Academic Information and Policies

Beginning Your WSC Program

Once you are admitted as a WSC student, the Registrar is ready to assist you with organizing class schedules, planning course work, and registering for classes. In order to ensure academic order, WSC has created the following procedures and policies related to beginning your course work and general academic administration. Please review the registration, placement, and academic policies in order to familiarize yourself with how WSC has organized your degree program and how to begin and to continue your work here at Westminster Seminary California.

Registration
A registration packet, which includes all necessary forms and schedules, will be sent to students one month prior to the registration due date as listed on the Academic Calendar (found in the back of the catalogue or online). Students are required to complete the registration form and return it to the Registrar. Extra registration packets will be located outside the Registrar’s office. Following registration, the Dean of Students will assign faculty advisors who are available to advise students’ course of study.

Registration for new students is processed through the mail . Students who are admitted less than one month prior to the start of classes will register during WSC orientation (a late registration fee will apply).

Students must register for classes for each semester at the time listed in the Academic Calendar. Continuing students must obtain their Faculty Advisor’s approval on their registration forms prior to registration, along with the completion of any additional paperwork (i.e.: extramural petitions with approval of faculty, directed research course approvals, class conflict approvals, etc.). These forms are available at the Registrar’s office or online.  A late registration fee of $50.00 will be charged when a student fails to register with all necessary paperwork before the due dates listed in the Academic Calendar.

Registration Changes
Courses may be added or dropped by submitting a completed Add/Drop form to the Registrar within the dates listed in the Academic Calendar. Under normal circumstances, the Add/Drop form will not be processed through electronic mail or fax. For information concerning refund and withdrawal dates please reference the refund schedule and Academic Calendar. During the grace period, the period between registration and official billing, a student must obtain his or her Faculty Advisor’s and Registrar’s approval for registration changes, but the Add/Drop fee will not apply. Once a student is officially billed, typically one month prior to the beginning of the semester, an Add/Drop fee will be charged to the student’s account per form submitted. After the beginning of the semester, a student is not normally permitted to add a course but may drop courses with the written approval of the instructor, the student’s Faculty Advisor, and the Registrar.

The effective date for dropping a course is the date on which the Registrar approves the Add/Drop request. Courses dropped between the first and the seventh week of a semester will not be recorded on the student’s permanent record. Withdrawal under any other circumstance will result in a failing grade in the course.

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Academic Procedures & Policies

Greek and Hebrew Placement
Westminster Seminary California believes that knowledge of original biblical languages is essential for the study of God’s Word. Therefore, incoming students without knowledge of Greek or Hebrew should enroll in Greek I during the summer term.

Students with prior undergraduate work in Greek or Hebrew may “test out” of some of the language requirements by taking a placement exam given by the Biblical Studies department. A Greek placement test is held on the day prior to the beginning of Greek I during the summer term and also during times posted on the Academic Calendar. The Hebrew placement exam is held prior to the start of fall semester by making arrangements with the Old Testament faculty.

Each test covers the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary and translation of selected scriptural passages. Sample tests are available through the Office of Admissions.

Greek and Hebrew courses at WSC are considered propaedeutic and will not be counted toward the total number of units required for graduation. However, grades resulting from these courses are calculated into a student’s grade point average.

Greek and Hebrew Audit Policy
Auditors are not normally admitted into language courses, but may be under one of the following conditions:

• The student has previously taken the course for credit at Westminster Seminary California.
• The student has “tested out” of the course by examination.
  
• The student does not plan to enroll into a degree program at Westminster Seminary California. Those who later decide to enroll in a degree program at WSC will be required to take the class for credit and will not be able to test out of the language requirement.

A student whose performance on a placement exam indicates that they do not need to take the introductory course and who will enroll full-time (12 units minimum or in the last semester of a degree program taking all necessary credits to graduate) may audit the waived courses without an audit fee..

Knowledge of the English Bible
A thorough knowledge of the English Bible is expected of all students at Westminster Seminary California. In order to ensure that all students have an in-depth understanding of the Bible, WSC has established an English Bible Exam. The examination is administered twice per academic school year. All incoming students are required to take the English Bible Exam during the fall semester. See the Academic Calendar for examination dates.

A score of 110 or higher out of 150 questions is required in order to be exempt from OT520 English Bible Survey. Students who fail the exam once will be allowed another attempt to pass the exam during the beginning of the winter term. After a second failure the student is required to take OT520 English Bible Survey (which is offered only in the spring semester) as an elective. Each student must pass the exam in OT520 prior to registering for OT601, OT701, OT702, NT601, NT602, NT701, and ST601.
 
Graduate Theological Writing
PT400 Graduate Theological Writing is designed to assist students in developing competencies in such areas as organization and composition of essays and papers, correct use of source materials in writing, clarity and style in sentence syntax and paragraph construction, diction, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Admitted students have the opportunity to obtain a waiver of PT400 Graduate Theological Writing. To do so they must submit an academic paper to the Registar’s office by August 15 (December 1 for winter term, January 15 for spring semester). The paper must be at least 5 pages (1500 words) long and must include at least ten footnotes, a bibliography and a signed statement reading: “I certify that this writing sample reflects my own efforts and activity in research, reasoning, composition, and editing, unassisted by any other person.”

If the student has no such paper available, the instructor of Graduate Theological Writing will recommend an alternative. If the paper is judged to reflect adequate skill in research, composition, grammar, and the use of sources, skills necessary for success at WSC, the student may be exempted from the course.

Public Speaking Requirement
All M.Div. students are required to enroll in PT410 Oral Communication during the first fall semester unless a waiver is granted. It is possible for the student to obtain a waiver if the student delivers a brief speech and demonstrates adequate oral communication skills (in preparation, structure, and delivery) to representative faculty of the Department of Practical Theology prior to the first fall semester of study. Please contact the Dean of Students during the week of the WSC New Student Orientation to sign up for a speech. Speeches will be scheduled prior to the start of classes in the fall semester. Master of Divinity students who do not successfully waive PT410 will be required to take the class before enrolling in PT504 Sermon Preparation and Delivery and the advanced homiletics practica (PT603, PT604, PT704, PT708). For more information please direct questions to the Dean of Students. A booklet, Your First Speech, is available online or from the Registrar’s Office and provides more information concerning this requirement.

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POLICIES ON THE DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT RECORDS

Student’s Rights of Privacy and Access to Records, FERPA, and FTC Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Privacy Act
Westminster Seminary California, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, has adopted this Policy on Disclosure of Student Records to address the following issues: (1) disclosure of directory information; (2) confidentiality of personally identifiable information; and (3) student rights to inspect, review and seek amendment of their records.

Disclosure of Directory Information
Information concerning the following items about individual students is designated by the Seminary as directory information and may be released or published without the student’s consent: full name; address (local, home or electronic mail); telephone number; photograph; date and place of birth; program of study; dates of attendance; degrees and awards received; most recent previous educational institution attended; participation in officially recognized Seminary activities. Students who do not wish directory information to be released or made public must inform the Registrar’s Office, in writing, at the time the information is originally sought.

Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information
All personally identifiable information contained in student records other than directory information is considered confidential information. This information includes, but is not necessarily limited to: academic evaluations; general counseling and advising records; disciplinary records; financial aid records; letters of recommendation; academic references; medical or health records; clinical counseling and psychiatric records; transcripts, test scores, field evaluations on internships or field work undertaken as part of a Seminary program, and other academic records. “Personally identifiable information” means that the information includes: (a) the name of the student; (b) the address of the student; (c) a personal identifier such as social security number; or (d) a list of personal characteristics or other information that would make the student’s identity easily traceable.

The Seminary will generally not disclose personally identifiable information to third parties without the written consent of the student. The consent should specify the records to be disclosed, the purpose of the disclosure, and to whom the records are to be disclosed. However, personally identifiable information may be disclosed, without the student’s consent, to the following individuals or institutions, or in the following circumstances:

• Seminary officials (or office personnel ancillary to the officials) who require access for legitimate educational purposes such as academic, disciplinary, health or safety matters. Seminary officials may include, without limitation, the President, Deans, Department Chairs, Faculty Members, the Seminary’s legal counsel, Judicial Officers, Counselors, and the Admissions Committee. Seminary officials also include individuals employed by or under contract to the Seminary to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor, and individuals acting as official agents of the Seminary who are performing a service on behalf of the Seminary.
• Officials of other educational institutions to which the student seeks or intends to enroll (on condition that the student upon request is entitled to a copy of such records.
• Appropriate federal, state or local officials or authorities, consistent with federal regulations.
• Organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions.
• Accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
• Parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (provided that the Seminary must take reasonable steps to assure itself of the parent’s right to claim the student as a dependent).
• Parents or guardians of a student, where the information pertains to violations of any federal, state or local law or of any Seminary rule or policy governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, and the student has committed a disciplinary violation.
• In connection with the student’s application for, or receipt of financial aid.
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena (on condition that a reasonable effort is made to notify the student of the order or subpoena, if legally permitted to do so).
• In case of an emergency, to protect the health or safety of students or
  other individuals.

The Seminary will inform a party to whom a disclosure of personally identifiable information is made that it is made only on the condition that such party will not disclose the information to any other party without the prior written consent of the student. An exception to this is in the case of mandatory disclosure to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

Inspection and Review Rights; Rights to a Hearing
A currently or previously enrolled student has the right to inspect and review his or her education records. This right does not extend to applicants, those denied admission, or those admitted who do not enroll. Officials may require that requests for access be submitted in writing, and may ask for, but not require, the reason for the request. The Seminary will comply with requests to inspect and review a student’s records that it has determined to honor within a reasonable period of time, but in no case more than forty-five days after the request was made.

Records to which students are not entitled to access, include:

• Confidential letters and statements of recommendation placed in a student’s record before January 1, 1975, or confidential letters and statements of recommendation to which students have waived their rights of access.

• Employment records of students as Seminary employees.

• Records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, pastor, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in his or her professional capacity or assisting in his or her para-professional capacity, and that are made, maintained, or used only in connection with treatment of the student and are not disclosed to anyone other than the individuals providing the treatment. These records may be reviewed, however, by a physician or other appropriate professional of the student’s choice.

• Financial records of the parents of the student or any information contained in those records.

• Records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and educational personnel ancillary to those persons, that are in the sole possession of the maker of the record and are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a temporary substitute for the maker.

• Institutional records of students which may be maintained by the Seminary in a computer printout or similar format (so long as this computerized information is not intended to be distributed outside the Seminary), as long as the original source of computer information is available in the office or department
  having original jurisdiction for the records.

• Records that only contain information about a person after that person was no longer a student at the Seminary (e.g., information collected by the Seminary pertaining to accomplishments of its alumni).

• Those portions of a student’s records that contain information on other students. Students may be invited but not required to waive their right of access to confidential letters of recommendation for admission, academic references, honors or awards, or employment. Failure to execute a waiver will not affect a student’s admission, receipt of financial aid, or other Seminary services. If a student signs a waiver, he/she may request a list of all persons making confidential recommendations.

A student who believes that any information contained in his or her education records is inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise in violation of his or her privacy rights, may request that the Seminary amend the records. The student should first discuss his or her concerns with the individual responsible for the office where the records are maintained. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, the student should contact the individual to whom that person reports. If still not satisfied, the student may contact the appropriate vice president or designee. The final level of appeal is a formal hearing. To obtain a hearing, the student should file a written request with the Registrar. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of FERPA.

The substantive judgment of a faculty member about a student’s work (grades or other evaluations of work assigned) is not within the scope of a FERPA hearing. A student may challenge the factual and objective elements of the content of student records, but not the qualitative and subjective elements of grading.
If as a result of a hearing the Seminary determines that a student’s challenge is without merit, the student will have the right, and will be so informed, to place in his or her records a statement setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the Seminary’s decision.

Students have a right to file complaints concerning alleged failures by the Seminary to comply with the requirements of FERPA and the implementing regulations. Complaints should be addressed to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20202-4605. Students are encouraged to bring any complaints regarding the implementation of this policy to the attention of the Registrar.

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Academic Policies

Qualifications

• Directed Research courses may be pursued only by students who are registered for regular class work, unless they have previously attained a general academic standing of 2.8 or better at WSC.

• Generally, directed research courses are taken with full-time faculty. If a student wishes to pursue a directed research course in an area in which only an adjunct professor specializes, the petition must be approved by the Academic Dean.

Petition Procedures:

• Arrangements for directed research courses must be made prior to the scheduled registration date as in the Academic Calendar.

• A petition form available from the Registrar or online (click here) must be completed, signed by the professor and student, and submitted at the time of registration.

• Students taking a directed research elective will have a course number assigned to the course by the Registrar after completing the petition.

Course Numbering
The course numbers shall reflect the department of the class such as: OT – Old Testament, or ST – Systematic Theology.

Completion Deadline
All written research papers and other work must be completed by the last day of classes of the same term, and any final exam must be completed by the end of the examination period of the same term. Failure to meet these deadlines will automatically result in an “F” for the course, unless a further extension is granted by faculty action prior to the end of that term.

Extramural Petition (Required Courses Only)
Students desiring to take a required course through independent study must complete an Extramural Petition available on the WSC website or from the Registrar. Extramural Petitions are approved only by a vote of the Faculty Committee on Petitions.

Petition Procedures

• The petition deadline is one month prior to the normally scheduled registration day. The Committee will not normally approve late petitions.
• The student is responsible to obtain the Extramural Petition form from the Registrar’s office or online (click here).
• The student should meet with the professor to arrange fulfillment of requirements and obtain the instructor’s signature. The student should submit the completed petition to the Academic Dean.
• The student must register for the course at the time of registration (if the petition is granted).

Completion Deadline
All written research papers and other work must be completed on the last day of classes of the same term, and any final exam must be completed by the end of the examination period of the same term. Failure to meet these deadlines will automatically result in an “F” for the course, unless a further extension is granted by faculty action prior to the end of that term.

Class Conflict Petition
Students may petition to fulfill requirements for two overlapping classes. Both professors must sign the petition. Under these circumstances students are expected to divide their attendance between classes and complete all assignments.

Petition Procedures
The petition deadline is on the scheduled registration deadline (see Academic Calendar). Students will not be allowed to register for either course until the petition, signed by both professors, is submitted to the Registrar. If this deadline is missed, a late registration fee will be charged. The student is responsible to:

• Obtain the Class Conflict Petition form from the Registrar’s office or online (click here).

• Meet with the professors to arrange attendance, to obtain all material covered in both courses and obtain the professors’ signatures.

• Submit the completed petition to the Registrar during registration.

Field Education
Field education is an integral requirement of Westminster Seminary California’s Master of Divinity program since the program is designed to prepare men for the pastorate . Consequently the program includes not only academic studies but also the opportunity to exercise and develop ministry skills through this supervised internship program. For more information, please contact the Director of Field Education.

The Field Education Program (FE 691) requires 700 hours of supervised and evaluated ministry in a broad spectrum of pastoral experience. WSC strongly recommends that students begin their field education early in their seminary program in order to maximize its value. See the fee schedule for charges.

The Director of Field Education will advise students, monitor progress, review evaluations, give reports to the field education committee and the faculty and, when the field education requirement is completed, give a grade of “credit” or “no credit.” This requirement must be met prior to graduating from the Master of Divinity program.

Attendance
It is expected that students will attend every class for which they are registered. Absences caused by illness, or other justifiable causes, will be permitted to a limited extent. If, in the judgment of the instructor, these permitted absences or other (unauthorized) absences endanger the standing of the student in the course, the instructor shall advise the student and notify the student’s Faculty Advisor. Further absences will normally result in a failing grade in the course.

Change in Degree Program
Students are admitted into the degree program for which they apply. Students wishing to change their degree program must submit to the Registrar a formal application form with their Faculty Advisor’s signature along with the change of program fee of $15.00. The Change in Degree application form is available from the Registrar or online.

Double Submission of Papers
It is contrary to academic ethics to submit an identical paper for credit in two or more classes at Westminster Seminary California. The only exception is that students enrolled in PT400 Graduate Theological Writing may, with the knowledge and consent of both instructors, may submit the same paper in PT400 and another course taken concurrently.

Grading System
Every credit is calculated by the use of a grade point system. Grade points are assigned to grades as follows:

Petition Procedures:

• Obtain the Incomplete Petition form from the Registrar’s office or online (click here).
• Obtain the signatures of the professor and the Dean of Students.
• Return the completed petition to the Registrar by the last day of classes.

Petition Deadlines
In the case of a granted incomplete, all outstanding course requirements must be finished and graded by the last day of classes of the next semester, or by some earlier date agreed upon by the professor and the student. Any arrangement for work to be turned in must allow time for the professor to grade it by the last day of classes of the following semester.

Failure to meet these deadlines will automatically result in an “I/F” for the course, unless a further extension is granted by faculty action prior to term end, at the request of the student.

Academic Probation
Probation status is a means by which the Seminary seeks to alert and assist a student whose academic standing is in jeopardy. Its purpose is both to emphasize the need for change in the student’s approach to theological study and to provide the guidelines and support for such a change. When a student is placed on academic probation, his or her Faculty Advisor and/or the Dean of Students will meet with the student to discuss the factors contributing to previous academic difficulty. The student will be guided in producing a written plan of action for the coming term, which will be submitted to the Academic Dean.

A student will be placed on academic probation if his or her cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 after completing 25 semester units of course work at WSC. The student remains in probation status until his or her cumulative grade point average is raised to 2.0 (the minimum grade point average required for graduation).

A student must raise his or her cumulative grade point average to 2.0 within 30 semester units after being placed on probation. Failure to do so shall be grounds for dismissal.

A student dismissed for academic reasons may appeal to the faculty for reinstatement. Such an appeal should be made in writing and submitted to the Academic Dean, explaining the student’s circumstances, and proposing a plan for successful completion of seminary course work if reinstatement is granted. If the appeal is granted, the faculty may also grant whatever credit it deems appropriate for work already completed.

Since probation is to be used to help the student demonstrate and develop his academic competency, neither probation at admittance nor academic probation shall be recorded on a student’s permanent transcript.

Withdrawal or Leave of Absence
A student planning to withdraw from the Seminary must notify the Registrar in writing. The student is responsible for unpaid bills to the Seminary and completing an exit interview if loans have been received. The Student Loan Officer, during the exit interview, will address the possibility of paying back a portion of the loan per the federal guidelines. A student will be considered withdrawn if he or she has not enrolled for any semester during the academic year.

A student, who desires to return to the Seminary within one academic year, must notify the Registrar in writing, stating a re-entrance date into a degree program. If a student has withdrawn for one or more academic years, he or she must submit a new Application for Admission and Ecclesiastical Reference to the Office of Admissions along with the current application fee. After reviewing the application and reference for re-admission, the Seminary will notify the applicant in writing about their status.

Students returning to WSC after an absence of one year or more re-enter their programs under the curricula and graduation requirements stated in the current catalogue.

Final Examinations
The Academic Calendar indicates the dates of final examinations of each semester or term. Morning exams start at 8:30 a.m. promptly and end at 11:30 a.m.; afternoon exams start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. (unless otherwise specified by the professor). Students are expected to take examinations at the scheduled time.

Examinations in evening and Saturday courses will be administered at the normal class time during finals week.

In the case of extenuating circumstances (long-term personal illness or personal or family crisis of a traumatic nature), students may request excuse from taking a final examination at its scheduled time and the rescheduling of the exam. Such requests must be presented to the instructor, in writing or electronically, and granted by the instructor prior to the scheduled time of the examination. The instructor may grant permission to take the final exam before the date when grades are due to the Registrar (see the Academic Calendar), or the student may file a petition for an Incomplete with the Dean of Students. Unless the instructor has granted the student’s request for permission to defer the exam or an Incomplete has been granted by the Dean of Students or the Committee on Petitions, absence at the scheduled examination period will result in a failing grade on the exam.

Each examination must be taken in the scheduled classroom. Withdrawal to areas other than the restroom or lounge is not permitted. Computers (notebooks, laptops, desktops, or others) capable of storing or retrieving data files may not be used in writing examinations. At WSC all examinations are conducted by the honor system and honor pledge. All examinations require the submission and signature of the examined student on the test or examination booklet. The responsibility lies directly upon each individual to maintain this honor system without blemish. The following pledge is to be written out and signed on each examination paper: “I pledge my honor that I have neither given nor received verbal or written assistance during this examination beyond that permitted by the instructor in charge.” No student with unpaid financial obligations to the Seminary (including library fines) shall be allowed to take final examinations unless the student has made satisfactory arrangements prior to the start of final examinations. In such circumstances, a final examination will not be re-administered to any student at a later date and will result in a failing grade.
 
Requirements for the Degrees
To qualify for a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree at Westminster Seminary California, a student must fulfill and successfully complete all requirements and receive a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher at the completion of required course work.

Application for Graduation
Any student planning to graduate must complete an Application for Graduation and return it to the Registrar’s office by the date listed on the application. A graduation application form is available through the Registrar or the form can be submitted online under the current students section of the WSC website.

Commencement
Commencement exercises are held once each academic year at the end of the spring semester. All students who are eligible to receive degrees are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony. If requirements for the degree were completed by the end of the winter term, a student who is unable to be present at the ceremony may petition the faculty for permission to receive the degree in absentia, giving the reason for his or her inability to attend the commencement ceremony.

Prospective graduates must pay all debts to the Seminary, including the library, no later than the last day of classes of the spring semester in order to participate in the commencement exercises. Neither a diploma nor a final transcript will be released until a student’s financial obligations to the Seminary are met in full.

The cost of commencement will be billed to the student prior to graduation.

A graduation reception is held in connection with the commencement exercises, normally on the evening preceding the ceremony. This reception provides an opportunity for fellowship with faculty and fellow-graduates, and for reflections on seminary years and future plans.

Transcript Requests
To request a transcript, complete the transcript request form that is available online (click here) or from the Registrar’s office. Official transcripts are $4.00 per copy. Unofficial copies are free to students. Transcripts must be requested in person or by mail. Telephone or fax requests will not be accepted. No transcripts are issued for students with unpaid accounts.

Information Pertaining to Veterans
For students receiving Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, credit-unit values have been designated as follows: degree requirements not bearing “credit units” in FE691 Pastoral Internship (for a total of 3 units) and all other units do bear “credit units.” In accordance with the rules of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a student receiving veteran’s benefits will be placed on probation if his cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.0. He or she may continue to receive veteran’s benefits while on probation for a maximum of two semesters. If he or she is allowed to remain on academic probation beyond this period, all veteran benefits will be terminated.
 

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From the President
Introduction to the Seminary
Faculty
Degree Programs
Course Descriptions
Student Life
Admissions
Financial Aid
Academic Information and Policies

Beginning your WSC Program
Academic Procedures & Policies
Policies on Disclosure of Student Records
Academic Policies