Laurel university

ACADEMIC CATALOG

2015-2016

LAUREL UNIVERSITY

Copyright © 2015 by Laurel University

All Domestic and International Rights Reserved
Laurel University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for

Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), recognized by the U. S. Department of Education, and

licensed by the University of the North Carolina Office of General Administration.

See Page 4 for more information.

From The President…


Welcome to Laurel University!

Today is a great time to be a part of this growing and exciting institution. Here at Laurel, there is such a wonderful and positive spirit! We believe that God’s hand is upon us, and we work hard each day to earn the trust of our expanding presence.

Dr. Steven Condon,

President of Laurel University
One of the reasons for our high expectations at Laurel is the quality of our product: classroom instruction from our faculty. Those of us blessed to serve on Laurel’s team are energized and stimulated by the challenges that face each student entering our world at this time. We get excited by the new faculty and staff as they arrive with new vision and talent and the passion to lift our work. We are constantly reviewing and improving our curriculum and renewing our teaching.
Fact is, Laurel offers a faculty gifted in the delivery of excellent instruction with the sensitivity and perspective of seasoned Christian disciples. These great men and women form the critical core of our education here at Laurel, but students remain the heart and soul of this institution. You are our ministry.
With students entering at multiple levels, multiple ages, multiple career stages, and from multiple backgrounds, Laurel is a diverse, thriving community. There is a place for you at Laurel, and we will do everything in our power to help you find it. If it’s not in this catalog just call or email us.

If there might be anything we can do to make your college decision and transition easier and more enjoyable or informative, please just let us know. As we have served students successfully for 110 years, so shall we serve you.

Cordially,

Steve Condon, Ph.D.

President

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNIVERSITY CALENDAR

FALL SEMESTER 2015

August 14: Soccer Team Move-in

Night Student Orientation 6:00 pm

August 15: Student Move-In 12:00/

Resident Life Orientation 6:00 pm

August 14-15: New Student Orientation 9:00 am

Fall Kick-Off (all students) 3:00 pm

August 17: First Day of Classes

August 21: Last Day to Drop/Add Classes

September 7: Labor Day (No Classes)

September 25: Reading Day

October 2: Reading Day

October 10: First Half of Fall Semester Ends

October 10-14: Fall Break

October 15: Second Half of Fall Semester Begins – Evening

October 21: Last Day to Drop/Add Second Semester 8 Week Classes

November 20: Reading Day

November 26-27: Thanksgiving Break (No Classes)

December 4: Reading Day

December 7-11: Final Week of Fall Semester

December 11: End of Fall Semester

SPRING SEMESTER 2016

January 11: Spring Semester Begins

January 15: Last Day to Drop/Add Classes

February 19: Reading Day

February 26: Reading Day

March 3: First Half of Spring Semester Ends

March 4-13: Spring Break

March 14: Second Half of Spring Semester Begins

March 18: Last Day to Drop/Add Second Semester 8 Week Classes

March 24: Maundy Thursday (No Night Classes)

March 25: Good Friday (No Classes)

March 27: Easter

April 22: Reading Day

April 29: Reading Day

April 30: Cardboard Boat Regatta

May 2-6: Final Week of Classes (Traditional)

May 6: End of Spring Semester

May 7: Commencement

SUMMER SEMESTER 2016

May 16: Summer Classes Begin (Traditional)

May 22: Last Day to Drop/Add Classes

May 30: Study/Travel Trip

June 11: Study/Travel Trip Ends

July 23: Summer Classes End (Traditional)


INTRODUCTION

History
Founded in 1903 as Greensboro Bible and Training School in Greensboro, North Carolina, Laurel’s founders are Reverend Seth Rees and Reverend Charles Weigle.  Throughout the first thirty years of existence, the school enjoyed enrollments of traditional students and adults studying for ministry.  In 1932, a leading evangelist, Reverend Jim Green, became interested in the school and, through his ministry, renamed the institution People’s Bible School; still located in Greensboro.

Laurel University’s charter cites 1932 as the beginning.  The first thirty years are important to the legacy of the university as the commitment was established and ingrained from 1903-1932 to be an independent, evangelical, interdenominational school where the Bible is central to the curriculum and God’s will preeminent.

While the institution developed, it remained directly connected to its Christian founding and loyal to a biblical worldview.  From 1949 to 1980, the school resided in the Grove Park area of Greensboro under the name of “People’s Bible College.”  In 1980, the campus moved to its current location in High Point, thanks to the generosity of businessman Ed Shufelt.

Soon after moving to High Point, the College changed its name to John Wesley College, then in 2011 to Laurel University.  In 1993, the University added a bachelor’s degree in business management necessitating state approval for accreditation.  In 2010, Laurel added an MBA program thereby distinguishing itself as the first and only bible college in North Carolina to have state-licensed business management degrees.

Laurel received initial accreditation in 1982 as John Wesley College from the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and recently re-affirmed that accreditation for another ten years.  Currently, Laurel University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in ministry and management to approximately 200 students in traditional, online and hybrid delivery modes.  After a century of providing a superior bible-based education and seventy-five years after receiving a new charter, Laurel enjoys a vibrant student body, a future holding great promise, a faculty and staff led to serve the Lord and a beautiful legacy of faith and hope.

As we look ahead, we are challenged to grow our enrollment, gain candidacy for regional accreditation and continue to live as an exemplary Christian institution..

GOALS OF LAUREL UNIVERSITY

Laurel University is established as a four-year, interdenominational Christian university. Our goals are:

1. 
   To provide an academic education in biblical, general, and professional studies;
   
2. 
   To integrate faith and learning;
   
3. 
   To equip students for full-time Christian ministry or Christian leadership positions within the community;
   
4. 
   To promote a commitment to the value of life and Christ-like living;
   
5. 
   To encourage students to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
   

OBJECTIVES OF LAUREL UNIVERSITY

Completion of the academic degree programs and non-academic learning opportunities should enable the student to:

1. 
   Display a commitment to spiritual and intellectual growth;
   
2. 
   Evidence a comprehensive working knowledge of the Bible and its basic doctrines;
   
3. 
   Exhibit a Christian world-view that integrates general education studies with biblical truth;
   
4. 
   Demonstrate ability to serve Christ effectively in the church, marketplace and society.
   

MISSION STATEMENT

Laurel University is a comprehensive Biblical University rooted in traditional Christian values and committed to educate lifelong learners for ministry in the marketplace, society and world. We seek to provide an atmosphere that encourages intellectual development, spiritual maturation and professional competency.

ACCREDITATION
Laurel University is accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (formerly the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. ABHE may be contacted at:
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)

5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130

Orlando, FL 32822

Voice: 407-207-0808 Fax: [phone]

Graduates of Laurel University’s program in Christian Elementary Education are eligible for certification with the Association of Christian Schools International. ACSI may be contacted at:
Association of Christian Schools International

P O Box 35097

Colorado Springs, CO 80935

Voice: 719-528-6906

In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 116-15 (d), the AA degree, BA degrees, MA degrees and the D.Min offered by the John Wesley College of Divinity of Laurel University are exempt from the requirement of licensure by the University Of North Carolina Office Of General Administration with respect to the religious nature of the University’s programs. This exemption from licensure is not based upon any assessment of program quality under the established licensure standards. The two degrees offered by the Laurel University School of Management, the Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Management and the Master of Business Administration, are licensed by the University Of North Carolina Office Of General Administration. UNC may be contacted at:
University of North Carolina General Administration

P.O. Box 2688

Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688
CATALOG
The course offerings and requirements of Laurel University are continually under examination and revision. This catalog presents the offerings and requirements in effect at the time of publication. It is the sole responsibility of the student to be aware of the information in this catalog and to keep informed of additions and/or corrections when they are deemed necessary by the Institution. The provisions of this catalog are to be considered directive in character and not as an irrevocable contract between the student and Institution. The University reserves the right to make changes that seem necessary or desirable, including course and program cancellations.
Students graduate under the requirements published in the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment if that enrollment has been continuous. Students who drop out for two consecutive semesters or longer and return will follow the catalog requirements in effect at the time of their change.
COMPLIANCE
The University does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, national origin, or handicap in its educational programs, activities or employment. As a Biblical University we reserve the right to ask students to comply with certain ethical and moral standards of conduct.

The following offices may be contacted for information regarding compliance with legislation:

• 
  Director of Student Life - Title IX (Non-discrimination on Basis of Sex).
  
• 
  Human Resources - Wage and Hour Regulations, the Civil Rights of 1964 (race, color, or national origin), and Age Discrimination.
  
• 
  Officer of Financial Aid - Title IV (Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended), the Pell Grant Program, Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants, the Stafford Loan Program, Supplementary Loan Program, Plus loan Program, Work-Study Program, and Student Consumer Information.
  
• 
  Registrar - Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Veteran’s Benefits, Immigration and Nationality Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, North Carolina Immunization Rules (G.S. 130A – 440).
  

As a part of the Institution’s compliance with the Criteria for Accreditation, all information needed by the association or by the USDE to carry out its evaluation and/or accreditation functions will be submitted, knowing that the association has an obligation to the larger public for full disclosure be it positive or negative.

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

Laurel University is an interdenominational Christian University, which teaches the fundamental doctrines of evangelical Christianity. Laurel University operates in accordance with the following beliefs:

1. We believe that there is one living and true God, an eternally existent spiritual Being of absolute knowledge, power and goodness; Creator and Preserver of all things visible and invisible; that in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons of one substance, power, and eternity, who are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. We believe that Jesus Christ is the second person of the triune Godhead; that He is eternally of one substance with the Father; that He became incarnated by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary, thus uniting in one perfect nature Godhood and manhood, very God and very man—the God-man, Jesus Christ.

3. We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit; that He did proceed from the Father and the Son, and is the third person of the triune Godhead, of one substance, power, and eternity with them; that He is present with and active in the Church, convicting the whole world of sin and righteousness and judgment.

4. We believe that the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament, which the Church has universally accepted as the Holy Scriptures, were given by divine inspiration and constitute the revealed and infallible Word of God as the only supreme, sufficient, and authoritative rule of faith and practice. We believe that the Holy Spirit who motivated men of God to speak through the written word has providentially guarded the integrity of the message and continues to illumine the hearts of those who read, that they may understand God’s redemptive plan.

5. We believe that man was a special creation by God but that he forfeited his first estate and is very far fallen from original righteousness; and because of the corruption of his nature as received from Adam and he is continually inclined to evil.

6. We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins. By the shedding of His blood, He made atonement for the sins of all mankind; this atonement is the only ground of salvation. We believe in Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, to the right hand of the Father and is there engaged in intercession for us.

7. We believe that penitent sinners are justified before God only by faith in Jesus Christ; at the same time, they are regenerated and adopted into the household of faith, the Holy Spirit bearing witness with their spirit to this gracious work. This is sometimes called implicit or initial sanctification.

8. We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God by which believers are made free from original sin and brought into a state of complete devotion to God. We further believe that this work is accomplished by baptism with the Holy Spirit, Who bears witness. We also believe that while the approach to this state may be more or less gradual, the actual experience of entire sanctification is consummated in an instant and the life that follows should experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit and a continual maturing of the Christian graces.

9. We believe that Christians are called to be holy in all manner of living so that any conduct contrary to this rule of Scripture is not only repugnant but is also inconsistent with a true Christian profession.

10. We believe in the holy universal Church; that it is composed of all true believers in Jesus Christ, regardless of race, creed, sex, or national origin; that it is for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the proclamation of the Gospel to the whole world.

11. We believe in the imminent, personal return of Jesus Christ to this world to establish His kingdom, to rule in righteousness, and to judge all people.

12. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; that the bodies of the just and unjust shall be reunited with their spirits; that everlasting life is assured to all who believe in and follow Jesus Christ, and the finally impenitent shall go away into everlasting punishment in hell.

ADMISSIONS

Laurel University admissions office will review a student’s prior academic record, recommendations, and personal information for consideration of admission, as well as their background and moral character. A personal testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is required for admittance in the School of Ministry and School of Education programs. The School of Management does not require a personal testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; however, the student is exposed to biblical teachings and principles throughout coursework. The university only admits those students who can reasonably be expected to complete its programs.
Laurel University has rolling admissions open to applicants until the beginning date of any session. Applicants are considered without regard to age, race, sex, ethnic or national origin, handicap, or denominational affiliation. Laurel University reserves the right to refuse admission or re-admission to any student. Any applicant who intentionally withholds pertinent information or who falsifies such information may be required to withdraw from the University.
TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY

Laurel University accepts transfer credits from educational institutions within the United States accredited by organizations recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as well as foreign institutions chartered and authorized to grant degrees by their national governments. Credits from accredited institutions are accepted for meeting core requirements at Laurel University provided course descriptions satisfactorily parallel courses offered at Laurel University

Only course work with a grade of “C” or better is accepted toward undergraduate degree requirements and “B” or better toward graduate degree requirements at Laurel University. Only academic work completed at Laurel University will be computed into the student’s final cumulative grade point average (GPA).
Laurel University grants earned degrees to students completing a minimum of 45 hours from this institution, as well as 24 of the last 30 hours before graduating, must be completed at Laurel University.

Additional credit may be earned through the following programs:

1. 
   The College Board testing programs, administered through the Educational Testing Service CLEP or DANTES, and
   
2. 
   Military experience, determined by the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces (American Council on Education)
   

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. 
   High school diploma or its equivalent. (All potential students who have completed a two year degree, or who have an earned bachelor’s degree at another institution are exempt from submitting a copy of their high school transcripts.)
   
2. 
   Suggested high school courses and number of courses (per North Carolina high school graduation requirements) :
   

English 4

Math 4

Social Studies 4

Science 3

Individuals who do not meet the suggested number of high school courses may be asked to take remedial classes at a community college.

3. 
   Acceptable scores are required on SAT (minimum of 860) or ACT (minimum of 18) to be considered for admission.
   
4. 
   Minimum acceptable grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale for all previous high school and college work is a 2.5.
   

Any applicant not meeting the requirements for full admission may appeal to the Admissions Committee. The methods for determining ability to benefit by the Admissions Committee is based on GPA, SAT, or ACT scores, interview, and recommendations. The Admissions Committee gives weighted preference to the interview and recommendations.

5. 
   Applicants on academic suspension or probation from a previous school must document by letter that any prior issue has been resolved.
   
6. 
   Students requesting federal financial aid are required to submit the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students must also complete the interview process with the Virtual Financial Aid Office (VFAO) at laureluniversity.vfao.com.
   
7. 
   Students are required to provide a certificate of immunization, in accordance to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (G.S. 130A-155). For more information, see the section on Immunization Requirements on page 11. G.S. 130A-155 applies to all college and university students except the following:
   

• 
  Students registered only in online and/or off-campus courses.
  
• 
  Students attending night or weekend classes only.
  
• 
  Students taking a course load of four credit hours or less and residing off campus.
  

8. 
   Students who answer “yes” to the question, “Have you ever been charged, arrested, convicted, or acquitted of any violation of the law?” will be further interviewed by the admissions committee before he/she is given an admissions decision. Additionally, if accepted, he/she may be prohibited from living on campus if the admissions committee deems it necessary.
   

UNDERGRADUATE AMISSIONS CHECKLIST

1. 
   Complete and submit the Application for Admission form online (www.laureluniversity.edu) or mail to the Admissions Office at Laurel University, 1215 Eastchester Drive, High Point, NC 27265-3115 or fax to [phone].
   
2. 
   Submit a non-refundable Application Fee of $75. This is waived for online applications. This fee can be waived at the discretion of the admissions team.
   
3. 
   Submit an official high school transcript showing proof of graduation, or GED scores to qualify for a high school equivalency diploma. Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended. Use our Transcript Request Form provided by the Admissions Office to request official transcripts.
   

• 
  All applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours at another institution or have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution are exempt from submitting a copy of their high school transcript.
  

4. 
   Complete and submit a Housing Application Form along with a $100 non-refundable Room Reservation fee (only those students wishing to live in campus housing). A student must be at least 18 year of age within the first semester and no more than 25 years of age to reside in campus housing. Students over the age of 25 who wish to live on campus will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Director of Student Life.
   
5. 
   Submit a completed Medical Record Form.
   
6. 
   Submit required proof of Immunizations, which must be signed by a licensed physician as required by the North Carolina Division of Health Services, G.S. 130A-155. This is required for students taking more than four semester hours of on-campus day classes. (See Immunization Requirements on page 11).