School of Distance Education

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Mission Statement

The School of Distance Education extends access to Adventist education beyond campus, community and national boundaries. We support our faculty and students around the world by promoting best practices in distance education and international partnerships, and by creating a virtual community designed to nurture learning.

The School of Distance Education serves Andrews University by providing leadership, faculty and student support, and professional resources in the following areas: educational technology, distance education, compliance and off-campus programs. The School of Distance Education also operates Griggs University and Griggs International Academy.

Core Values

To accomplish our mission, the School of Distance Education is committed to these core values:

Excellence: We view each student as a special creation, endowed by God with individual talents and abilities that we encourage them to develop by providing a quality, academically rigorous Seventh-day Adventist Christian education at all levels.

Respect: We believe that it is our responsibility to uplift one another by demonstrating respect and consideration for all  parents, students, and educators through learning that is student-centered and redemptive, and customer service that is helpful and friendly.

Integrity: We recognize that mutual trust rests upon a foundation of honesty and transparency. We are honest and straightforward in our dealings, both business and academic, and expect no less from our parents, students, and faculty.

Community: We believe that a safe learning environment and an accepting community are important to effective learning, especially in distance education. We strive to create a learning community where all participants (parents, students, faculty, and administrators) feel valued and understand that they are part of a team by providing opportunities for constructive interaction, and sharing of experiences.

History

Griggs University/Griggs International Academy began its work in 1909, when the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists voted to offer correspondence courses to meet the needs of its members and workers who were unable to attend a traditional campus-based school or college. GU/GIA was originally called Fireside Correspondence School and was founded by Frederick Griggs, one of the pioneer educational leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In 2009, the Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership formed a Commission on Distance Education Models and Structure. The intent of the commission was to conduct an in-depth investigation of current best practices for distance education and make recommendations to the Church on the possibility to using distance education to meet the needs of the worldwide constituency.

In 2010, the Commission brought a recommendation to the General Council and to Niels-Erik Andreasen, president of Andrews University, that ownership of Griggs University be transferred to Andrews University. During the summer of 2010, Andrews University faculty and administration met and deliberated on the impact that ownership of Griggs would make upon the University structure.

Andrews University and Griggs University had enjoyed a long-term partnership offering distance education degree programs and, through its academic schools, the university had also been offering a number of online courses and programs. Furthermore, the Andrews University Board indicated an interest in bringing Griggs to Andrews University in its entirety and began to include in its planning consideration of Griggs University and Griggs International Academy.

At the October 26, 2010, meeting of the Andrews University Board, it was voted to accept the gift of Griggs University and Griggs International Academy.

After analyzing the housing challenges on campus, Andrews University purchased a building on the edge of its campus that had been owned by the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Lake Union has relocated into one wing of the building, and the entire first floor of the other wing, as well as five offices on the second floor, now houses the School of Distance Education/Griggs University.

In a nod to both a shared history (Frederick Griggs, the founder of GU/GIA was also an important person in the development of Andrews University) and the establishment of Griggs University on Andrews’ campus, the building has been named Griggs Hall.

Distance Education Definitions

Andrews University definitions of distance education are based on the 2009 federal distance education definitions and the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission definitions of distance education.

Distance Education Programs are defined by the total package delivery of learning experiences included in the degree. Distance education includes any learning experiences that are not located at any Andrews campus, such as online courses, dissertations, independent studies, clinicals, etc. Distance programs have limited learning time on campus.

Distance Education Courses are defined by the NCA-HLC Definition: “Distance-delivered courses are those in which all or the vast majority (typically 75% or more) of the instruction and interaction occurs via electronic communication, correspondence, or equivalent mechanisms, with the faculty and students physically separated from each other.”

Distance Students are accepted into Distance programs.

Andrews University offers three types of distance education course formats:

• Self-paced courses are offered where instructional materials and examinations are provided by mail or electronic transmission to students who are separated from the instructor. Interaction between the instructor and the student is limited and is primarily initiated by the student. Self-paced courses may be delivered via paper; via electronic means such as email or a learning management system, or via DVDs, podcasts, streaming or similar one-way media transmission. (This definition matches the federal definition for correspondence courses.)
• Interactive online courses use the Internet to deliver instruction to students who are separate from the instructor. Interactive online courses use the Internet to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor. This regular substantive interaction includes a significant amount of interaction initiated by the instructor. Interactive online courses may use synchronous (real-time) meetings, or an asynchronous paced format. Technologies may include: The Internet, satellite or room-based videoconferencing, web-conferencing, audio-conferencing, or web-based videoconferencing. DVDs, podcasts, streaming and similar one way media may be used only if they are used in conjunction with another technology that facilitates regular and substantive interaction between students and the instructor. (This matches the federal definition for distance education.)
• Blended learning courses include some time where the faculty and students are physically separated from each other and additional time where the faculty and students are in the same location. Blended learning scenarios include a face-to-face class that has reduced face-to-face time replaced with extended online assignments or a short intense face-to-face time supplemented with online learning activities. The blended learning course format uses the online activities to ensure that the course meets the credit hour definition requirements. The online portion of this type of course must meet the description of interactive online courses listed above. (This matches the federal definition for distance education.) Tours and intensives are also classified at Andrews University as a form of blended learning.

   

Distance Degrees at Andrews University

Andrews University offers two types of online degrees: “interactive online” and “self-paced.” (See Definitions section above.)

Interactive Online Degrees

These programs are comprised of courses offered via the interactive online format. Courses have specific start and end dates. Some programs include minimal on-campus components, while some programs are entirely online. See the individual degree pages for more details.

• School of Business
  • Business Administration MBA Interactive Online    
• School of Education
  • Education, Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis MA  
  • Curriculum and Instruction EdS  
  • Curriculum and Instruction EdD  
  • Curriculum and Instruction PhD  
  • Principal Graduate Certificate  
  • Superintendent of Schools Graduate Certificate  
  • Supervisor of Instruction Graduate Certificate  
  • Educational Leadership MA  
  • Higher Education Administration MA  
  • Higher Education Administration EdS  
  • Higher Education Administration EdD  
  • Higher Education Administration PhD  
  • Leadership, Concentration Design MA  
  • Leadership, Job Embedded Design MA  
  • Leadership EdS  
  • Leadership EdD  
  • Leadership PhD  
• School of Health Professions
  • Nursing, (Completion) BS  
  • Nursing, (Certificate) Post-MS  
  • Nutrition and Wellness MPH  
  • Physical Therapy, Concentration in Orthopedic Manual Therapy DScPT (Distance Ed)  
  • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy DPT  

Self-Paced Online Degrees

These programs are comprised of programs offered via the self-paced online course format. Individual courses can be started at any time and must be completed within six months.

• General Studies AA  
• General Studies AS  
• General Studies BA  
• General Studies BS  
• Personal Ministries, Distance Education AA  
• Religion, Distance Education BA  

Distance Courses at Andrews University

General Education Requirements and Courses Available via Distance

For information about general education requirements for all Andrews undergraduate degrees, please see the General Education Program  section of this bulletin. The courses that are available via distance to meet these requirements are listed below.

• Religion: RELB 111V , RELB 112V , RELB 210V , RELB 216V , RELB 245V , RELB 304V , RELB 305V , RELB 335V , RELG 225V , RELG 350V , RELH 316V , RELH 317V , RELH 400V , RELP 290V , RELP 320V , RELP 330V , RELP 335V , RELP 441V , RELT 100V , RELT 225V , RELT 250V , RELT 308V , RELT 340V , RELT 425V  
• Language / Communication: COMM 104V , ENGL 115V , ENGL 215  
• History: HIST 117V  HIST 118V ,
  HIST 204V
   , 
  HIST 205V
    
• Fine Arts/Humanities: ENGL 270V , ENGL 375V , ENGL 376V , MUHL 214V 
  • Philosophy courses are available through Consortium Partners Oakwood University and Washington Adventist University.
• Life/Physical Sciences: FDNT 230V , PHYS 110  
• Mathematics: MATH 165V , MATH 168V , STAT 285V  
• Service: see Service Learning Requirements  
• Social Sciences: PSYC 101V , PLSC 104V , SOCI 119V ,
  BHSC 300
    
• Fitness Education: 
  HLED 120V
    

Interactive Online Courses

These courses are offered via the interactive online format and have fixed registration periods with specific start and end dates. To find these courses in the Course Schedule, look for distance campus and 999 sections.

• College of Arts and Sciences
  • Department of English :
    • ENGL 115
        , ENGL 215  
  • Department of History & Political Science :
    • HIST 117 , HIST 118 ,
  • Department of Religion & Biblical Languages :
    • RELB 111
        , RELG 350 , RELH 400 , 
      RELT 100
       , RELT 225  
  • Department of Physics :
    • PHYS 110  
• School of Business Administration
  • ACCT 501 , ACCT 502 , ACCT 610 , ACCT 620 , BSAD 505 , 
    BSAD 506
     , BSAD 515 , BSAD 530 , BSAD 620 , BSAD 670 , ECON 505 , ECON 506 , ECON 525 , ECON 530 , FNCE 500 , FNCE 675 , MKTG 680  
• School of Education
  • Department of Leadership : 
    • EDAL 520 ,  EDAL 560 , EDAL 565 , EDAL 570 , EDAL 635 , EDAL 640 , EDAL 645 , EDAL 655 , EDAL 664 , EDAL 665 , EDAL 667 , EDAL 670 , EDAL 674 , EDAL 675 , EDAL 676 , EDAL 680 , LEAD 525 , LEAD 530 , LEAD 535 , LEAD 615 , LEAD 625 , LEAD 635 , LEAD 636 , LEAD 637 , LEAD 638 , LEAD 645 , LEAD 646 , LEAD 647 , LEAD 648 , LEAD 675 , LEAD 680 , LEAD 689 , LEAD 690 , LEAD 696 , LEAD 698 , LEAD 699 , LEAD 756 , LEAD 775 , LEAD 789 , LEAD 798 , LEAD 880 , LEAD 886 , LEAD 899  
  • Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling 
    • EDFN 500
       , 
      EDRM 505
       ,
      EDRM 605
       ,
      EDRM 611
        
  • Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum :
    • EDCI 525
       , EDCI 545 , 
      EDCI 565
       , EDCI 547 , EDCI 607 , EDCI 620 , EDCI 647 , EDCI 648 , EDCI 650 , EDCI 676 , EDCI 680 , EDCI 684 , EDCI 685 , EDCI 686 , EDCI 690 , EDCI 696 , EDCI 699 , 
      EDCI 725
       ,
      EDCI 730
       , EDCI 756 , EDCI 795 , EDCI 799 , EDCI 870 , 
      EDCI 884
       , EDCI 885 , EDCI 886 , EDCI 888 , EDCI 889 , EDCI 895 , EDCI 899  
• School of Health Professions
  • Department of Nursing : 
    • NRSG 305 , NRSG 315 , NRSG 320 , NRSG 366 , NRSG 408 , NRSG 414 , NRSG 418 , NRSG 438 , NRSG 445 , NRSG 450 , NRSG 466 , NRSG 480 , NRSG 515 , NRSG 658 , NRSG 660 , NRSG 665 , NRSG 668 , NRSG 670 , NRSG 675 , NRSG 680 , NRSG 690  
  • Department of Public Health and Wellness : 
    • FDNT 230 , FDNT 520 , FDNT 540 , FDNT 545  FDNT 560 , FDNT 565 , FDNT 680 , FDNT 698 , FTES 510 , HLED 120 , PBHL 511 , PBHL 521 , PBHL 525 , PBHL 531 , PBHL 535 , PBHL 575  
  • Department of Physical Therapy  
    • PTH 549 , PTH 590 , PTH 608 , PTH 609 , PTH 615 , PTH 630 , PTH 646 , PTH 730 , PTH 748 , PTH 750 , PTH 760 , 
      PTH 770
       , 
      PTH 798
        
• Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
  • Seminary Distance Learning Center 
    • ANEA 510 , GSEM 510 , GSEM 530 , GSEM 534 , GSEM 539 , GSEM 626 , NTST 525 , NTST 550 , OTST 545 , OTST 570 , THST 510 , THST 616 , THST 639  

Self Paced Online Courses

These courses are offered via the self-paced format. Courses can be started at any time and must be completed within six months (for most courses). To find these courses in the Course Schedule, look for distance campus and 901 sections.

• College of Arts and Sciences
  • Department of Behavioral Sciences :
    • PSYC 101V , SOCI 119V  
  • Department of Communication :
    • COMM 104V  
  • Department of English :
    • ENGL 115V ,
      ENGL 215V
       , ENGL 270V , ENGL 375V , ENGL 376V  
  • Department of Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies :
    • GNST 499V  
  • Department of History & Political Science :
    • HIST 117V  HIST 118V , HIST 204V , HIST 205V , HIST 316V , HIST 317V , HIST 404V , PLSC 104V  
  • Department of International Language Studies :
    •   FREN 171V , FREN 172V , FREN 275V  
  • Department of Mathematics : Note: Students must pass a Math Placement Exam to be admitted into any distance mathematics course.
    • MATH 165V , MATH 168V , STAT 285V  
  • Department of Religion & Biblical Languages :
    • BIBL 204V , BIBL 205V , BIBL 304V , BIBL 305V , RELB 111V , RELB 112V , RELB 210V , RELB 216V , RELB 245V , RELB 304V , RELB 305V , RELB 335V , RELB 374V , RELB 375V , RELG 225V , RELG 350V , RELH 316V , RELH 317V , RELH 400V , RELP 290V , RELP 320V , RELP 330V , RELP 335V , RELP 441V , RELT 100V , RELT 225V , RELT 250V , RELT 308V , RELT 340V , RELT 425V  
  • Department of Music :
    • MUHL 214V  
• School of Education
  • Office of Distance Learning :
    • EDCI 631–635, 641-642  
• School of Health Professions
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences : 
    • MLSC 110  
  • Department of Public Health and Wellness : 
    • FDNT 230V , 
      FDNT 310
       , 
      HLED 120V
       ,
      FTES 138V
        

Self-Paced Media Courses

• College of Arts and Sciences
  • Department of Social Work :
    • SOWK 446 , SOWK 475 , SOWK 675  

Digital Learning and Instructional Technology (DLiT)

Griggs Hall, Room 130
269-471-3960
www.andrews.edu/distance/dlit
www.andrews.edu/distance/consortium
dlit@andrews.edu

Janine Lim, Associate Dean, Online Higher Education
Marsha Beal, Educational Technology Support Manager
Samuel Villamizar, Learning Systems Administrator
TBD, Instructional Designer

Mission

The Department of Digital Learning and Instructional Technology provides instructional technology leadership, support and resources to the  faculty, staff, and students of Andrews University. DLiT serves main campus, online campus, and off campus programs. DLiT also oversees the operations of the Consortium of Adventist Colleges and Universities.

Instructional Technology

The Department of Digitial Learning and Instructional Technology researches and promotes new instructional technologies. DLiT provides technology support for enterprise level instructional technology tools such as Moodle, the campus learning management system; student response systems (clickers); Panopto, the video streaming and recording service; and Adobe Connect Pro, the webinar software. In addition, we offer workshops, training and one-on-one consultation for pedagogical use of technology. We work collaboratively with various entities across campus to provide excellent service through processes and procedures to support main campus, online campus, and off campus students and faculty.

Online Course Production

The Department of Digital Learning and Instructional Technology provides coordination and review for online program and course development, as well as technical support, instructional design advice and training, and materials design and conversion for course development for main campus, online campus, and off campus courses.

Consortium of Adventist Colleges and Universities

The Andrews University’s School of Distance Education operates the Consortium of Adventist Colleges and Universities, which grew out of the Griggs University Consortium arrangements between Griggs University, Andrews University, Oakwood University, and Washington Adventist University. The Griggs University Consortium began in 1969 with Griggs University and Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University).

The Consortium serves students around the world: students in partner colleges and universities within the North American Division, students in public universities wishing to take select courses from an Adventist perspective, and students at our partner institutions around the world. 

Courses and Degrees
Full consortium course and degree information can be found online at andrews.edu/distance/consortium

Consortium Adjunct Faculty

• Behavioral Sciences
  • John Gavin, M.S.W.
  • Gladstone Gurubatham, Ph.D.
  • James Hammond, Ph.D.
  • Grant Leitma, Ph.D.
  • Penelope Webster, Ph.D.
• Biology
  • Melinda Villanueva, Ph.D.
• Business
  • Nadia Chevalier, M.B.A.
  • Elwin David, M.S.
  • D. Oliver Swaby, M.B.A.
• Communication
  • Delyse Steyn, D.Ed.
• Computer Science
  • Martha Ban, M.A.
• Education
  • Lyn Bartlett, Ph.D.
  • Bradley Sheppard, Ph.D.
  • David Waller, M.Ed.
• English
  • Sara Austin, M.A.
  • Ethan Jones, J.D.
  • Beverly Romero, M.A.
  • Janalee Shaw, Ph.D.
  • Jill Walker-Gonzalez, M.A.
• History 
  • Adam Fenner, Ph.D
  • Joan Francis, D.A.
  • Jackie Gonzalez-Feezer, M.A.
  • Gary Land, Ph.D.
  • Douglas Morgan, Ph.D.
  • Kathryn Silva, Ph.D.
• International Languages
  • Lily Odera, M.S.
• Mathematics
  • Aurora Burdick, M.A.
  • Jonathan Duncan, Ph.D.
  • Jane Nesbit, M.A. 
• Music
  • Karla Bucklew, M.Mus.
• Nutrition and Wellness
  • Jaela Cornelejo, B.A.
  • Stephanie Goddard, M.S.
  • Terry Leitma, M.A.
  • Bob Paulson, Ph.D.
• Religion
  • Francy Duran, Ph.D.
  • Trisha Gallimore-Broy, M.A.
  • Helena Gregor, Ph.D.
  • Sherry Manison, M.Div.
  • John Nixon, Ph.D.
  • Ray McAllister, Ph.D.
  • Bertram Melbourne, Ph.D.
  • Ruben Munoz, M.Div.
  • Alexej Muran, M.A.
  • Gerhard Pfandl, Ph.D.
  • Adriani Rodriguez, M.A.
  • Jan Aage Sigvartsen, M.A.
• Physics
  • Lonnie Pierce, M.A.
  • Mickey Kutzner, Ph.D.

Student Services

Griggs Hall, Room 120
269-471-3432
www.andrews.edu/distance/students/

Glynis Bradfield, Director

Scope of Service

The Office of Student Services supports students engaged in distance education through Griggs International Academy and Andrews University. Services include arranging student tutoring, K–12 parent coaching, disability accommodation, technology support, academic advising, complaints management, and communicating options for spiritual, physical and social development available to online and off-campus students.

Admission to Distance Degrees

Degree Students: Transfer and New Applicants

Students seeking an Andrews undergraduate or graduate degree through distance education must meet the same admission requirements as outlined in this bulletin for on-campus students: 

• Undergraduate Academic Policies: Admissions  
• Undergraduate Academic Policies: Admission of Transfer Students  
• Graduate Academic Policies: Admissions  

The student is responsible for providing all requested information, transcripts, and other documents needed to complete the process. Admission begins with completing the application at www.andrews.edu/apply for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Non-Traditional Degree Students

Students can estimate how previous course work may apply toward an Andrews distance degree by reviewing the degree and general education requirements as listed in this bulletin. Prospective students may request an official evaluation of their transcripts using the online application process. Credit for prior learning through personal experience or professional development may be explored with an enrollment counselor. See the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA ) section of the Bulletin for more information.

Guest/ Non-Degree Student

Students wishing to take distance courses for personal growth, certification, or to supplement a program they are completing elsewhere need not meet the degree admission requirements. Guest or non-degree seeking students complete a Guest Student application using the online form at www.andrews.edu/ptc. Please review the Guest Student Policies for Undergraduate and Graduate: 

• Undergraduate Guest Policy  
• Graduate Guest Policy  

Registration for Distance Courses

Interactive Online Courses 

Interactive online courses have a fixed start and end date, assignment and exam due dates, and are instructor-paced. Interactive online courses are usually indicated in the course schedule with the section number of 999 (additional sections may end in 998, 997, etc.), with schedule attribute ‘internet’. These courses follow on campus course registration policies .

Self-Paced Online Courses  

Self-paced courses can be started at any time and are student-paced. Students have 180 days from the student-selected start date to complete undergraduate self-paced courses. Self-paced courses are usually indicated in the course schedule with the 901 section number, schedule attribute ‘self-paced’.

Registration for self-paced courses follows the Self-paced Academic Calendar  . The student-selected start date determines the term (spring, summer, fall) in which the self-paced course is counted for census and financial aid purposes.

Students registering for Andrews University self-paced courses can do so through Registration Central online. The student is fully responsible to:

1. Check with their academic advisor that distance courses will fulfill on-campus degree requirements,
2. Check with their financial advisor how registration in distance courses will impact their financial plan. 

Registration Holds

Please note that there are several different types of holds on the registration process. Information about what to do to remove a hold is available when logged in to your personal iVue page.

1. Holds for health, insurance, bookstore, and residence halls do not apply to students registering in distance courses only.
2. Holds for international deposits and visas do not apply to international students who are only taking courses off-campus.
3. International graduate students coming to campus for one month or less do not pay the international deposit, but will require visas and insurance as listed in this bulletin for on-campus programs.
4. If any difficulty is experienced in registering for self-paced courses, contact the academic advisor listed with each distance degree, or:

Helena Gregor for Seminary Distance Learning Center courses
sdlc@andrews.edu, 269-471-3962

Diana De Guzman for undergraduate distance courses
sderegister@andrews.edu, 269-471-6323

Financial Information

Fees and tuition are listed in the Financial Information  section of this bulletin. Financial policies pertaining to distance education are summarized hereafter.

Tuition

The following table summarizes tuition discounts and fees for distance degree and guest or Guest Students.

Fees

Distance fee, per semester, for all distance degree students        $115
Guest fee, per semester, for all non-degree or guest students      $50
These fees support library and technology services available to all students. Students admitted to on-campus programs pay a general fee in place of the distance or guest fee each semester they register.

Where a self-paced course offers alternate exams, an alternate exam fee of $50 is charged to the student’s account when the alternate exam request is processed. Additional fees apply to both main campus and distance students for specific services elected, or related to specific course registrations.

See the Financial Information  section of this bulletin for full details.

Withdrawals and Refunds 

This table summarizes the policy for withdrawing from Consortium self-paced courses. Deadlines are based on the number of calendar days from the student’s selected course start date. These dates differ from the on-campus semester deadlines. See the Academic Calendar for Self-paced Courses  for details.

Consortium interactive online courses follow the Andrews University policies regarding withdrawal and refund deadlines.  See the Academic Calendar  for details.

All withdrawals after the last day to drop or add a course within the semester registered require a drop/add form submitted to the Office of Academic Records.  Distance students can email sderegister@andrews.edu to request assistance with this procedure. 

Course Load

A course load is the same for students studying on-campus, online or some combination of both. 12–16 credits is a full load for undergraduate students, and 8–12 semester credits is a full semester load for graduate students (learn more in the Undergraduate  and Graduate  academic sections of this bulletin). Permission to take more credits requires advisor and/or dean approval.

Mixed Load

When a mix of course types are taken, financial aid is based on the number of on-campus or interactive online credits plus a match of self-paced credits. A minimum of 6 total credits, of which 3 must be on-campus or interactive online, are required to qualify for federal financial aid.  Andrews Partnership Scholarship applies to a registration for at least six full-priced credits and would be pro-rated accordingly.

Students taking a mixed load need to be aware of these financial considerations:

• If paying without financial aid, students may register any time and work at their own pace within 180 days from the selected start date. If the student pays with federal financial aid, they must register by the drop/add date for Fall or Spring semesters and complete courses during the 4-month semester. Self-paced undergraduate course tuition for 2014-2015 is $375 per credit.
• Self-paced courses can no longer be included in the package plan. If a student is taking 12 regularly priced on-campus credits and wants to add a self-paced course, they will pay the package price for the 12 credits and $375 per credit for the self-paced class added.
• Federal aid and loans may be available to AU degree-seeking students registered by the drop/add date in Fall and Spring on-campus semesters, for a minimum of 6 credits, which are completed within the same semester.
• Andrews Partnership Scholarship/Andrews Gift are NOT eligible to pay for self-paced courses.

Self-Paced Degree Load

Federal regulations define students enrolled in self-paced degrees as half-time students. For Federal PELL grant, 6 credits is half-time, but any load of 6 or more self-paced courses will be considered half-time only and PELL will be pro-rated to half of a full award. PELL grants are not disbursed until 50% of self-paced course assignments are completed.

Federal loans can be applied at half-time enrollment. Federal regulations limit any financial aid to the cost of tuition and fees only for self-paced courses.

Course Repeat Policy

If you use Federal financial aid and need to repeat a course, see your Student Financial Services advisor before registering. See the Repeating Classes section of the General Academic Policies .

Federal Financial Aid

Federal financial aid may be available to Andrews degree-seeking students if the following conditions are met:

• A student must be admitted to a program that leads to an associate’s, bachelor’s or graduate degree. If the program leads to a certificate or credits are taken for transfer to another university degree, the student is not eligible for aid for that course.
• The courses are registered by the drop/add date for the on-campus Fall or Spring semester. 
• A minimum of 6 credits are registered.
• The courses are completed within the semester they are registered.

When registering for self-paced courses as a degree-seeking student, it is important to speak to your Financial Aid Advisor regarding your plans. Your course load determines your Financial Aid eligibility.

Financial aid from sources other than Andrews University may be applied toward the costs of self-paced courses as long as the student is taking an equivalent number of credits on-campus.  Federal financial aid is not available to guest students or non-degree students.

Financial Assistance

See the following sections of the bulletin for further information about tuition discounts and scholarships:

• Undergraduate Financial Assistance  
• Graduate Financial Assistance  

General Academic Information

General academic policies covering course loads, grading scale, credit by examination, repeat courses, issuance of transcripts, and graduation described elsewhere in this bulletin apply to distance degree programs. Self-paced courses are not subject to the main campus deadlines and late fees.

Proctored Examinations

Many distance courses require exams be taken under supervision. School/college registrars, testing center personnel, librarians, or other official (who is not a family member or friend) where the student resides could be requested to serve as exam proctor or supervisor. Students in the Armed Forces may take their examinations under the supervision of the education officer. Students should make the necessary arrangements and then fill in the required information about the proctor using the exam request form provided with course materials.

Main-campus students taking self-paced courses need to take their exams at the School of Distance Education. If all assignments have been turned in, and an exam request is brought to the office at least two hours before closing, the exam can be taken on the same day.

Library Access

Registered students of Andrews University have full and free access to the resources and services of the James White Library via phone, fax, e-mail or the Internet. Such services include:

• Access to the James White Library Catalog (JeWeL)

• Access to James White Library’s Online Databases which include full-text articles from many thousands of periodicals

• Online Instruction, Tutorials and Research Guides

• Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Services

• Reference and Consultation Services

• Download software, such as Endnote

• FAQs and Ask-a-Librarian—www.andrews.edu/library/RefDesk/services/ask.html

Online access to these services is available through Andrews username and password supplied during the admission process. Off-campus program students, staff and faculty may apply for Andrews University username and password through the Off-Campus Library Services Web page:

www.andrews.edu/library/ocls/offcamp.html
Phone: 269-471-3283

Advisors 

Financial advisors are assigned based on student last name. Undergraduate students are assigned academic advisors, based on the major chosen, by the Student Success Center (see Academic & Campus Resources  and Undergraduate Academic Policies ). Graduate students are assigned academic advisors by the department offering their selected program of study. Admission counselors are available to answer any questions about the admission and registration process.

Other Distance Student Services

Students studying at a distance are included in an increasing number of services available through technology:

• Learn how to apply, clear financially, register, request exams,  and successfully complete studies online at www.andrews.edu/distance/students/  
•  The current Andrews University Bulletin at www.andrews.edu/academics/bulletin/communicates policies and procedures, and key contact information for all campus services.
•  The Andrews Agenda at www.andrews.edu/agenda/ provides weekly news, announcements and updates.
• The Andrews Directory at www.andrews.edu/directory/ includes contact information for all current faculty, staff and students
•  Departmental updates are emailed to students registered in specific programs of study.
• Sabbath worship services and some chapels are streamed online. In addition, two radio stations and an online chaplain provide spiritual life opportunities for all studying at a distance.
• Access to counseling, tutoring, degree planning and accommodation for learning disabilities while studying at a distance can be arranged through the School of Distance Education Student Services Director (learn more at www.andrews.edu/distance/students/).
• A grievance form online provides students with tools to formally register a complaint about any aspect of the educational service provided by Andrews University.  The procedure for lodging a complaint is outlined online.

Consortium of Adventist Colleges and Universities

The Andrews University’s School of Distance Education operates the Consortium of Adventist Colleges and Universities. Additional courses are available for transfer credit from Washington Adventist University and Oakwood University. Information about all Consortium partner course offerings, tuition rates, fees, payment information, and procedures is available online at www.andrews.edu/distance/consortium. Printed catalogs can be requested from the School of Distance Education.

Off-Campus Programs

Griggs Hall, Rooms 210, 212, 216
269-471-6590
FAX: 269-471-2804
affiliations@andrews.edu

Lyn Bartlett, Director
Stephen Rivers, Associate Director

Introduction

Andrews University has a long history with off-campus programs around the world. Partnering with Seventh-day Adventist educational and church institutions, the university delivers these programs in various locations, primarily outside the United States.

When Andrews University assumed ownership of Griggs University in 2011 the number of off-campus programs increased. The Griggs University programs are being absorbed into the fabric of Andrews University. Full integration is expected in the 2015-2016 academic year.

Accreditation

Many of the Andrews University schools have partnerships with educational institutions in North America and abroad, authorized by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and other controlling organizations. The types of partnerships include academic monitoring of existing institutional programs, extension campuses, and examination centers for graduate and undergraduate education. The programs of study vary from individual courses in a variety of disciplines to full degree programs.

Details of specific courses, approved curricula and programs are available from the Office of Off-Campus Programs. The Off-Campus Programs Committee authorizes and reviews all University policies related to such affiliations and extensions. Once accepted into an Andrews University program, students may transfer between home and extension campuses.

Off-Campus Program Definitions

Additional Location. An Additional Location is a location distinct from the campus of Andrews University, at which students can complete an Andrews University degree, or 50% or more of courses leading to an Andrews University degree or certificate.

Course Location. A Course Location is a location distinct from the campus of Andrews University, at which students can complete credit bearing courses, which total less than 50% of an Andrews University degree or certificate. This does not include Study Abroad locations unless they provide 25–50% of an Andrews University degree or certificate program.

Other Classifications

• In-State—The location is within the state of Michigan
• Out-of-State—The location is outside of the state of Michigan
• Out of USA—The location is outside of the 50 United States, and includes U.S. territories

Undergraduate Off-Campus Programs

Undergraduate off-campus programs are offered at Washington Adventist University, Maryland; Hong Kong Adventist College, Hong Kong; Newbold College, England; and University of the Southern Caribbean, Trinidad. Andrews University confers approved associate and baccalaureate degrees on those students who have fulfilled admission, academic and program requirements at these centers.

Undergraduate students may study abroad in the Andrews University Year in England at Newbold College. The purpose of this program is to allow students to participate in a culturally enriching academic experience. Information about this program can be secured by writing Newbold College or contacting the director of Off-Campus Programs at Andrews University. Students should make application directly to the Admissions Office, Newbold College, Binfield, Bracknell, Berkshire, England RG42 4A.

Graduate Off-Campus Programs

Graduate off-campus programs are offered in a number of disciplines by the various schools of Andrews University.

The School of Education offers the MA (Education) and the MEd degrees at Spicer Memorial College, India. It also offers the MA (Leadership) at Brazil Adventist University in São Paulo, Brazil.

The Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary offers the MA (Religion) at Middle East University, Lebanon; Romanian Adventist Theological Institute, Romania; Spicer Memorial College, India; and Zaoksky Adventist Seminary, Russia. It offers the Doctor of Ministry at Adventist University of Africa, Kenya; Spanish Adventist Seminary, Spain; and Zaoksky Adventist University, Russia. In North America, the Seminary offers the MA in Pastoral Ministry degree and courses toward the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees at several locations.

In addition, the University offers the interdisciplinary, interschool MIDA degree (International Development) at seven sites: Canada, Chile, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and South Sudan.

Governance

All off-campus programs for Andrews University, Griggs University and Griggs International Academy are administered by the Office of Off-Campus Programs. The director of Off-Campus Programs reports to the dean of the School of Distance Education. The director of Off-Campus Programs works with other academic deans and department chairs to maintain quality control of specific courses and to ensure that off-campus program requirements are equivalent to on-campus program requirements.

Periodic audits are conducted at each Off-Campus Program site. The length of time between audits is determined by the audit team. Each audit team reviews the programs, facilities, and various academic processes; interviews administrators, faculty, and students; and makes recommendations of improvements needed to enhance the quality of the off-campus programs.

Current Programs

Andrews University offers off-campus programs on five continents: Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa); Asia (India, Japan, Lebanon); Europe (England, Italy, Romania, Russia); North America (Canada, Mexico, and all North American Division Union Conferences); Central America (Trinidad: in teach-out); South America (Brazil, Chile, Trinidad).

Griggs University (GU) & Griggs International Academy (GIA) offer off-campus programs on five continents: Asia (GIA: China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam; GU: Hong Kong, India, Korea, Lebanon, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam); North America (GIA: APLE schools, Cooperative arrangements with selective North American Division schools, Job Corps Centers; GU: Select independent Seventh-day Adventist institutions); Central America (GIA: Inter-America Division; GU: Inter-America Division); South America (GIA: Brazil).

Other International Educational Opportunities  

Andrews University co-sponsors Adventist Colleges Abroad—a program in which qualified students study overseas while completing requirements for graduation at Andrews. This language and cultural immersion is available in ten locations: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, England, France, Greece, Italy, Singapore, Spain and Taiwan. Participation is not limited to language majors. Contact the chair of the Department of International Language Studies for further information.

Compliance

Griggs Hall, Room 208
269-471-6515
ethanj@andrews.edu

Ethan Jones, Director of Compliance

The Director of Compliance assists the School of Distance Education to carry out its academic mission with integrity and in accordance with the policies of Andrews University and our accrediting bodies, and in compliance with federal, state and international regulations.

Accreditation

Griggs University and Griggs International Academy, operated by the School of Distance Education, are accredited by:

• The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council

• The Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities

• Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools (K–12 program)

• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (K–12 program)

Griggs International Academy (GIA)

Griggs Hall, Room 124
269-471-6570; FAX 269-471-2804
griggs@andrews.edu
www.griggs.edu

La Ronda Forsey, Associate Dean K–12/GIA Principal

The School of Distance Education operates Griggs International Academy (GIA), which offers an accredited K–12 Adventist distance education program that serves students in North America and internationally. There are a variety of delivery styles offered through GIA: online courses, paper-based courses, school sites—adapting to the needs of individuals or supplementing a school program. The mission of GIA is to provide educationally sound, values-based, guided independent study and distance education programs that build a foundation for service to God, church and society. These programs and courses respond to learner needs in the context of a lifetime learning experience.

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