Student Policies
PERSONAL HABITS
With the submission of the Student Application, TBC Students are committing to live in accordance with Christian Lifestyle ideals congruent with the character values of Theos Bible School, which models a good testimony for Jesus Christ. In keeping with this commitment, students agree to abstain from the abuse (excessive/addictive use) of alcohol and tobacco. (Students who are walking out recovery from addictions should acknowledge that to the Dean ahead of time so we can provide grace-filled, life-giving accountability to them as the they walk into the victory Jesus paid for in full.) Students also commit to maintain a behavior that is above reproach in relationship and the Biblical guidelines of sexuality, avoiding even the appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22).
ACADEMIC HONESTY
TBC will not tolerate academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.). Exams, papers or other work of this nature will receive an “F”, requiring the student to pay a $150 fine, retake the course, write a different paper, re-test, etc. Repeat offenders will be dismissed from TBC with no refund of fees paid.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students are expected to listen to all the course lectures, read through the course textbooks, take weekly quizzes, participate in weekly online discussion groups, submit all required research papers and take the final exam. Students will be issued a log in to Electa Learning Software.
COURSE COMPLETION
Students are expected to take all online classes as scheduled and sign a course completion affidavit. Classes are four weeks long each.
- NOTE: Students are allowed one extension per class, up to six weeks, at an extra cost of $50.
EXAMS
All students will take exams online through Electa Learning Software. Students will be required to sign an affidavit saying that they did not use any resources to help them on the exam unless otherwise approved.
BOOKS
Students are expected to acquire their own textbooks. We recommend a subscription to Scribd which has many of the required textbooks as a digital book as well as an audio book. The required textbooks are located under the Course Descriptions.
FAILING GRADE
Grades will be entered into a student’s transcript as earned. In order for a student to receive credit for a failed course, the student must pay for and retake the course. Once completed, the failing grade will be replaced by the grade earned by the student on their course re-take.
MINISTRY PRACTICUM
The purpose for providing education through TBC is, in part, to fulfill the mandate Jesus gave those with the Ascension Gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11-12. In other words, the instruction and training is not for knowledge alone, but for the “equipping of the Saints for the ‘work of the ministry.’” In keeping with this, TBC sees Ministry Practicum as an essential component of Biblical Training.
As such, TBC includes and requires Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors to serve in a ministry team in their local church for a minimum of 72 hours during each 9-course program of study. This Ministry Practicum must be documented by a ministry leader within the student’s local church and may be served as a volunteer within the ministry of helps (e.g. Kids Ministry, Student Ministry, Worship Ministry, Usher, Greeter, etc.) or as part of a student’s paid ministry employment if that time fits within those categories of ministry. See Appendix B for a Ministry Practicum Summary Log used by students to properly document their MP hours.
Congruently, Seniors working toward a Bachelor’s degree must spend at least 50% (36) of their MP hours in an area of ministry aligned with their degree. For example, a senior working toward a Bachelor’s of Theology should spend at least 36 of their 72 MP hours teaching/leading a class or small group sanctioned by their local church.
- See the Ministry Practicum Form for details. NOTE: Credit for Ministry Practicum will only be granted after a student has completed 9 courses at TBC within each program year.
Master’s Students are required to serve in their local church and/or community for a minimum of 176 hours during their program of study. See the Ministry Practicum Form for details.
DISCUSSION BOARD ETIQUETTE
Instructors will post weekly discussion questions for students to answer in the course discussion board. If a student has questions specific to the course, they may email the instructor directly, rather than post those in the discussion boards. The instructor’s email will be posted in the course description.