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ACADEMIC POLICIES

Maranatha’s academic policies are designed to clarify expectations for both students and faculty members. Choose from the links below to find out about the University’s attendance policy, grading system, and other important guidelines. You can also find out about our Learning Assistance Program, a great help to many students.

For a PDF of all of our academic policies, see our Academic Policies Document.

Academic Eligibility

Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing

The following is the minimum cumulative grade point average which must be earned by any student to retain the status of Good Academic Standing, which makes the student Activities Eligible.

  • First-semester students: 1.70 GPA (C-)
  • Students who have completed at least one semester: 2.00 GPA (C)

Academic Honors

Scholastic Commencement Honors

Candidates for four-year degrees are honored upon graduation for scholastic achievement based on all credits recorded on their Maranatha transcript. Honors are awarded as follows: cum laude, 3.50- 3.749; magna cum laude, 3.75-3.909; summa cum laude, 3.91-4.00. Associate degree candidates earning a 3.50-4.00 GPA graduate with honors. Graduate degree candidates earning a 3.95-4.00 GPA are awarded graduate honors.

President’s List

Undergraduate degree-seeking students who complete at least 12 credits and earn an A- or above in every course during the semester, with no incompletes or overcuts, are honored by being placed on the President’s List.

Academic Dean’s List

Undergraduate degree-seeking students who complete at least 12 credits and attain a 3.0 average or higher during a semester, with no C’s, D’s, F’s, incompletes, or overcuts are recognized by being placed on the Academic Dean’s List.

Activities Eligibility

Students who wish to participate in co-curricular activities must be activities eligible and enrolled in at least 12 semester hours, at least 6 of which are from main campus courses. (Maranatha grads who are enrolled full time in Maranatha grad programs and are otherwise eligible are not required to be in main campus classes.) Only Maranatha courses are to be considered toward this full time academic load of 12 semester hours. Co-curricular activities include participation in any Gospel team, traveling with music groups (including the choirs or bands), holding an office in any student organization, and participating in intercollegiate or intramural athletics or drama. Part-time students enrolled in at least 6 credits from the main campus may participate in Christian service and drama if they are otherwise eligible.

Students must earn a GPA of 1.75 or higher at the end of their first semester to be in Good Academic Standing and be Activities Eligible. After that, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher at the end of each semester in order to be eligible for the next semester. Incompletes and Withdrew Failing (WF), will have the same effect as Failure (F) on the student’s GPA. Grades for all courses found on a student’s Maranatha transcript will affect that student’s activities eligibility. For transfer students, this will begin after the first semester at Maranatha.

Studying is a student’s primary responsibility while at the University. Preparation for lifelong, vocational ministry involves the rigorous work of developing and sustaining vital study habits. Active involvement in Christian service enables you to apply the principles learned in the classroom in outreach ministries. In order to promote the understanding, accurate interpretation, and application of biblical truth, diligent study must be a priority.

Activities Ineligibility Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to activities ineligible students:

  • Permitted one week of absences for all causes for the semester. See Class Attendance and Absences for more information.
  • May not hold any office in any student organization.
  • May not enroll in distance education courses when enrolled as a Main Campus student.
  • May not participate in intramural or intercollegiate sports.
  • May not participate in or attend practices for extracurricular events such as bands, choirs, traveling groups, plays, concerts, contests, sports events, recitals of other students, or any on-campus individual or group performances.
  • May not attend away University or Academy athletic contests.

Any appeals for exceptions to this policy because of extenuating circumstances should be submitted in writing to the Academic Committee through the Registrar or the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Academically at Risk Classifications

Academic Alert

Students whose cumulative GPA is adequate but whose semester grade point average falls below the standard for Good Academic Standing will be placed on Academic Alert. These students will be contacted by their academic advisor at the beginning of the semester in which they were placed on Academic Alert to provide guidance and accountability.

Academic Warning

A student who earns a cumulative grade point average below Good Academic Support is placed on Academic Warning for one semester. This is to help the student evaluate his or her position and take corrective action to improve his or her academic status. These students are strongly encouraged to work with a tutor (see Academic Success Program) during that semester. Any student on Academic Warning will be limited to an academic load of no more than 15 semester hours. Academic Warning includes automatic activities ineligibility as defined above.

Academic Probation

A student who has been placed on Academic Warning for one semester and during that semester continues to earn a cumulative grade point average below Good Academic Standing will be placed on Academic Probation for one semester. A student who fails every course in which he or she is enrolled for one semester will also be placed on Academic Probation for one semester. These students are strongly encouraged to work with a tutor (see Academic Success Program) during the semester. Any student on Academic Probation will be limited to 12 semester hours. Academic Probation includes automatic activities ineligibility for the entire semester.

Academic Suspension

A student who has been placed on Academic Probation for one semester and during that semester continues to earn a cumulative grade point average below Good Academic Standing will be placed on Academic Suspension by the Academic Committee. If a full-time student (enrolled in 12 or more semester hours) fails to complete 10 or more semester hours toward graduation in any two semesters, that student will be placed on Academic Suspension for one semester. The student will not be allowed to enroll for one semester but may reapply to the University through the Admissions Office after that semester. If the student is readmitted, he or she will be placed on Academic Probation for one semester. The suspension period is to provide a time away from college for students to analyze their academic problems, examine their goals, and determine appropriate action.

Academic Dismissal

A student who has been placed on Academic Suspension and then has been readmitted on Academic Probation and continues to earn a cumulative grade point average below the academic standard will be subject to academic dismissal by the Academic Committee. A student who has been academically dismissed may not re-enroll in the University as a degree candidate. He or she may, however, be allowed to enroll in some courses as a special student with the approval of the Academic Committee. Any appeals for exceptions to the policy for academically at-risk students because of extenuating circumstances should be submitted in writing to the Academic Committee through the Registrar or the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Academic Success Program

Purpose

This program is designed to assist students who have exhibited difficulty in previous academic achievement. Students who are struggling with time management, test taking, written assignments, or sense a general need for academic assistance will benefit from this program. The assistance provided includes specialized help from a tutor. Tutors are trained to assist with various learning styles and course expectations. Many types of assistance are available to any student upon request.

Candidates for the Program

Applicants who are described by the following are strongly encouraged to participate in the Academic Success Program and show academic progress and potential for success as a University student as a condition of enrollment: students who have earned a GED, low grades in high school, a low ACT composite score, low scores on Maranatha placement tests, low grades for university work at other institutions, or who apply from a non-English speaking country. The application itself, the autobiography of the applicant, and references are also used as indicators when an applicant is being considered for the Student Support status.

Academic Support

Incoming students (based on high school transcripts and ACT scores) are limited to 13 semester hours of classes and one extracurricular activity (choirs, athletics, play, etc.) for the first semester. Standard university and athletic eligibility standards will apply.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement Policies

Maranatha grants advanced placement under the following policies:

  • Entering freshmen who have completed Advanced Placement examinations and have scored 3 or above will receive credit.
  • Application for credit must be made before registration.
  • Students may receive credit for a maximum of 40 semester hours.
  • Up to 12 hours in any one field will be accepted.
  • Maranatha’s Advanced Placement code is 2732.

The chart below shows which AP examinations meet the requirements of specific courses or programs at Maranatha.

Maranatha Course Credits AP Examination
ASMA 143 – Calculus 1 5 Calculus (AB)
ASMA 232 – Calculus 1 5 Calculus (BC)
ASMA 238 – Probability and Statistics 3 Statistics
ASSC 151, 152 – General Physics 1 & 2 8 Physics (BC)
ASSC 105 – Concepts in Environmental Science 3 Environmental Science
ASSC 141, 142 – General Chemistry 1 & 2 8 Chemistry
ASSC 120, 121 – General Biology 1 & 2 8 Biology
BUMI 165 – Computer Applications 3 Computer Science (A, AB)
EDUC 233 – National Government for Educators 3 Government & Politics
FIMU 114 – Harmony 1 2 Music Theory (Score 3)
FIMU 115 – Harmony 2 2 Music Theory (Score 4-5)
HUEN 121 – English Composition 1 3 Language & Composition
HUEN 236 – Composition and Literature 3 Literature & Composition
HUHI 231 – US History 1 3 History of the US 1
HUHI 352 – Modern European History 3 European History
HUPS 131 – General Psychology 3 Introductory Psychology

Attendance

Attendance

At Maranatha, we value education and class attendance. Regular class attendance is required of every student enrolled in the University. Every day, students should come to class prepared, listen intently, actively interact with the ideas as they take class notes, and engage in class discussion. The number of total absences that students are permitted without losing credit is dependent upon their academic standing as follows:

  • Good Academic Standing – two weeks of class absences for all causes.
  • Activities Ineligible – one week of class absences for all causes.
  • Students on the Dean’s or President’s List and have earned more than 15 semester hours in residence at Maranatha – three weeks of class absences for all causes.

There are no “excused absences” or “unexcused absences,” just absences. Students must carefully track their absences. Students do not get two weeks’ worth of cuts and choir tour, illness, and a baseball trip. Students should reserve absences for legitimate causes. These limits are firm, and the consequence for exceeding them is loss of credit for the course. Also, students who arrive at class late, but miss 15 minutes or less will be counted as tardy. Every three occurrences of tardy will count as one absence in determining whether a student overcuts a course.

Students must track their own absences and reserve absences for legitimate causes. The student is responsible for all assignments and class lectures. Faculty determine their own policies regarding late coursework.

Students who are absent more than their attendance status permits, including both official University activities and personal absences in any given course, will not be granted credit for the course, except by special permission from the Academic Committee. A grade of WF, OC, or NC will be given for exceeding absence limits depending upon timing and the grade earned in the course at the point of dismissal from class.

Confirm the record of your attendance: Faculty record class absences in the Learning Management System (LMS) online. This is the official and authoritative record of attendance for each course. Students are responsible for checking their attendance record in the LMS and should regularly examine the record for accuracy. Students should contact the instructor to appeal what they believe to be a recording error in the LMS within two weeks of the date the absence was recorded. No appeals after this date will be considered.

Foreign Students

Allowances for Foreign Students: Maranatha understands that students living outside the lower 48 states in the US face significant challenges and expenses concerning travel that limit their ability to visit their family. However these students must take Final Exams on campus during the dates of Open Final Exams.

Restoration of Credits

Appeal for restoration of credit: At the close of the semester, students who are absent more than their status permits may appeal for restoration of credit. These appeals are reserved for those whose excessive absences were caused by serious family emergencies (documented by the Student Life Office), medical necessity (documented by the Student Health Center), or University-sanctioned activities (University has documentation). The Restoration of Credit Form can be downloaded from mbu.edu on the Academics page under Academic Handouts or picked up in the Registrar’s Office.

Students must complete every item on the Restoration of Credit Form, including the date and reason for every absence. In the normal course of business, various offices record events and activities that cause student absences and who was involved. It is the students’ responsibility to document causes for their absences. A faculty member or student may request an earlier evaluation of credit status if there is reason to believe that credit will not be granted. This will save both the student and faculty member from expending additional effort needlessly.

CLEP

Maranatha grants CLEP credit under the following guidelines:

  • No more than 30 semester hours with up to 12 hours in one field may be accepted.
  • CLEP examinations must be completed prior to completing 24 semester hours of residential or online college credit.
  • CLEP examinations may not be used to raise grades or remove failures in courses already taken.
  • The passing scores are those recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).
  • Maranatha’s CLEP score code is 2732.
  • Questions should be directed to contact clep.collegeboard.org.

The chart below shows the courses approved for credit at Maranatha.

Maranatha Course Credits Passing Score CLEP Test
ASMA 103 – College Mathematics 3 50 College Mathematics
ASMA 131 – College Algebra 3 50 College Algebra
ASMA 132 – Trigonometry 3 50 Trigonometry
ASMA 143 – Calculus 1 5 50 Calculus
BUAC 243 – Principles of Accounting 1 3 50 Financial Accounting
BUMG 222 – Macroeconomics 3 50 Principles of Macroeconomics
BUMG 223 – Microeconomics 3 50 Principles of Microeconomics
BUMI 165 – Computer Applications 3 50 Information Systems & Computer Applications
HUEN 121 – English Composition 1 3 50 College Composition Modular (no essay required)
HUEN 232 – American Masterpieces 3 50 American Literature
HUEN 233 – British Literature Survey to 1789 3 50 English Literature
HUHI 220 – Ancient Civilizations 3 50 Western Civilization 1: Ancient Near East to 1648
HUHI 130 – The Modern World 3 50 Western Civilization 2: 1648 to the Present
HUHI 231 – US History 1 3 50 History of the US 1
HUHI 232 – US History 2 3 50 History of the US 2
HUPS 131 – General Psychology 3 50 Introductory Psychology
HUPS 233 – Developmental Psychology 3 50 Human Growth & Development
HUSO 141 – Introduction to Sociology 3 50 Introductory Sociology

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing a four-year baccalaureate degree must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 128 hours (or 256 quality points), including the Biblical Studies Core and the Liberal Arts Core. Students pursuing a two-year associate degree must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 64 hours, including the Biblical Studies Core and Liberal Arts Core.

  • Students pursuing the Bible Certificate must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 24 hours.
  • Students pursuing a four-year degree must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 credits at Maranatha. Students pursuing a two-year degree must complete a minimum of 15 of the last 30 credits at Maranatha.
  • Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 to graduate with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Some programs require more hours and a higher GPA.
  • Students must earn a minimum GPA of 1.7 to graduate with a Bible Certificate.
  • A grade of C- or above is required in all courses applied toward any major, minor (18 to 28 semester hours), concentration (12 to 18 semester hours), program proficiency, the Basic Skills proficiency (for majors in Elementary Teacher Education), and English Composition 1 and 2. Other requirements for particular academic programs are stated in the department sections of the catalog and in department handbooks.
  • At least one-half of the credit hours in the major field must be completed at Maranatha.
  • To earn a bachelor’s degree, 24 of the last 30 semester hours must be completed at Maranatha. To earn an associate’s degree, 6 of the last 12 semester hours must be completed at Maranatha.
  • At least 12 of the Maranatha credits must be from the last five years from the date of graduation.
  • The completion of minimum academic requirements does not automatically qualify the student for a degree. A student is expected to demonstrate maturity of Christian character, adequacy in the student’s chosen field, and commitment to the purpose and position of Maranatha Baptist University.

Directed Study

Some courses normally offered in a classroom setting may be available on a directed study basis. The following policies must be followed:

  • Directed studies will not be permitted when the course is offered during the semester, either as an online offering or as a classroom opportunity that works for the student’s schedule.
  • Directed studies are not authorized for convenience, for work enablement, to enable graduation in fewer than 8 semesters, to enable avoidance of residential living requirement, or to facilitate the avoidance of main campus classes during the final semester of academic work.
  • Directed studies shall be given only to students who are enrolled in courses at the Watertown campus, except by special written permission given by the administration based upon endorsement of the Registrar, Academic Department Chair, and (if related to personal hardship), the Dean of Students.
  • Generally, only one directed study project may be in process at a time.
  • Only juniors or seniors are eligible for directed study. In rare cases a sophomore may petition the Academic Committee for special permission.
  • The department, faculty, or Academic Committee has the right to deny the student permission for the directed study for any appropriate reason. (See the process below.)
  • Approximately 35 to 45 hours of academic work are expected per directed study hour. Credit for the directed study may not exceed four semester hours. Credit for a directed study project may not exceed the credit for the standard classroom course.
  • No more than six semester hours of directed study will be granted in any one field of study and no more than 12 hours total may be applied to a student’s graduation requirements.
  • Students are expected to demonstrate mastery through the production of a significant written project or a comprehensive final exam.
  • Final responsibility for evaluation and grading rests with the Faculty Director.
  • Faculty Directors should include in the syllabus any instructions that accompany the proposal.
  • Students are responsible to purchase textbooks.
  • The non-refundable directed study fee is $100 per hour. Tuition is the same as a traditional class. If a student withdraws from a directed study, tuition for the directed study will be prorated, based on the date of the Registrar’s approval, according to the following schedule:
    • During weeks 1 through 3: 25%
    • During weeks 4 through 6: 50%
    • During weeks 7 through 9: 75%
    • During weeks 10 and after: 100%

Dropping and Adding Classes

After students have completed registration; they will be charged $15 for any adjustments to their schedule, including changes made during Drop/Add Week (Tuesday through Friday of the first week of school). No classes may be added after Drop/Add Week except by special permission. Please note the following policies:

  • A course dropped before the final six weeks of class will be recorded as W (Withdrew).
  • Any course dropped during the final six weeks of class when a student is earning a C- or above will be recorded as a WP (Withdrew Passing). A course with a W or WP is not included when computing a student’s grade point average.
  • No course may be changed to audit during the final six weeks of class unless the student is earning a C- or above.
  • Any course dropped during the final six weeks of class when a student is earning a D, F, or Incomplete will be recorded as a WF (Withdrew Failing). WF will have the same effect as an F on the student’s GPA and may result in the student becoming ineligible. The student will remain responsible for all tuition and fees according to the published refund policy.

Grading Rubric

Grading Rubric:

Grades are issued after mid-semester and final semester examinations, but only the final semester grade is entered on the permanent record. The following grading system and grading points are used (quality points are divided by the semester hours attempted to determine a student’s GPA):

Grade Points
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D 1.0
D- 0.7
F 0.0

Grade Definitions
A Superior
B Above Average
C Satisfactory
D Passing
F- Failure
WA Withdrew from audit
W Withdrew
WF Withdrew failing
WP Withdrew passing
AU Audit
I Incomplete
M Member of group
NC No credit
OC Overcut
P Passing
R Course repeated; no credit given

Pass/Fail

Students may choose a pass/fail credit evaluation option in selected classes. The purpose of this policy is to encourage a student to take life-enriching electives. Such courses include, but are not limited to: keyboarding, music lessons, and word processing. Courses applied to a student’s major, track, minor, proficiency, concentration, Biblical Studies Core, and Liberal Arts Core are not allowed for the pass/fail option. The student must choose the pass/fail credit option and notify the Registrar’s Office in writing by the date that midterm grades are due. Standard tuition rates apply. Credit for these classes will apply toward graduation and the student must earn at least a grade of C- to earn the grade of P (Passing). A grade of P is not included when computing a student’s grade point average. Students who earn less than a C- competency will receive a grade of F. Failure will count as a grade and will affect the student’s grade point average.

Classification

Students are classified as freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or special based on the following semester hours earned:

  • Freshman: Fewer than 27
  • Sophomore: From 27 through 58.9
  • Junior: From 59 through 91.0
  • Senior: From 92 to completion
  • Special: One not pursuing a degree

Transfer Students

Transfer students should follow the regular admissions process (mbu.edu/admissions). When evaluating transferability of credit, the decision of the Academic Committee at Maranatha is final.

Students wanting to transfer 30 semester hours or more to Maranatha Baptist University must enroll in and successfully complete 12 semester hours in residence at Maranatha before transferability of the courses can be confirmed. If a student withdraws, is expelled, or earns poor grades during his or her first semester at Maranatha, credit for courses earned at other institutions may not transfer.

All undergraduate transfer students must complete at least 30 undergraduate hours of credit from Maranatha regardless of the number of hours transferred. At least one-half of the credit hours in the major field and 24 of the final 30 semester hours of work must be completed from Maranatha.

Transcripts for coursework done elsewhere must reach the Registrar’s Office by April 15 in the year of anticipated graduation to apply towards a degree or the Wednesday before Commencement to participate in Commencement activities. A late fee of $200.00 will be assessed for transcripts received after April 15.

Activities eligibility for the first semester is based on the student’s completed courses at the prior institution, using Maranatha’s eligibility standards. Transfer students who have a cumulative GPA below 1.75 following their most recent grading period will be activities ineligible. After the first semester, only grades on their Maranatha transcript will affect a student’s activities eligibility. (See Academic Standing)

A student’s cumulative grade point average for all courses found on his or her Maranatha transcript will affect a student’s activities eligibility. For transfer students, this will begin after the first semester at Maranatha.

See link for Academic Policy Document for the complete Transfer of Credit Policy.