Academic Policies

All academic policies in this bulletin apply to University College students. (See pages 53-77.) The normal class load is 12 hours per semester.

Web-based courses.Students taking courses designated as web-based will need to have access to the internet and access to appropriate computer equipment on a regular basis in order to complete these courses. Students must make sure that their internet connections and equipment are reliable. They are responsible for communicating with the professor to insure continuing participation in the course should lapses in their internet service occur.

Assessment Program. Belmont University is committed to assessment of all programs as a means of assuring quality and identifying possibilities for improvement. A variety of means are utilized in the effort to measure achievement of program goals.

As a means of personal and program assessment, all Liberal Studies students will maintain a portfolio of key papers, projects, and course assignments completed as part of the academic program. This portfolio may include the convocation portfolio. This portfolio, or a copy of materials in the portfolio, will be filed with the Office of Adult Degree Programs to be used for purposes of program assessment.

Awards and Honors, Honor Societies, Campus Organizations

Like all undergraduate students at Belmont University, degree-seeking University College students are eligible for campus awards, for membership in honor societies (if requirements are met), and for participation in campus organizations. Three organizations have been founded specifically for non-traditional students:

Pinnacle is a non-traditional honor society that recognizes and encourages excellence in non-traditional education; promotes the development of leadership ability and character in its members; and fosters, disseminates, and improves non-traditional education through appropriate service and leadership projects. Membership includes students who are 25 years of age or older, are within three semesters of graduation, have at least a 3.0 GPA within their class, and are active in one campus organization, one campus activity, and one community organization.

Belmont ELECT includes students 25 and over who meet regularly to promote fellowship and provide support in balancing study, work, and family schedules.

Liberal Studies Advisory Council is sponsored by the Director of Liberal Studies Program. This council, which includes only students in the Liberal Studies program, makes recommendations regarding the program to the Director.

Convocation

All degree-seeking University College students are required to participate in the convocation program required of all students seeking undergraduate degrees. Students who transfer credit from previous study should consult The Guide for specific requirements. Students will have the option of completing any convocation requirements necessary by participating in the programs offered by Belmont University and/or by submitting a portfolio documenting participation in the categories listed. Guidelines for the portfolio option are available from the Office of Adult Degree Programs.

Transfer from Adult Degree Programs to Traditional Programs

The University College of Belmont University, in conjunction with other colleges of the university, offers the following degrees for working adults: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies, Professional Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in business administration, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing for registered nurses. Students enrolled in the University College who choose to transfer to another college of the university will be subject to tuition rates of the new college. Additionally, they will be required to pay the difference between current tuition rates for the University College and the college to which the student is transferring for all credits earned at Belmont while enrolled in the University College*.

*Students with special "hardship" circumstances may appeal for relief from the tuition policy for transfers between colleges. Such appeals should be directed to the Dean of the University College who will decide the appeal based on criteria established with the university Provost.