Transferability of Credits
The number of educational institutions around the world is so vast that transfer of credits with each and every one is a virtual impossibility, but is treated on an individual basis as needed. However, upon evaluating the HSU/HSTS curriculum catalog, many quality Christian vocational education institutions as well as some secular educational institutions have accepted our credits. Similarly, in the case of transfer students and students petitioning for credit for previous learning, HSU will evaluate the curriculum of other institutions previously attended by applicants to determine transferability of credits and degrees. Some universities reserve the right to accept credits from a university with a Christian umbrella, for this reason, we do not guarantee that secular universities will transfer our credits. Also, some governmental agencies reserve the right to recognize degrees from a university with a Christian umbrella. For this reason, we do not guarantee that a governmental agency will recognize your degree as being from a secular university.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy:

All withdrawal requests must be made in writing. The withdrawal period is computed from the Registration activation date. The date of withdrawal is the date the letter indicating withdrawal is received in the Holy Spirit University office. Refundable tuition will be paid within thirty-days.

The Refund Rate will be computed as follows:

During the first two weeks, only the total tuition paid will be refunded. The $50.00 Application Fee and a $80.00 Registration Termination Fee (total of $130.00) will be deducted from the refund.

After the second week from the date of registration 80% of the tuition paid will be refunded.

After the third week from the date of registration 60% of the tuition paid will be refunded.

After the fourth week from the date of registration no tuition paid will be refunded. Following the end of the Withdrawal/Refund period, all tuition will be due and payable according to the payment option selected at the time of enrollment.

Tuition & Refund Policy:
Our Financial Policy is stated in our catalog, and may change without notice, as may any of the courses, especially textbook and new material changes.

Transcripts
The Privacy Act requires that transcript request¬s be submitted in writing (typed or printed) by the student, containing the following: student’s name, student number, social security number (if applicable), telephone number, date of enrollment, approximate date of last attendance, the name and ad¬dress of the person and organization to whom transcripts are to be sent, date of request, and student’s signature. Requests must be accompanied by payment of the transcript fee listed in the Financial Information in this catalog.

Statement of Conduct
Even though God's Christian College is a distance education institution, and as such, does not support a traditional resident campus, it is none the less a faith based institution of higher learning. Therefore, you are expected to hold firmly to certain standards of conduct. At the core of those standards is the demonstration of the evidence of a Christian life both in the workplace and outside the workplace. God's
Christian College student behavior and lifestyles are expected to reflect the biblical standards of morality, integrity, and effective Christian witness.

Moral Policy
The Holy Spirit University is committed to a biblical world and social view; therefore, acts of immorality are inconsistent with biblical principles as well as a breach of the code of Christian conduct expected of every student. Acts of immorality include, but are not limited to, the following: adultery, fornication, the commission of homosexual acts, theft, pornography, drug or alcohol abuse, lying, child and/or spousal abuse, assault, battery, and murder. HSU has taken upon itself the serious prerogative of instructing others in matters of morality and Christ-like living through programs and courses offered. In order to maintain the credibility of our faith based institution and message, it is imperative that our students be accountable to a higher standard of conduct and faithfulness than would be expected in a secular environment.

As Scripture clearly indicates, individuals privileged to obtain a higher level of learning ought to be held to the highest standard of conduct, faithfulness, and character.

We consider ourselves bound to interpret actions or decisions inconsistent with a commitment to a Christian lifestyle and Scriptural teaching, as a violation of the core values of HSU. Because the morality of our students and graduates has everything to do with the integrity of our public message, acts of immorality are a serious blight on the good name of Christ and the Church for which He shed His own blood.

No student handbook can anticipate every circumstance or question about policy. As Holy Spirit university continues to grow, the need may arise and Holy Spirit University reserves the right to revise, supplement, or rescind any policies or portion of the student handbook from time to time, as it deems appropriate, in its sole and absolute discretion. Active students will be notified of such changes to the handbook as they occur.

Doctrinal Statement
Holy Spirit University holds to a Doctrinal Statement that is Christ-centered and Bible-based. Because we are a trans-denominational, faith based institution, we realize that our students may hold theological and doctrinal positions not contained in the HSU Doctrinal Statement, even though they consider such positions to be of high priority. This is perfectly acceptable so long as such positions do not directly conflict with the basic core Doctrinal Statement of HSU. This may have implications when completing certain theologically oriented courses.

Students are encouraged to express their own doctrinal positions, but are expected to complete the coursework assignments in keeping with the position expressed in the course. HSU can foresee no circumstance where this issue should become problematic except where a student may hold to a theological position that is clearly outside of Biblical orthodoxy (such as a denial of the existence of one God in three Persons or personal salvation through any other means than faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, et al).

Doctrinal Affiliation Policy:
Holy Spirit University is not associated with any ministry, organization, group or denomination. We are Christ-centered, Bible-based and un-apologetically evangelical.

Registration Agreement
A copy of your registration must be signed and dated and returned to Holy Spirit University within 30 days from the date of registration. This becomes part of your permanent record and a required document for graduation.

Academic And Registration Policies
Submitted courses will be held and not graded or a request for the next course may be held for the following reasons:
• Student is behind on meeting financial obligations.
• Student has not submitted required document (Signed registration form and official transcripts from previous institution attended.
• Registration has expired after one year of no activities and/or no payment.
For one or more reason of the above statements the student registration may be terminated and require new registration and enrollment again at HSU. The HSU committee has the right to evaluate each case individually.

Academic Integrity Policies

The following statements express the policy of God’s Christian College pertaining to
academic dishonesty:

1) Cheating/Plagiarism

A student who submits written material as his/her own work which has been copied in whole or in part from another person's writing without proper acknowledgment is guilty of plagiarism. Material, whether published or unpublished, copied from another writer must be identified by the use of quotation marks and documentation with specific citation of the source. Paraphrased material must likewise be attributed to the original author.

Copying another student's paper, with or without his/her permission, or using his/her ideas with only minimal reworking is plagiarism just as is copying material from printed books and magazines without giving credit to the original source. Having another person do his/her work and submitting it as his/her own is considered cheating.

2) Reporting Procedures:

a. First Offense
The professor will confront the student and the student should be given an opportunity to respond. Taking the student's response into account, the professor will indicate to the student what action will be taken according to the University policy and what procedures will be carried out for reporting the matter to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The professor will have the student sign an academic
Misconduct incident report and give the student a copy of the report. If this is a first incident of plagiarism, the student will receive an “incomplete” for the assignment and the instructor will require the paper to be rewritten in correct form.

b. Second Offense
The student will receive a “0” for that assignment and will need to re-submit the assignment with a full letter grade reduction as penalty. A notice of the academic offence will be submitted to the Vice President for of Student Affairs with a copy of the incident report form and the plagiarized paper or relevant material put in the student's file.

c. Third Offense
The Professor will send a copy of the incident report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The student will meet with the Vice President of Academic Affairs for consultation regarding academic integrity. The student will fail the course. The student is placed on disciplinary probation.

Computer Skills Policy:

Of course, THE STUDENTS are ultimately responsible for creating and maintaining a secure backup file of all courses sent to Holy Spirit University (online as well as offline). While the occurrence of a course being lost online is very rare, it does happen. The student is responsible for keeping a copy of his/her work. WE HATE TO SAY IT THIS WAY, but the Holy Spirit University staff cannot be in the business of teaching basic computer/word-processing skills. Our world is certainly changing at a very rapid pace. No college or graduate institution today would think to teach new students how to use a typewriter since this is now considered a given as an entry requirement. In the same way, online students are now expected to bring with them at least the basic knowledge of computer/word-processor use (such as how to file and edit).

In some cases, it may be necessary for new students to take a computer/word processing course from a vendor in his or her own community, or secure the help of a friend who has mastered the basics. Of course, as online skills relate specifically to the use of the Holy Spirit University Internet Access Port, we certainly are prepared to assist you in any way possible. If ever you are just “plain old stuck”, send an email message explaining your problem to: webmaster@hsuniversity.us. There is a solution to every problem, and together we will find it.

Each course must be completed with a passing grade of not less than a “C” (75%) for undergraduate programs, and a “B” (85%) for graduate level programs. If a grade falls below the required minimum, you will not be automatically failed, but will be assisted in knowing exactly what is required for successful re-submission. The goal is always to assure that you will receive the highest quality education possible, and you may be confident that we will actively work with you toward this goal.

Graduation Policy:

After all academic and financiall requirements are validated by the office of the Registrar, you will be graduated. You will have the option of graduating in absentee.
In which case, the degree is mailed to you after graduation ceremony. You also have the option of attending the graduation exercises. Graduation information is sent to all prospective graduates each year. Annual graduation exercises are extraordinary events, and you are encouraged to consider adding this unique component to your educational experience.

How to Apply for Graduation:

IMPORTANT... Even though we will attempt to contact you once you have completed the final course in your program, it is your responsibility to petition for graduation. In order to help you prepare for this, here is a general check-list.

1. Have all Accounts Paid in Full.
2. Have all Courses Completed and Graded.
3. Official Transcripts and all other Required Documentation on file.
4. Decide Whether You Will Attend Graduation exercises.
5. Contact the Registrar for the Correct Graduation Request Form.
6. Submit the Correct Graduation Request Form Along With the Appropriate Fee.
7. Follow-up on Any Question of Which You are not 100% Certain.

Civil Rights Policy
The Holy Spirit University admits male or female students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to students by our administrative or educational policies.