EXCEL · Web viewHANDBOOK EXCEL Instructor s and Coordinators 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...
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HANDBOOK EXCEL Instructors and Coordinators
Transcript of EXCEL · Web viewHANDBOOK EXCEL Instructor s and Coordinators 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...
HANDBOOK
EXCEL Instructors and Coordinators
2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Missouri Baptist University ..............................................................................................................3
About EXCEL and Dual Credit................................................................................................................................... .4
Purpose and Benefits of Dual Credit ………………………………………………..........................................................................5
Approvals, Registration, and Other Policies
Course Approval Process....................................................................................................................................5
Teacher Acceptance and Expectations................................................................................................................6
Expectations for Veteran EXCEL Teachers...........................................................................................................7
Non-compliance Policy.......................................................................................................................................8
Student Eligibility and Registration.....................................................................................................................9
Registration Process...........................................................................................................................................9
Billing Procedures and Policies..........................................................................................................................11
Withdrawal from a Course................................................................................................................................11
Attendance Policy.............................................................................................................................................12
Grading and Credit............................................................................................................................................12
Additional Student Information
Transferability...................................................................................................................................................13
Transcript Requests..........................................................................................................................................14
Syllabus Requirements and Policies on Academic Honesty, Clery Act and Title IX,
Diversity, Special Needs Access, Attendance, and Credit Hours.........................................................................15
Additional Teacher and Coordinator Information
Course Quality, Expectations for EXCEL Teachers, and Faculty Review..............................................................19
Administrative Tasks: Serving Your Students.....................................................................................................20
Ensuring Compliance with Accreditation Guidelines and State Policy.................................................................20
Concessions for EXCEL Teachers and Coordinators............................................................................................20
EXCEL Staff..............................................................................................................................................................21
MBU Faculty Contacts.............................................................................................................................................22
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INTRODUCTION TO MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Welcome to Missouri Baptist University and the EXCEL Program. We are pleased that you want to provide your capable high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit while they are still in the high school setting. This handbook will provide information about the history, staff, operating procedures, and policies of EXCEL and will guide you in your first year and continuing years of partnership with the program.
We're glad you've joined us!
Missouri Baptist University
Mission Statement
Missouri Baptist University is an evangelical Christian, liberal arts institution of higher learning whose purpose is to offer programs of study leading to professional certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees in an environment of academic excellence from a Biblically based Christian perspective. The University is committed to enriching students’ lives spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, and to preparing students to serve in a global and culturally diverse society.
Locations
Main CampusMissouri Baptist University’s main campus is located at One College Park Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8698, in the heart of West St. Louis County, adjacent to Interstate 64 (Highway 40), one mile west of Interstate 270.
Regional Learning Centers Arnold Regional Learning Center Farmington Regional Learning Center Franklin County Regional Learning Center Jefferson County Regional Learning Centers Lewis & Clark Community College Regional Learning Center Southern Illinois Regional Learning Centers
John A. Logan College/Williamson County Baptist AssociationRend Lake CollegeSoutheastern Illinois CollegeShawnee Community College
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EXCEL
The EXCEL Program is a partnership linking Missouri Baptist University and secondary schools. Its primary mission is to offer qualified high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in challenging courses normally taken by MBU students during their freshman and sophomore years.
History
EXCEL originated in the fall of 1983 as a response to concerns among high school and college faculty about a common problem: the duplication of curriculum between the last two years of high school and the first two years of college.
Today more than 2,400 students in over 40 high schools in the metro St. Louis area and central and eastern Missouri enroll in programs administered by the EXCEL office. Over 130 high school instructors teach in the program which has become a proving ground for college-bound students.
Program Accreditation and Quality
AccreditationThe EXCEL dual credit program is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). Initial accreditation was gained in 2008. The program was re-accredited in 2015.
Programs reviews are based on NACEP standards regarding curriculum, faculty, students, assessment, and surveys of program participants.
Program Evaluation through Student and School Follow-up Surveys
End-of-Course EvaluationsAt the end of each course, students complete course evaluations.
School Impact StudiesEvery three years EXCEL conducts impact studies using surveys that ask principals, counselors, and teachers to evaluate the impact and quality of the EXCEL dual credit program in their schools.
Ongoing Program EvaluationEXCEL conducts periodic program evaluations that may include surveys of students one or more years out of high school and/or research based on student performance of those who enroll as full-time students at Missouri Baptist University. Results are used to analyze and improve program procedures and services.
DUAL CREDIT’S PURPOSE AND BENEFITS
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Students and their parents should consider dual credit because it
introduces students to college level coursework in a more controlled environment and often at a somewhat slower pace;
provides a cost-effective way for students to start their college career; may eliminate the duplication of general education courses during the freshman and sophomore college
years; provides students with flexibility once enrolled in college, reducing the need to carry a heavy course
load each semester; provides students the opportunity to finish college a semester early or double major in the same
amount of time it would normally take to graduate with a single major; provides the flexibility for students to study abroad if they wish, without being penalized for missing
coursework at their home college or university.
COURSE AND TEACHER APPROVALS, REGISTRATION, AND OTHER POLICIES
EXCEL currently offers MBU courses considered as regular freshman or sophomore courses (100-level or 200-level) in accounting, anatomy/physiology and biology, art appreciation, chemistry, computer information, English, history/political science, math, music, physics, psychology, Spanish, and speech. Schools select courses most appropriate for their advanced students.
COURSE APPROVAL PROCESS
Schools seeking to participate in EXCEL make a written or verbal request to the program director. Generally a school’s principal, a curriculum director, or a head guidance counselor makes the request. If the program director agrees that the school meets EXCEL criteria, then the review of teachers and courses begins. Criteria include teacher qualifications, appropriate and rigorous high school prerequisite courses, student selection and course alignment with the respective MBU course.
Because they are regular MBU courses, EXCEL offerings make greater demands on students' ability to conceptualize, understand implications, and draw conclusions from their reading and research than do most high school courses. They go into greater depth, take more time, and require more work.
The high school principal or designated coordinator submits names of teachers and courses to be reviewed.
EXCEL provides the school the following items for prospective teachers and courses:
Faculty Information Form Course Approval Form Sample MBU course syllabus MBU Syllabus Template
The prospective teacher submits the completed Faculty Information Form and academic transcripts to verify credentials. The faculty form and transcripts are then submitted to the appropriate MBU division chair. The chair reviews the materials and determines if the teacher is qualified and, if not, determines the number of graduate courses the teacher needs to reach EXCEL guidelines.
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If approved to teach for EXCEL, the teacher – with the principal’s approval - submits a Course Approval Form with a proposed syllabus based on the MBU course syllabus. The proposed syllabus should be formatted like the sample MBU syllabus. Upon receipt of the proposed syllabus, the appropriate EXCEL liaison (generally the instructor for the on-campus course) and the academic division chair review the proposed syllabus to determine if the high school can deliver the course content, text, methods, and assessments of the MBU course.
If there is some discrepancy between the MBU syllabus and the proposed syllabus, the liaison works with the high school teacher to modify the high school course. If the teacher or school determines the high school cannot meet the expectations of the on-campus course, the high school does not receive approval to offer the MBU course.
If both the teacher and the proposed syllabus are approved by the MBU liaison and by the division chair, then MBU will approve the course offering for the next school year.
The newly approved teacher attends a summer professional development workshop and an orientation for new EXCEL teachers to prepare to teach a course. The new teacher also attends an administrative orientation. The EXCEL staff arranges registration visits and procedures with the designated high school EXCEL coordinator. During the school year, faculty liaisons schedule classroom observations.
Teacher Acceptance StandardsTeachers seeking to teach Missouri Baptist University courses through EXCEL should demonstrate strong credentials in the chosen discipline, experience in teaching the subject, a recommendation by their high school administrators, and a dedication to offering students a challenging college course in the high school setting.
Approved EXCEL teachers should hold the credentials expected of part-time adjunct instructors on the MBU campus.
The academic divisions at MBU evaluate EXCEL candidates on the following recommended criteria:
Master’s degree in the discipline or a master’s degree including, or in addition to, at least 18 graduate hours in the appropriate discipline
Three years teaching in the subject area Certification in the subject area
Before beginning to teach, the new EXCEL high school instructor should meet the following expectations:
Attend professional development workshop, new teacher training, and administrative orientation offered during the summer
Sessions led by MBU faculty cover course expectations including syllabi, content, texts, teaching methods, assignments, assessments, and grading. On-campus faculty members provide the high school teachers with sample course materials. An orientation to EXCEL administration policies and procedures is also included.
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Draft a proposed MBU syllabus based on the sample syllabus provided by the University. Submit the draft to the academic division chair or other appropriate faculty in the discipline. Make any requested revisions and submit the final draft to the EXCEL office at [email protected].
Provide the approved syllabus to students who register for dual credit. The syllabus can be provided in hard copy or as an electronic version.
EXPECTATIONS FOR TEACHER COMPLIANCE
To maintain approval, EXCEL teachers are expected to do the following:
Attend annual EXCEL workshop sessions for professional development
Veteran EXCEL teachers are expected to attend summer workshop sessions led by MBU faculty. In the session, MBU faculty members introduce new research in content and pedagogy and review course expectations, syllabi, assessments, and grading policies.
Sessions include time for discussion and for questions and answers about syllabi, texts, possible new courses, and other issues common to both high school and college instructors.
Cooperate with an MBU liaison, an on-campus faculty member who will set regular high school site visits to observe EXCEL teachers in their classes and who consult with teachers on site, by phone, and by e-mail. Please respond as quickly as possible when the liaison contacts you.
Provide MBU liaison or the EXCEL office with updated syllabi based on MBU syllabi. These updated syllabi should be given to the students who register for MBU courses through the EXCEL program.
Provide the MBU liaison with sample exams and other assessments and discuss the appropriateness of the items to the MBU courses. As directed by the faculty liaison, the EXCEL instructor will administer common assessments questions and/or use common rubrics related to various MBU course objectives.
Provide the MBU liaison with sample graded student work (using MBU grading rubrics or including MBU-created exam questions) so it can be determined if course rigor and grading expectations are aligned with those in the MBU course and if the dual credit students are performing at or above the level of their on-campus counterparts.
EXCEL teachers are expected to allow their students to evaluate the dual credit course in the same way that on-campus courses are evaluated. The EXCEL office provides the evaluation forms and collects the data from the evaluations. A summary of the evaluations is sent to the EXCEL instructor during the next semester or during the summer after the course is completed.
EXCEL instructors are expected to follow the EXCEL office’s directions and procedures for grade reporting. NOTE: It is particularly important to submit all grades on time because students will need final grades before receiving transcripts that are complete and useful for transferring their EXCEL courses.
NON-COMPLIANCE POLICY
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If instructors do not meet the above expectations, they are considered to be non-compliant.
1. Instructors who do not meet the expectations in a given year will receive a notice by e-mail from their MBU faculty liaison, the EXCEL coordinator at their high school sites, and/or the Director of EXCEL. The Director will also notify the high school’s EXCEL coordinator.
2. In the event that the instructor does not address the issue by the deadline designated in the first notice, he or she will be considered in a probationary period and will receive a letter from the program director designating any areas of instructor non-compliance and a deadline for correction. A copy of the correspondence will also be sent to the appropriate high school administrator.
3. If compliance has not been reached by the deadline stated in Step #2, the EXCEL program director will send a letter to the instructor and to the high school administration stating that the instructor is no longer approved to teach a Missouri Baptist University EXCEL course.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION
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How are students selected?Within limits mandated by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in Missouri’s 2015 Dual Credit Policy and by Missouri Baptist University requirements, selection of students is left to the discretion of the school administrators, teachers, and guidance counselors, who know the student best. Students must be approved by the designated EXCEL coordinator in their high school (usually a principal or counselor) whose signature on the registration form signifies the approval. The coordinator also lists the GPA on the form. Other criteria appear below:
Student Approval Criteria in Missouri’s 2015 Dual Credit Policy
Students in the 11th and 12th grades
Students in the 11th and 12th grades with an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) are eligible for dual credit courses.
Students in the 11th and 12th grades with an overall grade point average between 2.5 – 2.99 (on a 4.0 scale) must provide a signed letter of recommendation from their principal or guidance counselor and provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Students in the 10th grade
Students in the 10th grade must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and must provide a signed letter of recommendation from their principal and guidance counselor and provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Students in the 9th gradeStudents in the 9th grade must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), score at the 90th percentile or above on the ACT or SAT, and provide a signed letter of recommendation from their principal and guidance counselor and provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To be approved for ENGL 113, the student must have an ACT (or equivalent SAT) English score of at least 18. To register for ENGL 123, the student must have successfully completed and have provided a transcript for ENGL 113 (or for a comparable course through another university). Similar proof of a prerequisite must be provided for BIOL 123/121, CHEM 143/142, SPAN 124, SPAN 213, and SPAN 223.
Student Registration Process1. At the beginning of each semester (fall semester for year-long courses), the EXCEL staff visits high school
classes to provide students with information and materials for registration. In a few schools, teachers receive the information and materials and offer them to their students.
2. Students complete and submit an EXCEL registration form to their designated EXCEL coordinator at the high school. Note: EXCEL accepts registrations from the designated high school coordinator only, not directly from the student. Registrations must include signatures of the student, of the parent/guardian, and of the designated coordinator.
Registration Deadline: May students register late?
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Each high school is given a deadline by which students must turn in completed registration forms to the designated coordinator. The deadline is announced during classroom registration visits by EXCEL staff. The guidance office also announces the deadline via the school website, publication, and/or public announcement system. Teachers normally also keep the announcement on their bulletin boards or other instructional space.
The EXCEL office accepts completed registration forms if they (1) are sent directly from the high school and (2) if they are received by the deadline. Any request for exceptions must originate in the high school coordinator’s office and must include the coordinator’s careful, written explanation that the high school misplaced the form or a similar school-related reason why EXCEL should accept the registration late. Based on the reason for the late registration, the University may or may not allow the student to enroll.
Students may not enroll in a dual credit course after the course has ended.
How does the high school submit registrations?The three-part EXCEL registration form is provided to students in each approved course during the registration period near the beginning of each semester. (See “EXCEL Registration Process.”)
Students, parents, and counselors should accurately complete their designated portion of the form which provides important information needed to officially admit and register the student as a non-degree seeking student at Missouri Baptist University. Students are given a specific date by which to return the form to the high school.
The designated EXCEL coordinator at the high school (a principal, counselor, or teacher) returns the completed forms to the EXCEL office. Forms may be submitted only through the high school.
Ensuring the forms are complete:
Student and Parents Student portion complete, accurate, and legible Course numbers, titles and instructor names accurate and complete Student and parent/guardian signatures and date complete Student social security number provided (for tax purposes only) Student form returned to high school by deadline File student copy of form (pink) when returned from the EXCEL coordinator.
EXCEL Coordinator Student GPA and any applicable test scores provided Signature and date completed Any accompanying payment securely attached to matching form Once signed, high school copy (yellow) and student copy (pink) retained Student copy (pink) returned to student; school copy filed All completed EXCEL forms (white copies) with any attached payments returned to EXCEL office by
the assigned deadline.
Note: The high school and student copies help verify that the student registered for the course.Billing: How and When Do Students Pay for the Course?Payment deadlines are published for each semester in bills sent to the student-designated address. If the student bill remains unpaid, a certified letter with the final bill due date is sent to the address. Final bill due
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dates are also published on the EXCEL web pages www.mobap.eduon the EXCEL calendar. If the final payment deadline is missed, then the University drops the course from the transcript.
Specific directions are listed in the EXCEL flyer given to students during the registration period at the high school. Payments may be made by check, e-check, credit card, or money order and are made payable to Missouri Baptist University. To pay by e-check or credit card, students will need to use their student ID and password to log in to the MBU student portal.
The fee per credit hour for EXCEL courses is published by July 1.
Withdrawing from a Course
Dropping a CourseAn EXCEL student may elect to drop a course; however, the student who drops a course after the census date will not receive a refund of the course fee. If the student chooses to drop a course, he or she must complete an EXCEL Course Withdrawal Form and submit it to the EXCEL office.
The MBU catalog states the following:
Courses officially dropped, using a completed, signed, and submitted drop form from the EXCEL Office, on or before the census date, will not appear on the student’s transcript. Students who registered and paid fees before the census date will be eligible for a refund. Courses officially dropped after the census, but before 80% of the course has been completed, will appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Students dropping a course after the census date will not be eligible for a refund. Courses dropped after 80% of the course has been completed will appear on the transcript with a WF; no refund will be available.
Withdrawing Because of Medical or Other Emergency CircumstanceIf a student has an emergency and/or medical situation or a change of residence to another school attendance area, and must withdraw from all high school courses, including the EXCEL course(s), the student’s parent/guardian and the high school should do the following:
The parent/guardian submits official documentation substantiating the emergency and/or medical situation to the high school counselor, EXCEL coordinator, and/or EXCEL teacher.
If the high school agrees with the request, then the designated EXCEL coordinator submits copies of the documentation and a cover letter requesting EXCEL to grant the student’s withdrawal from the EXCEL course(s) along with a refund.
The cover letter and documentation should be submitted to the EXCEL Office, Attn: Student Withdrawal, Missouri Baptist University, 1 College Park Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63141-3698.
If EXCEL determines the request for withdrawal because of emergency circumstances is valid, the EXCEL staff will initiate action to withdraw the student from the college course and to refund the course fee.
Attendance Policy
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Like students on campus at Missouri Baptist University, EXCEL students are expected to attend classes regularly. The EXCEL program accepts the high school’s policy for absence from an EXCEL course, and EXCEL instructors include the absence policy in their syllabi.
Grading and CreditEXCEL teachers assign grades to their registered students throughout the course and base the final grade on the student’s performance on a variety of assignments and assessment types. Final grades should be based on a grading scale at least as rigorous as that of MBU:
90 – 100% A80 – 89 B70 – 79 C60 – 69 D59 and below F
EXCEL teachers will receive a grade roster from the EXCEL office approximately one month before the semester ends. Teachers should record the grades on the roster, send it to the high school coordinator, or send it directly to the EXCEL office at MBU. Note: Courses that meet all year will need only one grade roster because the students receive only the final course grade. Teachers may determine how to average the high school semester grades to arrive at the final MBU grade.
CreditMissouri Baptist University current policy has been in place since July 1, 2008. According to the policy, all grades (including Ds and Fs) earned by students registered through EXCEL will be recorded on their Missouri Baptist University transcripts.
The following entry appears in the MBU catalog:
Missouri Baptist University considers all grades earned through EXCEL as university grades. All earned grades will appear on the student’s transcript and will become part of the student’s undergraduate GPA if the student enrolls as a full-time student at Missouri Baptist University. Students planning to attend other colleges or universities should note that most institutions do not accept transfer courses in which students have earned grades lower than a “C.”
Courses officially dropped, using a completed, signed, and submitted drop form from the EXCEL Office, on or before the census date, will not appear on the student’s transcript. Students who registered and paid fees before the census date will be eligible for a refund. Courses officially dropped after the census, but before 80% of the course has been completed, will appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Students dropping a course after the census date will not be eligible for a refund. Courses dropped after 80% of the course has been completed will appear on the transcript with a WF; no refund will be available.
TRANSFERABILITY
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What should students know about transferability?
Most students who have reported the successful transfer of Missouri Baptist University EXCEL credit have received recognition in the form of degree (like) credit, placement in an advanced course, and/or exemption from a similar course at the colleges where they enrolled.
Since many students use their EXCEL credit to broaden their overall college experience rather than to graduate from college early, exemption and appropriate placement are as important as degree credit to most students. The value of the experience may well lie most in the courses' success in initiating students to the demands of college courses and testing their ability to cope with these demands.
The following information appears in the Student Guide on the EXCEL web pages:
Each year MBU sends hundreds of transcripts for EXCEL students to schools across Missouri and the nation.
Due to administrative differences at each institution, MBU cannot guarantee that every course will transfer to every college or university.
Students should contact their prospective colleges before turning in their EXCEL registration forms. Because EXCEL does not accept late registrations, it is the student’s responsibility to find out if a particular course will transfer to the school of his or her choice before enrolling in the program.
We suggest to students the following steps to check on the transferability of dual credit to a student’s chosen school:
1. If the college or university has an online transfer guide, enter the name of Missouri Baptist University and the correct MBU course number. Then note the course number and name of the equivalent course at the receiving institution. If no equivalent appears – or if that institution does not have an online transfer guide – go to Step 2.
NOTE: Many EXCEL courses appear on the state’s CORE 42 list of courses that other institutions on the list have already agreed to accept in transfer.
2. Call the Registrar’s Office at the institution(s) you are interested in. Tell them your name, high school, and the MBU course numbers and names of dual credit courses you are taking. It is up to the school you will attend to decide whether they will accept your credit.
3. If you receive an answer you feel is incorrect, it may help to call the Department Chairperson of the academic department for the dual credit course you are wishing to transfer.
4. If you are told there is no equivalent course or if you encounter questions you are unable to answer, please contact the EXCEL Office at 314-392-2203 or at [email protected] and give the name of the institutions and the course you are trying to transfer. A representative in the EXCEL office will follow up to confirm the other institution’s decision.
Registered students should maintain a file for the dual credit course(s) including the following: a copy of the registration form, the course syllabus, grade reports, and samples of the student’s best work.
Students should work to achieve a good grade. Many universities will accept only transferred courses with a grade of “C” or above.
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Note: Once students have registered for and passed an EXCEL course, the MBU transcript certifies that the student earned college credit, but it does not automatically guarantee the credit will be accepted at another institution.
When credit is not given for dual credit courses, the following reasons may apply:
The college attended does not offer a similar course. The college requires that in some disciplines freshmen take introductory courses taught only on that
particular campus. Some colleges will not recognize a college course that was also used to meet a high school graduation
requirement. In other words, the college does not recognize dual credit. In St. Louis, Washington University is an example.
Because a college or university has recognized EXCEL dual credit in the past, does not mean that it has a future commitment to do so. Evaluation of any kind of transfer credit is made on an individual basis. By contrast, the fact that an institution has limited its acceptance of EXCEL credit does not imply that those limitations are permanent.
If you have any questions about the above list, please contact the EXCEL office.
Although the majority of EXCEL students receive some recognition of their MBU coursework, college officials cannot make decisions before they have viewed an official Missouri Baptist University transcript, the same procedure for any other student – high school, undergraduate, or graduate – seeking to transfer credits.
Transcript Requests
Specific instructions for ordering and paying for transcripts are posted on the MBU website at www.mobap.edu. In the search box type, student can type in the words transcript request. The website and directions will also be included in the fliers given to high school students at the beginning of the semester.
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SYLLABUS REQUIREMENTS
Purpose: As is required on university campuses, each new EXCEL course offering and each recurring EXCEL course offering should have a dual credit syllabus approved by the appropriate MBU academic division. The approved EXCEL syllabus should be given to any student who registers through Missouri Baptist University’s EXCEL program. Syllabi may be provided to students in hard copy or via an electronic format.
A sample syllabus will be given to the new or veteran EXCEL teacher who should follow the format of the sample. The faculty liaison ensures the required items are included in the syllabus that the high school teacher gives to EXCEL students. If these items do not appear or are not aligned to the corresponding sections on the MBU syllabus, then the liaison will work with the EXCEL teacher or candidate to create an acceptable syllabus.
Titles and contact information:□ Missouri Baptist University (and should NOT include any other university or program name)□ Course number and title of MBU course□ Semester or year (for example, FA-16, SP-17, or YR-16)□ Name of EXCEL teacher and contact information□ Name of high school – this will appear on the line titled “Location.”
MBU course information□ Course description – MBU Course Description only□ Course objectives (must include MBU objectives)□ Grading scale (to be used for the college course)
□ Number and types of assessmentsAt least the same number and types of MBU assessments (quizzes, exams, essays, lab reports, research essays/projects, or other assessments) used in the MBU course
□ Rubrics or other grading standards for assessments (if they appear in the MBU syllabus)
MBU course policies – The MBU student syllabus template includes all these policies.□ The syllabus contains a link to a page on the University website showing all MBU course policies. The
text of that page is listed on page 16.
Classroom policies □ Instructor’s policies regarding attendance, submission of assignments, and other necessary
information should be included but may vary by instructor (just as such instructor classroom policies vary on campus).
Course schedule□ Daily or weekly schedule of topics and assessment dates (course schedules may vary
but should reflect that all the MBU topics are covered and that assessment numbers/types are being administered).
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University Policies:
All students are responsible for the knowledge of and compliance with all university policies as stated in the university catalog, graduate bulletin, and student handbook including but not limited to grade appeal, computer use, copyright laws, and academic honesty and integrity.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory for every exercise of a course in which a student is enrolled. For students eligible for financial assistance, documented attendance is necessary before the initial disbursement of funds to their student accounts. Documented attendance in online classes will be determined by the completion of weekly class assignments. Students failing to complete any required assignments in an online class during a given week may be counted as absent for that week. Absence from class prevents a student from receiving the full benefit of the course, and often detracts from the learning process for other students in the class. Unless an absence is unavoidable, an absence may result in lower grades due to missed examinations, assignments, exercises, and the failure to enter into the classroom learning process. Unavoidable absences that qualify as excused absences, such as debilitating illness/injury, university-sanctioned events, and personal emergencies, are defined in the university catalog. In the case of an unavoidable (excused) absence, a student may make up missed examinations and assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor to complete missed work in a timely fashion.
Students are responsible for turning work in on time, even if the student has an excused absence. Assignments turned in after two class periods may not receive credit. In all other cases of absence, instructors are not required to allow students to make up the missed work. Instructors may establish additional guidelines for their courses as long as they are in accordance with division and official university attendance policies. After two weeks of absences, students who incur any unexcused absences may have their final grades lowered commensurately, which may include failure of the course. If students believe they have received a course grade that is not reflective of the quality of their work, or their class attendance, they should refer to the MBU Grade Appeal Policy in the MBU Undergraduate Catalog or the MBU Graduate Bulletin.
Diversity: Missouri Baptist University is committed to maintaining a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Missouri Baptist University affirms that an important part of the integration of faith and learning is the recognition that all people are created in the image of God and worthy of respect and dignity. We seek to ensure that all students have full access to the educational, social, and spiritual growth opportunities that the University provides to ensure that students understand and appreciate one of the University’s core values which is “social change through service and leadership.” Through its curricula and classroom experiences, the university seeks to develop and nurture diversity because it strengthens the organization, promotes creative problem solving, and enriches us all. The goal is to present materials and activities that are respectful of diverse groups including, but not limited to, race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, qualified disability, military service, learning differences, or socioeconomic status.
Special Needs Access: Missouri Baptist University, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, will provide reasonable accommodations for eligible students with disabilities (e.g. attention, health, learning, mobility, physical, psychiatric, or vison). If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please inform me immediately so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. Students with a disability must register with the Special Needs Access Office for disability verification and for determination of reasonable academic accommodations. You are responsible for initiating arrangements for accommodations for tests and other assignments in collaboration with the Special Needs Access Office and the faculty. The Special Needs Access Office is located on the main
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campus in Field Academic Hall-Room 117. The Special Needs Access Coordinator may be reached at 314-392-2364. Student Use of Email: In accordance with Missouri Baptist University (MBU) policy, every student is required to have and to maintain an official MBU e-mail address. Some students may elect to forward their e-mail to an address different from their official MBU email account. Any student who elects to forward MBU e-mail to a different e-mail address assumes full responsibility for reading e-mail at the forwarded location. Students are expected to check their University e-mail account, or the account to which their University e-mail is forwarded, at least twice a week.
Credit Hour Policy: Missouri Baptist University requires this policy to be practiced by all faculty, full-time and part-time. All definitions and standards apply equally to courses offered both on and off campus. The federally-approved regulation for a credit hour has been defined in two ways:
§ 600.2(1): The credit hour value of a standard or more traditional course must be calculated as follows: A clock hour of instructional time is the equivalent of (a) 50 minutes of class time or (b) 60 minutes of independent-study work or some measures of clinical time; and (2) a minimum of two hours of out-of- class work is expected for every hour (50 minutes) of instructional time.
§ 600.2(2): If the credit hour value for an academic activity (including but not limited to “laboratory work, internships, practica, and studio work”) cannot be calculated using the information cited in § 600.2(1) (above), that academic activity can be found to have met the federal definition by documenting that it involves “at least an equivalent amount of work” as the criteria cited in § 600.2(1). For example 1 credit hour equals 45 clock hours, 2 credit hours equal 90 clock hours, 3 credit hours equal 135 clock hours, 4 credit hours equals 180 clock hours.
MBU Policy Concerning Clery Act and Title IX: Missouri Baptist University (“Missouri Baptist” or “the University”) does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and sexual harassment and sexual violence are types of sex discrimination. Other acts can also be forms of sex-based discrimination and are also prohibited whether sexually based or not and include dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. As a result, the University issues this statement of policy to inform the community of our comprehensive plan addressing sexual misconduct, educational programs, and procedures that address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, whether the incident occurs on or off campus and when it is reported to a University official. In this context, the University prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and reaffirms its commitment to maintain a campus environment emphasizing the dignity and worth of all members of the university community. Details of this policy can be found at www.mobap.edu/ASFSR
Academic Success Center - Writing Lab: In the Writing Lab, we believe you are a writer, and we treat your work as meaningful scholarship. Meet one-on-one with a writing coach to have a conversation about your writing at any part of your writing process and from any discipline. Improve as a scholar, learner, and writer by receiving feedback on brainstorming, organization, critical thinking, grammar and formatting choices, or anything related to your writing assignment! We have a writing-as-thinking approach and will give you different perspectives on your writing to apply to your writing process. How to Make a Writing Lab Appointment (Main Campus Students) The Writing Lab now accepts walk-ins, but we encourage you to make an appointment to guarantee a time slot. Appointments can be scheduled for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Visit http://mobap.mywconline.com/ to schedule an appointment online. You can also call 314-392-2364, e-mail [email protected], or stop by the ASC in FLD 117/119. MBU Online Writing Lab (Regional Learning Center and Distance Learning Students) If you are a distance learning or extension site student, you are welcome to schedule a face-to-face appointment, but you
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also have the opportunity to submit your paper online to receive feedback from a writing coach. Your essay does not have to be complete to send to the Writing Lab. We will respond to paper ideas, paragraphs, half of a draft, or a full draft. Visit http://www.mobap.edu/student-life/success/writing-lab/ and submit your paper by using the online submission form. Depending on your paper’s length and the availability of our writing coaches, your paper may take up to 72 hours (or 3 business days) to return to you with feedback. You will receive an email with your paper attached as a Word document. Additional questions should be directed to [email protected] or (314) 392- 2364.
Additional Writing Lab services include workshops, The Portable Writing Lab in the Perk on Fridays from 1 - 3 p.m., and The Writing Space at http://thembuwritingspace.wordpress.com/. Please contact the Writing Lab for additional information on our resources and hours.
Academic Honesty and Integrity: In keeping with school policy and our Christian heritage, academic honesty is strictly enforced. Unless an assignment is specifically designated as a group project, all assignments are to be the student’s own work. In this course, academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) unapproved assistance on examinations, copying the homework of others, plagiarism or other use of published materials without complete citations, free-riding in group work, or fabrication of referenced information. Academic dishonesty of any nature will result in disciplinary action, which may include receiving a failing grade on the work in question, failure of the course, or dismissal from the University. Additional information is available in the Missouri Baptist University Student Handbook.
TURNITIN: Major assignments are submitted through Turnitin. By submitting your assignments, you agree to have Turnitin software check the originality and intellectual integrity of your work. You acknowledge and understand that upon submission, your paper will be added to the Missouri Baptist University database and compared against a global database of submitted papers. You further recognize that the determination of academic dishonesty rests with the instructor of this course and that plagiarism will be dealt with according to the policy set forth in the MBU Academic Catalog.Missouri Baptist University Course Policies.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS AND COORDINATORS
Course Quality: Expectations for EXCEL Teachers
Site Visits
Site visits provide opportunities for MBU on-campus faculty and EXCEL staff members to maintain contact with participating high school administrators, counselors, teachers, and students and to offer support to each participant. EXCEL teachers are expected to work with their MBU faculty liaison to set appropriate dates for classroom observation. In some cases, consultation time during planning periods may be useful for discussing grading expectations, curriculum changes, and other information important for course quality.
Site Visit Procedures: MBU Faculty Liaisons
The site visitor contacts the high school teacher to set up a time for the visit and, if possible, a discussion before or after class.
The site visitor prepares materials (syllabi, sample assignments and assessments, handouts) for the high school teacher.
The high school teacher prepares samples to give to the site visitor (tests, lab reports, portfolios, class handouts, graded papers). The liaison will direct the EXCEL teacher concerning the types of samples appropriate for each discipline.
The high school coordinator or the teacher informs the high school administration of the planned visit.
The site visitor wears or carries identification and goes through the appropriate process of entering the school, registering at the main office, and wearing any designated visitor tag.
The site visitor observes the class and participates in the discussion if appropriate. The high school teacher may choose to ask the site visitor to speak to the students or to answer
questions. After the visit, either during a conference period or at a later date, the site visitor discusses with
the teacher a number of items including student performance, instructional strategies, types of assessments, teacher questions or concerns, and recommendations.
MBU Faculty Review of Course Content, Assignments, Assessments, and Student Work
MBU faculty liaisons provide sample syllabi, exams, and other assessments. EXCEL teachers should ensure that their own syllabi and assessments cover the MBU course objectives. They will provide their faculty liaison with a syllabus closely comparable to the MBU syllabus, sample tests, other sample assessments, and examples of student work. In addition, the faculty liaison may request other course materials and may request the registered students take the on-campus version of the final exam.
End-of-Course Student Evaluations
As it does for all on-campus courses, Missouri Baptist University provides opportunities for EXCEL students and teachers to evaluate the corresponding courses in the high schools. These evaluations are
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required by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and by the standards of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). At the end of the course, all students enrolled in an EXCEL course for credit are asked to evaluate the course through a course evaluation. The survey is based on the same instrument used in the on-campus courses. The teacher administers the course evaluation only to students enrolled for EXCEL college credit. Information received will be treated confidentially and only group results will be reported.
Administrative Tasks: Working with EXCEL to Serve Your Students
Become familiar with the registration process and be able to answer students’ questions or direct them to the Director of EXCEL Student Services.
Return registration forms, grade rosters, and course evaluations to the EXCEL Office or to the designated EXCEL coordinator in your building by the assigned date.
Notify EXCEL of changes in teachers, course content and/or text, overall curriculum or any other situation, which may affect the quality or suitability of an EXCEL course.
When appropriate, speak with students about the transferability of dual credit courses within Missouri and outside the state. If students have questions that you can’t answer, please direct the students to the EXCEL office rather than leaving them with incomplete or incorrect information. Encourage the students to check with the colleges/universities they are considering because the choices of institutions and majors can make a significant difference in how courses transfer.
Ensuring EXCEL Meets Missouri Guidelines and National Accreditation Standards
1. Attend annual EXCEL summer workshops for professional development.2. Send an updated syllabus to the EXCEL office each year. Work with your liaison to determine any
necessary revisions.3. Provide your liaison with samples of your tests/assessments to EXCEL each year. 4. For each course, follow the EXCEL liaison’s or EXCEL office’s directions for providing graded student work
(rubrics; exam questions; or other comparable means of providing performance data).5. Work closely with your MBU liaison to arrange site visits for class observation and for conference time.
You may sometimes want your liaison to speak to your class for a few minutes or to serve as a guest speaker.
6. If possible, help the liaison identify one or more students he or she can ask a few questions about the course.
Concessions for EXCEL Partners
EXCEL teachers who regularly attend summer workshops, schedule site visits from MBU liaisons, and comply with other EXCEL expectations may receive certain university concessions. Guidance counselors who also serve as EXCEL coordinators for their high schools may also receive the concessions.
One MBU graduate course each calendar year. The applicant must register for the concession through the EXCEL office and take the course during the current year he or she is partnering with EXCEL.
Up to 9 credit hours of EXCEL courses for dependent children
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To apply for a concession or to register for a graduate course, please contact the EXCEL office to request a concession form. Forms are also found on the website at www.mobap.edu/excel.EXCEL STAFF
Kim Cochran, Director of EXCEL (314) [email protected]
When you have a new teacher or new course you want to add to your EXCEL course list, or you have questions about syllabi, texts, and course content, call Kim Cochran. She can also help direct you to your on-campus faculty contact and to MBU graduate courses available to EXCEL teachers.
Dr. Doug Morris, Assistant Director of EXCEL (314) [email protected]
Dr. Morris contacts schools interested in beginning a partnership with EXCEL, visits classrooms at the beginning of each semester to help students register for their EXCEL courses, and visits coordinators and teachers periodically throughout the year to offer follow-up services from the EXCEL office.
Colleen Inman, Director of EXCEL Student Services (314) [email protected]
When you call the EXCEL Office, you will be directed to Colleen Inman. As the Director of Student Services she is responsible for coordinating fall and spring registration, for maintaining all student files, for answering billing inquires, and for providing class rosters and grade reports.
Mary Ellen Fuquay, EXCEL Program Advisor (314) [email protected]
Mary Ellen will continue to serve in a part-time advisory role concerning program quality, national accreditation, and compliance with Missouri dual credit policy.
Julie Biesiadecki, EXCEL Administrative Assistant (314) [email protected]
The EXCEL Administrative Assistant assists Colleen Inman in the EXCEL Student Service office. In addition, she enters and summarizes course evaluation data.
EXCEL Field Assistant (314) 392-2203
An EXCEL field assistant makes EXCEL registration visits to your students or assists the EXCEL staff in the delivery of materials and other program services to partnering teachers and coordinators.
More Contact InformationEXCEL Mailing Address EXCEL Office
Missouri Baptist UniversityOne College Park DriveSt. Louis, MO 63141-8696
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EXCEL website www.mobap.edu/excelRecords Office 314-392-2232
MBU FACULTY CONTACTS
A Missouri Baptist University faculty member in your subject area will consult with you about course content, texts, teaching methods, appropriate technology, and current research, and, in most cases, will serve as your faculty site visitor. Missouri Baptist University’s academic division chairs review and evaluate dual credit candidate credentials and proposed offerings of MBU courses and inform the Director of EXCEL that a new teacher or course is approved or that changes in curriculum or texts on campus need to be addressed at the high school sites. The chair consults with the professors or instructors whose lead syllabi are sent to the high schools as samples of the course outlines and policies for MBU courses requested by the high schools.
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DIVISION CHAIRSBusiness Dr. Karen Kannenberg
Dean of the School of BusinessAssociate Professor of Accounting and Business Administration (314) [email protected]
Education Dr. Melanie BishopDean of the School of EducationAssociate Professor of Education(314) [email protected]
Fine Arts Dr. Larry SmithHonors Program DirectorProfessor of Music(314) [email protected]
Health and Sport Sciences Dr. Greg ComfortProfessor of Health and Sport Sciences(314) [email protected]
Humanities Dr. John HanProfessor of English and Creative Writing; Editor of Intégrité and [email protected]
Natural Sciences Dr. Jerry DeeseProfessor of Physics and Mathematics(314) [email protected]
Social Sciences Dr. Janet PulsProfessor of Psychology/Human Services(314) [email protected]
FACULTY LIAISONS
BUSINESSAccounting Dr. Karen Kannenberg, Dean of the School of Business and
Associate Professor of Accounting and Business AdministrationAn additional liaison will be announced by fall of 2018.
Computer Information Dr. Karen Kannenberg, Dean of the School of BusinessEDUCATION
Education Mr. Lowell Pitzer, Assistant Professor of Education(314) 392-2317; [email protected]
FINE ARTSArt Dr. Larry Smith, Chair of Fine Arts
[email protected]/Speech TBD – Please contact Dr. SmithMusic Mr. Jose Silva, Instructor of Music
(573) 584-6391; [email protected] and SPORT SCIENCES
PHED Mr. Mark Sissom, Instructor, Health and Sport Sciences(314) 485-8418; [email protected]
HUMANITIESEnglish Dr. John Han, Professor of English/Creative Writing, Editor
of Intégrité(314) 392-2311; [email protected]. Matthew Bardowell, Assistant Professor of English(314) 744-7608; [email protected]
Spanish TBD – Please contact Dr. Han or the EXCEL office.NATURAL SCIENCES
Anatomy & Physiology Dr. Andrew Elvington, Assistant Professor of Biology and Biotechnology(314) 485-8405; [email protected]
Biology Dr. Shayani Pieris, Associate Professor of Plant Sciences(314) 489-9624 (c); [email protected]. Carrie Wahlman, Assistant Professor of Biology and Biochemistry(314)807-2032; [email protected]
Chemistry Dr. Mary Vedamuthu, Professor of Chemistry (314) 392-2284; [email protected]
Chemistry and Biology Mr. Alan Lee; Instructor of Natural Sciences(636) 528-4395; [email protected]. Mark Duerr, Assistant Professor of Biology(314) 744-5324; [email protected]
Math Dr. Jerry Deese, Professor of Physics/Mathematics(314) 392-2315; [email protected]. David Smith, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
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(314) 392-2364 (Academic Success Center); [email protected]. Jane Sneed, Instructor of Mathematics(314) 374-1157; [email protected]. Kim Cochran, Assistant Professor of Mathematics (636) 978-6165; [email protected]
Physics Dr. Jerry Deese, Professor of Physics/Mathematics(314) 392-2315; [email protected]
SOCIAL SCIENCESHistory/Political Sciences
Dr. Keith Beutler, Associate Professor of History(314) 744-5359; [email protected]. Jane Neukomm, Visiting Liaison for History/Political [email protected]
Psychology Dr. David Bailey, Professor of Psychology (314) 392-2347; [email protected]
NOTES
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