Student Life

First-Year Initiative

First-Year Initiative (FYI) is Baptist University of Florida’s plan for fostering student success. The purpose of this initiative is to equip new students with the knowledge and skills needed to complete their first year of university successfully, whether on campus or online.

The First-Year Initiative has two components:

• FYI 101. Student Success Course. Optional, but encouraged, for incoming students without post- secondary experience (including dual enrollment and/or advanced standing), this three-semester hour course is designed to equip new students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed personally, academically, and spiritually in Baptist University of Florida environment.
• Early Warning and Intervention Plan. This plan is designed to help identify students experiencing academic and other university-related difficulties placing them “at risk” of failure and provide the appropriate personnel and resources to intervene. For more information, contact the Registrar.

Bicycles and Skateboards and Rollerskating

Students are allowed to bring a bicycle. Bicycle racks are located in several areas around campus and are to be used to park bicycles. Bicycles are not allowed in the residence halls or in other university buildings. Skateboards and roller- skates may not be ridden inside of any building. Hoverboards are not permitted at any place on campus at any time.

Bulletin Boards

A bulletin board is provided in the Student Center where announcements may be posted. Announcements on these boards should be of a reasonable size. They should also be neat, dated, and relevant for the university community (students, faculty, and staff). Matters of a personal nature, such as promoting a student's personal ministry, do not belong on these bulletin boards. Announcements may not be placed in other places on campus. All posted announcements must be approved by the Office of Student Life.

Information about off-campus housing opportunities should be brought to the Housing Office, where it will be processed and added to the appropriate list. Information about ministry opportunities and jobs should be brought to the Office of Student Life for dissemination.

Counseling Services

The university offers counseling assistance through the Office of Student Life. Personal counseling is available by appointment with a Licensed Mental Health Counselor during office hours.

Students with Disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that: “No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States … shall, solely by reason of … disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Baptist University of Florida supports the integration of all qualified individuals into the programs of the university and is committed to full compliance with all laws regarding equal opportunity for all students with a disability. Students, faculty, the Provost, school deans, and various department leaders all play a joint role in ensuring equal access to campus facilities and programs. Applications for Accommodations should be submitted to Dr. Tonya Gardner or the Provost.

Application for Special Accommodations 

Definitions

An “individual with a disability” is someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more “major life activities.” Physical or mental impairments include, for example, specific learning disabilities, emotional or mental illness, blindness and visual impairments, deafness and hearing impairments, mobility impairments, and some chronic illnesses.

“Major life activity” means functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning. A person is considered to be an individual with a disability and protected by the law if he/she has the disability, has a record of having the disability, or is regarded as having the disability.

A “qualified person with a disability” means an individual who, with reasonable modifications or “accommodations” (if necessary) to rules, policies or practices, the removal of barriers or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the eligibility requirements for the receipt of services and the participation in programs or activities.

“Accommodation” refers to a change in the status quo. A “reasonable accommodation” in the student setting is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, activity or building that allows the person with a disability to participate as fully as possible in the programs and activities offered by the university.

Overview

The Office of the Provost evaluates and maintains all disability records for students with disabilities.

Students should identify themselves to the Office of the Provost to request services or accommodations. Documentation of a disability is required. All information regarding a disability is considered confidential.

After evaluation of academic records and disability documentation, the Provost or her designee will provide the student’s instructors with a message directing the approved accommodations. Faculty members are responsible for implementing accommodations directed by the Provost in a confidential manner.

The Provost and school deans ensure that faculty and students are informed about the institution’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and procedures and that faculty fulfill their roles in assisting with approved accommodations. Only the Provost has the right to waive, substitute or adjust course or degree requirements. The University Hearing Officer resolves conflicts in the provision or denial of reasonable accommodations.

Accommodation Requests

Students with disabilities are required to meet the same academic standards as other students at the university. It is only through a student’s voluntary disclosure of disability and request for accommodation that the university can support disability needs.

 Students with disabilities who wish to receive accommodations or services must officially register with the Office of the Provost. To register, the student submits the required disability documentation and formally requests services, including accommodations. A disclosure of disability or request for an accommodation made to a faculty or staff member, other than the staff of the Provost, will not be treated as a request for an accommodation.

Requests for services or accommodation should be made as early as possible to allow time to review requests and documentation and make proper arrangements. Newly accepted students with needs for disability services should report information regarding that need directly to the Office of the Provost. Accommodation arrangements may be compromised or denied if a request is not made in a timely manner. Requests for accommodation must be renewed each semester.

Documentation Requirements

Students requesting accommodations are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under ADA and Section 504.

Disability documentation must include a written evaluation from a physician, psychologist or other qualified specialist that establishes the nature and extent of the disability and includes the basis for the diagnosis and the dates of testing. The documentation must establish the current need for accommodation.

The type of documentation will vary according to the disability; for example, a psycho-educational or neuropsychological assessment that includes cognitive and achievement testing for learning or other cognitive disabilities and attention deficit disorder; a psychiatrist’s report for psychological disabilities; a letter from a doctor or other specialist for physical and most other disabilities, etc. More specific information on documentation requirements can be obtained by contacting the Provost.

Documentation may need to be updated or augmented in order to be reviewed more fully. Students who submit documentation that does not meet the guidelines will be required to submit an updated evaluation before being considered for services.

The institution reserves the right to determine eligibility for services based on the quality of the submitted documentation. All documentation is confidential.

Determining Accommodations

Appropriate documentation of the disability must be provided so that the Provost can: 1) determine the student’s eligibility for accommodation; and 2) if the student is eligible, determine appropriate academic accommodations.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the learning needs of the student, the requirements of the learning task, the course standards and essential requirements, and the educational environment.

Confidentiality

The university recognizes that student disability records contain confidential information and are to be treated as such. Therefore, documentation of a student’s disability is maintained in a confidential file in the Provost’s Office and is considered part of the student’s education record. Information related to a disability may be disclosed only with the permission of the student or as permitted by the university’s student records policy and federal law. At the same time, however, a student's right to privacy must still be balanced against the university’s need to know the information in order to provide requested and recommended services and accommodations. Therefore, in the interest of serving the needs of the student, the provision of services may involve the Provost or her staff disclosing disability information provided by the student to appropriate university personnel participating in the accommodation process.

Implementing Accommodations

Student Guidelines. A student who wishes an accommodation is responsible for submitting documentation to the Office of the Provost. The Provost’s Office is responsible for informing and instructing faculty of the action required to provide an accommodation for the student. Students are not required to divulge the nature of their disabilities or provide copies of their disability documentation to faculty or staff. Students are responsible for working directly with the faculty or staff member involved in the provision of an accommodation. Contact should be maintained throughout the semester.

Students need to provide feedback to the Provost on the effectiveness of accommodations. The Provost should be notified if an accommodation is not provided. Questions about the provision of reasonable accommodations should be directed to the Provost.

Faculty and Staff Guidelines. A faculty or staff member is responsible for the implementation of the accommodation identified in a message from the Provost. Faculty and staff must implement approved accommodations. Individually, faculty members have a legal responsibility to make sure that each course, when viewed in its entirety, is accessible. Accessibility, the primary consideration of disability law, should be in the forefront of course and technological planning. Further information on this legal obligation may be obtained from the Provost.

Faculty members are required to include a notice on the course syllabus referring students to contact the Provost if they need accommodation related to a disability.

Questions regarding the provision or appropriateness of an accommodation or related to offering a course in such a manner that disabilities are accommodated should be addressed to the Provost. Faculty questions regarding alterations to a course or program should be addressed to the Provost.

Denial of Accommodation

The university reserves the right to deny services or accommodations in the event that documentation does not comply with its published guidelines for service eligibility or documentation is out-of-date or incomplete. If the documentation provided by a student does not support the existence of a disability or the need for an accommodation, the student will be so advised. Students will be given the opportunity to supplement the initial documentation with further information from a physician, psychologist, or other specialist.

The university is not required to provide an accommodation that compromises the essential requirements of a course or program, imposes an undue financial burden based on the university’s overall institutional budget or poses a threat to the health or safety of the student or others.

Student Appeal

A student who disagrees with a determination of eligibility or accommodation is encouraged to meet with the Provost to resolve the matter informally.

A student who disputes the determination by the Provost regarding the existence of a disability or denial of an accommodation may file a written complaint with the University Hearing Officer within 30 days of the date of the Provost’s determination. The decision of the University Hearing Officer shall be final.

Students who believe that the university has discriminated against them on the basis of their disability may contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss filing a formal complaint of discrimination.

Information Requests

For additional information or questions regarding policies, procedures, and services for students with disabilities, contact the Provost.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Annual Notification

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar, Provost, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The university official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is:

1. A person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position, including health or medical staff.
2.  A person elected to the Board of Trustees.
3.  A person employed by or under contract to the university to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor.
4.  A person who is employed by the university security (law enforcement) unit.
5.  A student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or who is assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:

1. Performing a task that is specified in his or her position description or contract agreement.
2. Performing a task related to a student's education.
3. Performing a task related to the discipline of a student.
4. Providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student's family, such as health care, counseling, job placement or financial aid.
5. Maintaining the safety and security of the campus.

Upon request, the university discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

The following data is considered to be directory information and may be given to an inquirer, either in person, by mail or by telephone, and may be otherwise made public: name of student, address (both local, including email address and permanent), telephone number (both local and permanent), photograph, date and place of birth, date of registered attendance, school or division of enrollment, major field of study, nature and dates of degrees and awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams. If the inquiry is made in person or by mail, a student’s date and place of birth and signature may be confirmed.

An individual student currently enrolled may request that such directory information not be disclosed by completing a nondisclosure form which may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office and giving the completed form to the Registrar prior to the last day to register or add courses for credit.

Students with complaints about violations to student record privacy or access to records may contact the Office of the Provost.

Students also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-4605

Financial Aid

Baptist University of Florida seeks to provide students quality education at a reasonable cost. For a typical nine-month budget for a single student, living in a residence hall, with 15 semester hours per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters, click here. (These figures do not include personal expenses and transportation. Costs for married students may vary.)

The student and his/her family are expected to pay all costs. Financial aid is designed to help with the difference between what the student and his/her family can pay and the actual educational costs. Available to BUF students is a full range of state and federal aid programs, denominational scholarships, and university assistance programs. The applicant's financial need, academic achievement, community and school service, and potential achievement may be considered in determining eligibility for different programs. An extensive description of financial aid programs and resources is provided in the Financial Aid office and website.

Financial Aid Form - New Students

Financial Aid Form - Returning Students

FAFSA

Food Service

The Deese Center is open daily during the Fall and Spring semesters. Meal plans are required for residential students. Commuters and guests may purchase meals daily at the Deese.

Health Services

A doctor’s clinic is located across the street from the university. The Chipley Hospital is located approximately 15 miles from the university on Hwy 77, as well as two hospitals in nearby Dothan. Graceville has a 911 emergency service.

In case of student illness or emergencies requiring medical assistance in a classroom, the professor will notify the Provost and/or the appropriate medical facility or call 911 for assistance. When a residence hall student needs emergency medical care, the Resident Assistant of the hall will contact the appropriate medical personnel or call 911.

Every student is encouraged to enroll in and maintain enrollment in a health insurance plan in accordance with state and federal laws.

Laundry Service

Lost and Found

Items found should be turned in to the Office of Student Life.

Maintenance

Employment Opportunities

The university assists students and alumni in their pursuit of employment and ministry opportunities. Employment opportunities are found on the website under resources or at Student Career Hub at BUF.

Off Campus Housing

The Housing Office helps to provide information about available off-campus housing when available.

Parking

Parking is permitted only in designated areas on campus. All students are required to display an official university decal for any vehicle they wish to park on campus. Decals are obtained from the Registrar’s Office during regular office hours.

Tickets and Fines

Students may park in any non-designated space on campus.

Tickets will be issued for improper parking, not having a BUF parking decal properly displayed, parking in a handicap zone without the proper handicap decal displayed, driving or parking on grass, driving in the wrong direction on campus, and any other traffic violation that is observed.

These are the fines for observed violations:

First offense - $25 Fine

Second offense - $50 Fine

Third offense - $100 Fine

Any offense after the third - $100 Fine

On the third offense the student reports to the AVP of Operations and Development to receive a written reprimand that is to be placed in his/her file.

Unauthorized parking in a designated handicap parking space will be ticketed and charged a fine of $250 for the first offense. Subsequent offenses will result in a fine with the offender losing all campus parking privileges for one semester. All tickets will stay in a student’s file for one year.

Appeal Process

Any person who believes his/her vehicle has been ticketed in error without cause may appeal. All appeals must be made to the AVP of Operations and Development within five (5) business days of the date appearing on the citation or the right to appeal is forfeited. All appeals must be in writing.

Parking Recreational Vehicles

No recreational vehicles are to be parked in the housing areas or at any place other than that designated by the school.

Socializing

BUF encourages Christian fellowship in the university family. When socializing during evening hours, students are asked to take appropriate precautions for everyone's safety and well-being. Although there is no curfew, BUF discourages socializing after midnight.

Student Mailboxes

The student boxes are for students living in residence halls only. They are located in the Student Center just outside the President’s Conference Room. The boxes are used to deliver U. S. mail, and students need to check their boxes several times each week. Student mailboxes are assigned by the Housing Office.

Testing at BUF

Students at BUF will encounter several kinds of tests that are used for a number of different purposes. One such test is the classroom variety which includes daily quizzes, sectionals, mid-terms, and finals which must be passed to gain university credit in the courses taken. Other tests include program evaluation assessments. It may be observed that testing at BUF is varied, but each test serves a specific purpose. Behind the testing is an attempt to offer students the best possible opportunity to succeed in the shortest possible time. Placement testing makes possible arrangements for special help. Testing also opens sources of financial aid to our student body that would be otherwise unavailable.

Teacher Education Tests

To enroll in professional and elementary education courses of the Teacher Education Program (TEP) of Baptist University of Florida, a student must have earned 50 hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better and must have passed the General Knowledge section of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE).

Additionally, students enrolled in teacher education certification programs must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE). As well as complete the education internships. Graduation requirements for Teacher Education Majors are located in the Academic Catalog.

Nursing Tests

To be admitted into the Nursing program, students must pass the ATI TEAS test. The cost of this test and the preparation for all nursing testing is covered by the student through fees. Nursing courses may also require additional fees. Please refer to the Academic Catalog for appropriate fees and when they are due.

Program Evaluations

In an attempt to evaluate institutional effectiveness, program coordinators, together with the Office of Institutional Effective and the Provost, have designed a series of evaluations based on a collective list of competencies drawn from the General Education Foundation, the Biblical/Theological Foundation, and each of the academic programs. The evaluations were designed to assess student learning during and after completion of the chosen program of studies.

Ultimately, evaluations are intended to reveal strengths and weaknesses in curriculum and instruction and facilitate learning. Evaluation results will be used to assist the faculty and administration in strengthening academic programs and in seeking ways to better prepare students for their chosen fields of ministry. Graduating seniors are required to participate in the exit interviews.