General Information

Accreditation and State Authorization

Covenant College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Covenant College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness is administratively responsible for matters pertaining to Covenant College’s accreditation and may be contacted at institutional.research@covenant.edu.

Formal complaints to address possible non-compliance with the SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation: Foundations of Quality Enhancement, as well as to address possible violations of Covenant College’s own policies and procedures, if related to the Principles, can be made using the SACSCOC complaint form. For more information about the complaint process and what kinds of complaints will be considered for review, please see the SACSCOC complaint policy. Both the form and the policy can be found on the SACSCOC website (www.sacscoc.org).

Covenant College is authorized by the state of Georgia to operate in Georgia and grant degrees as a post-secondary institution. Complaints may be filed with the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) via gnpec.georgia.gov/student-resources/student-complaints.

Advisors

All individuals admitted to the Master of Arts in Teaching program are assigned an academic advisor. Students are encouraged to contact their advisor with questions about their program of study.

Auditing

Because the effectiveness of the program is directly related to active participation of students in all assignments, no auditing of courses is permitted in any graduate program. 

Catastrophic Event Policy

In the case of catastrophic events, the college will implement procedures in the Emergency Operations Plan, the Disaster Recovery Plan, and Virtual Server Disaster Recovery Plan. In the case of a catastrophic event that interrupts the regular delivery of distance instruction for more than a brief period of time, the college will either offer refunds of tuition or an alternative method of completing the courses for which students are registered. Since no program of the college is offered completely online, arrangements may include replacement of instruction with face-to-face instruction on the college campus.

Conduct, Discipline Procedures and Appeals

The following general regulations regarding student conduct apply to Graduate Program of Education students.

1. Smoking and possession and use of alcohol and drugs are not permitted on campus.
2. Scripture specifically describes practices which are morally wrong and are therefore unacceptable for all students while enrolled at Covenant College. Among these practices are drunkenness, adultery and fornication (defined as cohabitation and/or premarital sexual relationships of a heterosexual or homosexual nature), stealing, slanderous talk, gossip, profanity, lying, cheating, and possession of obscene or pornographic materials.
3. Plagiarism involves quoting, paraphrasing, or in other ways using sources without proper acknowledgment. See extended statement regarding plagiarism in this catalog.

Violation of any of the regulations regarding conduct will be considered as grounds for discipline which could result in immediate dismissal.

Students accused of infractions are given notice either in writing or in a disciplinary information meeting so that the alleged misconduct is clearly understood. The student’s case is heard and decided by the Director of Graduate Programs.

The student may choose to appeal the decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who may modify the decision of the Director. Such an appeal must be submitted within two working days after the Director’s decision. If the student wishes, the case may be further appealed to the President of the college. This appeal must be submitted within two working days after the decision by the Vice President.

Costs

It is the desire of Covenant College, within the limits of its available funds, to offer its educational opportunities to all who qualify for admission, regardless of individual economic circumstances.

The cost of an education at Covenant is only partly covered by tuition charges; the balance is paid from contributions made by friends and alumni of the College. Because of increasing costs, the Covenant College Board of Trustees reserves the right to make changes at any time in the tuition charges and other general and special fees as needed.

All account balances are due in full at the start of the term. If the account balance is not paid in full, a finance charge will be assessed at the end of each month on the unpaid balance. To avoid late payments, students should check their account balance on-line. Accounts must be fully paid each term before a student can register for a subsequent term, view grades, or receive a transcript.

Tuition and fees for the MAT are listed elsewhere in this catalog.

Credit Hour Definition and Policies

Graduate credit hour definition: a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates-

1. Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.
2. One credit hour will be awarded for no less than every two hours of other academic activities as established by the instructor including laboratory work, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. 

Covenant’s definition of the credit hour applies to all graduate courses that award academic credit (i.e. any course that appears on an official transcript issued by the college) regardless of the mode of delivery, including, but not limited to residential, online, or hybrid programs. The Education Department is responsible for ensuring that credit hours as listed for each course in the catalog are awarded only for the work that meets the requirements outlined in this policy. 

The initial credit hour recommendation is made by the faculty in the discipline in order to ensure consistency with Covenant’s credit hour policy and the norms of the discipline. Each course must then be approved by the graduate program faculty and Graduate Council. The Graduate Program of Education is responsible to review course syllabi each term to confirm that each course offered complies with the credit hour definition, no matter modality or location of delivery. 

Online courses at Covenant are delivered with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, and the Director of Graduate Programs is responsible for determining the amount of student work expected in each online course in order to achieve the course objectives and to ensure that the online course as delivered meets the credit hour assignment approved by the college at course approval and based on at least an equivalent amount of work as represented in the definition of credit hour.

Disability Accommodation

Covenant College provides reasonable accommodations to students with diagnosed disabilities or medical conditions that might affect their academic performance. Any student with a disability who may need accommodations in a course should contact the Center for Student Success; students should contact disabilityservices@covenant.edu to establish eligibility for accommodations as early in the semester as possible. For students to receive appropriate accommodations, the course instructor must receive official notification of eligibility from the Center for Student Success, and students must speak directly to their instructor concerning their specific accommodations BEFORE a due date for an assignment or BEFORE the day of an exam.

Disability Accommodation - Extended Time for Testing

Students who have on file in the Center for Student Success a psychological evaluation completed within the last three years that recommends extended time for testing shall be granted that accommodation on a case-by-case basis at the recommendation of the Director of Student Success. Students who provide verification that their primary language is not English may also be granted that accommodation on a case-by-case basis when the Director of Student Success determines that extended time for testing is warranted. Typically, extended time for testing would apply to all in-class assessments including tests and quizzes, and will entail 1.5 times the normal test period. The Director of Student Success can make recommendation for additional accommodations on a case-by-case basis. If the professor cannot make arrangements to provide the additional proctoring, the Director of Student Success should be contacted for assistance. Despite the accommodation regarding the administration of tests and quizzes, all other assignments to be completed outside of class and during labs will be due according to the announced dates.

Faculty and Personnel

(Year in parenthesis indicates date of joining faculty.)

Amy H. Bagby, Associate Professor of Education (2009), Ph.D., Mercer University; M.Ed., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; B.A., Covenant College.

Jack E. Beckman, Professor of Education (2004), Ph.D. and M.Phil., University of Cambridge; M.Ed., Covenant College; B.S., Georgia State University.

James L. Drexler, Dean of Academic Partnerships (2002), Ph.D., Saint Louis University; M.Ed., University of Missouri; M.Div., Covenant Theological Seminary; B.A., Covenant College.

Lindsey Fain, Director of Graduate Programs (2018) and Certification Official, Ph.D., Columbia International University; M.Ed. and B.A., Covenant College.

Elaine T. Tinholt, Professor of Education (2020), Ed.D., George Fox University; Ed.S., Lincoln Memorial University; M.Ed., Covenant College; B.S., University of West Georgia.

Financial Aid

To be considered for financial assistance an individual must be accepted and registered for the MAT for a minimum of six semester hours. Eligibility for assistance is established through a financial aid application submitted to the Financial Aid Office at Covenant College. With the exception of the Church Scholarship Promise, financial assistance is based on financial need. Covenant College uses the standard federal calculations to determine financial need.

Financial aid information is included on the graduate website and with the registration packet. Financial aid grants may not be used to fund tuition deposits. Returning students who have previously received federal student loans must register within 90 days from the last end term date to remain in deferment status.

Federal aid will be earned on a prorated basis up to 60% of the term of attendance.

Grades

Grades in the Graduate Program of Education have the following meaning. Professors may modify standard letter grades with a plus or minus with the exception of A+.

Specified Dates for Course Incompletes:

• Incomplete received in MAT summer term must be completed by August 15
• Incomplete received in MAT fall term must be completed by January 3
• Incomplete received in MAT spring term must be completed by May 18

An Incomplete Grade Request Form must be completed and submitted prior to the conclusion of the term in order for an incomplete course grade to be granted. Forms are available from the office of the Graduate Program of Education. Students may not register for additional coursework with more than one incomplete course grade.

Grade Point Average

Grade point averages are computed on a 4.0 scale; an A is assigned the value of 4.0, a B is assigned 3.0, a C is assigned 2.0, and a D is assigned 1.0. Only one course with a grade below a B- will be applied to graduation requirements. If a course is repeated, the most recent grade is used in computing the grade point average. No grade below B is accepted by transfer. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required for continuation in and completion of the degree.

Covenant does not offer noncredit coursework and does not accept noncredit coursework to fulfill degree requirements and awarding of degrees.

Graduation and Awarding of Degrees

Graduation is held in May each year. All degree requirements and fiscal responsibilities must be completed and met in order to participate in the commencement ceremony in May of any given year. Degrees are awarded in May, August, and December.

Grievance Policy

Academic Grievances

Students wishing to file grievances on academic issues should submit written appeals to the Director of Graduate Programs following attempts to resolve the problem with the faculty member. Academic grievances concerning a faculty member should be directed initially to that faculty member, then to the Director of Graduate Programs. Grievances may also be filed with the use of the Academic Affairs Grievance Form, on covenant.edu: https://portal.covenant.edu/forms?form_id=31

General Grievances

All general grievances, not of an academic nature, should be written and directed to the Director of Graduate Programs. Procedure for reporting grievances:

1. All student grievances must be submitted in writing to the proper college official.
2. The college official will then review the complaint and decide whether the complaint merits official action.
3. The appropriate official will then provide the student with a response to the complaint once a decision is made.
4. The student may appeal the decision in writing; appeals must be submitted within forty-eight hours to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Graduate Council.

International Applicants

Covenant College defines international students as anyone who is not a citizen of the United States of America. International applicants must submit the following in addition to standard admissions requirements:

A. The International Student Certification of Finances form prior to, or along with, submitting the application for admission. The form can be found online at grad.covenant.edu. The certification form must be supported with a copy of a bank statement or letter from a bank confirming the availability of financial resources to pay for educational expenses. If a third party sponsor or organization will be providing resources for the student, a similar confirmation of resources from an individual or a letter from an organization should be included.

One to two months should be allowed for processing certification of finances and two months minimum should be allowed to obtain a student visa. A link to the International Student Certification of Finances form can be found  on our website: grad.covenant.edu

B. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - required for international students whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 577 (paper-based exam) or 233 (computer-based exam) or 90 (internet-based exam) is required for the TOEFL, and a minimum of 7 is required for the IELTS. An official score report should be submitted to Covenant College (code 6124).

Information about the TOEFL may be obtained from:

Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
www.ets.org/toefl

Information about the IELTS may be obtained from:

www.ielts.org

C.  International transcripts submitted for admission must be evaluated and authenticated. The following organizations are reputable, and as such, Covenant College will accept a course evaluation and a degree confirmation. All are well established and have different fee structures and timelines of services so the applicant may select the organization they prefer to utilize.

International Education Evaluations, Inc.
https://myiee.org/university/covenant-college
Charlotte, NC │ 704.772.0109

Educational Credential Evaluators
https://www.ece.org/
Milwaukee, WI │ 414.289.3400

Foreign Credentials Service of America
https://www.foreigncredentials.org
Austin, TX │512.469.4565

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
http://gceus.com/
Offices in Texas, Mississippi and Virginia
800.707.0979

Josef Silny & Associates
http://www.jsilny.com/
Miami, FL │305.273.1616

Transcript Research
http://transcriptresearch.com/
Offices in Lancaster, PA and Dallas, TX
214.810.1124

D.  A copy of the biographical page of applicant’s passport.

E.  Note: college credits taken in the home country may not apply toward any Covenant master’s degree program.

Library Services

The Anna E. Kresge Memorial Library performs an essential role in the educational process and institutional purpose of the College by affording facilities that enhance learning for students and faculty; by providing a curated collection of resources that support the academic program; and by offering research and instructional services to promote their effective use within a biblical frame of reference in the Reformed tradition.

The Kresge Memorial Library offers seating for approximately 175 individuals on two floors. The first floor contains reading tables, individual study carrels, soft seating, and a lounge area. The second floor provides a quiet study area housing carrels and semi-private group study rooms. Also housed on the second floor are a testing room, the campus Art Gallery, the Writing Center, the Center for Student Success, the College Archives, and a multi-purpose room which  accommodates library instruction, receptions, and other special events. The Library supplies wired network connectivity through public computers  appropriately equipped for research and writing, as well as wireless access to the campus network.

Collections include print and electronic books; print and electronic subscriptions to journals, magazines and newspapers; electronic and print back files of periodicals; streaming audio and video databases; films on DVD and Blu-Ray; and over 200 general and subject-specific research databases.

By using a web-scale, cloud-based, integrated, single-search box online catalog, WorldCat Discovery Services, library users may explore, identify, and access print and electronic resources held in the Kresge Library as well as those located in thousands of other libraries worldwide. Students may connect to the Library’s electronic resources from off-campus locations with appropriate campus network authentication. Through its membership in OCLC, the world’s largest provider of bibliographic services, the Library networks with thousands of other institutions worldwide to provide interlibrary loan and document delivery services.

The library’s web site, https://library.covenant.edu, provides more detailed information on collections, discipline-specific resource guides, policies, and other services.

Plagiarism and Cheating

As is clear from the definition of plagiarism below, Covenant College includes under the more narrow term “plagiarism” most, if not all, academic misbehavior usually designated by the word “cheating” – that is, the giving or receiving of illegitimate assistance, especially under circumstances when not collaboration but one’s own individual work is expected and when a student presents material as his or her own individual work.

Plagiarism is inconsistent with good scholarship. Covenant College considers plagiarism a moral matter as well as a legal matter. It does this on the assumption that the function of a Christian college is not only to impart knowledge but also to nurture moral character of the student writer.

• Plagiarism is a deception–of the instructor, obviously, but no less of the student writer. Cheating hides individuals from the encounter with who they really are, what they really can do, or what they can be.
• Plagiarism is a theft of the materials themselves, but no less of the right of the cheater’s fellow students to equal consideration, for in effect the plagiarized paper throws all other papers in competition with work that likely has already been judged superior.
• Plagiarism breeds a moral atmosphere which denies all students the dignity and freedom due them as human beings.  Inevitably, one cheater throws the taint of suspicion upon all, the entire climate is poisoned, and mutual respect is endangered.
• Plagiarism perverts the values of humane education when the instructor is forced to give extraordinary attention to the integrity of the grade and can no longer assume the integrity of the student.
• Plagiarism is a sin, a violation of the Eighth Commandment. It is inimical to the values and ideals of a Christian educational institution.

According to the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7^th ed.; 2009; print; p. 52), plagiarism is:

Derived from the Latin word plagiarius (“kidnapper”), to plagiarize means “to commit literary theft” and to “present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary [11^th ed.; 2003; print]). Plagiarism involves two kinds of wrongs.  Using another person’s ideas, information, or expressions without acknowledging that person’s work constitutes intellectual theft. Passing off another person’s ideas, information, or expressions as your own to get a better grade or gain some other advantage constitutes fraud.

In its discussion of the nature of plagiarism, the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7^th ed.; 2009; print; p. 56) also notes three “less conspicuous forms of plagiarism,” including “the failure to give appropriate acknowledgment when repeating or paraphrasing another’s wording, when taking a particularly apt phrase, and when paraphrasing another’s argument or presenting another’s line of thinking.”

Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Part or all of a written or spoken assignment copied from another person’s manuscript without proper documentation
• Part or all of an assignment copied or paraphrased from a source (books, journals, newspapers, magazines, digital resources, web sites, charts, graphs, music scores, sound recordings, video recordings) without proper documentation
• Presenting as original (or paraphrased) the sequence of ideas, arrangement of material, or pattern of thought contained in another person’s work
• Allowing a paper, in outline or finished form, to be copied and submitted as the work of another person
• Preparing an assignment for another student and allowing him/her to submit it as his/her own work
• Keeping a written or digital archive of documents with the intent that they be copied and submitted as the work of another person
• Handing in one’s own work to satisfy more than one assignment without the permission of all instructors.

A paraphrase is the rewording of another’s ideas or the summary of another’s work, and even if the wording is distinctly different from the original source, the original source should be cited. If a person copies a distinctive phrase or description using the same words and word-order of the original source, these should be enclosed in quotation marks, with an appropriate reference.

To avoid plagiarism, the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7^th ed.; 2009; print; p. 61) suggests:

• making a list of the writers and viewpoints you discovered in your research and using this list to double-check the presentation of material in your paper
• keeping the following three categories distinct in your notes: your ideas, your summaries of others’ materials, and exact wording you copy
• identifying the sources of all material you borrow-exact wording, paraphrases, ideas, arguments, and facts
• checking with your instructor when you are uncertain about your use of sources

For more information on plagiarism, see http://abacus.bates.edu/cbb.

Procedures and Penalties for Violations of Academic Integrity

Covenant College assumes the honor and integrity of its students. If someone should abuse this confidence, the college is prepared to act as follows:

1. An instructor who finds evidence of plagiarism or any violation of academic integrity will first discuss with the student the nature of the case, including its moral implications and its academic ramifications. Plagiarism normally results in a mark of zero for the plagiarized work. Instructors also have the prerogative to fail the student in the course or to recommend to the Director of Graduate Programs that a student be dismissed from the graduate program.
2. After discussing the evidence with a student, an instructor should notify a student of any sanction for the plagiarism or cheating. Initial notification may be verbal, but should also be accompanied by written and electronic confirmation. A copy of this penalty policy, along with specific information needed for an appeal, should accompany the written and electronic notifications to the student.
3. Regardless of any other actions, once an instructor determines a student has committed plagiarism or cheating, the instructor must document and notify the Office of Academic Affairs of the incident. The Office of Academic Affairs will keep record of all incidents and will report multiple violations by the same student to the Academic Standards Committee for review and possible further action.
4. After being sent notification of a sanction, a student may appeal within two business days to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President will normally either uphold or deny the appeal; in rare instances, and after consultation with the instructor and student involved, the Vice President may suggest an alternate sanction for the instructor to impose.

Privacy Rights of Students

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records.

These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day Covenant receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Office of Records or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the records the student wishes to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to request Covenant to amend a record should write the appropriate official clearly identifying the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If Covenant decides not to amend the record as requested, Covenant will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

Covenant discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A Covenant official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. A Covenant official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom Covenant has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using Covenant employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

Covenant designates the following categories of student information as public or “directory information.” Such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose at its discretion:

• Biographical:  Name, address, telephone number, email address, photograph and video
• Enrollment: Dates of attendance, enrollment status, class, previous institution(s) attended, major field of study, awards, honors, degrees conferred (including dates).
• Athletic: Past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight of athletes), date and place of birth.

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of directory information under FERPA by submitting a written request to withhold disclosure. Contact the Office of Records.

3. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901

Please direct any questions regarding privacy rights to the Office of Records at Records@covenant.edu or call 706.419.1190.

Programing that Leads to State Licensure

Covenant College offers two academic programs that lead to State Licensure in Teacher Education: Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching (pedagogy only) in various content areas that lead to K-12, 4-8, or 6-12 certification depending on the content. These programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and lead to licensure in the State of Georgia only. Although students may take a portion of the courses for these programs via distance instruction while residing in other states, more than 50% of the instruction is offered in person and will not lead to licensure in any other state. Covenant College has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in any State but Georgia. Of course students may apply directly to any other state for licensure within that state and the education department of Covenant College will provide whatever assistance it can. However, the burden of obtaining licensure in any state other than Georgia rests with the graduates of the programs.

States in which Covenant College has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in education:

• Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas
• California, Colorado, Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa
• Kansas, Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana
• Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota
• Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina, South Dakota
• Tennessee, Texas
• Utah
• Vermont, Virginia
• Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Remote Instruction Policy

Students who take classes remotely must read and sign the Remote Instruction Student Agreement. They agree to maintain confidentiality and maintain technology requirements of not sharing their password, as well as proper use of microphone and camera for all synchronous sessions.

Statement of Student Rights

Every member of the Covenant College community has committed to live together in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is to be a totally unique learning culture and environment. Covenant students have several rights that are elaborated upon further within this catalog. In summary those rights include:

• Right to inspection and review of student records
• Right to procedural fairness in the administration of student discipline
• Right to an environment free from harassment
• Right to file a grievance and have it addressed in a timely manner

Technology Services

Technology available to Covenant graduate students consists of computer laboratories, email, printers, and wifi network across campus.

Google’s G Suite for Education is the platform in place at Covenant College. Additionally, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel of Microsoft Office are available. Canvas is the course learning management system faculty employ at their discretion. Graduate students are expected to be familiar with these software packages and have access to the Internet and email.

Wireless Internet access is available throughout the college campus. It is based on the 802.11AC/b/g/n standard with WPA2 encryption. Any wireless card that supports that standard will work in the residence halls, library, and classroom buildings. To access the wireless network, personal computers will need to be equipped with the appropriate wireless card. Additional details are included in the registration packet.

Email is the primary means of communication while a student at Covenant College. Personal email accounts are required of all graduate students to communicate with faculty, personnel, and fellow students. A student’s primary email address is required upon admission and is on file with the graduate office. Upon acceptance into the Graduate Program of Education, students are assigned a Covenant username, Banner ID, and Covenant email account. The Covenant email account, rather than a primary personal account, is used for communication while enrolled at Covenant. The Covenant student Banner account is the vehicle used for posting e-bills, financial aid, and records information.

Detailed technology support information is available at http://techsupport.covenant.edu.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

TOEFL or IELTS is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 577 (paper-based exam), 233 (computer-based exam), or 90 (Internet-based exam) is required for TOEFL, and a minimum of 7 is required for the IELTS.

For additional information:

• TOEFL  www.ets.org/toefl
• IELTS  www.ielts.org

An official score report should be submitted to Covenant College (Code 6124).

Covenant defines an international student as one who is not a citizen of the United States of America.

Title IX and Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013

In addition to the Clery Act which requires annual reporting of statistics for various criminal offenses, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, and aggravated assault, the VAWA’s SaVE Act provision adds the following:

Domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to the categories that, if the incident was reported to a campus security authority or local police agency, must be reported under Clery.

Information regarding the investigation process and options for assistance is located in the Covenant College Title IX policy and procedure at  http://www.covenant.edu/sexualmisconduct.

The Wetterling Act - Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act

The Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act (Wetterling Act) requires the state to distribute information about sex offenders already required to register in a state, as required under state law, to each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carried on a vocation, or is a student. The state must then notify the institution “promptly.”

The College is required to advise the campus that this national registry information is at http://services.georgia.gov/gbi/gbisor/SORSearch.jsp. The Director of Safety and Security will serve as the first contact for the state. If there are any questions about the Wetterling Act, please contact the Safety and Security office at 706-419-1209.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Covenant College will not allow any form of sexual harassment or any such conduct that has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living, work or classroom environment.

Covenant College considers a position against sexual harassment to be thoroughly consistent with the overall mission of the College and its long-standing commitment to traditional Christian values as presented in the Holy Scriptures. Sexual harassment transgresses holy law and, in addition, is a form of illegal discrimination that is abhorrent to the College. Consequently, it is the obligation of each member of the Covenant College community-administrators, faculty, staff, and students - to adhere to this anti-harassment policy.

Sexual harassment is defined to include but not limited to: any unwelcome sexual advance either verbal or physical where submission to the advance is either an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or enrollment, submission to or rejection of the advance is used as the basis for making employment or enrollment decisions, or such conduct as interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or classroom environment. Examples of sexual harassment are: explicit or implicit promise of career advancement, training, awards, lax time-keeping, or acceptance of lower standards of performance in return for sexual favors; explicit or implicit threats that if sexual conduct is rejected, the employee or student will not be promoted, will receive a poor employment evaluation or grade, or will be assigned to a less desirable position/location; or deliberate, repeated, unsolicited verbal comments, gestures, or physical actions of a sexual nature (e.g., hostile or offensive) thus creating an intimidating working or classroom atmosphere for the employee or student. Sexual harassment as defined in this policy also includes visual forms of a sexual nature (e.g., signs, posters, and the like) unless part of the curriculum. Sexual harassment of any employee or student, whether in a supervisory or pedagogical relationship or not, is prohibited.

Should such conduct occur, be experienced or observed, it should be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor, the Director of Human Resources, or a senior administrator for faculty or staff. An investigation will be promptly initiated, and the findings reported to the senior administrator of the complainant. The College will do its utmost to respect the privacy of all parties involved in the investigation while taking the necessary steps to investigate and resolve the complaint.

Any sexual harassment is considered a major violation of College policy and will be dealt with accordingly by corrective counseling and/or suspension or termination depending upon the severity of the violation.

Transfer Credits

Graduate work completed at other regionally-accredited institutions may be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the MAT degree at Covenant College subject to the following conditions:

• Transfer credit will not be allowed for any course in which the grade received was lower than a B.
• No more than six hours of transfer graduate-level credit may be applied toward the MAT degree.
• Any course transferred and applied toward the degree must have been taken within six years of the graduation date for the graduate degree. Covenant College does not offer noncredit courses and noncredit coursework is not accepted to fulfill degree requirements.
• Transfer coursework will be evaluated in terms of level, context, quality, comparability, and degree relevance by the appropriate professor and the Director of Graduate Programs. Approval of any transfer credit must be granted prior to registration for the term. Transfer credit forms are included in the application packet, on the website grad.covenant.edu, and may be submitted as part of the application process.

Tuition Grant Plan

The Tuition Grant Plan offers an incentive for multiple educators from the same school to participate in the Master of Arts in Teaching. The plan is solely based on the number of participants from a particular school. The details of the plan include adjustments in tuition at the following rates:

10% grant for individuals when two MAT students are enrolled from the same school 
20% grant for individuals when three MAT students are enrolled from the same school
25% grant for individuals when four or more MAT students are enrolled from the same school

The grants do not include non-tuition fees. To apply for participation, the school administrator submits a letter listing participants in the Tuition Grant Plan from his/her school. This letter is requested by the student and is submitted each academic year for eligible applicants to receive tuition grant benefits. Upon receipt of registration forms and initial deposit, the tuition grant will be applied to participants.

Submit letter to:
Director of Graduate Programs
Covenant College
14049 Scenic Highway
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750-9601

or mat@covenant.edu

Withdrawal Refund Policy

When a student formally withdraws from the college, leaves the college without notice, or does not return from an approved leave of absence, adjustments may result from the refund of expenses and the reduction of financial aid. The date of withdrawal is determined by written application or violation of the attendance policy.

The federal Title IV pro rata percentage will determine the refund or reduction based on the amount of time spent in academic attendance and has no relationship to the student’s incurred institutional charges. This pro rata percentage is used to determine the percentage adjustment at the time of withdrawal up through the completion of the 60 percent point in a term. After the 60 percent point, a student has earned 100 percent of the expenses and financial aid for the term. After the last day of late registration, no tuition will be refunded as a result of a load adjustment from dropping a course.

The effective withdrawal date of a student who withdraws from the College through the Office of Records will be the date on which the student begins the withdrawal process, either orally or in writing, or the last date of attendance at an academically-related activity (e.g. attendance in class, clinical practice, exams). In cases where a student is unable to visit the office, the effective date will be the date the student makes known their intent to withdraw with the Dean of Records: Rodney Miller, 706.419.1190 or rodney.miller@covenant.edu.

When a student leaves the College without notice, or receives all F’s or Incomplete grades for a semester, faculty will be contacted to determine the last date of academically-related activity and establish if the student unofficially withdrew. The college will look for evidence of course engagement or lack of course engagement (no response to course due dates) to help determine the effective date for both Title IV and institutional refund purposes. If an effective date cannot be accurately determined, the midpoint of the term will be used as the effective date. A different effective date may be used for refund purposes of institutional expenses compared to Title IV funds when there are differences between the dates the withdrawal was initiated compared to when the student completed the process.

Example: if a term is 100 days long and the student withdraws on the 20th day, 20 percent of the term has been completed resulting in an 80 percent reduction of the tuition and financial aid. If the student was billed for tuition of $10,000 and received financial aid of $6,000, the tuition would be reduced by $8,000 and financial aid reduced by $4,000. This will leave an $800 tuition charge that is still the responsibility of the student. Other charges will apply as stated in this section on refunds.

This refund policy is in compliance with the federal Department of Education Title IV requirements. All financial aid reductions are calculated based on formulas published by and software received from the Department of Education.

Involuntary Withdrawal or Suspension

Conditions for which a student may be dismissed are outlined under Conduct, Discipline Procedures and Appeals in this catalog.

A student who is dismissed for disciplinary reasons will still receive a pro rata percentage reduction of financial aid consistent with federal regulation noted above. Tuition charges will be refunded at a rate of one half of the financial aid pro rata percentage.

Example: Following the example under Withdrawal Refund Policy above, a student who is involuntarily withdrawn on the 10th day would receive an 80 percent pro rata reduction in financial aid, and a 40 percent refund of tuition (one half the financial aid percentage). Tuition charges would be refunded $4,000 and financial aid would still be reduced by $4,800. This will leave a $4,800 tuition charge that is still the responsibility of the student. Other charges will apply as stated in Withdrawal Refund Policy.

• $10,000 Tuition Charges less $4,000 refund ($10,000 x .40) = $6,000 Adjusted Tuition Charge
• $6,000 Financial Aid less $4,800 reduction ($6,000 x .80) = $1,200 Adjusted Available Aid
• $4,800 Remaining Tuition Charge