Student Handbook
Contents Welcome About us Mission Memorandum of Understanding 1 Doctrinal Statement 2 Students 3 Entrance Requirements 4 Attendance 5 Dress and Appearance 6 Code of Conduct 7 The Student s Pastor 8 Fees 9 Examinations 10 Use of Library 11 Courses Student Acknowledgement Statement Student Fees Agreement Adoption of Student Handbook 2 2
Welcome Welcome to! It is a privilege and a joy to have you study God s Word at a theological level in a manner that honours God in your life. We trust that you take full advantage and derive maximum benefit from your time at. Our prayer for you is that you grow academically, become a spiritually mature follower of our Lord Jesus Christ and be an effective witness for Him as you share with others His Gospel, the Word of truth that brings salvation! Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 In His service, for His kingdom, for His glory God bless 3 3
About Us is an evangelical non-denominational Christian college that places God s Word, our compass, at the center of life and ministry according to 2 Tim. 3:16: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Because we believe that God has given us His Word to live His way in true worship and to enjoy genuine fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ, our philosophy at Compass is that we study the Bible responsibly and faithfully, with the prayer that God will use it to build godly lives that are better equipped to bear witness to Christ academically, personally and practically. Hence our motto: Pointing you to Christ and His Word. Mission The main aim of is to provide biblically based theological education that facilitates both academic and spiritual growth. It is our prayer that God will enable Compass to reach as many Christians in as many communities and suburbs as possible, as He works to use Bible training as a key to transforming lives in these communities for the glory of Christ s name and the extension of His kingdom! In Hosea 4:6, God Himself says, My people perish for a lack of knowledge. Therefore, we at Compass take Jesus command in Matthew 28:19-20 very seriously, Make disciples teaching them to obey everything I command We see the increasing demand for educating Christians for Christ with biblical truth and we aim to meet this need through high quality affordable theological education. It is our desire to see every student become spiritually mature and be a witness for Jesus in their own contexts of work, home, sports, commuting, etc! It will always remain our privilege to teach you wherever you are, so that you may better serve Christ by teaching others! 4 4
Memorandum of Understanding To whom this understanding may concern (CBC) kindly requests that our following general policies are taken under advisement: 1. CBC is non-denominational and shall educate Christians from all Christian denominations, but shall remain evangelical in its theology. 2. CBC is not in competition with other Bible Colleges, universities or churches that are operating simultaneously with regards to theological education. 3. CBC does not have in mind to draw away potential students from other similar academic institutions. 4. By CBC partnering with academic or theological institutions and churches (to run classes), we are not aligning ourselves to their theologies and governance, nor are we endorsing them. As such, CBC shall remain an independent institution. 5. CBC will offer both unaccredited and accredited courses and programs depending on the needs of enrolling students. For His kingdom God bless 5 5
1 Doctrinal Statement holds to the following common teachings of Scripture: 1.1 We believe in God the Father, the divine Creator and Ruler of all things, who exists eternally in Holy Trinity. He sustains everything for His glory. 1.2 We believe in God the Son, Jesus Christ, the uncreated Saviour born of the Virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit, and who became fully man while remaining fully God, yet was sinless. Salvation is by faith in Him alone through His once for all sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. Upon His bodily resurrection, He ascended into heaven, from where He will come again to judge sinners to eternal judgement and save those He has reconciled to the Father to eternal life. 1.3 We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who is responsible for the conviction of sin and regeneration of believers, who is received at their conversion, and who remains a guarantee of their salvation. It is God s Spirit who sanctifies the believer and empowers the Church with spiritual gifts for ministry and a life that glorifies Christ in its witness. 1.4 We believe in the Word of God, Holy Scripture, which is the complete written revelation from God, made up of 66 canonical books. It is inspired by God, inerrant and remains sufficient to lead humanity to salvation. Both Old and New Testaments instruct us in our Christian lives. It is the Gospel of Christ that Christians proclaim to all nations. Scripture is our final authority and normative rule for Christian faith, life and doctrine. The word evangelical means to form one s religious belief system correctly from Scripture alone, believing that it is God s Word. Thus, every Christian should be an evangelical. 1.5 We believe that the Church is made up of those whom God has saved to be His own people through Christ s person and work on the cross. Thus, every Christian submits to Christ as the Head of the Church as we eagerly await the blessed hope of heaven. 6 6
1.6 We believe that mankind, although once created good in God s image, is now a fallen race that is spiritually dead, being ruined with a sinful nature and a marred image of God, and thus remaining under the wrath of God and in dire need of forgiveness and redemption through the cross of Christ alone. 1.7 We believe that the sacraments of water baptism and the Lord s Supper are ordinances that the Lord Jesus expects genuine born again believers to observe, declaring that we belong to Him, but they are not in themselves a means of salvation. 2 Students 2.1 All students that are successfully admitted to study at CBC will be accepted regardless of Christian denomination (barring Christian cults), race, culture, natural gender, language, physical disability or level of formal education (only applicable where required by government). 2.2 All students at organization will be issued with a student handbook with regards to rules and regulations. 2.3 All students are accountable and answerable to the principal and the rest of the faculty. 2.4 All students must submit to the discipline of the principal and relevant faculty on all matters. 2.5 Students must abide by the following procedure regarding discipline: First offense: verbal warning. Second offense: written warning. Third offense: immediate dismissal. 2.6 The board of directors has the right to issue the final ruling regarding the following: 7 7
On the admission, discipline, retention or dismissal of students. On all decisions that cannot be resolved between students and the faculty, and/or the principal. 3 Entrance Requirements 3.1 There are no formal requirements for night school, except the following: Relevant fees. 3.2 The following governmental academic requirements shall apply for day school: Matric Certificate (certified copy). Mature Age Exemption (where applicable). Recognition of Prior Learning (where applicable). 3.3 The following must be handed in to the registrar of CBC on registration day of day school: A completed application form (with requested attachments). Identity document (certified copy). A recent passport-size colour photo. Relevant fees. 8 8
4 Attendance 4.1 For day school, all students are to be punctual and attend all morning devotions, classes/lectures, daily scheduled meetings, seminars, tests and exams prepared specifically for students of CBC. 4.2 All students are required to complete all daily classes until the end of the day before leaving CBC. 4.3 Absence will only be granted under the following conditions: Sickness (flu virus, tummy bug, food poisoning, etc). Hospitalization due to serious illness or surgery. Students are required to produce a doctor s note for two or more days of absence arising from sickness. Emergencies arising before or during the commencement of daily classes. Students are responsible for seeing relevant lecturers to remain up to date with missed course work, tests or exams. 4.4 Any unexcused absence will result in: Verbal warning (first offence). Written warning (second offence). Meeting with student and their pastor (third offence). Immediate dismissal (fourth offence). 4.5 Any student missing a total of six or more lectures in any given academic term will not be allowed to complete the course or write the said final exam. The said student must repeat the course (paying again the said course fees) and will not be allowed to graduate with their class. However, the student will be allowed to receive credit for any test and assignments for that course. 9 9
5 Dress and Appearance 5.1 All students must be modestly and neatly attired in the dress code of their choice. 5.2 Ungodly attire that does not honour the Lord will not be tolerated (e.g. revealing clothing that causes fellow believers to stumble, etc). 5.3 Clothing items such as vests and low cut shorts are unacceptable, even during hot days. 6 Code of Conduct 6.1 All students are required to conduct themselves in a godly manner in accordance with the highest moral standards of God s Word. 6.2 All students engaged in a relationship (i.e. dating or marriage) must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner as a matter of Christian witness to fellow students. 6.3 Questionable conduct (e.g. ungodly behaviour) will not be tolerated. Offending students will be advised accordingly by the dean of students, or relevant members of the faculty. 10 10
6.4 Cheating in tests and exams, copying another students work, or plagiarism of an author s work will not be tolerated, as this constitutes purposeful deception. This will result in a zero grade in the area of offence. If the student wishes to redo the test, exam or assignment in question, the offending student must apply in writing to lecturer of that course. The penalty for such an offence shall include the following: Verbal warning (first offence). Written warning and a notification to the student s pastor (second offence). Immediate dismissal (third offence) Upon the first two offences, the student will accept an automatic 10% grade deduction in the said area of the course. 6.5 With regards to settling disputes between two or more students, or between students and their lecturers, this matter may be settled in a meeting by the dean of academics. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, the principal will preside and both the students and lecturers in question shall accept a final ruling from him. 6.6 Students who resort to violence, theft or abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and will constitute as grounds for immediate dismissal from CBC. 6.7 Every student must agree to sign an agreement form acknowledging that he/she agrees to abide by the rules and regulations that are stated in the policy and procedures handbook and the student handbook. 6.8 All offences will be recorded in the student s file for purposes of accountability and clear communication. 6.9 In the interest of fairness, the offending student shall retain the right to defend his/her case before the final decision is taken by the faculty and/or principal. 11 11
7 The Student s Pastor 7.1 CBC shall maintain a regular professional relationship with the student s pastor for purposes of accountability for the duration of the student s study at CBC. 8 Fees 8.1 All students are required to pay the following compulsory student fees: A once-off annual registration fee for night and day schools (non-refundable). This is payable on registration day. A once-off annual seminar fee (non-refundable). This is payable on registration day. Tuition fees per course/per term for night school. This is payable on the first day of each term. Tuition fees for all courses per term for day school. The total year s fees are payable in four equal amounts on the first day of each term, respectively. 8.2 All fees for the course offered for that term at night school must be paid in full on the first day of classes. Any outstanding fees must be paid in full by the second week of classes. If fees are not paid in full by the said deadline, the student cannot continue with the course in question and will forfeit 50% of the said course tuition already paid. The same applies when a student, 12 12
for whatever reason, voluntarily wishes to discontinue the course within the first two weeks. 8.3 If a student wishes to discontinue the night course any time after the first two weeks, all funds received from said student will be considered forfeit. 8.4 All term fees for courses offered at day school must be paid in full on the first day of that that term. If that term s fees are not paid in full by the end of that first week (i.e. Friday), the student will not be permitted to continue with the term or write the final exams for any of the courses taken in that particular term. Unless outstanding fees are settled, the student in question will not be allowed to resume their studies in the next term. 8.5 If a student, for whatever reason, wishes to voluntarily discontinue a day course within the first week of any term of that particular academic year of the said course, then they will forfeit 50% of the said course tuition already paid for that term. If a student wishes to discontinue a day course at any time after the first week of the any term of that particular academic year, all funds already received from said student will be considered forfeit, and the student will be liable to pay their outstanding fees for that particular term of the academic year. 8.6 Furthermore, any discontinuance of courses by students after the second week of any term, will result in a cancellation of any discounted fees or reduction thereof, and the student in question will be liable for the full advertised amount of the said course. 8.7 Students will not be given their course grades or allowed to graduate if their fees are not paid in full. Any outstanding fees will not be carried over for the following term and must be settled within the first week of that term. 8.8 All students must note, that they are not guaranteed passing all courses on the basis of the partial or full payment of fees. Passing of courses will be determined by the student s total academic results in each course. 8.9 Students paying their yearly fee in full for day school at any time in the first academic term will receive a 10% reduction of their total tuition fees for that year, excluding registration and seminar fees. 8.10 Any current student who refers another student who successfully enrols at day school will receive a 10% reduction of their total tuition fees for that year, excluding registration and seminar fees, provided that the enrolled student pays settles their tuition fee for the enrolling term for that particular academic 13 13
year. This referral incentive is limited to only one referral per student per year. The incentive programme is renewable each year. 8.11 In the event of a current student settling their student fees in full in the first academic term and, in addition, refers a successfully enrolled student, will receive a 10% reduction of their total tuition fees and a further 10% on the remaining fees for that year. No more than a 20% tuition reduction will be granted to any one student who fulfils these requirements. 8.12 All passing matriculates enrolling at Compass the year following their matriculation automatically qualifies for a 10% student tuition sponsorship for any of our full-time day school courses. In this case, the said student will be entitled to a further 10% early settlement incentive, but not the student referral incentive, as each student can only be granted a maximum of 20% tuition reduction for any given academic year. 8.13 As a mandatory requirement, every student must sign an agreement form that acknowledges that he/she or their guardian/parent is responsible for the payment of his/her fees. 9 Examinations 9.1 Students need a minimum of 40% to pass final exams. 9.2 Students need a minimum of 50% overall to pass the module. 9.3 Students must obtain a minimum of 40% to qualify to write final exams of any module. 9.4 Final exams shall not be more than two hours in duration. 14 14
9.5 To qualify for a re-write of final exams, students need a minimum of 40% on the first exam of any module and a minimum of 45% overall. 9.6 Marking standards are as follows: D = 75-100% (Distinction) P = 50-74% (Pass) F/S = 40-49% (Fail with option to supplement) F = 0-39% (Fail with no option to supplement) 9.7 Examinations rules are as follows: Apart from adequate writing materials (i.e. pen and blank paper), students are not permitted any other materials or belongings (e.g. notes, books, cell phones, etc). Some exams may permit students to use a standard Bible for the duration of the said exam, provided that the Bible is unmarked (i.e. free of personal writing, side notes, highlighting, underlined sections, or commentary). Every student must be separated and adequately situated in the exam room so as to avoid cheating. Every student must abide by the examination procedure and rules (e.g. time limit, etc). No student is permitted to exit the exam room during an exam that they are currently taking, except if they have completed the exam within the allotted time. All exams must be written on the published date. Students may write make-up exams on another day only with advance permission from their lecturer, resulting in a 10% grade reduction of the course exam in question for any reason other than personal sickness or death of a family member. Failure to write an exam without prior permission from their lecturer will result in a 0% grade for the said course exam. Any student who fails a midterm or final exam, but has enough course grades from other assessments in the said course to form a total course grade of 40% or more will be permitted to pass that course. All exams must be graded in red ink. All exam papers are collected after the time of examination by the lecturer for grading purposes. When grading is completed, all exam papers must be given to the academic dean. 9.8 CBC shall keep all graded exams and assignments of students for external moderation purposes, and are not to be returned to students. 15 15
10 Use of Library 10.1 The library is for the primary use of students and staff of CBC. 10.2 As a place of study, silence is to be observed at all times. 10.3 Shelf books may be borrowed subject to availability for a maximum period of two weeks, after which the book must be returned to the library. If the book is not in demand at the time of return, it may be renewed for a further week. 10.4 All students and staff who default on overdue books will be fined a fee of R2 per day for the first week, and R5 per day thereafter. 10.5 Reference books (identified by the letter R on the spine of the book) cannot be removed from the library, as they are for reference purposes only. Sections of these books can be photocopied at the user s expense if needed. 10.6 Students and staff may not borrow more than a total of five books at any given time. 10.7 Students who require a book for the duration of an entire term must request permission from the librarian and is subject to availability. 10.8 No student or staff is allowed to borrow a book on behalf of another person. 10.9 Borrowing a book from another person who has not yet returned the said book is not permitted, as the book is checked out in the name of that faculty or student. The book must first be returned and then checked out by the next person. 10.10 Library books may be placed on the Reserved Shelf on the request of the lecturer if there aren t enough copies for every student in one or more classes. These books are to be shared among the members of the said class with consideration of fellow classmates. The time period for borrowing said books is no more than 5 days per student. Students may only borrow one reserved book at a time. 16 16
10.11 As a matter of common etiquette, any book that is removed from a shelf for use while in the library must be put back in its original place. 10.12 Defacement, damage or abuse of library books is strictly prohibited. Offenders will be liable to the replacement of the defaced item. 10.13 Any library book that is removed from the library without being properly checked out by the librarian will be considered stolen. We encourage faculty and students to be mindful in this regard. 10.14 All library books shall be arranged according to subject for ease of browsing. 10.15 Any overdue fees must be paid to the secretary before the end of the term. Failure to do so will result in a suspension of library privileges. 10.16 In the event of a book being lost, the borrower will be liable for replacing that book with a new one at their own expense. 10.17 Library hours to be advised. 11 Courses PART-TIME Night School Explore Course Explore is a module-based unaccredited certificate programme (church-based) specifically designed for the everyday Christian who would like to advance their basic theological knowledge of 17 17
the Bible, without having to be loaded with tests, readings, assignments and exams required by accredited courses. This course includes the following modules: Explore the Bible Explore the Life of Jesus Explore the Works of the Apostles Explore the World s Creator Explore the Books of Moses Explore the Prophets Explore Salvation Explore the Christian Life Exploring Doctrine Exploring Missions and Evangelism Exploring World Religions Duration: One module per term Cost: Please see website Languages: English (Other languages TBA) Begin at the start of any term! Correspondence Course The e-learning Course is designed especially for students to study online via live lecture streaming each day, where we simulate the classroom experience face-to-face with one of our lecturers. This is the One Year Certificate Course done 100% online. Duration: One Year Cost: Please see website Languages: English (Other languages TBA) Begin at the start of any term! Lay Preachers Course This is a three-year unaccredited certificate programme (churchbased) for people in Bible teaching roles and ministries. This course includes the following modules: 18 18
Explore the Bible Explore the Life of Jesus Explore the Works of the Apostles Explore the World s Creator Explore the Books of Moses Explore the Prophets Explore Salvation Explore the Christian Life Exploring Doctrine Exploring Missions and Evangelism Exploring Hermeneutics (How to Interpret Scripture) Exploring Homiletics (How to Preach Scripture) Duration: One module per term Cost: Please see website Languages: English (Other languages TBA) Begin at the start of any term! Certificate in Theology FULL-TIME The Certificate Course is full-time! Survey the basic teachings of the Bible and Christianity in a way that firmly grounds the student in theology, while at the same time generating a greater hunger for the things of God! Duration: One Year Cost: Please see website Languages: English (Other languages TBA) Begin at the start of any term! Diploma in Theology The Diploma Course is full-time! The tools derived from this course will enable any student to gain a depth of theological understanding that goes further than our other programmes currently on offer, and will prove invaluable to the student in their growth and understanding of God and His Word. 19 19
Duration: Two Years Cost: Please see website Languages: English (Other languages TBA) Begin at the start of any term! Annually Seminars Compass will host two compulsory morning seminars annually for all our students which will be run by guest speakers and specialists in order to further benefit them, as well as local church leaders. Some seminar topics may include the following: Worship and Church Islam & Hinduism Doctrine Music and Church Pastoral Ministry Duration: Every June/November Cost: Please see website 20 20
Student Acknowledgement Statement I, (please print student name in full), hereby acknowledge that I have read and that I understand the rules and regulations of as indicated in the Student Handbook of Procedures. By signing this document, I accept it and pledge to abide by it. ID number Email Address Phone Cellphone Signature Date Witness Date Sign Student Fees Agreement I, (please print full name), hereby acknowledge that I (student/guardian/parent) am responsible for the full payment of all advertised fees owed by me to for the course/s that (please print student name in full), am/is enrolled in for each academic year. By signing this document, I (student/guardian/parent) accept this responsibility and pledge to meet all my financial requirements to as a matter of Christian integrity. ID number Email Address Phone Cellphone Signature Date Witness Date Sign 21 21
Adoption of Student Handbook The document was approved and accepted by the Board of Directors of at a meeting held on 12 January 2015. For more information please visit our official website: www.compassbiblecollege.co.za is a: - Non-Profit Organization registered with the Department of Social Development (No. 147621) - Public Benefit Organization registered with SARS (No. 930049888) 22 22