vision int l college handbook

8/3/2019 Vision Int l College Handbook

1/23

1


2/23

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ______________________________________________________________________ 5

A)

PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKLET ________________________________________________________ 5B) BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ______________________________________________________ 5

2. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS ____________________________________________________ 6

A) VISION _____________________________________________________________________________ 6B) M ISSION _____________________________________________________________________________ 6

3. BIBLICAL MANDATE __________________________________________________________________ 6

4. STUDENT AFFAIRS ____________________________________________________________________ 6

A) REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS _______________________________________________________ 6(1) LEARNING SUPPORT CENTRE (LSC) APPLICATIONS __________________________________ 6(2) INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS _______________________________________________________________ 8B) ACADEMIC H ONESTY _________________________________________________________________ 10C ) ACADEMIC F REEDOM AND R ESPONSIBILITY _______________________________________________ 10D) DRESS C ODE _ ________________________________________________________________________ 11E ) C ODE OF C ONDUCT : STUDENTS _________________________________________________________ 11

5. FEES _______________________________________________________________________________ 12

A) T UITION ____________________________________________________________________________ 12B) R EGISTRATION F EE ___________________________________________________________________ 12C ) BOOKS AND SUPPLIES ______________________________________________________________ 12D) GRADUATION FEES ________________________________________________________________ 13

6. ADMISSIONS ________________________________________________________________________ 13

A) ADMISSIONS POLICY _______________________________________________________________ 13(3) SPIRITUAL L IFE _____________________________________________________________________ 13(4) ACADEMIC ________________________________________________________________________ 13B) ADMISSION TO THE C OLLEGE _ __________________________________________________________ 13C ) ADMISSIONS DOCUMENTS _________________________________________________________ 14(1) APPLICATION _______________________________________________________________________ 14(2) L ETTER OF R EFERENCE _______________________________________________________________ 14


3/23

3

(3) T RANSCRIPTS _______________________________________________________________________ 14(4) CREDIT T RANSFER __________________________________________________________________ 14(5) IDENTIFICATION C ARDS _______________________________________________________________ 15

7. ORDERING & DISPATCH TEXTBOOKS __________________________________________________ 15

8. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION: ________________________________________________________ 16

9. ATTENDANCE & ABSENTEEISM ________________________________________________________ 16

10. TEACHING AND LEARNING (TUTORING) ______________________________________________ 17

A) THE MONITORING PROCESS _______________________________________________________ 17B) RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STUDENT ________________________________________________ 17C ) CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TUTORS AND DIRECTORS __________________________________ 17

11. ASSESSMENTS POLICY ______________________________________________________________ 18

A) DEFINITION _______________________________________________________________________ 18B) OBJECTIVES _______________________________________________________________________ 18C ) GUIDING PRINCIPLES ______________________________________________________________ 18D) ABOUT ASSESSORS _________________________________________________________________ 19E ) ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ____________________________________________________________ 19F ) SUCCEEDING WITH THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS ____________________________________ 19G ) THE APPEAL PROCESS WITH REGARDS TO ASSESSMENTS ___________________________ 20H ) PROCEDURE OF APPEALING _______________________________________________________ 20

I)

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT ROLES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES _____________________ 20

12. GRIEVANCE POLICY _________________________________________________________________ 21

A) STEP 1: APPEAL WITHIN 5 DAYS ________________________________________________________ 21B) STEP 2: VERBAL EXPLANATION IN 3 DAYS AND WRI T TEN IN 5 DAYS ___________________________ 21C ) STEP 3: FINAL APPEAL TO NATIONAL OFFICE _______________________________________ 21

13. GRADUATION ______________________________________________________________________ 21

A) T HE G RADUATION C EREMONY _________________________________________________________ 21B) R EQUIREMENTS FOR G RADUATION ______________________________________________________ 22C ) APPLYING T O G RADUATE ______________________________________________________________ 22D) GRADUATION DAY _________________________________________________________________ 22E ) P ERMISSION TO GRADUATE IN ABSENTIA _ _________________________________________________ 22


4/23

4

14. EXECUTIVE BOARD _________________________________________________________________ 23

A) R ESPONSIBILITIES : ___________________________________________________________________ 23B) C OMPOSITION : _______________________________________________________________________ 23

15. ACADEMIC BOARD __________________________________________________________________ 23

16. MANAGEMENT BOARD ______________________________________________________________ 23

17. ADMINISTRATION __________________________________________________________________ 23


5/23

5

1. INTRODUCTION

a) PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKLET

In most traditional Bible Colleges and Seminaries, students have to go searching for places where they can

practice the ministry and leadership skills that they are learning in the classroom. Since church-based ministry

training takes place in a healthy active church setting, students can immediately go from the classroom to a

ministry assignment. They can shadow, intern, serve on staff, or volunteer right outside their classroom door. This

means that students are able to try out what they are learning between classes and can come back into class the

next week with questions, challenges, frustrations and triumphs to share and discuss. They also have the

opportunity to take on increasing levels of leadership responsibility in the context of the local church under careful

mentoring and supervision.

The purpose of this booklet is to assist prospective Learning Support Centre Coordinators in starting and

administering a campus of excellence.

Please do not hesitate to call or E-mail our Administrative office if you need any further information.

b) BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

In1996 the Regional Director of Vision International Education Network, Southern Africa, Rev. N. Daniels,established Prosperitas Training College, a skills providing institution in various sectors. This institution is stillaccredited with the relevant SETAs.

However, as minister of religion, he had identified a lack of training and development of Christian leaders fromparticularly the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches, and thus he started a Ministry Training Centre.

In search of a reputable institution to partner with in meeting the above-mentioned need, he forged a partnershipwith Vision International College of Australia in 2005. This international College, which commenced in 1974, is anac-credited institution with the Australian accrediting authorities. Its also a member of the Vision InternationalEducation Network operating globally in more than a 120 countries, with more than 4000 Church Based MinistryTraining Centers.

Vision International College, Southern Africa (VIC-SA) was established in 2009.


6/23

6

2. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS

a) VISION

Establishing ourselves as a leader in transformative learning in our country, Africa, and the world

b) MISSION

Vision International College, Southern Africa will be a student-centred environment for our students in order for

them to grow and mature personally, intellectually and spiritually. They will think critically, objectively, and

creatively - becoming life-long students that will be responsible citizens and contributors to the well-being of their

communities and society at large. This holistic goal will be achieve through our three Schools, namely the School

of Ministry, School of Business Studies and Vocational Studies. Our vision is to contribute substantially to the

transformation of our society in South Africa, the continent, and the world.

3. BIBLICAL MANDATE

It seems that although the motivation for starting and maintaining church-based Bible institutes can be based on

Scripture, it may also be substantiated and perhaps enlightened by our offices history. What is the Biblical basis

for Bible Institutes? There is a Biblical mandate for it. The New Testaments Great Commission, evangelism,

discipling, and teaching, is not simply a suggestion; it is a command! Becoming a disciple of Jesus means the

unconditional offering of a persons life. A call to discipleship is a call to servicea call to do what Jesus did and

to be exposed to the same opposition He faced.

I agree with the saying: Where God leads, He will certainly provide also. God was so gracious by allowing Vision

Intl College Southern Africa to move in a short timeframe of almost two years from a very small office to a

250sqm office space to house the Bible College.

4. STUDENT AFFAIRS

a) REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS

(1 ) LEARNING SUPPORT CENTRE (LSC) APPLICATIONS

RESPONSE FROM ENQUIRERS ABOUT STARTING A LSCSTEP 1: INCOMING ENQUIRY

The following response procedures will be followed in order to expedite the application process.


7/23

7

Upon receiving a request, a welcome / info / thank you letter will be forwarded within one day. We immediatelysend an E-Mail and a SMS and request a reply within ( 4 ) working days. A courtesy phone call will be made andlogged.

The following documents will be added as attachments:

1. About Vision2. Fact Sheet3. What others say4. Course structure (programme)5. Application form6. Individual and RC Fees

FOLLOW UP PROCEDURE (1)

No Response

On the 5 th day when there was no reply as expected on the 4 th day, we will write to that effect (reminding letter)and again ask for a reply within a week (7 days). We will add to it that we would be in contact with them when theweek expires.

If still no reply is received by then, we will repeat this follow up weekly for three months and after that monthly.

Positive Response

A thank you letter with regards to the enquirers interest will be forwarded with the relevant forms and further information as well. This will be E-Mailed together with a SMS that will be sent. We would suggest to them aweek in which they have to send back the completed application forms.

The following documents will be added as attachments:

1. What is LSC?2. RPL3. Fee RC4. App. LSC

Added to this letter will be a sentence to the following effect: With this, we will add the following: Nocommencing of training (classes) unless student List & full Particulars have been forwarded to the Administrators.We would need the enquirer to also add to his incoming response the following:LSC Application Form (Filled-out & Signed)CVs of TutorsProof of payment or an indication of when payment would be made.


NO Response

We will forward another E-Mail and SMS as well as a telephone call after the week went by and asked when theprospective LSC director would complete the documentation and forwarding it. We will add that we will allowanother 4 days. If nothing happens, we will be in contact with the contact person on a bi-monthly basis. Thisprocess will be continued until success is reached.

Note: Give the enquirer the opportunity to advise VIC-SA they would not be interested to receive anymarketing any further.


8/23

8

Positive Response

Another E-Mail will be forwarded within a day to thank the prospective LSC coordinator for the positive feedbackand response. The last round of forms will now be sent and we would require 4 days for the relevant forms to besent back.The following documents will be added as attachments:

1.Covenant Agreement2. Administrative Manual

3. Policy Document

FOLLOW UP 3

NEGATIVE RESPONSE AFTER 4 DAYSOn the 5 th day, when nothing was received, we will give another 4 days and after every unsuccessful responseday, we will be in regular contact. (once a week)

POSITIVE RESPONSE

With such a response, we will be expecting to have received a Signed Covenant Agreement and a signed copy of the Policy and procedures.

An agreement must be reached for a starting date for the LSC

(2 ) INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS

STEP 1: INCOMING ENQUIRY

The following response procedures will be followed in order to expedite the application process.Upon receiving a request, a welcome / info / thank you letter will be forwarded within one day. We immediatelysend an E-Mail and a SMS and request a reply within ( 2 ) working days. A courtesy phone call will be made andlogged.The following documents will be added as attachments:1. About Vision2. Fact Sheet3. What others say4. Course structure (programme)5. Individual Application form6. Fees applicable to individuals


9/23

9


No response

On the 3rd day when there was no reply as expected on the 2nd day, we will write to that effect (reminding letter)and again ask for a reply within a week (7 days). We will add to it that we would be in contact with them when theweek expires.

If still no reply is received by then, we will repeat this follow up weekly for three months and after that bi-monthly.

Positive response

A thank you letter with regards to the enquirers interest will be forwarded with the relevant forms and further information as well. This will be E-Mailed together with a SMS that will be sent. We would suggest to them aweek in which they have to send back the completed application forms.

The following documents will be added as attachments:1. RPL2. Individual Application Form

3. Student HandbookAdded to this letter will be a sentence to the following effect that we would need the following sent to us:

Individual Application Form (Filled-out & Signed)

Highest Qualification

Certified ID copy

Transcripts of previous studies (if any studies done)

Proof of payment or an indication of when payment would be made.

An extra note will be added in this procedure and will read as follows: No commencing of training unless fullpayment has been made and proof thereof forwarded to the National office Administrators.

Follow up Procedure (3)

No Response

We will forward another E-Mail and SMS as well as a telephone call after the week went by and asked when theprospective student would complete the documentation and forwarding it. We will add that we will allow another 4 days. If nothing happens, we will be in contact with the contact person on a bi-monthly basis. This process willbe continued until success is reached.

Note: Give the enquirer the opportunity to advise VIC-SA that they would not be interested to receive anymarketing any further. We also need to take in consideration that we also need to respect those not interested.


10/23

10

Positive Response

If possible, a prospective Student will be assigned to the LRC closest to the address.

If the prospective student wishes to study through distance education, another E-Mail will be forwarded within aday to thank him/her for the positive feedback and response.As soon as payment has been confirmed by way of positive proof of payment, dispatching of coursework willproceed within one day.

With the dispatching of the coursework an added warning will be issued to the student that unless the previousassignments as well as payment has been made, no textbooks for the next module will be forwarded.

RECORDING OF PROCESS

An Excel Document will be created that makes provision for dates and events that needs to be populated. Everymorning, the tasks at hand need to be recorded and flagged where possible. All tasks completed need also to besigned off by the Administrator and a weekly, comprehensive report needs to be handed to the Southern AfricanDirector.

b) ACADEMIC HONESTY

VIC-SA students are expected to conduct themselves according to the highest standards of academic honesty.Academic misconduct for which a student is subject to penalty includes all forms of cheating, such as illicit

possession of examinations or examination materials prior to the test date, forgery, or plagiarism. (Plagiarism is

the presentation of the work of another as ones own work.) Students are also prohibited from presenting the

same assignment for two or more courses (with the exception of English courses where a paper for another

course may be evaluated for its organization, flow, grammar, and style).

Disciplinary action for academic misconduct is the responsibility of the faculty member assigned to the course.

The faculty member is charged with assessing the gravity of any case of academic dishonesty, and with giving

sanctions to any student involved. Penalties that may be applied to individual cases of academic dishonesty

include one or more of the following:

1. Written reprimand.

2. Requirement to redo work in question.

3. Requirement to submit additional work.

4. Lowering of grade on work in question.

5. Disciplinary probation or suspension.

c) ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

As an institution of higher education, it is the goal of VIC-SA to pursue and disseminate truth. Accordingly, board

members, administration, faculty, staff, and students are free to question assumptions and to consider

alternatives in the course of their pursuit and communication. At the same time, as a Christian institution, VIC-SA

believes the Scripture to be inspired by God and, therefore, to be the norm against which all truth is to be


11/23

11

measured. Since human reasoning is fallible, all perceived truth is not necessarily Gods truth only that which is

consistent with the Scriptures is Gods truth. Therefore, VIC-SA emphatically rejects indoctrination, whether it is

that which results from eliminating the Scriptures as a norm or whether it is that which results from restricting the

free pursuit of ideas. Thus, both the faculty and students of VIC-SA are free to pursue and disseminate truth, but

have the responsibility to measure their conclusions against the Scriptures.

d) DRESS CODE

Students are required to attend all VIC-SA meetings, classes, and gatherings dressed appropriately meaning

they need to be neat and clean in appearance. Although not a final requirement, it would be Appropriate dress is

smart casual. In all respects the students must strive to have their dress be neat, clean, modest, not casual, but

rather professional. We recognize that any specific dress code can always be circumvented in effect while

obeyed in letter. Therefore, we urge our students to work at establishing a Christian culture, not only in our

cultivation of mind, but also in our manners and appearance.

When Faculty, Administration, or Staff members believe a students pattern of dress and behavior clearly violate

the intent of the dress policy, they will inform the Academic Dean, who will meet with the student and prescribeappropriate corrective measures. If the student fails to follow the prescribed corrective actions and/or continues

conduct which violates the dress policy in his or her pattern of dress and behavior, the student will be referred to

a Disciplinary Hearing Board. This Board will hear the accusation and supporting evidence, and will also hear any

denial or other remarks, if any, from the student. The Board will then present a recommendation to the Academic

Dean, who will make a final determination on the matter.

e) CODE OF CONDUCT: STUDENTS

VIC-SA seeks to reform Christian higher education biblically from its academic mission and curricula to the

testimony of its faculty and students. We seek to recover true academic freedom, that is, submission to Gods

Word in all our actions and attitudes in and out of the classroom. We will have to design a Code of Conduct,

therefore, to nurture a healthy Christian academic environment, characterized by the impassioned pursuit of

biblical knowledge, beauty, and wisdom.

Our hope is that students will follow Gods law without being legalistic and exercise their Christian liberty without

being worldly. The Code of Conduct must reflect Scriptures warning that it is folly to strain against the protective

fence of Gods law just to see how close one can get to sin without getting burned (Proverbs 14:9; 16:17;

28:7,10).

The Code must also express the faculty and administrations hope of working with students who delight in the

freedom found within Christs vast domain safely encompassed by Gods holy law (Psalm 119:97;112).


12/23

12

5. FEES

a) TUITION

Revenues from tuition and fees cover only a minor portion of the cost of instruction. The Bible College must rely

upon donations from interested individuals and supporting churches and businesses to help defer the cost of

operating the college.

Every possible effort is made to keep the students cost at a reasonable and acceptable level. We desire the

prayers of friends that the Lord will raise up loyal and generous supporters to aid financially in the ministry of the

college.

The registration of the student signifies that he/she has made a personal commitment to pay timeously each and

every month. A student who fails to meet his/her financial obligations is not permitted to register for the following

semester without administrative approval.

Tuition charges are due and payable at the time of registration unless arrangements have been made. Textbooks

and other materials, purchased from the college bookstore, must be paid by cash, check, Visa, Master Card.

Payments are to be made in advance only. The Registration Fee, Module Fee and the Textbook must be paid in

full. Please be advised that the Assessor Fee is included in the Module Fee. The cost of assessment is R50-00

for each module. The registration of the student signifies that he/she has made a personal commitment to retire

his/her financial debt to the college. All accounts must be cleared by the end of each year. A student who fails to

meet all financial obligations cannot permitted register for the following semester without administrative approval.

b) REGISTRATION FEE

In the absence of any Application fees, the students are requested to pay an annual Registration fee. This fee is

is utilized to assist with the Admissions process, and to support the library as well as the database management

system.

c)

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

The cost of books are set at a fixed cost of R150-00 and is payable to assist in the printing costs. A student will

pay R100 for an electronic copy and R150 for a printed version. Books may be purchased through the college

national office via credit card, check or cash.


13/23

13

d) GRADUATION FEES

Graduation Fee must be paid during the last month of the academic year when a student declares his/her intent

to graduate at the end of that semester. This fee is paid per attempt to graduate and is non-refundable,

regardless of whether the student graduates or not.

6. ADMISSIONS

a) ADMISSIONS POLICY

(3 ) SPIRITUAL LIFE

Applicants for admission must submit an acceptable, written, personal salvation testimony and references,

providing evidence of Christian life standards. VIC-SA students must pledge in writing their commitment to

personal holiness, sound doctrine, and academic integrity. By their pledge, students join the Faculty and

Administration in submitting themselves to the Scriptures clear standards for all our labors together as a

community of Christian scholars. All students are expected to have a sincere desire to study the Word of God.

(4 ) ACADEMIC

Admission to the college requires a high school qualification. It is to be said that English will be the official

language medium of all training that will be conducted. Kindly contact the Registrars Office if you have questions

in this area.

b) ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE

To be a fully admitted student at VIC-SA you must complete the following items:

1. submit an acceptable, completed APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION form,

2. pay the Registration Fee of R350-00.

3. Submit OFFICIAL transcripts from ALL colleges attended, and please be advised that unofficial transcripts

and/or transcripts issued to student are NOT acceptable. All transcripts forwarded to this institution must beforwarded on an official letterhead by the relevant institution and not presented to the student at all.

4. Upon payment of all the relevant fees, a successful candidate will receive a Letter Of Acceptance plus a

Student number from the Admissions Office.


14/23

14

c) ADMISSIONS DOCUMENTS

An Application Packet containing all necessary documents for regular admission is available from the Admissions

Office or online.

(1 ) APPLICATION

A completed Application for Admission must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the semester in which

the student desires to enroll for admission. A Registration Fee of R350 is to be submitted with this form. The

Application for Admission, and all other applicable documents, must be received in sufficient time for the

Admissions Office to give its stamp of approval prior to Registration. Provision will be made whereby a student

may receive tentative acceptance prior to the receipt of all completed documents, this will only be for the first

module because this procedure requires that full acceptance be achieved before he/she may be included for the

second module.

(2 ) LETTER OF REFERENCE

A letter of reference must be submitted on the proper forms. This form can be found in the Application packet. It

is preferred that this reference be submitted by the students pastor or the church secretary. The reference is to

be mailed directly to the college by the person completing the form.

(3 ) TRANSCRIPTS

Where a student received previous studies at an accredited Bible College, these studies can be officially

accepted for admission in our institution. Only an official college transcript will be accepted. Should the student

have undertaken work from more than one institution, an official transcript must be received from all institutions

previously attended. Forms for requesting transcripts can be obtained from the Admissions office. All transcripts

must be official and forwarded directly from the issuing institution and under no circumstances are students

allowed to present Transcripts.

(4 ) CREDIT TRANSFER

VIC-SA reserves the right to evaluate each transfer students proficiency, knowledge, and skills gained from

courses taken at other institutions, accredited or non-accredited, prior to accepting them as meeting its

graduation requirements. We believe that all knowledge is related and integrative, so that any single subject can

never be fully understood as a discrete, isolated entity. All subjects and the courses addressing them can only beunderstood when contextualized by biblical revelation, the broader fabric of the created order, the

academic curriculum, and the intellectual community of which it is a part. Therefore, we reserve the right to take

into account the integrative context of the applicants academic record and the educational institution whence that

record came when considering the transfer credit equivalency of any particular course. We also reserve the right


15/23

15

to grant transfer credit upon condition of satisfactory completion of a designated higher-level VIC-SA course in a

related field. Upon admission of a transfer student to VIC-SA, our Admissions Committee evaluates all courses

taken or attempted and all grades received at accredited and non-accredited postsecondary institutions.

(5 ) IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Students should be issued identification cards and nametags upon registration. Students should be required to

wear their nametags whenever they are in class. This will allow the college or church receptionists, staff and

volunteers, and library workers, to easily recognize them as an Institute student. This will help maintain a higher

level of security within the shared facilities.

Student ID bar codes may be used to give the student access to the library, and be used in the book

checkout process once the library collection has been bar-coded for checkout. The student ID may also give

them access to student discounts at some businesses.

7. ORDERING & DISPATCHING OF TEXTBOOKS

On receiving of the order, national office Admin will make out a job card and assign a number together with theLSC identity.

The Paper Application will be transferred to electronic whereby a Form will be populated on Excel.

This application will be forwarded to the Printing / Administrator.

The order will be confirmed via E-Mail with the LSC or individual student. This is done by acknowledging the

receipt of the order.

Automatic Loading on Database Payment must be confirmed with Proof that needs to be forwarded by Fax or

scanned via E-Mail. Person responsible for Ministry School Finance must confirm the payment with

Administration.

Preparation for the order will now commence and a Pending File will be available for this purpose. The Order & Invoice will be stapled together and be put inside the File.

The order and payment will be handed over or placed in the OUT tray that is available in the National office

(Administration) and date stamped before being placed in the out-tray.

A Maximum of 3 days is allowed to remain in the Out-tray. This needs to be logged in a Hardcover book and

verified by the Administrator.

Administrator will e-mail Assistant Admin to give green light to forward.

Allocating of transaction numbers needs to be done.

Dispatching of Material (max 3 days)

When dispatching the order (same day), Admin will send an E-Mail to advise that the order was dispatched or

the order is ready to be picked up. A confirmation of receipt must be forwarded by the Receiving party.

On 4th day confirm if goods received on time and in good condition if no confirmation was sent by the Receiving

party.

The Order, Invoice as well as the dispatching E-mail will now be filed in the DONE-folder


16/23

16

8. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION:

Getting the Students Off to a Great Start

A Session of one to two-hours orientation should be scheduled for all incoming students prior to the beginning of

each semester. All new students are required to attend. The purpose of these sessions is to acquaint the studentwith major aspects of the Institute program, as well as College policies and procedures. Guidance should be

given regarding course selection and degree programs. The students first registration for classes is completed

during orientation, including payment of all applicable fees.

9. ATTENDANCE & ABSENTEEISM

VIC-SA considers regular class attendance to be essential to the teaching/learning process. Any unnecessary

absence decreases the contribution by and to the students and faculty. For those reasons, faculty and students

will honor the following guidelines:

Class attendance is required except for true emergencies or school-related activities as determined by LSC

Head.

All students desiring to have absences excused must complete and submit a letter to this effect to the Tutor.

The request must acquire the instructors signature for each class missed and must be submitted prior to the

absence. In the case of emergency or unexpected absence, request must be turned in within seven days

(including weekends) of the absence.

Unexcused absences (absences not excused by the LSC Head) may not exceed the number of class meeting

per week without penalty. Each unexcused absence exceeding the number of class meetings per week may

result in a grade reduction.

Three late arrivals without valid excuses (tardies) equal one absence.

Credit will not be awarded in any course where absences exceed 30% of the class meetings regardless of the

reasons for absence. Faculty will report in writing to the LSC Heads all students whose total absences exceed the

30% limit. Once the student has reached the 30% limit he or she will receive an NOT YET COMPETENT mark.

The final determination of true emergency will be at the discretion of the LSC Head. Instructors do not have the

authority to approve or disapprove absences.

The LSC Head will determine the legitimacy of school-related business.

The responsibility for notifying the instructor of anticipated absences, reasons for emergency absences, and

fulfilling all assignments rests entirely on the student.

The Faculty is not expected to give make-up exams or make-up lessons for unapproved absences.


17/23

17

10 . TEACHING AND LEARNING (TUTORING)

a) THE MONITORING PROCESS

Tutors who has agreed to guide a certain student in his or her studies undertakes to:

Guide the student in such a manner in the introduction of the studies and becomes familiar with administrative

procedures.

Guide the student in such a manner that the student will submit quality work and selects the right and

appropriate tutoring methods to achieve the objectives of the research.

Support the student to such an extent in that the student can obtain the required data; solve practical problems

when gathering data and draw meaningful, correct and logical conclusions.

Assess the standard of the students work and determine whether the work meets the requirements and

academic standards before the student submits the work for examining purposes.

The Tutor must be satisfied with the quality of the coursework or dissertation or thesis (i.e. that the mini

dissertation/ dissertation/ thesis complies with accepted academic standards).

b) RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STUDENT

A Tutor who has agreed to guide a certain student in his or her studies undertakes to:

Give dedicated attention to the guidance of the student.

Maintain a professional relationship with the student and Lead the student into the academic community.

Always treat the student as an adult student, even as a colleague.

Take individual differences between students and their circumstances into account.

Give special support to students who are not studying in their mother tongue.Motivate the student continuously and create effective appropriate communication channels.

Make the expectations of the Tutor clear to the student at all times.

Ensure that the Tutor is readily available and can be reached by the student.

Encourage the student to work independently to an increasing extent as the work progresses.

c) CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TUTORS AND DIRECTORS

The mission of VIC-SA is to communicate and develop knowledge by means of research. In the training for post-

graduate degrees, these tasks are integrated and reach a joint culmination. It is therefore extremely important to

VIC-SA and all the role-players and stakeholders for this training to be of an outstanding quality. The guidance

provide to the students to a great extent determines the quality of the training. VIC-SA uses policies and certain

procedures to guarantee this quality. In addition to these policies and procedures, VIC-SA also uses a code of

conduct for Tutors to: ensure the quality of the training; serve the interests of the students; and develop the

profession of the Tutor as academic.


18/23

18

11 . ASSESSMENTS POLICY

a) DEFINITION

A structured process for gathering evidence and making judgments about an individuals performance in relation

to registered national standards and qualifications.

b) OBJECTIVES

To collect evidence of students work so that judgements about students achievements, or non-achievements,

can be made and decisions arrived at.

To make decisions about the education and training system itself, and to make judgements in the process,

informing such decisions.

Assessment is not only focused on what students can do, but intends to develop students holistically. In other

words, students are also required to demonstrate certain life skills, which will not only enhance their learning, but

will also ensure that these skills are transferable to their private lives.

c) GUIDING PRINCIPLES

As assessment is central to the recognition of achievement, and the quality of the assessment is therefore

important to provide credible certification. Credibility in assessment is assured through assessment procedures

and practices being governed by certain principles. These principles help to allay the concerns and anxieties of

users of assessment results. All roleplayers want the assurance that the assessment results are credible. This is

because these results often affect personal, social and economic progression and mobility in society. In addition,

the results provide accurate information about the individual.

Fairness: An assessment should not in any way hinder or advantage a student.

Validity: Validity in assessment refers to measuring what it says it is measuring, be it knowledge, understanding,

subject content, skills, information, behaviours, etc.

Reliability: Reliability in assessment is about consistency. Consistency refers to the same judgements being

made in the same, or similar contexts each time a particular assessment for specified stated intentions is

administered.

Practicability : Practicability refers to ensuring that assessments take into account the available financial

resources, facilities, equipment and time.

Assessments that require elaborate arrangements for equipment and facilities, as well as being costly, will make

the assessment system fail. The critical overriding principle of assessment is that of ethics. Because the results

of an assessment can lead to an increase in pay, improved career prospects and the like, the principles of

assessment are applied ethically and responsibly.


19/23

19

d) ABOUT ASSESSORS

Assessors are trained and competent in administering assessments;

Assessors give clear, consistent and unambiguous instructions;

Assessment criteria and guidelines for unit standards and qualifications are adhered to;

Assessors meet and talk to each other;

Assessors are subject experts in their learning field(s); Where possible, more than one assessor are involved in the assessment of one student;

Assessors use checklists, or other objective forms of assessment, in addition to other assessment instruments;

Internal and external moderation procedures for assessment are in place; and

Clear and systematic recording procedures are in place.

e) ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Assessment criteria are used to assess students. Assessment criteria are statements that describe the standard

to which students must perform the actions, roles, knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes stated in

the outcomes. They are a clear and transparent expression of requirements against which successful (or

unsuccessful) performance is assessed.

The assessment criteria specify:

The knowledge, understanding, action(s), roles, skills, values and attitudes that a student has to display in order

to provide evidence that outcomes and competence have been achieved;

The level of complexity and quality of these; and

The context of and conditions under which demonstrations should occur.

f) SUCCEEDING WITH THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The explicit and transparent specification of competence, outcomes and assessment criteria is intended to

ensure fairness of assessment:

All students know what they are expected to demonstrate in order to achieve credits;

All assessors know what skills, knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes, etc. are expected from a student

There is clarity on tasks and activities that students have to perform;

There is clarity on the level of complexity, quality, kinds and range of skills, knowledge, understanding, values,

attitudes, etc. expected from the student; and

There is clarity on the context of and the conditions under which assessment will occur. In addition, the explicit

and transparent specification of competence, outcomes and assessment criteria is intended to ensure validity and

practicability of assessment:

The nature of assessment methods and instruments should match the assessment criteria specified.

Furthermore, the explicit and transparent specification of competence, outcomes and assessment criteria is also


20/23

20

intended to ensure reliability of assessment.

The standards, outcomes and the assessment criteria are the basis upon which assessments are planned and

administered.

These remain constant regardless of who is assessing or who is being assessed.

The specific nature of these aspects makes it incumbent upon the assessor to use them as a guide to planning,

developing and administering assessments

The clear nature of these aspects is a built-in mechanism to avoid assessor deviation, inconsistency and error.

g) THE APPEAL PROCESS WITH REGARDS TO ASSESSMENTS

A student has the right to appeal against:

unfair assessments

invalid assessments

unreliable assessments

the assessors judgement, if considered biased

inadequate expertise and experience of the assessor unethical practices

h) PROCEDURE OF APPEALING

The student who wishes to appeal must first approach and discuss the issue with the assessor.

The assessor will attempt to cure any defects or address any issues raised by the student.

Unresolved matters are referred to the Academic Dean who will assume control of the process and attempt to

resolve the appeal. Resolution may take the form of a re-assessment.

Matters left unresolved by the Academic Dean can be referred to the Southern Africa Director who will seek

resolution and thus his/her decision will be final.

i) GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT ROLES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Board of Directors is responsible for the existence and monitoring of implementation of an assessment

policy.

Institutional Management is responsible for the implementation of this policy in terms of the necessary processes,

systems and procedures.

Line directors are responsible for adhering to the policy, as well as the process and procedures.

The Administrator is responsible for the administration process, and the provision of management information.


21/23

21

12 . GRIEVANCE POLICY

Each student, by virtue of his or her enrollment, implies his or her agreement to abide by the standards set forth

in this catalog and in the Student Handbook. These policies, while generally appropriate, may on occasion need

to be reconsidered in the context of individual circumstances.

In the event that a student feels that a policy has been applied inappropriately or seeks an exception to existing

policy, such a request may be submitted in writing to the appropriate office as indicated below. This same

process is appropriate for a student seeking to appeal a decision on matters of academics, conduct, finances,

etc. Appropriate forms will be available from the national office to facilitate the appeals process.

a) STEP 1: APPEAL WITHIN 5 DAYS

The written appeal will describe the decision or policy in question and the basis for the students appeal, and

when appealing a decision, must be submitted within five days of the initial action. Upon submission, the appeal

will be heard and reviewed by the appropriate college personnel and faculty.

b) STEP 2: VERBAL EXPLANATION IN 3 DAYS AND WRITTEN IN 5 DAYS

Within three days, the student will receive a verbal explanation of the decision, and within five days, a written

explanation.

c) STEP 3: FINAL APPEAL TO N ATIONAL OFFICE

If the student is unsatisfied with the response to the appeal, the student may make final appeal in writing to the

office of the Southern Africa Director (SA Director). Appeals initially involving the SA Director, must be sent to theChairman of the Board.

In academic matters, the initial appeal will be submitted to the Academic Dean. In matters of finance, the initial

appeal will be submitted to the Finance Office. In other non-academic matters, the initial appeal will be submitted

to the SA Director. In the event that the individual functioning in any of these roles is unavailable, a delegate will

be appointed by the SA Director to handle the appeal.

13 . GRADUATION

a) THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

The Graduation Ceremony is regarded as a very important academic tradition, thus the graduation ceremony is a

grand and impressive affair. VIC-SA takes this opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge publicly successful

students achievements. Guests, especially relatives and friends, are warmly invited to share this celebration with

students who both did exceptionally well and others who did not do that well.


22/23

22

b) REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Degrees and Certificates will not be granted until all requirements and obligations, academic and financial, have

been fulfilled.

To participate in commencement exercises and graduate with a certificate or degree from VIC-SA, each student

must fulfill the following:

Achieve a passmark for the different qualifications from the undergraduate to the Post-graduate studies, without

having any outstanding Assignments and/or exams.

Must complete and submit his/her Intent to Graduate form to the Administrative Office by the start of the last

month of the particular exit level of the qualification.

A student must complete his/her final year at VIC-SA prior to graduation, unless the student has applied for RPL.

Fulfill all financial obligations to the college.

Be approved by the faculty as a candidate for a degree.

Participate in Commencement exercises.

c) APPLYING TO GRADUATE

Students must notify the Registrar in writing of their intent to graduate. This can be done during the first week of

the final month of study, before you sit final exams/assessments and before you receive your results.

All outstanding financial obligations to VIC-SA must be satisfied and all borrowed library books must

be returned before a student can receive a diploma and have transcripts released.

It is your responsibility as a student to ensure you have completed all the requirements for your course before

you are eligible to graduate. This may mean ensuring all exemptions or any Credit Transfer and Recognition of

Prior Learning applications have been processed for the course you are completing.Under extreme circumstances, some students may be granted degrees in absentia; however, requests must be

made in writing to the Academic Dean no later than seven work days before the date of graduation. The Board of

VIC-SA must grant final approval.

d) GRADUATION DAY

VIC-SA will notify all graduating students of the Graduation date, time and venue; also dress code and the Guest

of honour will also be announced. Within three weeks before the Graduation, a special meeting will be called at

the graduation venue to effect a rehearsal explaining both the Procession as well as the Receiving ceremony.

e) PERMISSION TO GRADUATE IN ABSENTIA

Permission to not be present from the Graduation Ceremony must be secured from the Academic Dean at least

10 days before Commencement, and it is granted only in unusual circumstances.


23/23

23

14 . EXECUTIVE BOARD

a) RESPONSIBILITIES:

The final authority in the determination of the administration, policy, and program of VIC-SA is vested in theManagement Board. It is the responsibility of the Board to cast the vision for the College. The Board is alsoresponsible for setting policy, hiring staff, approving the budget, faculty, and curriculum and maintaining spiritual

integrity where doctrine is concerned.

b) COMPOSITION:

The Executive Board of VIC-SA is the governing body of the College. It is presently composed of 10 members,who are elected to 3-year terms, with 1/3 expiring each year. The Board is totally independent of outside control.They elect their own officers.

15 . ACADEMIC BOARD

Prof J Theron (SA) (Phd)

Dr. N. Daniels (SA) (M A),( D.Min)

Dr S DeKoven (USA) (Phd)

Rev M. Heuvel (SA) (MA)

Dr D Plant (Aust) (D. Min. Phd)

Rev M. Coetzee (SA) ( PG. Dip)

Dr S Mills (USA) (D. Min)

Rev M Yadoon (East Africa)) (MA)

Prof N. Horn (Nam) (Phd)

Dr J. Reichard (USA) (Phd)

16 . MANAGEMENT BOARD

Director:

Dr. N. Daniels (NC:OD- ETDP;MA, D. Min)

National Learning Support Co-ordinator:

Rev M. Heuvel (MA)

Quality Assurance:

Rev M. Coetzee (P.G. Dip)

17 . ADMINISTRATION

Administrator

Pastor William Koeries

Assistant Administrator

Ms Denise Prins

vision int l college handbook

Documents