LEADS Policy Manual
For almost 100 years Toccoa Falls College has been training leaders for ministry in and to the world. The school began in 1907 as an institute in Golden Valley, NC, providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged young people in the South. After moving four years later to its present site at Toccoa Falls, it continued to develop, eventually initiating a four-year Bible college program in 1937. It was authorized by the state of Georgia to become a degree-granting college in 1939, and in 1957 it was accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (formerly the AABC). Regional accreditation was granted by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1983.
Through the years thousands of students have come to TFC for a quality educational experience that "uniquely integrates biblical truth, academic excellence and intentional spiritual formation within a caring Christian community." These students have been equipped to be "Christian servant-leaders who will impact their world with the love and message of Jesus Christ." Today the sun never sets on the alumni as they serve the Lord in various occupations and ministries literally around the world.
Rising to the new opportunities presented by the development of online education, TFC is expanding its outreach to students via the internet. It desires to make its unique blending of biblical truth, academic excellence, and spiritual formation available to those who seriously desire to complete a college degree but are unable to relocate to our campus because of present employment or family responsibilities.
Program Overview
The TFC LEADS Program is designed for adults who:
- Desire to be trained in leadership to become more influential for the Kingdom in their chosen professions.
- Have a goal of attaining an accredited bachelor's degree from a Christian college.
- Are willing to undertake a rigorous program of study that requires motivation and self-discipline.
- Have already completed a total of 72 hours of undergraduate studies including the fulfillment of a core of general education courses and basic Bible courses. (for exceptions see admission requirements below)
- Are unable to attend the residential program of Toccoa Falls College.
This program enables you to take individual classes in five-week modules. The classes are asynchronous, which means that you can go online at any time, day or night. You fit your class time around your work and family responsibilities. You will benefit from the personal attention of your professor in small classes, and you will grow from your interaction with others in the class. You will be able to make practical application of new skills and knowledge in your vocational and ministry environments.
Admission Requirements
Acceptance into the LEADS program follows the same general procedures and policies for admissions given in the catalog. Because this program is distance education, however, the catalog sections on joint enrollment, immunization information, check in, orientation for the Toccoa campus, and immigration procedures for international students do not apply. When filling out the form indicate that you are interested in the LEADS program so you will receive the right information from the admissions staff about the program. You will be contacted by an online admissions recruiter who specializes in helping you to understand this program.
In addition to the regular admissions policies, the following specifically apply to the LEADS program:
1. Applicants must be at least 23 years old or have been out of high school for at least five years. 2. Potential students will be permitted to enter the LEADS program and begin to take LEADS major courses with 15 unmet prerequisite credit hours. They must, however, develop a plan within the first month of enrollment on how they will meet those requirements and complete them before the final 24 major credit hours of the program. 3. Students who are currently enrolled in any of our traditional residential programs are not eligible to apply for the full LEADS program until two consecutive semesters have elapsed from the time they withdrew from the residential program. 4. Resident students may apply for and take up to twelve hours of on-line coursework, provided that it does not put them into an overload situation. The cost of these courses is not included in the flat rate semester tuition, and must be paid separately. Resident students must be registered for any on-line courses along with their resident courses by the end of the regular drop/add period for that term. NOTE: The tuition remission program for TFC dependents is valid for entry to LEADS classes depending on space available.Pre-Requisites
Completion of 72 hours is required as distributed in the following areas:
1. Humanities - 15 credit hours
ENG 113 Freshman Comp I
ENG 123 Freshman Comp II
HUM 103 Western Thought & Culture (or its equivalent)
Literature elective
Communication elective
2. Social Science - 12 credit hours
Psychology elective
History elective
6 hours social science electives
3. Math, Science, Computers - 9 credit hours
Math elective
Science elective
Computer Science elective
(Students who have not already completed a computer course may take an online computer competency test and receive three credits for a passing grade.)
4. Bible - 18 credit hours
BIB 113 Evangelism & World Perspective
BIB 213 Hermeneutics
NTE 113 Life & Revelation of Christ
NTE 123 Early Church: History & Letters
OTE 213 Law & History
OTE 223 Poetry & Prophecy
(Students who are lacking the Bible pre-requisites may apply to TFC's online Bible program, CLIMB, to make up the necessary Bible courses.) See information at the Acadimic Information Page
5. Open electives - 18 credit hours
There will be a brief online Orientation Course all students must take before beginning regular courses. Part of the orientation will involve reading a book about the history of the college.
Transfer Credit
Please consult the relevant pages in the catalog for a full explanation of the policies on evaluation of transfer credit (2008-2009 Catalog). Note that TFC does not grant credit based on experiential learning. However, credit can be validated and awarded for prior learning through several options. Up to a total of 45 semester hours may be transferred to Toccoa Falls College in any combination from the following prior learning experiences: AP, CLEP, DANTES, IB, PONSI, Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, and ICE. No more than 30 semester hours may be transferred in any one category. Only credit that is applicable to this degree completion program will be accepted. Check with the Registrar's Office and the appropriate section of the catalog for more information on these opportunities.
Grading Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress and Academic Discipline
The policies for grading are the same for the LEADS program as for the traditional residential program. You may consult the 2008-2009 Catalog for explanations. If an emergency or other extreme circumstance interrupts the completion of a course, you may request that an Incomplete be issued for a 30 day period in order to complete the course. The request for an incomplete must have the approval of the Instructor, The Director of On-Line Studies, and the Academic Dean. For procedures for Grade Appeals, please refer to the Grade Appeal Process heading at the address above.
Satisfactory academic progress standards for resident students as found in the TFC Catalog (address above) also apply to students in the LEADS program.
Student Ministry
Toccoa Falls College seeks to glorify God through preparing men and women for lives of personal fulfillment and Christian service to the church and all humanity. The Student Ministry Department desires to build on classroom learning by providing opportunities for organized and supervised ministry. Your spiritual and moral growth will be enhanced by involvement in practical Christian ministry. In your ministry assignment you should demonstrate emotional maturity, a Christian commitment with a wholesome attitude, spiritual depth, and ethical principles. Remember that you represent not only TFC in your ministry, but you are a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. You want to bring honor to the Lord and respect to the college in the performance of these ministry assignments.
For the Bachelor's degree you must successfully complete one assignment for each semester enrolled, with a maximum of four assignments. These requirements must be met in order to graduate, participate in the commencement program or receive a diploma. All ministries are graded and become part of your permanent record. You must file weekly reports of your attendance for your ministry at the Student Ministry page.
There are various opportunities for ministry. You may work with children, youth, adults, or elderly people in preaching, teaching, counseling, music, drama, and serving situations. Decisions on a particular ministry will be made on the basis of student preference, previous experience, and program requirements, with the approval of the Director of Student Ministry. Consult the Student Ministry web page for program descriptions, policies, and suggested opportunities at the Student Ministry page .
Time limits
Adult learners who have the pre-requisite 72 semester hours of transferable credit should be able to complete this bachelor's degree in two years by taking four semesters of 12 hours each and one summer school of 6 hours.
While there are no specific time limits for completing a degree in the LEADS program, over the years a number of changes in requirements may take place in accordance with developments in the discipline. Therefore, if you do not complete your degree within four consecutive years from the beginning of your first coursework (excluding pre-requisites) in this program you will not be allowed automatically to continue with the same requirements listed in the catalog when you enrolled. If program changes have been made, you will have to fulfill the requirements of the catalog then current.
Relation to Residency Programs
The TFC LEADS program is not offered in the traditional residency program as this particular major is not available on campus. For this reason, you should not plan on beginning the LEADS program online and later completing it on campus. If you later desire to attain a degree through the residency program, it would be necessary to change to another major, thus requiring many more hours to complete the requirements for the different major.
Tuition and Fees www.tfc.edu/334.html
Registration Deadline
You are encouraged to register for the full semester of courses at least one week prior to the beginning of the first course. On-line courses have a limit of 20 students per course, so it is important to complete the admissions process and registration for each term as early as possible to avoid encountering a closed course. In any case, registration at least one week prior to the beginning of a course is necessary in order to have sufficient time for books and course materials to be shipped and received.
Dropping a Course
An on-line three-credit course may be dropped from your schedule by the end of the third day of class (midnight Wednesday), with a 100% tuition refund. Dropped courses will be removed from your schedule, with a 100% tuition refund, minus the $25 drop/withdrawal fee. In order to officially drop a course, an email to the Director of On-Line Studies must be posted before midnight of the drop deadline.
Withdrawing From a Course
Withdrawals after the drop period of any course note whether you were passing or failing on the academic transcript. You may withdraw passing (WP) through the last day of class without academic penalty. You may withdraw failing (WF) through midpoint of the course without academic penalty. A withdrawal while failing after midpoint, however, will be recorded as an F on your transcript and will be calculated into your grade point average. Midpoint for all three credit-courses is the end of the third week of class (midnight Sunday).
If you withdraw within 14 days from the beginning of a course, you may be eligible for a refund of 50% of tuition, minus a withdrawal feel of $25. There will be no refund after the second full week of a course. In order to officially withdraw from a course, an email to the Director of On-Line Studies must be posted before midnight of the withdrawal deadline. Failure to notify the Director of On-Line Studies of a withdrawal will result in automatic failure of the course and forfeiture of any eligible tuition refund.
Auditing
You may audit an on-line class for $100 per credit hour. You must determine at the time of registration whether the class will be taken for credit or audit. Once the course begins, you may not change your registration from credit to audit, or from audit to credit. Audited classes receive a grade of AU.
Special (Non-degree Seeking) Students
If you do not desire to work toward a degree but would like to take an individual course or courses, you may do so by applying as a non-degree seeking student. The same policies and procedures governing regular admission to the program apply to these special students. The college furnishes grades and transcripts for courses taken. Non-degree seeking students, however, are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. In cases where a class has limited enrollment, degree-seeking students will be given preference.
Textbooks and Media Package
Textbooks and multi-media course materials can be purchased from the TFC Bookstore. Textbooks and course materials must be purchased at least 7 days prior to the first day of class to insure sufficient shipping time. There is no refund for the textbooks and course materials package.
If there is financial aid in excess of tuition and institutional costs at the end of the semester, the balance may be applied to the cost of textbooks/materials and a refund for those educational costs issued to you.
Financial Aid Procedures
If you are pursuing a degree through the LEADS program you may be able to obtain financial aid. Below are some general financial aid policies. For specifics on this program or further information, contact the OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID, (706) 886-7299, ext. 5435, or email at finaid@tfc.edu .
Financial Aid forms
TFC requires students seeking financial aid to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available from a high school guidance office, the TFC Office of Financial Aid, or on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov . You will need information from the previous year's U.S. federal income taxes to complete the FAFSA.
Priority Application Dates
You should submit the FAFSA to the federal processing center as soon after January 1 as possible for the next academic year. You must apply every year and list Toccoa Falls College on the FAFSA. The federal school code for TFC is 001596. The latest date you can submit your FAFSA in order to be eligible to receive financial aid is 30 days before the beginning of the class for which financial aid is desired.
Needs Analysis
The Federal Processing Center uses the information from the FAFSA to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The results of the application are sent to you and any colleges that were listed on the application. The college then uses the EFC in an equation to determine your financial need. The cost of attendance (tuition, housing, meals, books, etc.) minus the EFC and all financial aid equals the financial need.
Verification
Approximately thirty percent of all FAFSA applications are selected by the U.S. Department of Education for a process called verification. During this process, the Office of Financial Aid will be comparing information from your application with signed copies of Federal tax forms with W-2 forms and/or other financial documents. If there are differences between your application information and your financial documents; the office of Financial Aid may send corrections electronically, to have your application reprocessed.
Calculation and Notification of Awards
The Office of Financial Aid completes the financial aid award once it determines your financial need. The college notifies you when an award letter is ready for your confirmation. The award letter indicates the various types of financial aid that your are eligible to receive. You must review the award letter and indicate whether you accept or decline each type of financial aid. Therefore, it is important to review the information carefully to understand the exact amount and type of financial aid offered.
Federal and State Financial Aid Programs
Due to the discounted rate of tuition for the LEADS Program, financial aid options are limited. No institutional scholarships or grants will be offered. The following types of financial aid are offered under this online program:
Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Students do not have to repay a Federal Pell Grant. The award for the 2005-2006 academic year ranges from $400 to $2,025 per semester. The amount of the award is based on the cost of attendance, the EFC and enrollment status (full-time or part-time).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFCs will be the first to get FSEOG. Just like Pell Grants, FSEOG does not have to be paid back.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
The subsidized loan is a low-interest student loan, funded by a private lender and awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government does not charge interest on subsidized loans while borrowers are enrolled at an eligible school at least half-time. The federal government pays the interest to the lender until the borrower begins repayment. The Office of Financial Aid awards subsidized loans based on financial need. The maximum amount a student may borrow in any single year as a subsidized loan is equal to the cost of attendance minus the sum of all forms of financial aid already awarded minus the EFC, not to exceed the limits outlined below. Once the borrower begins repayment of the loan, interest charges will start accruing.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
The unsubsidized loan is a low-interest loan for students who do not meet the financial-need criteria for a subsidized loan. The Office of Financial Aid may award unsubsidized loans based on the cost of attendance. The federal government does not make interest payments for the borrower. The borrower is responsible for all interest charges on the loan, which is funded by a private lender. The lender charges interest to the borrower from the time the lender disburses the loan until the student pays it in full. The maximum a student may borrow in a single year is equal to the cost of attendance minus the sum of all forms of financial aid already awarded, not to exceed the limits outlined below.
Stafford Loan Amounts and Limits
Eligible students enrolled at least half-time may qualify for a federal Stafford loan. Dependent students can borrow up to $2,625 per year for freshmen, $3,500 per year for sophomores and $5,500 per year for levels juniors and seniors. The cumulative maximum for dependent students is $23,000. The maximum amount independent students, or dependent students whose parents are not eligible for a PLUS loan, can borrow is $6,625 (up to $2,625 of this as subsidized) per year for freshmen, $7,500 (up to $3,500 of this as subsidized) for sophomores, and $10,500 (up to $5,500 of this as subsidized) for juniors and seniors. The cumulative maximum for independent students, or dependent students whose parents are not eligible for a PLUS loan, is $46,000 (up to $23,000 of this as subsidized). The interest rate varies, but will not exceed 8.25%. Repayment begins six months after a student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment. The processing fee for Stafford loans is up to 4%, depending on the lender.
Federal Plus (Parent) Loan
A parent of a dependent student enrolled at least half-time is eligible to apply for a PLUS loan. The parent applying for the loan must also be a citizen or resident of the United States, pass a credit check, and not be in default or owe a refund to any student financial assistance program. Repayment begins within 60 days after the lender disburses the final portion of the loan. The yearly limit on a PLUS loan is equal to the cost of attendance minus the sum of all other forms of financial aid already awarded. The interest rate is variable but will not exceed 9.0% and begins to accrue as soon as the lender disburses the loan. The processing fee is up to 4%, depending on the lender.
Hope Scholarship
The Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE) Scholarship program provides scholarships to eligible Georgia residents who attend an approved college or university in Georgia. Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens for Title IV funds, be 1996 or later graduates of an eligible high school with a "B" average in the core curriculum, and meet HOPE's Georgia residency requirement. Certain other conditions apply. The award amount for the 2005-2006 academic year is $1,500 per semester for full-time attendance. For students attending part-time for a semester (less than twelve credit hours and greater than or equal to six credit hours), the award amount is $750 per semester. However, HOPE funding discontinues after 127 attempted credit hours.
Students who will be receiving the HOPE Scholarship for full-time attendance must be full-time (enrolled for a minimum of 3 credit hours for each of the four modules per semester). The student cannot withdraw from any of the modules during the two weeks after the drop/add period for each module. Students who will be receiving the HOPE Scholarship for part-time attendance must be enrolled at least half-time (enrolled for a total of at least 6 combined credit hours from any of the four modules per semester). The student cannot withdraw during the two weeks after the drop/add period from any of the modules used in calculating the half-time enrollment status.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants (GTEG)
The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) program provides grants to eligible Georgia residents who attend an approved private college in Georgia. Students must be U.S. citizens or classified as permanent resident aliens, as well as legal residents of Georgia, as defined by the Georgia Student Finance Authority, for a minimum of twelve consecutive months immediately preceding check-in day. Students must enroll full-time in an undergraduate program. Certain other conditions apply. The award for the 2005-2006 academic year is $450.00 per semester.
Students who will be receiving the GTEG for full-time attendance must be full-time (enrolled for a minimum of 3 credit hours for each of the four modules per semester). The student cannot withdraw from any of the modules during the two weeks after the drop/add period for each module.
The Maximum Time Limit for Financial Aid Recipient
To ensure a student is making satisfactory academic progress, a maximum time frame has been established for a student to complete the online degree program. The U.S. Department of Education has established that the time frame cannot exceed 150% of the published length of the program. For instance, the published length of the online degree program is 126 credit hours, so the maximum period must not exceed 189.0 (126.0 x 150%) attempted credit hours. A student will not be eligible to receive financial aid after 189.0 attempted credit hours.
Spiritual Formation
The ideal of servant leadership was set forth by the example of Christ in the words of Paul, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). This is an important reminder that your participation in the LEADS program concerns more than yourself. You will become part of a learning community. Your progress toward intellectual, social, and spiritual maturity will necessarily involve personal interaction not only with your instructor but with other students taking the classes along with you.
Besides your association with other students in the class, accountability and interaction with other believers are essential components in the development of your spiritual formation. The biblical pattern of the first believers was to come together for corporate worship, fellowship, instruction, prayer and ministry. Since church involvement is an integral part of one's spiritual formation process, TFC requires students to attend a gathered worship service each week plus one other church gathering (Sunday School, mid-week service, Sunday evening service, church small group, etc.) during the week.
The Office of Student Affairs provides a "Church Accountability" form that you should fill out at the end of each course to report church attendance. This form is available online. Students with questions regarding the church attendance policy should address them to the Office of Student Affairs.
Be considerate of one another. You will have opportunity to evaluate the belief structures and convictions of those whose perceptions may be different from yours. These differences will force you to examine your own worldview and encourage you to base your convictions on solid interpretation of Scripture. Your viewpoints may be helpful in encouraging others to do the same. Remember that the goal of interaction is to build up one another, not to tear down.
You may also be stretched by having to deal with tough questions and issues. By showing respect for each other's opinions and concern for each other's struggles all of you can further the dynamic process of growth in your spiritual and intellectual development.
Participation in this community also calls for the highest standards of academic integrity. Your commitment to this community of scholars precludes all forms of cheating, fraud, or dishonesty. This includes presenting the work of others as your own, plagiarism, inappropriate use of material when taking tests, misrepresentation of facts, etc.
The college also provides the opportunity for you to be challenged by the speakers in the same regular chapel services our residential students enjoy. You can attend via the internet by clicking on the "Chapel Services" button on the homepage of our online programs at http://online.tfc.edu .
As the Handbook for residential students states, "We want to be a community where ‘character is developed with intellect.' This means that your spiritual development is not just one aspect of your TFC education, but that it is the heart of your experience...." This is true even for online students.
Graduation
In preparation for graduation, you must complete the online Application for Graduation one full year prior to the semester of anticipated graduation. For example, if you plan to graduate in May, you need to apply for graduation during the registration for the spring semester the year before.
Toccoa Falls College holds commencement ceremonies in May and December. LEADS graduates may participate in the commencement program which follows the certification of all graduation requirements, including:
- A minimum grade of C- for each course in the major
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.000 for all courses taken through TFC
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.000 for all Bible courses
- Taking the Bible and Doctrine Examination during final semester or summer
- Satisfactory completion of four student ministry assignments
- All financial obligations fulfilled
LEADS students are eligible for graduation honors. All coursework and graduation requirements must be completed in order to participate in the Commencement program. If you desire to participate in the commencement ceremonies, you will need to order a cap and gown through the college bookstore. You will then purchase your cap and gown after the ordered merchandise arrives.
The registrar's office will contact all graduating students during the semester immediately preceding the commencement program with line-up lists and instructions for participation in the program. The college releases certificates and transcripts only to students who meet all financial obligations to the college.
B.S. in Ministry Leadership major
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Bible & Theology - 12 hours SYT 313 God & Redemption SYT 323 Church: Its Truth & Destiny Bible electives - 6 hoursChristian Education Core - 15 hours CED 113 Educational Ministries of the Church CED 383 Organization and Administration of Christian Education CED 353 Small Groups in the Church CED 423 History and Philosophy of Christian Education CED 463 Spiritual FormationMinistry Leadership Specialization - 27 hours LIM 233 Biblical Foundations of Leadership LIM 313 Ministry Leadership and Society LIM 323 Leadership and Management Theory LIM 333 Leadership Communication LIM 413 Strategies For Leadership Development LIM 423 Change, Conflict, and Org Culture (curr offered as CEO 443) LIM 433 Leadership Formation (Curr offered as CEO 453 Leadership Dev) LIM 473 Leadership in Ministries Internship I LIM 483 Leadership in Ministries Internship II |
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Total 126 hours |
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Degree Completion Major - 54 hours |
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I. Bible & Theology - 18 hours BEV 112 Principles of Evangelism BIB 213 Hermeneutics BMI 101 World Perspective NTE 113 Life and Revelation of Christ NTE 123 Early Church: History & Letters OTE 213 Law & History OTE 223 Poetry & ProphecyII. Humanities - 15 hours ENG 113 Freshman Composition I ENG 123 Freshman Composition II Literature elective - 3 hours Communication elective - HUM103 Western Thought & CultureIII. Social Science - 12 hours Psychology elective - 3 hours History elective (HIS) - 3 hours Social Science elective - 6 hoursIV. Math, Science, Computers - 9 hrs Math elective - 3 hours Computer Science elective - 3 hours Science elective - 3 hoursV. Electives - 18 hours Pre-requisites - 72 hours |
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Leadership In Ministries On-Line Degree Completion Major Program Total: 126 hours Outcome Goals for Ministry Leadership Major The Ministry Leadership Major provides training for men and women specializing in church and Para church vocations relating to leadership and leadership development. Students who successfully complete this major will demonstrate: 1. Intellectual knowledge of the foundations of ministry leadership. 2. Skills in disciple making through ministry leadership. 3. Attitudes and lifestyle actions appropriate for the Christian leader. |