Student Handbook:
Academic Information

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Student Handbook links:


Click here to download the complete Student Handbook (186KB PDF)

 
Page Quick Links: Academic Info, Grading Policies, Academic Facilities, Christian Service

(Academic Info Quick Links: Faculty Advisement, Class Attendance, Class Decorum, Academic Integrity, Dean's List, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, Disciplinary Suspension, Withdrawal Procedure, Academic Re-Admittance)

Note: The OCC college catalog is the official source of academic information and should be consulted for specific academic inquiries. Click here to see the OCC college catalog (3.3MB PDF)

FACULTY ADVISEMENT
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor upon his/her enrollment at OCC. This faculty member will primarily assist you with class selections concerning your academic program and your future ministry. Your advisor will also provide academic encouragement. Typically, you will see your advisor at the mid-term of grading periods and during pre-enrollment; however, feel free to contact him or her at any time. Click here to see the contact list for faculty members.

THE SETH WILSON LIBRARY
The Library is provided to stimulate your study and research and is a wireless Internet "Hot Spot" also. The courtesy of a quiet attitude at all times benefits the atmosphere and purposes of the library. Questions about research materials should be directed to the Reference Librarian, the Director, or to the Assistant Director.

A coin-operated copier is available on each level. There are reserved books for specific classes at the circulation desk. The normal checkout period is two weeks with renewals allowed. Fines are 20 cents per day for regular books; unreturned or lost books will incur a replacement fee, a $10.00 service charge and late fees. Unpaid charges will delay or prohibit enrollment and complicate graduation.
Circulation System: The circulation materials from the library will require the use of your student ID card.
Library hours are: During the school year the library is normally open:

Monday 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday 6:50 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday 6:50 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed

The library will close for Tuesday and Thursday Chapel services, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Audio-Visual Services: The following A-V materials are available at no charge for student checkout. These include Videos, DVDs, Cassettes, CDs, and some transparencies. Most A-V equipment is also available at no charge for student checkout, including slide and film projectors, projection screens, VHS and VHS-C camcorders, cassette tape recorders, and CD players. Video projectors are available (see A-V Dept. for details). On-Campus Events may be checked out on cassette or CD at no charge or purchased for $2.00 per session. The A-V Dept. also provides laminating and overhead transparency services. The A-V department also provides laminating and overhead transparency services. (Lamination = $0.40/ft. – 27 in. wide; transparencies = $0.40 per sheet).
A-V Department hours are:
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

THE LEARNING CENTER (LC)
The Learning Center (LC) exists to help all students succeed academically throughout their college experience. This ministry of encouragement and discipleship provides peer tutoring for all OCC courses and proofreading services to all OCC students free of charge. The LC also staffs the Testing Center where students can make up tests, quizzes and memory work (see your course syllabi concerning make up policies and test fees). Each semester the LC sponsors a variety of workshops that are open to the entire campus. Topics include time management, test taking skills, writing term papers, etc. Hours of operation are posted outside the LC office in the lower level of the Library (L12). Contact the LC (ext. 2725) for upcoming workshops or to schedule a session with a tutor.

LC hours are:

Monday 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Other times available by appointment.

ACADEMIC COMPUTING LAB (ACL)

The Academic Computing Lab, located in room L-11 of the Seth Wilson Library Building, is equipped with 19 computers. Microsoft Office software, as well as cutting edge Bible study software is available in the lab. Students may use the Internet, and print documents in the ACL ( 5 cents per page). It is recommended that students use inexpensive USB flash drives to save files.

ACL hours are:

Monday 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday 7:15 a.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Friday 7:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Saturday 9:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Serving others is a natural result of our faith. Therefore, in your training for ministry, you must not only commit to academic excellence (head) and character development (heart), but also to selfless acts of service (hands). This is why being regularly involved in Christian Service is a requirement for students at OCC. Christian Service will help you bridge the information you learn and the skills you develop in the classroom with real-world experience. In addition, you will discover your gifts and passions for future ministry. At OCC, we not only expect you to learn about servanthood, we expect you to live it.
How can I fulfill this responsibility?
To maximize your preparation for ministry, the Academic Catalog requires students taking 8 or more credit hours must be actively involved in Christian Service. As a benefit to you, the Christian Service Department can help connect you with a wide variety of opportunities. The Community Volunteer Expo (1st Thursday of Fall semester), the Christian Service page on OCC's website, and the weekly "Ozark Update" will help you discover places to serve. In addition, each dorm floor has a Christian Service representative (called a "Kenosis" member) to help you get connected. We understand that many students have limited time due to school work and part-time jobs, so we have put together some suggestions for how much time we think you ought to be spending in Christian Service to adequately prepare for ministry.

Option 1: Three daylong or weekend experiences (about 1 a month)
Examples: Go on a weekend team trip (prison, missions, drama, music), serve in a weekend ministry (volunteer or paid),
be a youth retreat sponsor, help with an all day Red Cross or Boys Club event, etc.
Option 2: Nine single experiences (about 1 every other week)
Examples: Be a Big Brother/Big Sister, rake leaves, watch children for a women’s group, serve at a crisis pregnancy center, greet patients at the Community Health Clinic, lead a teen discipleship group, conduct a nursing home worship service, tutor at a school, etc.
Option 3: A mix of weekend, daylong and single experiences
Option 4: Weekly involvement with a Church, Ministry, or Community Organization

At the end of each semester, we want you to report your involvement to the Christian Service Office by going to www.OCC.edu/StudentAccess to fill out the online form or by filling out the printable Christian Service Experience Report. We want to know how you are growing and making a difference.

INTERNSHIPS AND DIRECTED FIELD EXPERIENCE
OCC’s Internship and Directed Field Experience Programs are key parts to your academic training for life and ministry. The goal is for you to gain accelerated maturity to maximize your effectiveness in future ministries. These experiences give you opportunities to bridge your classroom learning with the real world before you graduate. The Academic Catalog requires Approved Internships or Directed Field Experiences for most Bachelor’s Degree students (see the OCC Catalog for exceptions).
What is an Approved Internship for credit? Internships take place off campus at approved sites such as churches, para-church groups or ministry-related organizations. Once you accumulate 60 credit hours as a student, you can serve in an approved internship for credit towards your degree. You can receive 2 to 8 credits, depending on the internship’s length and time requirements. Internships vary from 3 months to a year, or more. As an intern, you will learn and serve under an approved site mentor. Your faculty academic advisor, faculty course teacher and site mentor work closely with the Director of Internships to maximize your intern experience. All internships and intern sites are approved by the Director of Internships. OCC’s Internship Office will assist you throughout the internship process.
What is an Approved Directed Field Experience for credit? Directed Field Experiences are at least one semester in length and take place off campus. Directed Field Experiences can include weekend ministries or weekly positions in churches, para-church groups or ministry-related organizations. Your Directed Field Experience may focus on preaching, youth, children, small groups, etc. You can receive one credit per semester for a Directed Field Experience if it meets your degree requirements. Students involved in Directed Field Experiences meet weekly as a group with their assigned faculty coordinator. Note: Approved Directed Field Experience credits can often count towards a degree’s internship requirements.

CLASS ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken seriously because Christian leaders must be self-disciplined. The student receives a benefit from the discussion, interaction and emphasis of a class session, which she/he can get in no other way even by additional make-up work. When the student is absent from class, she/he experiences a loss, which may not show up on examinations but is nevertheless real. Roll will be taken in each class.

This general attendance policy applies to all classes. However, faculty members may make specific requirements regarding attendance stated in their course syllabi that students will need to meet (e.g., recording reasons for absences, make-up work for absences, etc.).

After a total of two weeks plus one day of absences in a class, the student will receive an “F” for the course. In cases of extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control, appeal for credit must be made to the faculty committee. This appeal must be in writing, state reasons for the absences and presented to the Assistant to the Academic Dean before final exams begin for the semester in question. Petition forms are available in the Academic Dean’s Office.

(Academic Info Quick Links: Faculty Advisement, Class Attendance, Class Decorum, Academic Integrity, Dean's List, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, Disciplinary Suspension, Withdrawal Procedure, Academic Re-Admittance)

CLASS DECORUM
Expect to learn. Learn all you can. Do so by giving strict attention to the professor treating him/her with courtesy and respect. Be punctual. No food or beverages are permitted in the classroom or in the chapel auditorium.

Acceptable classroom dress includes wearing slacks or jeans, or skirts or dresses for women, and casual tops (tank tops are not appropriate). Of course, you may be more “dressy” if you like, but it is not necessary. Varsity sports participants may wear travel outfits on game days. We do ask that you avoid wearing your “grubbies” to class. Make it your aim to be neat and clean in appearance. Individual professors may have additional decorum requirements for their classroom.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity in class work and examinations are more important than grades received. It is expected that you will not give or receive any unauthorized information on any assignments or examinations. Developing and maintaining this kind of integrity is essential to your training for Christian service.

RICHARDSON DEAN'S LIST
Excellence in academic achievement is recognized by the Richardson Dean's List. To qualify for the Richardson Dean's List in a given semester, a student must complete at least 12 hours and have at least 3.67 grade point average for that semester.

(Academic Info Quick Links: Faculty Advisement, Class Attendance, Class Decorum, Academic Integrity, Dean's List, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, Disciplinary Suspension, Withdrawal Procedure, Academic Re-Admittance)

ACADEMIC WARNING
Students who have two or more grades below "C" level during any semester will be notified in writing by the registrar's office.

ACADEMIC PROBATION
To remain in good academic standing, a student must make a grade average of at least 1.67 (C-) in each semester, while achieving the first 60 hours. After 60 earned hours the student must achieve a 2.00 GPA each semester or be placed on academic probation. In addition, after 90 earned hours the cumulative GPA must be at least a 2.00 or the student will be placed on academic probation.

During the semester on academic probation, the student will lose the Trustees' scholarship . While on academic probation the student will be permitted to take a maximum class load of 12 semester hours in addition to Study Skills. It is recommended that the student not engage in more than 24 hours of employment per week. In the semester on academic probation the student must enroll for Study Skills and receive academic assistance through the Learning Center.

During the period of probation, either academic or disciplinary, the student shall not participate in any extracurricular activities, including inter-collegiate athletics, college-sponsored music groups or outreach teams. Students who are taking four credit hours or less and are non-degree seeking are not put on academic probation or suspension for low GPA.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION
During the probationary semester a student not meeting the following minimum GPA (0-59 hours--1.67 semester GPA; 60 + hours--2.00 semester GPA; in addition after 90+ hours-- 2.00 cumulative GPA) will be suspended for one semester.

(Academic Info Quick Links: Faculty Advisement, Class Attendance, Class Decorum, Academic Integrity, Dean's List, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, Disciplinary Suspension, Withdrawal Procedure, Academic Re-Admittance)

DISCIPLINARY SUSPENSION
If a student is suspended for disciplinary reasons, the student will be withdrawn from school with a WP or F (which ever the student was earning at the time of suspension). However, after the tenth week of school the grade will be an "F".

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE
If for any reason you need to withdraw from college, your first stop needs to be the SDO. We may be able to help you discover some alternatives to withdrawal. If not, a checkout form should be obtained from the SDO. Proper withdrawal may affect your transcript and the refund on tuition, room and dining hall charges.

ACADEMIC RE-ADMITTANCE
After having been academically suspended for a semester, if the student wishes to be readmitted on probation, a written application must be made to the executive director of admissions and/or a committee of the faculty. Upon approval to be readmitted on probation, the student will be permitted to take a maximum class load of 12 semester hours, in addition to Study Skills.

(Quick Links: Faculty Advisement, Class Attendance, Class Decorum, Academic Integrity, Dean's List, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, Disciplinary Suspension, Withdrawal Procedure, Academic Re-Admittance)

(Academic Info Quick Links: Faculty Advisement, Class Attendance, Class Decorum, Academic Integrity, Dean's List, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, Disciplinary Suspension, Withdrawal Procedure, Academic Re-Admittance)

Page Quick Links: Academic Info, Grading Policies, Academic Facilities, Christian Service
GRADING POLICIES

MARKING SYSTEM OF GRADES
The following symbols, together with plus (+) or minus (-) variations, are used in indicating the student's proficiency each nine weeks.

MEANING LETTER GRADE NUMBER GRADE GRADE POINT
Excellent A 100 - 96 4.00
  A - 95 - 94 3.67
  B+ 93 - 92 3.33
Good B 91 - 87 3.00
  B - 86 - 85 2.67
  C+ 84 - 83 2.33
Average C 82 - 78 2.00
  C - 77 - 76 1.67
  D+ 75 - 74 1.33
Poor D 73 - 72 1.00
  D - 71 - 70 0.67
Failing F 69 - 0 0.00

Withdrew Passing (WP) 100 - 70 -- Neither grade nor hours are computed in the grade point average.
Withdrew Failing (WX) -- Credit is denied by faculty committee due to excessive absences. Not computed in the grade point average. The WX grade is given only in extreme circumstances.

Page Quick Links: Academic Info, Grading Policies, Academic Facilities, Christian Service
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ACADEMIC FACILITIES (Facilities Quick links: Library, Learning Center, Computer Lab)

THE SETH WILSON LIBRARY

The Library is provided to stimulate your study and research. The courtesy of a quiet attitude at all times benefits the atmosphere and purposes of the library. Questions about research materials should be directed to the Reference Assistant or to the Director.

A coin-operated copier is available on each level. There are reserved books for specific classes at the circulation desk. The normal checkout period is two weeks with renewals allowed. Fines are 20 cents per day; unreturned or lost books will incur a replacement fee, a $10.00 service charge and late fees. Unpaid charges will delay or prohibit enrollment and complicate graduation.

Circulation System: The circulation materials from the library will require the use of your student ID card.

Library hours during the school year:

  • Monday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday - Thursday, 6:50 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday, 6:50 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, Closed
  • The library will close for Tuesday and Thursday Chapel services.

Audio-Visual Services: A-V materials are available at no cost for student checkout. These include a large video collection, cassette tapes, filmstrips, slides and projection equipment. A tape duplication service is offered. Chapel services, convention sessions, etc. may be borrowed at no charge or purchased for $2.00. Blank cassettes as well as commercially recorded tapes are available in the bookstore.

A-V Department hours are:

  • Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Click here for more information about the library.

THE LEARNING CENTER (TLC) (Facilities Quick links: Library, Computer Lab)
OCC is committed to helping students succeed in their college experience. TLC is designed to provide programs of learning assistance for students experiencing academic difficulty and to challenge successful students to excel in advanced self-directed studies.

Services are provided in the areas of tutoring, academic counseling, computer assisted instruction, computer usage, group student sessions, referral services for faculty, and seminars in areas such as time management, term paper writing and test-taking. TLC will help students gain confidence in themselves and mastery of their studies.

TLC hours are:

  • Monday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday – Thursday, 1 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Click here for more information on The Learning Center.

ACADEMIC COMPUTING LAB (ACL) (Facilities Quick links: Library, Learning Center)
The Academic Computing Lab, located in room L-11 of the Seth Wilson Library Building, is equipped with 19 computers. Available software includes Microsoft Office, Logos Library System, NIV Study Bible Complete Library, Hebrew and Greek Tutors and various other programs designed to aid students in their study of God’s Word. Students may use the Internet in the ACL. Printing is available at 5 cents per page.

ACL hours are:
Monday- Thursday 7:15 a.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Friday 7:15 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Saturday 9:15 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Click here for more information on the Academic Computing Lab.

Page Quick Links: Academic Info, Grading Policies, Academic Facilities, Christian Service
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CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Serving others is a natural result of our faith. We call this concept “Christian Service.” Why is it part of your college education? Your involvement in Christian Service as a college student helps bridge your classroom learning with real-world experiences. Why are you being asked to serve? As you help others, you will discover your interests and gifts for future ministry. In training for life and ministry, you will want to commit not only to academic excellence (head) and character development (heart), but also to Christian Service (hands). At OCC, our students not only study about servanthood, they live it!

How can I fulfill this responsibility?
To maximize your college experience, the Academic Catalog requires all students (with 8 or more credit hours) to be actively involved in Christian Service. As a benefit to you, the Christian Service Department can help connect you with a wide variety of opportunities. The Community Volunteer Expo at the beginning of the fall semester will also help you discover places to serve. You have the privilege of choosing when, where and how to serve. So, what does that look like? Choose one of the following:

  • Option 1: Three DAYLONG or WEEKEND experiences (about 1 a month)
    Examples: Go on a weekend team trip (prison, missions, drama, music), serve in a weekend ministry (volunteer or paid), be a youth retreat sponsor, help with an all day Red Cross or Boys Club event, etc.
  • Option 2: Nine SINGLE experiences (about 1 every other week)
    Examples: Be a Big Brother/Big Sister, rake leaves, watch children for a women’s group, serve at a crisis pregnancy center, greet patients at the Community Health Clinic, lead a teen discipleship group, hold a nursing home worship service, tutor at a school, etc.
  • Option 3: A mix of WEEKEND, DAYLONG and SINGLE experiences
    Simply report your involvement to the Christian Service Office once at the end of each semester at occ.edu/studentaccess. We want to know how you are growing and making a difference.

INTERNSHIPS AND DIRECTED FIELD EXPERIENCE
OCC’s Internship and Directed Field Experience Programs are key parts to your academic training for life and ministry. The goal is for you to gain accelerated maturity to maximize your effectiveness in future ministries. These experiences give you opportunities to bridge your classroom learning with the real world before you graduate. The 2003-2005 Academic Catalog requires Approved Internships or Directed Field Experiences for most Bachelor’s Degree students.

What is an Approved Internship for credit? Internships take place off campus at Approved Sites such as churches, para-church groups or ministry-related organizations. Once you accumulate 60 credit hours as a student, you can serve in an Approved Internship for credit towards your degree. You can receive 2 to 8 credits, depending on the Internship’s length and time requirements. Internships vary from 3 months to a year, or more. As an Intern, you will learn and serve under an Approved Site Mentor. Your Faculty Academic Advisor, Faculty Internship Coordinator and Site Mentor work closely with the Director of Internships to maximize your Intern experience. All Internships and Intern Sites are approved by the Director of Internships. OCC’s Internship Office will assist you throughout the Internship process.

What is an Approved Directed Field Experience for credit? Directed Field Experiences are at least one semester in length and take place off campus. Directed Field Experiences can include weekend ministries or weekly positions in churches, para-church groups or ministry-related organizations. Your Directed Field Experience may focus on preaching, youth, children, small groups, etc. You can receive one credit per semester for a Directed Field Experience if it meets your degree requirements. Students involved in Directed Field Experiences meet weekly, as a group, with their assigned Field Experience Faculty Coordinator. The Faculty Coordinator works closely with your Faculty Academic Advisor and your Site Mentor, if applicable, to assist you throughout this valuable time of learning and ministry. Note: Approved Directed Field Experience credits can often count towards a degree’s Internship requirements.

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