Undergraduate Academics

Semester Plan

The university offers a variety of schedules: a semester schedule and a term schedule. The semester schedule includes two fifteen-week semesters per year and one ten-week semester during the summer. The term schedule includes six eight-week terms throughout the year.

The unit regularly used for the measurement of credit toward graduation is the semester hour, which is the equivalent of the credit earned in a course which meets one hour per week for a semester. Thus a class which meets two hours per week for a semester is a two-semester-hour course; one which meets three hours a week for a semester is a three-semester-hour course. For the purpose of converting transferred quarter hours into semester hours, the following formula is used: the number of semester hours is two-thirds the number of quarter hours.

A student must be enrolled for a minimum of twelve semester hours of work per semester or six semester hours of work per term to be classified as a full-time student. Enrollment for more than twenty semester hours requires the permission of the Registrar. Students on academic probation may never take more than twenty semester hours.

General Education and Basic Skills

The General Education Foundation at BUF was developed to ensure that all students acquire broad general knowledge deemed important for students in associate and baccalaureate programs and was designed to provide foundational knowledge necessary for the achievement of learning at higher levels. The ability to read, write, and use basic computational skills greatly affects all learning. To assist students in acquiring proficiency in these skills early in their collegiate academic careers, the following rules apply to all regularly enrolled students taking more than three semester hours.

Students must complete the English and math requirements of the General Education Foundation by the semester in which they earn their 60th hour of college credit. All other general education courses must be complete by the semester in which students earn their 80th hour of college credit.
English courses should begin the first semester students enroll at BUF and continue without interruption until both composition courses are completed (ENG 151 and 152). A literature option must be completed by the semester in which the 60th hour of college credit is earned (except for those students who take ENG 100, whose literature course may be delayed by the number of semesters they are involved with these courses).
Students whose placement tests scores reveal a deficiency in reading and/or grammar should enroll in ENG 100 in their first semester as advised by the Registrar’s Office and School of Arts & Sciences. Students deficient in math skills should take MA 110 and continue with other math courses in the prescribed progression until completing the required math course for their degree or major. Students are permitted to make vertical transfers during the drop and add period without financial or academic penalty on the basis of testing, recommendation of the faculty member, and approval of the Chair of the School of Arts & Sciences.
Students majoring in programs requiring MA 130 must enroll no later than the second semester of their sophomore year.
Students majoring in Elementary Education or History and Social Studies Secondary Education (including transfer students) must take and pass all parts of the General Knowledge Test (GKT) of the FTCE before registering as upper school students.

Basic Skills Placement Guidelines

English and math are important general education subjects in university life. For maximum learning in those areas, it is important that students enroll in English and math courses appropriate to their level of learning. The information below describes the process used to determine placement of students in English and math courses.

Placement in English Fundamentals (ENG 100):

In preparation for ENG 151 and 152, ENG 100 is strongly advised for students who have less than a B (3.0) in Senior High School English courses or less than 17 ACT English Score or 440 SAT I Verbal Score or below 105 (Not Proficient at Level 1) ETS Profile Test reading or writing score.

Placement in Mathematics (MA 110):

In preparation for MA 130 (Business Math), MA 110 (Pre Algebra) is strongly advised for students who have less than a C (2.0) in Algebra or higher math courses in high school or less than a 19 ACT Mathematics score or a 440 SAT I Mathematics score or below 105 (Not Proficient at Level 1) ETS Profile Test math score.

Music Education Students

In preparation for MA 220 (Finite Math), MA 120 (Elementary Algebra) is strongly advised for students whose ACT mathematics score is below 19 or SAT I mathematics score is below 440 or Algebra II grade is less than C (2.0) or ETS Profile Test math score is below 105 (Not Proficient at Level 1).

Teacher Education Students

In preparation for MA 210 (Geometry), MA 220 (Finite Math), and MA 230 (College Algebra), MA 120 (Elementary Algebra) is strongly advised for students whose ACT mathematics score is below 19 or SAT I mathematics score is below 440 or Algebra II grade is less than C (2.0) or ETS Profile Test math score is below 105 (Not Proficient at Level 1).

Basic Computer Proficiency

BUF courses, both classroom and online, require computer usage. For academic success, at a minimum, students must be proficient in the following areas:

Document processing: creating, editing, formatting, saving, and printing a document in Microsoft Word (or a similar word processor)

Internet: accessing the internet; using a search engine; navigating within a website; writing and sending email correspondence

Students who do not meet these computer proficiency requirements for university courses should take IT 101. Introduction to Computer Use in their first semester. Students who have concerns about meeting the proficiency requirements or need to improve their computer skills should enroll in IT 202. Information Technology Applications their first semester. If necessary, the professor of IT 202 will direct students to IT 101 during the drop/add period. Students taking their first BUF online course are required to take IT 110 N. Orientation to Online Learning for orientation to the Learning Management System and preparation for successful online learning practices.

Additional computer skills will be required for some courses that are online or have online components. These courses include, but are not limited to, speech-related or music-related courses offered in an online format.

Basic Computer Equipment Needed

For successful work, the Baptist University of Florida student must have up-to-date computer hardware and software. All courses, both online and classroom, contain some online components using Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Students are expected to receive email messages, find information, complete and submit assignments, etc., and will need certain equipment, or access to it, in order to be successful. Having the needed computer hardware and software, or access to it, is the student’s responsibility. Needed items are described below:

Fast, low-latency, reliable internet connection

A “broadband” or better internet connection is strongly required. This can generally be obtained through a good quality fiber, DSL or cable internet connection. Dial-up internet service will not be sufficient. To verify connection speed and latency, a prospective student or student should use a “speed test” site such as www.speedtest.net. The speed should show at least 3.8 Mbps download and 2 Mbps uploaded. A dial-up service would test as 0.06 Mbps download which would not be sufficient for BUF online course work.

BUF provides Wi-Fi coverage for most of the Graceville campus.

Tethering and HotSpots are not supported.

Computer hardware requirements

A computer capable of running a full version of Microsoft Windows 10 or later, or Mac OS 10.12 (Sierra) or later, is required to complete most coursework. Devices running Windows in S mode, Mac iOS, Google’s Chrome OS, Linux, etc., (such as phones, tablets, and Chromebooks) will not be able to complete all required coursework.

A minimum of 10 GB available disk space, 4 GB RAM – higher is recommended.

A minimum of Intel Quad-core 1.8Ghz CPU -or- AMD Quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU – higher is recommended.

A minimum video resolution of 1280 x 760 – higher is recommended.

A webcam with microphone or a webcam and separate microphone. Many laptops have these built in.

Computer software requirements

Microsoft Windows or Mac OS compatible with current versions of Microsoft Office

Windows running in “S” mode will not be able to complete all required coursework nor can the course required programs be installed. Therefore, the student is advised to not acquire a computer with Windows in S mode or they must switch Windows out of S mode to be able to run all required programs and applications.

Microsoft Office (The entire Microsoft Office suite is available free of charge to current students through Office 365.)

A current version of one or more of the major internet browsers-Microsoft Edge, Safari, Firefox, or Chrome.

Microsoft Edge for MacOS is not supported at this time.

Adobe Reader

JavaScript enabled

Cookies enabled

The current version of Java installed and updated

For online proctored testing, which is required for many mid-terms and final exams:

ProctorFree	Desktop Application, downloaded during a practice test
Operating system	Windows 8+, 10+ or MacOS 10.12 (Sierra) *Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, and mobile devices are not supported.
Hardware Requirements	1 GB available disk space, 2 GM RAM Intel Quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU -or- AMD Quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU
Web Browser	Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer 11+ *Microsoft Edge is not supported for MacOS at this time.
Internet Speed**	Upload: (greater than) 1 Mbps, Download: (greater than) 2 Mbps *Tethering and HotSpots are not supported.
Web Camera	We suggest students use the embedded web camera in their laptop or and standard web cam purchased and manufactured within the last 5 years. *3D Webcams are not supported.
Note:	An Active broadband internet connection is assumed since the examinations are done online. Hotspots and tethering are not supported at this time.** Current specifications are at http://support.proctorfree.com/portal/en/kb/articles/technical-requirements .

Online applied music students will provide a webcam or video camera capable of transmitting video and USB condenser microphone with a frequency range of no less than 20H to 20kHZ. Students taking applied music lessons that require recorded accompaniment must also provide a sound source capable of broadcasting sound so that both the student and the instructor can hear the combined sound of performer and accompaniment. Audio and video transmissions must be of sufficient quality to enable the instructor to assess adequately the student’s performance. In addition, some online music courses may require one or both of the following: 1) A MIDI keyboard; 2) Finale 2014 or later software. All online applied piano students other than piano principals must have access during lessons either to a well-tuned acoustic piano or an electronic keyboard with 88 weighted keys, a sustain pedal, MIDI capabilities, and a suitable piano sound. Online piano principals must have access during lessons to a well-tuned acoustic piano.

The campus IT Lab and Library have computers with the necessary software for most courses, with the exception of some music courses. Headsets, microphones, and video cameras of any type are not provided. Therefore, students are responsible for providing their own should a course require them. Though the university cannot guarantee workstation access at all times, computers are available during operational hours except when certain classes or workshops are being taught in the IT Lab.

BUF’s IT Department does not provide support or repair for student-owned computers or those owned by other individuals. Course-related support is provided by university-employed LMS (Learning Management System) Faculty Assistants.

Assessment Software

Student Learning and Licensure (SL&L) by Watermark, a web-based software application, is a tool designed to assist students and professors with portfolio collection and assessment of student learning outcomes, thus helping the institution gather data required to maintain accreditation. Various courses in each major will include Key Assignments, so students should follow the institution’s guidance in having and using an SL&L account.

Information Literacy Proficiency

Information literacy is one of the four fundamental liberal arts skills all adults need to be successful in the 21st century. The other three skills are critical thinking, written, and oral communication. Information literacy is one of the goals of Baptist University of Florida mission statement. This goal is “to acquire, evaluate, assimilate and use information.” According to the Information Literacy Standards of Higher Education, the students of Baptist University of Florida will be able to do the following:

Define the need, problem, or question.
Locate, access, and retrieve information from a variety of print, electronic, and human information resources.
Assess the credibility, currency, reliability, validity, and appropriateness of the information retrieved.
Compile the information so it can be used to meet the information need, solve the problem, or answer the question.
Communicate the information legally and ethically using a variety of channels directed at a range of audiences.

Baptist University of Florida will incorporate information literacy and library instruction into the curriculum at four levels: 1) English 152. Intermediate College Composition; 2) an introductory course for each major; 3) a senior capstone or research course; 4) GR 501. Introduction to Graduate Research. The librarian will work with the faculty and the director of the Writing Center in integrating information literacy and library instruction into these courses.

General Education Proficiency Testing

As a requirement for graduation and to assess student learning outcomes in the General Education foundation, students must attain a minimum score of 104 in reading, 100 in writing, and 114 in math on the Post-Secondary Readiness Test (PERT). Students are required to take the test upon their first enrollment in the university and the semester after completing their 60th hour. If needed, students will be required to retake the test each semester (after the 60th hour) until the required score is attained. Students transferring at least 60 hours will be required to take the PERT during the semester they first enroll at BUF and will not be required to take the test a second time, pending that the scores are attained upon their initial enrollment. Students will be charged for administering the test(s).

Grading System

The following numerical and letter grading system is employed by the faculty in assessing each student’s performance.

Grade	Quality	Grade Points Per Semester Hour
A (90-100)	Excellent	4.0
B (80-89)	Good	3.0
C (70-79)	Satisfactory	2.0
D (60-69)	Poor, but passing	1.0
F (Below 60)	Failure	0.0
I	Incomplete	0.0
P	Passing	0.0
S	Satisfactory	0.0
U	Unsatisfactory	0.0
WP	Withdrawal passing	0.0
WF	Withdrawal failing	0.0
W	Course dropped within the drop period	0.0
AU	Audit	0.0

Incomplete Grades

Students should meet all course requirements by the time of the semester final examination. Should that not be the case, the professor, under certain conditions (see below), may record an “I” or “Incomplete” grade, document the outstanding work with the Registrar and give the student a deadline for the removal of the “I” grade. In all cases, “I” grades must be removed by the end of the 20th day of the next regular (fall or spring) semester. On the morning following the deadline day, all “I” grades will be converted to permanent “F’s.”

If the attendance policy has not been violated, a professor may grant an “Incomplete” grade for students who have experienced the following:

Excessive health problems, supported by a doctor’s confirmation, that have resulted in a lengthy absence from class during the final two weeks of the term.
Temporary military service that resulted in an interrupted semester.
The student was engaged in a number of official activities that resulted in excused absences during the final two weeks of the term.
The work was due in the closing two weeks of the semester, and family situations prevented the student from completing the work.

Procedure for application: 1) Acquire a “Request for Incomplete Grade Form” from the Registrar or from the university website; 2) Complete the form thoroughly; 3) Get signatures from student, professor teaching the course, school chair, and the Registrar; 4) After the request is approved, acquire the “Requirements to Complete Coursework (to remove “I” Grades)” form from the Registrar’s Office or the university website; 5) Work with the course professor in planning the work needed to complete the course; 6) Get signatures from student, professor teaching the course, and the Registrar; 7) Complete the work by the deadline described above.

The deadline for submission of the “Request for Incomplete Grade Form” is the last class day of the semester, prior to final exam days.

Grade Point Average

The GPA of a student is obtained by dividing the total number of grade points by the number of semester hours attempted for credit. To qualify for graduation, a student must have a 2.0 (C) average.

Forgiveness Policy

The university provides a forgiveness policy through which students may retake courses in which they have earned an F, WF, or D. While the last grade earned in a retake counts in the GPA, repeats are forgiven only on a one for one basis (for example if a course is failed twice and then passed, only one F grade is dropped).

Grade Reports

Grade reports and unofficial transcripts, showing the hours earned and grades received in all subjects, are available to students via the campus website. Students access this information by using official user IDs and passwords issued by IT Department personnel.

Academic Honors

Academic excellence is recognized in published reports at the end of each semester for those students making the grade averages as follows: President’s List, 4.0; Dean’s List, 3.25-3.99. A student must be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours during the semester to be eligible for this recognition.

Maximum Student Loads

Student loads are limited to a maximum of 21 hours per semester and must be approved by the Registrar.

Maximum Student Intern Loads

Student teaching interns are limited to the student teaching experience and no more than six additional semester hours during the intern semester. Any exception to this rule must have the written approval of the Chair of the School of Education or Chair of the School of Music & Worship and the Registrar.

Attendance and Participation Policy

Baptist University of Florida values consistent attendance and participation and believes that students have greater success with regular attendance and participation in class. To assist with retention and to meet federal guidelines for financial aid, the institution utilizes an extensive attendance/participation monitoring procedure. Attendance and absences are governed by the following regulations:

General Guidelines

The university grants excused absences for students when the following conflict with or prohibit attendance of classes or participation in coursework: 1) representing BUF; 2) military duty; 3) legal proceedings. An excused absence provides an exemption from attendance in a class session but does not exempt the student from the work required in most cases. With an excused absence, a student is given allowances regarding time and due dates commensurate with the excused time away. To travel and have excused absences for class trips, a student must be officially enrolled in the applicable course or have other official institutional assignments. Students with excessive absences and/or poor grades for the semester should not travel and will not be granted excused absences.
Students must be present or active during the first week of the semester or risk being dropped from the course.
In all cases attendance is counted from the first day of the semester.

Classroom Courses

For classroom courses, attendance is determined by physical attendance in a class session.
For classroom courses, attendance or absences are counted by the class session or meeting.
For classroom courses, three tardies equal one absence.
For classroom courses, students lose credit in any course in which absences exceed one-fourth (25%) the total number of class meetings of the course (the 25% rule). Final examinations count as one class meeting. For example, for a course meeting twice each week for fifteen weeks plus an exam or thirty-one (31) class sessions, the student would lose credit after the eighth absence or with the ninth absence. For a course meeting once each week for fifteen weeks plus an exam or sixteen (16) class sessions, the student would lose credit after the fourth absence or with the fifth absence. All absences except those officially excused (see item 1 above) must be managed within the 25% allowed before failure of the course.
For classroom courses, students must be present for at least one-half of a class session to be counted present.

Online and Other Courses without Regular Classroom Sessions

For online courses, internships, directed studies, graduate courses, or other courses without regular classroom sessions, students are expected to participate at least weekly. Participation is determined by any of four actions by the student: 1) submission of an academic assignment; 2) submission of a test of any type; 3) contributing in online forums or discussions about academic matters; 4) initiating contact with the professor to ask questions related to the subject or course studied.
Though no pre-determined number of weeks missed constitutes failure, students who do not participate weekly are at risk of failure of the course.

Connection Courses

For connection courses, students gathering in a classroom will be expected to adhere to the same attendance policies as other classroom students. Students connecting with the course and classmates synchronously will be expected to adhere to the same attendance policies as classroom students. Students connecting with the course and classmates asynchronously will be expected to adhere to the same participation policies as online students. Professors will determine early in the semester which type of student each student is and record attendance/participation accordingly throughout the semester. Students may not switch between modes except in extenuating circumstances with prior approval from the professor.

HYBRID Courses

For face to face class meetings, students lose credit in any course in which absences exceed one-fourth (25%) the total number of class meetings of the course (the 25% rule). Final examinations count as one class meeting. For example, for a course meeting twice each week for fifteen weeks plus an exam or thirty-one (31) class sessions, the student would lose credit after the eighth absence or with the ninth absence. For a course meeting once each week for fifteen weeks plus an exam or sixteen (16) class sessions, the student would lose credit after the fourth absence or with the fifth absence. All absences except those officially excused (see item 1 above) must be managed within the 25% allowed before failure of the course.
For face to face class meetings, students must be present for at least one-half of a class session to be counted present.
For online class meetings, internships, directed studies, graduate courses, or other courses without regular classroom sessions, students are expected to participate at least weekly. Participation is determined by any of four actions by the student: 1) submission of an academic assignment; 2) submission of a test of any type; 3) contributing in online forums or discussions about academic matters; 4) initiating contact with the professor to ask questions related to the subject or course studied

Absences from Semester Examinations and Sectional Tests

If a semester examination is missed, it may be taken upon approval by the Registrar. The student should explain in writing the reason for the absence.

Sectional tests missed for reasons acceptable to the professor are taken no later than seven days from the date the student returns to a given class. To secure faculty permission to take the missed test, the student applies to the faculty member in question, giving reasons for the absence and requesting a definite day and hour for the exam.

Changing or Dropping Courses

Students may change courses only during the first week of a semester (see BUF Academic Calendar) or drop courses during the first eight weeks. Students drop courses in the Registrar’s Office. The university recommends the student confer with the Financial Aid Director and his/her advisor before taking such action. Dropping courses after the eighth week results in an automatic failing grade. Fees may be assessed for course changes (see Refund Policies).

Official Withdraw

Students who withdraw from the university follow a prescribed plan beginning at the Registrar’s Office. Those who officially withdraw before completing a semester or summer session will receive the grade of WP or WF according to course requirements completed at the time of withdrawal. Those who attend classes but leave the university before completing a semester or summer session and do not withdraw officially will fail all courses and will be charged full tuition. There is no charge for an official withdrawal, and refunds are made as stated in the “Financial Information” section of this catalog. Students who drop all classes during a semester or summer session will be automatically withdrawn from the university.

Directed Study Policy

A directed study (DS) is an independent study of a regular course granted to meet the needs of a graduating senior with specific circumstances. Students may apply for a DS only when, in his/her last two semesters, a required course is needed to complete degree requirements and that course conflicts with another required course or was not offered by the college the previous two regular semesters.
Directed studies (DS) will vary depending on the nature of the course but will have the same outcomes and similar assignments as the corresponding classroom-based course.
A student may not take more than two directed studies within his/her academic program. Professors are limited to two directed studies per semester.
Directed studies are designed for upper-level courses. Because students are required to take foundational courses prior to their 80th hour (see “General Education/Basic Skills” section of Catalog), directed studies will not be granted for General Education Foundation courses, courses listed as Additional Requirements for General Education, and Biblical/Theological Foundation courses.
Students who wish to undertake a directed study (DS) course should submit a completed directed study application to the Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs during the advising/pre-registration and no later than one week after the last day of freshman advising/pre-registration as published in the catalog. Applications are available from the professor leading the study, the Assistant to the Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs, from the university Registrar, and the university website.
The application procedure is as follows: The student is responsible for acquiring an application, discussing the possibility with the professor who will potentially lead the DS course, acquiring the signature of the professor, acquiring the signature of the division chair of the division of the course, and submitting the application to the Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs by the stated deadline (See BUF Academic Calendar).
The Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs and the Registrar will discern whether the request meets the criteria and inform the student and the professor of the approval/disapproval by campus email.
If approved, the student should ensure that he/she has been registered for the course and then report to the professor for a syllabus during the first week of classes of the appropriate semester.

Special Studies

Occasionally, the university will offer a special course that is not in the regular curriculum. This special course can take one of two forms:

a special, one-time, classroom-based course provided by the university;
a special, one-time, independent study of a topic not in the current curriculum developed by a professor and student to expand the depth and quality of the student’s degree plan. A special study must be developed with the agreement and approval of the division chair and the Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs and must include a full syllabus with proper outcomes, evaluative tools, and assignments. Special studies must be included in the advance planning and scheduling process and thus approved by one month prior to the beginning of pre-registration for the semester in which the course will be taught. Each student is limited to two special studies over the course of his/her academic program.

Change in Program

Students who desire to make any changes related to academic major or minor should do the following: 1) consult with the program coordinator/leader/advisor of both majors, the one leaving and the one entering; 2) complete a change of major/minor form with signatures from both program leaders consulted; and 3) submit the completed form to the Registrar. Students who make a program change related to an academic major or minor must follow the requirements for the new program under the catalog in effect at the time of the change in program.

Standard of Progression Toward Graduation and Classification of Students

The university has adopted the following standards for the student’s progress from freshman through senior.

Class	Hours	Minimum Grade Point Average for Unconditional Retention
Freshmen	0 - 27	1.40
Sophomores	28 - 60	1.70
Juniors	61 - 91	2.00
Seniors	92 - or more	2.00

Probation and Suspension

Students who do not meet the minimum standards indicated above will face academic discipline as follows:

The first semester after failure to meet the minimum standard, students will be placed on academic probation. While a student is on academic probation, he/she is allowed to continue normal student activities except participation in university activities that require the student to miss class meetings such as trips or tours. If a student is enrolled in a degree program that requires participation in a performance ensemble, he/she will be placed in College Choir and will not be permitted to participate in another ensemble until he/she has earned a grade point average sufficient to be removed from academic probation.
Students who attain at least the minimum standard after one semester on probation will be placed on good standing.
Students who fail to attain the minimum standard after a semester on probation will be suspended.
Students placed on suspension may not enroll in courses for one regular semester. While on academic suspension, a student will not be permitted to participate in most university activities, including intramural sports, projects, trips, and musical ensembles. In order to grant students on suspension the opportunity to study in areas of their academic deficiency, they will be permitted to have access to the Library, the Information Technology lab, and the Writing Center. Since students are required to be enrolled as full-time students in order to remain in campus housing, students on suspension must vacate campus housing. Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the housing manager.
Students on suspension must apply through the Office of Admissions to be readmitted to the university.
If readmitted to the university, the student will be on academic probation for one semester, and the required minimum standard must be met by the end of the second semester following readmission. Since the student will be on academic probation during this period, the same restrictions outlined above apply.
If the minimum standard is not met by the end of the second semester following readmission, students will be placed on permanent suspension.

The most reliable way to end academic probation is to retake courses in which “D” or “F” grades have been earned in order to improve grades in accordance with the forgiveness policy.

Small Classes

A course with fewer than 10 students enrolled at the beginning of the semester may be canceled.

Student Conduct and Complaints

The information contained in this section references the university’s official Student Handbook. Students should consult the Student Handbook for complete information. New campus students are provided a hard copy edition of the Student Handbook during orientation. All students have access to the Student Handbook electronically.

Student Conduct

Each student at the Baptist University of Florida has given evidence of above-average dedication to Christian ethics. The practice of going beyond what is expected, in spirit as well as in service, should characterize every student’s activity in and outside the classroom, on and off the campus. Anything less than personal honesty, integrity, morality, and sensitivity is out of character for anyone preparing for Christian leadership and will be a factor in evaluating a student’s continuance in study as a part of the BUF family.

Conditions of Dismissal

The following violations of the University Code of Conduct may result in dismissal: (1) academic dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, and any other misrepresentation of work; (2) complicity in another student’s Code of Conduct violation through permission, approval, or assistance in the violation; (3) the use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs; (4) any criminal activity; (5) disorderly conduct; (6) sexual misconduct; (7) social media misconduct; and (8) any misconduct occurring on campus or in violation of the off-campus expectations of students preparing for Christian leadership.

Procedures for Appeal

Any student charged with misconduct will have the opportunity to appeal those charges through a sequence of fair and open progressive processes. In matters related to academic misconduct, an appeal of an instructor’s disciplinary decision may be made in writing to the School Chair, and ultimately to the Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Non-academic misconduct appeals can be made to the University Hearing Officer in writing. The decision of the University Hearing Officer on appeals is final unless the President chooses to review the matter.

Filing a Complaint against BUF

While BUF expects individuals to attempt to resolve problems in a biblical manner, any student may make a complaint against the institution. Student complaints must be submitted in writing describing the complaint in the clearest possible terms, signed and dated, and sent to the attention of the Director of Student Life and Compliance.

If the complainant is not satisfied with the response of the Director of Student Life and Compliance, the student may submit an appeal in writing to the University Hearing Officer. The University Hearing Officer’s decision is final unless the President chooses to review the matter.

Appeal to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Baptist University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees. The Commission is to be contacted if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Procedures have been established to provide a mechanism for the Commission to consider complaints that address significant violations of the Commission’s standards. Questions about the accreditation of Baptist University of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Appeal to the State of Florida Office of Articulation

If an individual has exhausted the university’s grievance process and wishes to file a complaint against this institution, he/she may write a letter or email containing the name of the student or complainant, as well as a current address and phone number, along with the name of the institution, the location of the institution (city), dates of attendance, and a full description of the problem and any other documentation that will support his/her claim, such as enrollment agreements, correspondence, etc. One may then send the letter to:

Office of Articulation Department of Education

325 West Gaines Street, Room 1232

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

Or email: articulation@fldoe.org

Or phone: 850.245.0427

Or fax: 850.245.9525

Graduation Requirements

The following general requirements for graduation must be met before the student may receive a degree:

Application for graduation at the beginning of the final semester;
Completion of academic requirements for the degree as set forth in the catalog; any request for a waiver of a required course must be made to and approved by the Executive Vice-President of Academic Affairs in writing;
Satisfactory settlement of all financial accounts with the university;
Approval by the university of the personal character and moral worthiness of the candidate;
Participation in graduation exercises; exceptions must be requested in writing to the Registrar;
Maintenance of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. (Teacher Education students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in order to graduate);
Passage of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) by those majoring in education certification programs;
Must take at least 25% of total degree requirements from BUF;
Must be enrolled for at least one course at BUF the semester the student plans to graduate;
Must attain a minimum score of 420 on the ETS Proficiency Profile Test and a minimum score of 2 on the essay portion.

Active-Duty Military

Academic residency at Baptist University of Florida is twenty-five percent of the degree requirements for all degrees for active-duty servicemembers and their adult family members (spouse and college-age children). In addition, there are no “final year” or “final semester” residency requirements for active-duty servicemembers and their family members. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active-duty servicemembers and their family members are enrolled. Reservists and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.

Application for Graduation

Prospective graduates apply for graduation at the beginning of their final semester, using official forms supplied in the Registrar’s Office. Applicants are approved for graduation by the faculty.

All documentation for credit earned external to Baptist University of Florida and required test scores must be presented to the Registrar’s Office before a student will be permitted to apply for graduation. This includes test scores from the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), and all credit earned from the College Level Examination (CLEP), Seminary Extension, other colleges, universities, and seminaries.

The deadline for application for graduation for both the fall and spring semesters is Friday of the fifth week of the semester of anticipated graduation (See Academic Calendar). The student is responsible for having the Registrar verify that all work required for the degree has been completed by the above deadline.

Graduation Honors

In recognition of superior academic excellence, graduating seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or higher will graduate with honors. The levels of recognition are as follows: Cum Laude--3.25-3.49; Magna Cum Laude--3.50-3.74; Summa Cum Laude--3.75-4.00. Honor distinctions are determined based on the student’s GPA computed the semester immediately prior to the semester of graduation.

Requirements for Additional Degree

Degree graduates from the university may enroll for a second degree in another field. Baccalaureate graduates must complete the requirements for the second bachelor’s degree and earn a minimum of 32 hours beyond the number of hours required in the first degree. Bachelor’s degree graduates may earn an associate degree in another field by completing the requirements for the associate degree and earning a minimum of 16 hours beyond the number of hours required in the bachelor’s degree. Associate degree graduates may earn a second associate degree by completing all the requirements for the second associate degree and earning a minimum of 16 hours beyond the first associate degree.

Certificates

The university offers a college preparatory certificate designed to increase English language proficiency for non-native speakers in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, thus allowing these students to pursue higher education and ultimately succeed in the professional world. The skills acquired in this program are equivalent to those necessary to pass the TOEFL exam successfully. Students who complete this program will be prepared to pursue college-level courses and programs 100% in English.

Graduation Requirements by Degree and Major

Each student should comply with the requirements in effect (as stated in the catalog) at the time of his or her initial enrollment. If a student withdraws from the university for a year or more and then returns, he or she is subject to the academic requirements stated in the catalog at the time of re-entry.

Special Music Requirements

Ensembles

All full-time music majors must be enrolled in an ensemble every semester based on their principal performing area. All students in auditioned ensembles must concurrently enroll in a large ensemble for zero or one credit hours, according to their principal. Guitar and keyboard principals will enroll in their respective ensembles upon recommendation of their professor. Non-music majors who wish to participate in an ensemble but do not need the credit may enroll in an ensemble for zero credit hours.

Piano Proficiency

All music majors are required to pass all components of the piano proficiency prior to upper-level applied study. Students must enroll in the appropriate piano proficiency class until all proficiencies have been passed.

Recitals

Students must be enrolled in applied music in order to present a senior recital.

Upper Level Evaluations

The purpose of the Upper Level Evaluation is to assess a student’s overall performance and ability to complete a baccalaureate degree in the chosen principal area. This examination will be administered by the music and worship faculty toward the end of the fourth, but no earlier than the third, semester of a music major’s applied music study, and will take the place of the semester jury in the principal applied course. Transfer students will undergo the Upper Level Evaluation based on recommendation of their applied instructor.

The Upper Level Evaluation will include:

A ten-minute performance in the student’s principal applied area, repertoire to be approved by the applied instructor.

An examination of the historical background, musical analysis, and pedagogical considerations of the repertoire presented.

Submission of program notes demonstrating scholarly research on composers and literature presented.

Upon successful completion of the Upper Level Evaluation (by vote of faculty), the student may enroll in upper-level applied courses leading to the presentation of the senior recital. At least three credit hours in the principal area, in no less than two semesters, must be completed prior to the presentation of the senior recital.

Benchmark and Capstone Experiences:

Benchmark and Capstone experiences for all baccalaureate music degrees must be completed through Baptist University of Florida. Benchmark experiences include piano proficiencies and the Upper Level Evaluation. Capstone experiences include the senior recital appropriate to the degree, MU 415. Field Service Practicum (BM in Worship Leadership), and MUE 490. Internship in Music Education (BME). Capstone courses are to be completed within the final two semesters prior to graduation.

Music Education Information

For admission to the Bachelor of Music Education degree program of Baptist University of Florida all of the following requirements must be completed:

Earn 50 hours of college course work, including finishing the English Composition, Literature, and Mathematics portions of the General Education Foundation.
Obtain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better on a 4.0 scale in the general education component of undergraduate studies.
Pass the General Knowledge Test (GKT) section of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE).
Submit an application to the Music Education coordinator which includes clear fingerprinting in a local county. NOTE: Applications are due the semester before students plan to take any education classes-February 15 for Fall entry and September 15 for Spring entry.
Interview and be approved by the Music Education coordinator.

Teacher Certification
Florida Statutes Section 1004.04
Florida Administrative Code Rule 6A-5.066

Baptist University of Florida has received full approval by the State of Florida Department of Education for the Bachelor of Music Education program. This automatically qualifies a graduate of the Music Education program at BUF for a Professional Florida Teaching Certificate from the State of Florida Department of Education.

Music Education Degree Graduation Requirements

To graduate from a Music Education major, students must:

Satisfactorily complete all academic courses outlined in their program of study.
Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
Pass the General Knowledge Test (GKT) for entrance into the program, pass the Professional Education Test (PET), and pass Subject Area Exam (SAE) in their subject area of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) before enrolling in MUE 490. In order to be eligible for Florida certification at graduation, all three sections of the FTCE (GKT, PET, and particular Subject Area Examinations, or SAE) must be taken and passed, and MUE 490. Internship in Music Education must be completed and passed in a Florida public classroom.

Teacher Education Information

Applies to the B.A. Elementary Education, B.A. Education Studies, and B.A. History and Social Studies Secondary Education

Requirements for entrance into School of Education

To enroll in education courses of the School of Education of Baptist University of Florida, all of the following requirements must be completed and submitted on a Teacher Education Application by February 15 or September 15 of the semester prior to entrance into education coursework:

Earn 50 hours of college course work, including finishing the General Education Foundation and Biblical/Theological Foundation requirements.
Obtain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better. Students who reach their 50th hour without a GPA of 2.50 may register for education courses with the permission of the Teacher Education (TEd) Admissions Committee and will be given one semester to improve their cumulative GPA to at least a 2.50. Those who do not earn a cumulative 2.50 after this additional semester will not be allowed to register for educational courses and will be advised to change their major.
Pass the General Knowledge Test (GKT) section of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE). Students who have reached their 50th hour without passing the General Knowledge Test (GKT) section of the FTCE may register for education courses with the permission of the TEd Admissions Committee and will be given one semester to pass the required exam. Those who do not pass the GKT after one semester will not be allowed to continue to register for educational courses and will be advised to change their major.

Teacher Certification

Teacher Certification
Florida Administrative Code-
Section 6E-2.04(10) (C)

Baptist University of Florida has received full approval by the State of Florida Department of Education for the Elementary Education (Grades K-6)/ESOL Endorsement/Reading Endorsement program. A graduate of the Elementary Education program at BUF is eligible to apply for a Professional Florida Teaching Certificate from the State of Florida Department of Education.

For the programs of Education Studies, and History/Social Studies Secondary Education, a degree from BUF in these programs does not automatically qualify the student for a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate. To obtain a Professional Teaching Certificate for one of these programs, a graduate must apply for a Florida Temporary Teaching Certificate, obtain a teaching position, and participate in the system’s new teacher program or alternative certification program. Those interested in obtaining a Florida teaching certificate should contact the Office of Teacher Certification, Department of Education, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

Teacher Education Degree Graduation Requirements

To graduate from a Teacher Education major, students must:

Satisfactorily complete all academic courses outlined in their program of study. All Teacher Education coursework must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher.
Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
Internship Placement: Only Teacher Education students who maintain a fully online course load for 2 out of the 3 semesters prior to EDU 4090F. Education Internship may request internship placement outside of 60 miles from Graceville, Florida on the Internship Packet. Students who maintain an on-campus residency for 2 of the 3 semesters prior to EDU 4090F. Education Internship are required to complete Education Internship within 60 miles of BUF campus. Only special requests made in writing to the Chair of the School of Education will be considered as exceptions. The Internship Packet is due either February 15 or September 15, prior to the semester of Internship.
Having passed the General Knowledge Test (GKT) for entrance into the program, pass the Professional Education Test (PET), and pass Subject Area Exam (SAE) in their subject area of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) before enrolling in EDU 4090F. In order to graduate, all three sections of the FTCE (GKT, PET, and SAE) must be taken and passed, as well as EDU 4090F. Education Internship. Elementary Education and Education Studies Majors must also take and pass RED 4005F. Reading Practicum. Elementary Education Majors must complete and pass Final Internship in a Florida public classroom. History and Social Studies Secondary Education Studies Majors must complete and pass Final Internship in a Florida public or private classroom.

Available Minors

All minors require a minimum of 15 semester hours beyond the General Education Foundation and the Biblical/Theological Foundation.

Except for the Bible minor, a minor must be composed of courses from a student’s general electives and outside of the requirements for his/her major.

Degrees Offered

The university offers associate, baccalaureate, and graduate education to persons called of God to serve in churches, classrooms, mission fields, and the community. High school graduates and college graduates in a second vocation may enroll for a degree.

Graduate Degrees

The university offers the following degrees:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Arts in Counseling (MACO)
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Master of Science in Management
Master of Business Administration (Data Analytics Concentration)
Master of Business Administration (Hospitality Concentration)
Master of Arts in Leadership
Master of Education (MEd)
Education Specialist (EdS)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Master of Arts in Music and Worship Leadership (MAMWL)
Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MACS)
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Advanced Master of Divinity
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
Master of Theological Studies (Pastoral Leadership Concentration)
Master of Theological Studies (Christian Counseling Concentration)
Master of Theological Studies (Expository Preaching Concentration)
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Graduate degrees at BUF offer advanced and specialized studies in Christian ministry-related and other disciplines. Each degree requires a standard number of hours of coursework and culminates in appropriate measurements that demonstrate mastery of the particular field of study (such as Graduate Theses, Comprehensive Exams, Internships, or Research/Performance projects).

Baccalaureate Degrees

The university offers the following degrees:

Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Studies
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Arts in Business
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Bachelor of Arts in English Education
Bachelor of Arts in Science Education
Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Learning
Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies
Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies Secondary Education
Bachelor of Science in Science Education
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Missions

Most of these degrees require 120-130 semester hours of study. Each program provides a broad base of knowledge and experience for the student who wishes to enter immediately into ministry and a strong foundation for entrance into graduate study.

Associate Degrees

The university offers three associate degrees with majors in Divinity, General Studies, and Music. The 60-66 semester hours required for associate degrees include training in most phases of the work of ministry in the local church and are tailored for the student who wishes to invest only two years of training in the chosen field.

BUF Foundational Curriculum

BUF has developed foundational curriculum in the General Education and Biblical/Theological areas of study to provide a foundation for the following degree programs. Each degree program requires 33 hours of General Education Foundation and 12 hours of Biblical/Theological Foundation in addition to each degree’s specific requirements. The foundational curriculum is listed below.

BUF General Education Foundation Competencies Outcomes

Student Learning Outcome 1: Reading

By the end of the General Education Foundation, the student will be able to do the following:

interpret the meaning of key terms (IG: IIb, IIc)
recognize the primary purpose of a passage (IG: IIb, IIc)
recognize explicitly presented information (IG: IIb, IIc)
make appropriate inferences (IG: IIb, IIc)
recognize rhetorical devices (IG: IIb, IIc)

Student Learning Outcome 2: Writing

By the end of the General Education Foundation, the student will be able to do the following:

recognize the most grammatically correct revision of a clause, sentence or group of sentences (IG: IIb, IIc)
organize units of language for coherence and rhetorical effect (IG: IIb, IIc)
recognize and reword figurative language (IG: IIb, IIc)
organize elements of writing into larger units of meaning (IG: IIb, IIc)
write accurate transitions from paragraph to paragraph (IG: IIb, IIc)
use accurately a designated format (MLA, APA, or Turabian) (IG: IIb, IIc)
develop a thesis statement (IG: IIa, IIb, IIc)
support assertions with citations and references (IG: IIa, IIb, IIc)

Student Learning Outcome 3: Communication

By the end of the General Education Foundation, the student will be able to do the following:

identify various types of audiences (IG: IIb, IIc, IId)
use information technology platforms to present data and information (IG: IIa, IIb, IIc)
give a speech that uses accurate grammar in standard American English (IG: IIb, IIc)
give a speech that is coherent and purposeful (IG: IIb, IIc)

Student Learning Outcome 4: Critical Thinking

By the end of the General Education Foundation, the student will be able to do the following:

distinguish between rhetoric and argumentation in a piece of nonfiction prose (IG: IIa, IIb, IIc)
recognize assumptions and fallacies (IG: IIa, IIb, IIc)
recognize the best hypothesis to account for information presented (IG: IIa, IIb, IIc)
infer and interpret a relationship between variables (IG l: IIa, IIb, IIc)
draw valid conclusions based on relevant information and sources (IG: IIa, IIb, IIc)

GENERAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Communications (9 hours)

ENG 151. Introduction to College Composition (3 hours)
ENG 152. Intermediate College Composition (3 hours)
COM 200. Introduction to Speech Communication (3 hours)

Humanities/Fine Arts (3 hours)

HUM 101. Appreciation of the Arts OR
HUM. 102. Applied Humanities OR
HUM 103. The Humanities: Ancient to Medieval OR
HUM 104. The Humanities: Renaissance to Twentieth Century OR
Any ensemble, any applied music course by audition: MT 100, MU 330, MU 201, MU 303 (3 hours)

Literature (3 hours)

ENG 221. Survey of World Literature OR
ENG 222. Survey of American Literature I OR
ENG 226. Survey of American Literature II OR
ENG 223. Survey of British Literature I OR
ENG 227. Survey of British Literature II OR
ENG 224. Survey of Christian Literature (3 hours)

Mathematics (3 hours)

MA 130. Business Mathematics OR equivalent OR higher (according to major) (3 hours)

History (6 hours)

HI 211. Western Civilization: Earliest Times to 1700 AND
HI 212. Western Civilization: 1700 to Present OR
HI 223. American History: Age of Exploration to Reconstruction AND
HI 224. American History: Reconstruction to Present OR
MH 403. Music History and Literature: Antiquity to Baroque AND
MH 404. Music History and Literature: Classical to Twentieth Century (according to major) (6 hours)

Science (3 hours)

SCI 201. Introduction to Biological Science OR
SCI 202. Introduction to Earth Science OR
SCI 203. Physical Science OR
SCI 204. Introduction to Chemistry

Psychology (3 hours)

PSY 201. General Psychology (3 hours)

Technology (3 hours)

IT 202. Information Technology Applications OR
EDU 2040. Information Technology for Educators OR
MU 202. Basic Technology for Worship Ministry OR
MUE 360. Technology for the Music Classroom: K-12 (according to major) (3 hours)

TOTAL: 33 SEM/HOURS

BUF Biblical/Theological Foundation Outcomes

Upon completion of the Biblical/Theological Foundation, students shall demonstrate foundational knowledge and comprehension of the following:

SLO 1: The message of the Bible, focusing on main teachings, interpretation, progression of God’s work of salvation beginning in the Old Testament and culminating in the New Testament, and application to present-day life; the context of Scripture, focusing on the places, cultures, and peoples of the Bible; the biblical texts as literature in terms of canon, genres, authors, audiences, dates, and occasions. (Institutional Outcomes: I, IIa, IIb, IIc, IIg)

SLO 2: The essential disciplines required for spiritual health, personal discipleship, and personal disciple-making. (Institutional Outcomes: I, IIa, IIb, IIc, IIg)

SLO 3: The essential doctrine, understanding, skills, and practice required for fruitful personal evangelism through local churches and in various missions settings. (Institutional Outcomes: I, IIa, IIb, IIc, IIg)

SLO 4: The theology of God’s nature as the God who saves and pursues the lost, the biblical and historical foundations that demonstrate this truth, and the practice and skills needed to join God in His mission to the world. (Institutional Outcomes: I, IIa, IIb, IIc, IIg)

BIBLICAL/THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

BF 101. Old Testament Survey (3 hours)
BF 103. New Testament Survey (3 hours)
EV 201. Personal Evangelism (3 hours)
SF 101. Spiritual Formation (3 hours)
MI 202. Introduction to Christian Missions (3 hours)

TOTAL: 15 SEM/HOURS