Class Attendance Policies
Consistent with its conservative philosophy of education, Dominion Theological Seminary believes that regular class attendance is essential for the enrichment of a student’s academic experience.
Grading Policies
Since excessive absences will hinder learning, the College faculty has established certain guidelines regarding class attendance.
Onsite Students
All classes should be attended, but the following schedule will be followed if emergencies develop:
Absences are allowed per course each quarter equal to two times the number of class meetings per week; (e.g., if a class meets once a week, 2 absences are allowed.)
Additional absences must be cleared with the professor of that class and must be made up or excused at the discretion of the professor.
Unexcused Absences in excess of the allowed number will result in the lowering of the final grade by one letter; e.g., a grade of A will automatically become a B.
Absences in excess of 25% of the scheduled class meetings for a course, regardless of the reason, will result in automatic withdrawal from the course and the assignment of a grade of W.
Online students
Online courses will, at a minimum, have weekly mechanisms for student participation, which can be documented by any or all of the following methods:
- Completion of tests.
- Submission/completion of assignments
- Communication with the instructor.
For the Online students, Assignments, tests, exams, and quizzes not handed in on the due date given by the instructor will be considered absent.
Online students must submit all assignments given by the instructor on or before the due date. Assignments submitted after the due date will drop your grade from A to B. All assignments MUST be submitted by 12 midnight via the due date.
(e.g., if an assignment is due March 15th, the assignment should be submitted to the instructor on or before March 15th by midnight into March 16th.)
(e.g. If an assignment is submitted on March 16th 12:01 AM, it is considered late.)
2. Academic Program Policies
Dominion Theological Seminary offers academic programs. Each program is designed to help develop Spirit-anointed leaders for Christian ministry through rigorous learning experiences that allow them to study and practice under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the mentorship of a highly qualified and talented faculty. DTS is designed for Christians who want to learn the Bible and live out the teachings of Christ. The academic programs are built on the fundamentals of the Christian faith but recognize the diversity that exists among God-loving believers who accept the Bible as the inerrant, infallible, and inspired Word of God, and Christ Jesus as the only Savior.
Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies: 60 credit hours Requirement
The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (ABS) program is designed for those applicants who have limited or no undergraduate college credit but have a burning desire to serve in ministry. The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies program is suitable for Deacons, Elders, Sunday school teachers, ministry leaders, and others serving in lay leadership positions in the church in mission fields.
Admission Requirements
The applicant must present evidence of completion of a high school diploma or GED and present evidence of dedication in some church ministry area.
Course Requirements
The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies is a 60 credit-hour degree.
Bachelor of Theology: 120 credit hour requirement
The Bachelor of Theology (Thb) program is designed to provide a broad biblical, theological and practical foundation for those preparing to enter church ministries that require academic credentials to gain ordination.
Admission Requirements
The applicant must present evidence of completion of a high school diploma or GED and present evidence of dedication in some church ministry area.
Course Requirements
The Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree requires 120 credit hours.
Master of Arts in Christian Education
The Master of Arts in Christian Education M.A.C.E. is designed to provide advanced training in Biblical principles of Christian Education. This degree prepares one to do educational tasks in a Christian setting. The program is designed to prepare leaders who desire to serve or currently serve in an educational capacity, including: Executive leadership, Sunday School superintendent, Minister of Education, Youth Minister, Sunday School, or Seminary teaching.
Admission Requirements
Credit Hours: 36
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
Before graduating with a Master of Arts in Christian Education M.A.C.E., the student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete at least 36 semester credit hours
- Complete all required coursework, essays, homework, and exams for the respective degree
- Have at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
- Complete Dominion Theological Seminary’s Degree Completion Application.
Honorary Doctorate Requirements
An honorary degree (honoris causa) (Latin:” for the sake of the honor”) is an academic degree for which a university has waived the usual requirements of a Doctorate Degree.
The degree is typically a doctorate and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the institution.
- Must be at least 40 years old.
- Must submit a copy of High School Diploma or Equivalency Diploma.
- Send us copies of all your degrees, credentials, licenses, or other documentation.
- Send us a recent photo.
- Submit a completed exhaustive bio including extreme details of all your ministry, community, social, and or political experiences.
- Write a one to two-page statement listing your qualifications, and why you believe you or the candidate should be awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
- Produce substantial evidence that you are a licensed or ordained minister of the Gospel.
- Verify that you have had at least 20 or more years of ministerial experience.
- Secure the endorsement of three other ordained ministers, or other prominent church leaders. (3 Reference Letters)
- Prepare a 25-page essay research paper on a topic chosen by the Dean of administration, or an approved topic chosen by the candidate for the honorary degree.
- Complete and pass a 100 question Bible knowledge Equivalency Exam. (Take Home Exam)
- Submit an application for Honorary Doctorate Degree.
Please go to our Degree Programs to see which Honorary Degrees we offer.
3. Financial Policies
Tuition and Fees
- Application fee of $100.00 due when online application is submitted
-
Undergraduate Tuition:
Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies
Program – $2,100Bachelor of Theology Degree
Program – $2,500Bachelor of Arts in Church Administration Degree
Program – $2,500. -
Graduate Tuition
Master of Arts in Christian Education
Program– $3,050.Master of Arts in Clinical Christian Counseling Degree
Program– $3,050.Master of Theology Degree
Program– $3,050.Master of Arts in Christian Education Degree
Program– $3,050. -
Post Graduate Tuition
Doctor of Christian Education Degree
Program– $4,000.Doctorate of Clinical Christian Counseling & Psychology Degree
Program– $4,000. - Honorary Doctorate Degree
$1,000. - Degree fee – $125.00
- Transcripts – $25.00
Unpaid/Past Due Accounts
No information will be released for accounts that are in poor standing. To remain in good standing, a student must simply be current on all payments to DTS. Those not in good standing are not eligible for transcripts, degrees, grade reports, etc. Late fees may be assessed to the student’s account.
Returned Checks
A student will be charged $35.00 for each check returned due to insufficient funds.
Withdrawal
Any student with an outstanding balance wishing to withdraw from a program will forfeit all moneys paid to Dominion Theological Seminary.
4. Refund Policies
Onsite classes:
When a course is withdrawn from determines the refund amount.
- During week 1 – 100% refunded (Minus processing cost)
- During week 2 – 50% refunded (Minus processing cost)
- During week 3 – No refund
Online classes:
Because tuition for online classes are paid on a per course basis, and full access is granted to the entire course, tuition is non refundable.
Monthly payment plan:
Payment plans at Dominion are not one size fit all. Please contact the administrative staff concerning a payment plan that works best for you.
There are no refunds for monthly payments.
5. Dismissal Policies
DTS reserves the right at any time to place on probation, suspend or dismiss a student whose academic standing, financial obligations, payment plans, progress, or conduct is not deemed satisfactory by the administration.
The faculty may suspend or dismiss any student for reasons including, but not limited to, unsatisfactory academic performance, academic dishonesty, or conduct unbecoming to the Christian community. All such actions shall be recorded in the faculty minutes with a
statement of the reason(s). A student dismissed prior to the completion of an academic term will receive a grade of Q or F in the course(s) in which she or he is enrolled, depending on the circumstances of the dismissal.
Possible grounds for dismissal shall include, but shall NOT be limited to:
- Academic misconduct including, but not limited to, plagiarism or cheating;
- Public or private alcohol intoxication;
- Use of illegal drugs;
- Abuse of any drugs;
- Sexual misconduct
- Sexual harassment
- Giving false statements to the seminary orally or in writing including, but not limited to, one’s application for admission or registration or altering records;
- Financial malfeasance;
- Fighting; abusive or vulgar language;
- Theft of seminary or personal property;
- Violation of seminary academic regulations and policies; and
- Disrespect toward another student and or a Seminary employee.
- 1Failure to comply to the policies and procedures of Dominion Theological Seminary.
- Non-payment of tuition.
6. Graduation Policies
Dominion Theological Seminary reserves the right to alter graduation requirements when it is decided that such changes are necessary. Normally a student is graduated according to the stated requirements at the time of admission unless attendance has not been continuous. In case of readmission, requirements at the time of readmission must be met.
Students who have filed an application must submit a high school or GED transcript along with college transcripts. Credits at DTS will not be filed officially until this is done.
For graduation a student must have at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Graduation with honor will be determined according to the following standards:
Graduation Requirements:
Associates Degree requires the completion of 60 credits
Bachelors Degree requires the completion of 120 credits, or 60 credits above the Associates Degree
Masters Degree – program specific requirements
Doctorate Degree – program specific requirements
Graduation Approval
The Office of the Registrar must approve all candidates applying for graduation. Contact the Office of the Registrar to apply for graduation.
7. Grading Policies
Academic Honors:
All honors (if applicable) will appear on the official transcript only. No honors will appear on the degrees earned by student.
| Grade | Meaning | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent | 4.0 |
| B | Good | 3.0 |
| C | Average | 2.0 |
| D | Poor | 1.0 |
| F | Failing | 0.0 |
| P | Passing | 4.0 |
Grade Appeal Process
If a student feels that there is an error on his grade report, he must begin the appeal process within thirty days of receiving the grade report. After thirty days the grade is considered final and is not subject to appeal by the student or any third party.
Dominion Theological Seminary is not responsible for lost tests, projects, etc. Please be sure to make a copy of all material prior to submitting material to Dominion Theological Seminary for grading or evaluation.
8. Non-Discrimination Policies
Dominion Theological Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, disability, age or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and other student-administered programs.
9. Students With Disabilities Policies
Dominion Theological Seminary does not discriminate against applicants/students on the basis of an applicant/student’s disability(ies) as set forth in our Guidelines.
10. Academic Integrity Policy
Dominion Theological Seminary require students to exhibit personal integrity and high ethical standards. Academic honesty is expected of every student involved in each academic program. Therefore, unless other sources are appropriately indicated, all material which a student offers for a course must represent only his or her own work. Claiming the work of others as one’s own or falsifying materials (e.g., term papers, exams, or reports) can result in failure for the specific assignment or the entire course, as well as suspension or expulsion from the seminary or degree program.
11. Chapel Service Policies
Why Chapel?
The administration and faculty of Dominion Theological Seminary strongly believe in the great contribution and vital role of chapel and its ministry of encouragement, worship, and community development. Prayer needs, announcements, and items of general interest are all shared during this community time of rest, relief, and renewal.
Chapel Service Attendance Policies:
Chapel Service is held bi-annually, Winter and Spring for all Onsite students. Regular and punctual attendance for faculty, staff and students are required at Dominion Theological Seminary’s Chapel Service.
A students request to be excused from this requirement should be addressed to the administration office in writing. Regular Chapel attendance is a graduation requirement for all students.
If a student is more than 5 minutes late, no credit will be given. Upon entering Chapel the student must sign the attendance sheet to confirm their attendance.
12. Student Rights & Grievances
Scope and Purpose
Introduction
Students have the right to appeal decisions that affect them. Dominion Theological Seminary seeks to establish policies and implement practices that minimize the need for any person to report any type of grievance. However, recognizing that it is not possible to establish or administrate policies and procedures that serve all students in ways they perceive as equitable, these policies and processes are established.
Objectives
- The student shall be treated respectfully throughout all grievance processes.
- The matter shall be resolved as quickly as possible, at the most accessible administrative level, with minimal disruption to educational progress, and without negative consequences for any party.
- The filing of a grievance should not, by itself, delay fulfillment of a DTS student’s academic goals or bias DTS against that student.
- The processes shall lead to an outcome that is fair to all parties.
- The outcome shall be within the mission of the Institution and without dilution of its educational standards, and not diminish the student’s educational experience.
Processes for Resolution
General Guidelines
- Recognizing that the root of many grievances is lack of information, upon considering filing a grievance the student is urged to immediately review relevant requirements and expectations by consulting the catalog and the course syllabus.
- When voice communication with a faculty member or DTS Administration is available, it should be used first. Voice communication may be used within the process of Informal or Formal Resolution but only written communication shall be considered binding.
- Time is of the essence. All complaints must be filed within 30 calendar days after the incident being grieved occurred. A response to the complaint must be filed within 15 working days. Time lines may be adjusted if there are compelling reasons for delay.
Informal Resolution
- The student initiates written communication with the faculty member of a DTS staff member. This is to include:
- a. A clear description of the perceived irregularity or injustice.
- b. The basis by which that judgment is made.
- c. A proposed resolution.
- The DTS party responds.
- If the student is not satisfied with the response, the student may request review of the pertinent communication by the DTS party’s immediate administrative overseer, with ruling by that person.
- If all avenues of settling any grievances are exhausted, the student must then request a meeting with the president, faculty, and staff.
- a. At this time the President, faculty, and staff will review with the student, the grievance/s along with the policies and procedures given the student upon admission to determine how the grievance/s will be settled with the best interest of the student and the school in mind.
- b. Dominion Theological Seminary will go above and beyond to settle any grievances.
If students are unable to resolve a complaint through Dominion Theological Seminary‘s grievance procedures, they may review the Student Complaint Policy, complete the Student Complaint Form (PDF) located on the State Authorization webpage at https://www.northcarolina.edu/stateauthorization, and submit the complaint to studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu
or
to the following mailing address:
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
c/o Student Complaints
University of North Carolina General Administration
910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688