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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.
A) B)

INTRODUCTION ______________________________________________________________________ 5 PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKLET ________________________________________________________ 5 BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ______________________________________________________ 5 VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS ____________________________________________________ 6 VISION _____________________________________________________________________________ 6 MISSION _____________________________________________________________________________ 6 BIBLICAL MANDATE __________________________________________________________________ 6 STUDENT AFFAIRS____________________________________________________________________ 6 REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS _______________________________________________________ 6 LEARNING SUPPORT CENTRE (LSC) APPLICATIONS __________________________________ 6 INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS _______________________________________________________________ 8 ACADEMIC HONESTY _________________________________________________________________ 10 ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY _______________________________________________ 10 DRESS CODE_________________________________________________________________________ 11 CODE OF CONDUCT: STUDENTS _________________________________________________________ 11 FEES _______________________________________________________________________________ 12 TUITION ____________________________________________________________________________ REGISTRATION FEE ___________________________________________________________________ BOOKS AND SUPPLIES ______________________________________________________________ GRADUATION FEES ________________________________________________________________ 12 12 12 13

2.
A) B)

3. 4.
A)

(1) (2) B) C) D) E) 5.
A) B) C) D)

6.
A)

ADMISSIONS ________________________________________________________________________ 13 ADMISSIONS POLICY _______________________________________________________________ SPIRITUAL LIFE _____________________________________________________________________ ACADEMIC ________________________________________________________________________ ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE___________________________________________________________ ADMISSIONS DOCUMENTS _________________________________________________________ APPLICATION _______________________________________________________________________ LETTER OF REFERENCE _______________________________________________________________
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(3) (4) B) C) (1) (2)

13 13 13 13 14 14 14

(3) (4) (5) 7. 8. 9. 10.

A) B) C)

TRANSCRIPTS _______________________________________________________________________ 14 CREDIT TRANSFER __________________________________________________________________ 14 IDENTIFICATION CARDS _______________________________________________________________ 15 ORDERING & DISPATCH TEXTBOOKS __________________________________________________ 15 NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION: ________________________________________________________ 16 ATTENDANCE & ABSENTEEISM________________________________________________________ 16 TEACHING AND LEARNING (TUTORING) ______________________________________________ 17 THE MONITORING PROCESS _______________________________________________________ 17 RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STUDENT ________________________________________________ 17 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TUTORS AND DIRECTORS __________________________________ 17 ASSESSMENTS POLICY ______________________________________________________________ 18 DEFINITION _______________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVES _______________________________________________________________________ GUIDING PRINCIPLES ______________________________________________________________ ABOUT ASSESSORS _________________________________________________________________ ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ____________________________________________________________ SUCCEEDING WITH THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS ____________________________________ THE APPEAL PROCESS WITH REGARDS TO ASSESSMENTS ___________________________ PROCEDURE OF APPEALING _______________________________________________________ GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT ROLES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES _____________________ 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 20 20

11.
A) B) C) D) E) F) G) H) I)

12.
A) B) C)

GRIEVANCE POLICY _________________________________________________________________ 21 STEP 1: APPEAL WITHIN 5 DAYS ________________________________________________________ 21 STEP 2: VERBAL EXPLANATION IN 3 DAYS AND WRITTEN IN 5 DAYS ___________________________ 21 STEP 3: FINAL APPEAL TO NATIONAL OFFICE _______________________________________ 21 GRADUATION ______________________________________________________________________ 21 THE GRADUATION CEREMONY _________________________________________________________ REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION ______________________________________________________ APPLYING TO GRADUATE ______________________________________________________________ GRADUATION DAY _________________________________________________________________ PERMISSION TO GRADUATE IN ABSENTIA__________________________________________________ 21 22 22 22 22

13.
A) B) C) D) E)

14.
A) B)

EXECUTIVE BOARD _________________________________________________________________ 23 RESPONSIBILITIES: ___________________________________________________________________ 23 COMPOSITION: _______________________________________________________________________ 23 ACADEMIC BOARD__________________________________________________________________ 23 MANAGEMENT BOARD ______________________________________________________________ 23 ADMINISTRATION __________________________________________________________________ 23

15. 16. 17.

1. INTRODUCTION a) PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKLET

In most traditional Bible Colleges and Seminaries, students have to go searching for places where they can practice the ministry and leadership skills that they are learning in the classroom. Since church-based ministry training takes place in a healthy active church setting, students can immediately go from the classroom to a ministry assignment. They can shadow, intern, serve on staff, or volunteer right outside their classroom door. This means that students are able to try out what they are learning between classes and can come back into class the next week with questions, challenges, frustrations and triumphs to share and discuss. They also have the opportunity to take on increasing levels of leadership responsibility in the context of the local church under careful mentoring and supervision. The purpose of this booklet is to assist prospective Learning Support Centre Coordinators in starting and administering a campus of excellence. Please do not hesitate to call or E-mail our Administrative office if you need any further information.

b) BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

In1996 the Regional Director of Vision International Education Network, Southern Africa, Rev. N. Daniels, established Prosperitas Training College, a skills providing institution in various sectors. This institution is still accredited with the relevant SETAs. However, as minister of religion, he had identified a lack of training and development of Christian leaders from particularly the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches, and thus he started a Ministry Training Centre. In search of a reputable institution to partner with in meeting the above-mentioned need, he forged a partnership with Vision International College of Australia in 2005. This international College, which commenced in 1974, is an ac-credited institution with the Australian accrediting authorities. Its also a member of the Vision International Education Network operating globally in more than a 120 countries, with more than 4000 Church Based Ministry Training Centers. Vision International College, Southern Africa (VIC-SA) was established in 2009.

2. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS a) VISION

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

b) MISSION
Vision International College, Southern Africa will be a student-centred environment for our students in order for them to grow and mature personally, intellectually and spiritually. They will think critically, objectively, and creatively - becoming life-long students that will be responsible citizens and contributors to the well-being of their communities and society at large. This holistic goal will be achieve through our three Schools, namely the School of Ministry, School of Business Studies and Vocational Studies. Our vision is to contribute substantially to the transformation of our society in South Africa, the continent, and the world.

3. BIBLICAL MANDATE
It seems that although the motivation for starting and maintaining church-based Bible institutes can be based on Scripture, it may also be substantiated and perhaps enlightened by our offices history. What is the Biblical basis for Bible Institutes? There is a Biblical mandate for it. The New Testaments Great Commission, evangelism, discipling, and teaching, is not simply a suggestion; it is a command! Becoming a disciple of Jesus means the unconditional offering of a persons life. A call to discipleship is a call to servicea call to do what Jesus did and to be exposed to the same opposition He faced. I agree with the saying: Where God leads, He will certainly provide also. God was so gracious by allowing Vision Intl College Southern Africa to move in a short timeframe of almost two years from a very small office to a 250sqm office space to house the Bible College.

4. STUDENT AFFAIRS a) REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS (1) LEARNING SUPPORT CENTRE (LSC) APPLICATIONS
RESPONSE FROM ENQUIRERS ABOUT STARTING A LSC STEP 1: INCOMING ENQUIRY The following response procedures will be followed in order to expedite the application process.

Upon receiving a request, a welcome / info / thank you letter will be forwarded within one day. We immediately send an E-Mail and a SMS and request a reply within ( 4 ) working days. A courtesy phone call will be made and logged. The following documents will be added as attachments: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. About Vision Fact Sheet What others say Course structure (programme) Application form Individual and RC Fees

FOLLOW UP PROCEDURE (1) No Response On the 5 day when there was no reply as expected on the 4 day, we will write to that effect (reminding letter) and again ask for a reply within a week (7 days). We will add to it that we would be in contact with them when the week expires. If still no reply is received by then, we will repeat this follow up weekly for three months and after that monthly. Positive Response A thank you letter with regards to the enquirers interest will be forwarded with the relevant forms and further information as well. This will be E-Mailed together with a SMS that will be sent. We would suggest to them a week in which they have to send back the completed application forms. The following documents will be added as attachments: 1. 2. 3. 4. What is LSC? RPL Fee RC App. LSC
th th

Added to this letter will be a sentence to the following effect: With this, we will add the following: No commencing of training (classes) unless student List & full Particulars have been forwarded to the Administrators. We would need the enquirer to also add to his incoming response the following: LSC Application Form (Filled-out & Signed) CVs of Tutors Proof of payment or an indication of when payment would be made. FOLLOW UP PROCEDURE (2) NO Response We will forward another E-Mail and SMS as well as a telephone call after the week went by and asked when the prospective LSC director would complete the documentation and forwarding it. We will add that we will allow another 4 days. If nothing happens, we will be in contact with the contact person on a bi-monthly basis. This process will be continued until success is reached. Note: Give the enquirer the opportunity to advise VIC-SA they would not be interested to receive any marketing any further. 7

Positive Response Another E-Mail will be forwarded within a day to thank the prospective LSC coordinator for the positive feedback and response. The last round of forms will now be sent and we would require 4 days for the relevant forms to be sent back. The following documents will be added as attachments: 1.Covenant Agreement 2. Administrative Manual 3. Policy Document

FOLLOW UP 3
NEGATIVE RESPONSE AFTER 4 DAYS th On the 5 day, when nothing was received, we will give another 4 days and after every unsuccessful response day, we will be in regular contact. (once a week) POSITIVE RESPONSE With such a response, we will be expecting to have received a Signed Covenant Agreement and a signed copy of the Policy and procedures. An agreement must be reached for a starting date for the LSC

(2) INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS

STEP 1: INCOMING ENQUIRY The following response procedures will be followed in order to expedite the application process. Upon receiving a request, a welcome / info / thank you letter will be forwarded within one day. We immediately send an E-Mail and a SMS and request a reply within ( 2 ) working days. A courtesy phone call will be made and logged. The following documents will be added as attachments: 1. About Vision 2. Fact Sheet 3. What others say 4. Course structure (programme) 5. Individual Application form 6. Fees applicable to individuals

FOLLOW UP PROCEDURE (1)

No response On the 3rd day when there was no reply as expected on the 2nd day, we will write to that effect (reminding letter) and again ask for a reply within a week (7 days). We will add to it that we would be in contact with them when the week expires. If still no reply is received by then, we will repeat this follow up weekly for three months and after that bi-monthly. Positive response A thank you letter with regards to the enquirers interest will be forwarded with the relevant forms and further information as well. This will be E-Mailed together with a SMS that will be sent. We would suggest to them a week in which they have to send back the completed application forms. The following documents will be added as attachments: 1. RPL 2. Individual Application Form 3. Student Handbook Added to this letter will be a sentence to the following effect that we would need the following sent to us: Individual Application Form (Filled-out & Signed) Highest Qualification Certified ID copy Transcripts of previous studies (if any studies done) Proof of payment or an indication of when payment would be made. An extra note will be added in this procedure and will read as follows: No commencing of training unless full payment has been made and proof thereof forwarded to the National office Administrators.

Follow up Procedure (3)

No Response We will forward another E-Mail and SMS as well as a telephone call after the week went by and asked when the prospective student would complete the documentation and forwarding it. We will add that we will allow another 4 days. If nothing happens, we will be in contact with the contact person on a bi-monthly basis. This process will be continued until success is reached. Note: Give the enquirer the opportunity to advise VIC-SA that they would not be interested to receive any marketing any further. We also need to take in consideration that we also need to respect those not interested.

Positive Response If possible, a prospective Student will be assigned to the LRC closest to the address. If the prospective student wishes to study through distance education, another E-Mail will be forwarded within a day to thank him/her for the positive feedback and response. As soon as payment has been confirmed by way of positive proof of payment, dispatching of coursework will proceed within one day. With the dispatching of the coursework an added warning will be issued to the student that unless the previous assignments as well as payment has been made, no textbooks for the next module will be forwarded.

RECORDING OF PROCESS
An Excel Document will be created that makes provision for dates and events that needs to be populated. Every morning, the tasks at hand need to be recorded and flagged where possible. All tasks completed need also to be signed off by the Administrator and a weekly, comprehensive report needs to be handed to the Southern African Director.

b) ACADEMIC HONESTY
VIC-SA students are expected to conduct themselves according to the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic misconduct for which a student is subject to penalty includes all forms of cheating, such as illicit possession of examinations or examination materials prior to the test date, forgery, or plagiarism. (Plagiarism is the presentation of the work of another as ones own work.) Students are also prohibited from presenting the same assignment for two or more courses (with the exception of English courses where a paper for another course may be evaluated for its organization, flow, grammar, and style). Disciplinary action for academic misconduct is the responsibility of the faculty member assigned to the course. The faculty member is charged with assessing the gravity of any case of academic dishonesty, and with giving sanctions to any student involved. Penalties that may be applied to individual cases of academic dishonesty include one or more of the following: 1. Written reprimand. 2. Requirement to redo work in question. 3. Requirement to submit additional work. 4. Lowering of grade on work in question. 5. Disciplinary probation or suspension.

c) ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

As an institution of higher education, it is the goal of VIC-SA to pursue and disseminate truth. Accordingly, board members, administration, faculty, staff, and students are free to question assumptions and to consider alternatives in the course of their pursuit and communication. At the same time, as a Christian institution, VIC-SA believes the Scripture to be inspired by God and, therefore, to be the norm against which all truth is to be

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measured. Since human reasoning is fallible, all perceived truth is not necessarily Gods truth only that which is consistent with the Scriptures is Gods truth. Therefore, VIC-SA emphatically rejects indoctrination, whether it is that which results from eliminating the Scriptures as a norm or whether it is that which results from restricting the free pursuit of ideas. Thus, both the faculty and students of VIC-SA are free to pursue and disseminate truth, but have the responsibility to measure their conclusions against the Scriptures.

d) DRESS CODE
Students are required to attend all VIC-SA meetings, classes, and gatherings dressed appropriately meaning they need to be neat and clean in appearance. Although not a final requirement, it would be Appropriate dress is smart casual. In all respects the students must strive to have their dress be neat, clean, modest, not casual, but rather professional. We recognize that any specific dress code can always be circumvented in effect while obeyed in letter. Therefore, we urge our students to work at establishing a Christian culture, not only in our cultivation of mind, but also in our manners and appearance. When Faculty, Administration, or Staff members believe a students pattern of dress and behavior clearly violate the intent of the dress policy, they will inform the Academic Dean, who will meet with the student and prescribe appropriate corrective measures. If the student fails to follow the prescribed corrective actions and/or continues conduct which violates the dress policy in his or her pattern of dress and behavior, the student will be referred to a Disciplinary Hearing Board. This Board will hear the accusation and supporting evidence, and will also hear any denial or other remarks, if any, from the student. The Board will then present a recommendation to the Academic Dean, who will make a final determination on the matter.

e) CODE OF CONDUCT: STUDENTS

VIC-SA seeks to reform Christian higher education biblically from its academic mission and curricula to the testimony of its faculty and students. We seek to recover true academic freedom, that is, submission to Gods Word in all our actions and attitudes in and out of the classroom. We will have to design a Code of Conduct, therefore, to nurture a healthy Christian academic environment, characterized by the impassioned pursuit of biblical knowledge, beauty, and wisdom. Our hope is that students will follow Gods law without being legalistic and exercise their Christian liberty without being worldly. The Code of Conduct must reflect Scriptures warning that it is folly to strain against the protective fence of Gods law just to see how close one can get to sin without getting burned (Proverbs 14:9; 16:17; 28:7,10). The Code must also express the faculty and administrations hope of working with students who delight in the freedom found within Christs vast domain safely encompassed by Gods holy law (Psalm 119:97;112).

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5. FEES a) TUITION
Revenues from tuition and fees cover only a minor portion of the cost of instruction. The Bible College must rely upon donations from interested individuals and supporting churches and businesses to help defer the cost of operating the college. Every possible effort is made to keep the students cost at a reasonable and acceptable level. We desire the prayers of friends that the Lord will raise up loyal and generous supporters to aid financially in the ministry of the college. The registration of the student signifies that he/she has made a personal commitment to pay timeously each and every month. A student who fails to meet his/her financial obligations is not permitted to register for the following semester without administrative approval. Tuition charges are due and payable at the time of registration unless arrangements have been made. Textbooks and other materials, purchased from the college bookstore, must be paid by cash, check, Visa, Master Card. Payments are to be made in advance only. The Registration Fee, Module Fee and the Textbook must be paid in full. Please be advised that the Assessor Fee is included in the Module Fee. The cost of assessment is R50-00 for each module. The registration of the student signifies that he/she has made a personal commitment to retire his/her financial debt to the college. All accounts must be cleared by the end of each year. A student who fails to meet all financial obligations cannot permitted register for the following semester without administrative approval.

b) REGISTRATION FEE
In the absence of any Application fees, the students are requested to pay an annual Registration fee. This fee is is utilized to assist with the Admissions process, and to support the library as well as the database management system.

c) BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

The cost of books are set at a fixed cost of R150-00 and is payable to assist in the printing costs. A student will pay R100 for an electronic copy and R150 for a printed version. Books may be purchased through the college national office via credit card, check or cash.

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d) GRADUATION FEES
Graduation Fee must be paid during the last month of the academic year when a student declares his/her intent to graduate at the end of that semester. This fee is paid per attempt to graduate and is non-refundable, regardless of whether the student graduates or not.

6. ADMISSIONS a) ADMISSIONS POLICY (3) SPIRITUAL LIFE

Applicants for admission must submit an acceptable, written, personal salvation testimony and references, providing evidence of Christian life standards. VIC-SA students must pledge in writing their commitment to personal holiness, sound doctrine, and academic integrity. By their pledge, students join the Faculty and Administration in submitting themselves to the Scriptures clear standards for all our labors together as a community of Christian scholars. All students are expected to have a sincere desire to study the Word of God.

(4) ACADEMIC
Admission to the college requires a high school qualification. It is to be said that English will be the official language medium of all training that will be conducted. Kindly contact the Registrars Office if you have questions in this area.

b) ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE

To be a fully admitted student at VIC-SA you must complete the following items: 1. submit an acceptable, completed APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION form, 2. pay the Registration Fee of R350-00. 3. Submit OFFICIAL transcripts from ALL colleges attended, and please be advised that unofficial transcripts and/or transcripts issued to student are NOT acceptable. All transcripts forwarded to this institution must be forwarded on an official letterhead by the relevant institution and not presented to the student at all. 4. Upon payment of all the relevant fees, a successful candidate will receive a Letter Of Acceptance plus a Student number from the Admissions Office.

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c) ADMISSIONS DOCUMENTS
An Application Packet containing all necessary documents for regular admission is available from the Admissions Office or online.

(1) APPLICATION
A completed Application for Admission must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the semester in which the student desires to enroll for admission. A Registration Fee of R350 is to be submitted with this form. The Application for Admission, and all other applicable documents, must be received in sufficient time for the Admissions Office to give its stamp of approval prior to Registration. Provision will be made whereby a student may receive tentative acceptance prior to the receipt of all completed documents, this will only be for the first module because this procedure requires that full acceptance be achieved before he/she may be included for the second module.

(2) LETTER OF REFERENCE

A letter of reference must be submitted on the proper forms. This form can be found in the Application packet. It is preferred that this reference be submitted by the students pastor or the church secretary. The reference is to be mailed directly to the college by the person completing the form.

(3) TRANSCRIPTS
Where a student received previous studies at an accredited Bible College, these studies can be officially accepted for admission in our institution. Only an official college transcript will be accepted. Should the student have undertaken work from more than one institution, an official transcript must be received from all institutions previously attended. Forms for requesting transcripts can be obtained from the Admissions office. All transcripts must be official and forwarded directly from the issuing institution and under no circumstances are students allowed to present Transcripts.

(4) CREDIT TRANSFER

VIC-SA reserves the right to evaluate each transfer students proficiency, knowledge, and skills gained from courses taken at other institutions, accredited or non-accredited, prior to accepting them as meeting its graduation requirements. We believe that all knowledge is related and integrative, so that any single subject can never be fully understood as a discrete, isolated entity. All subjects and the courses addressing them can only be understood when contextualized by biblical revelation, the broader fabric of the created order, the academic curriculum, and the intellectual community of which it is a part. Therefore, we reserve the right to take into account the integrative context of the applicants academic record and the educational institution whence that record came when considering the transfer credit equivalency of any particular course. We also reserve the right

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to grant transfer credit upon condition of satisfactory completion of a designated higher-level VIC-SA course in a related field. Upon admission of a transfer student to VIC-SA, our Admissions Committee evaluates all courses taken or attempted and all grades received at accredited and non-accredited postsecondary institutions.

(5) IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Students should be issued identification cards and nametags upon registration. Students should be required to wear their nametags whenever they are in class. This will allow the college or church receptionists, staff and volunteers, and library workers, to easily recognize them as an Institute student. This will help maintain a higher level of security within the shared facilities. Student ID bar codes may be used to give the student access to the library, and be used in the book checkout process once the library collection has been bar-coded for checkout. The student ID may also give them access to student discounts at some businesses.

7. ORDERING & DISPATCHING OF TEXTBOOKS

On receiving of the order, national office Admin will make out a job card and assign a number together with the LSC identity. The Paper Application will be transferred to electronic whereby a Form will be populated on Excel. This application will be forwarded to the Printing / Administrator. The order will be confirmed via E-Mail with the LSC or individual student. This is done by acknowledging the receipt of the order. Automatic Loading on Database Payment must be confirmed with Proof that needs to be forwarded by Fax or scanned via E-Mail. Person responsible for Ministry School Finance must confirm the payment with Administration. Preparation for the order will now commence and a Pending File will be available for this purpose. The Order & Invoice will be stapled together and be put inside the File. The order and payment will be handed over or placed in the OUT tray that is available in the National office (Administration) and date stamped before being placed in the out-tray. A Maximum of 3 days is allowed to remain in the Out-tray. This needs to be logged in a Hardcover book and verified by the Administrator. Administrator will e-mail Assistant Admin to give green light to forward. Allocating of transaction numbers needs to be done. Dispatching of Material (max 3 days) When dispatching the order (same day), Admin will send an E-Mail to advise that the order was dispatched or the order is ready to be picked up. A confirmation of receipt must be forwarded by the Receiving party. On 4th day confirm if goods received on time and in good condition if no confirmation was sent by the Receiving party. The Order, Invoice as well as the dispatching E-mail will now be filed in the DONE-folder 15

8. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION:

Getting the Students Off to a Great Start A Session of one to two-hours orientation should be scheduled for all incoming students prior to the beginning of each semester. All new students are required to attend. The purpose of these sessions is to acquaint the student with major aspects of the Institute program, as well as College policies and procedures. Guidance should be given regarding course selection and degree programs. The students first registration for classes is completed during orientation, including payment of all applicable fees.

9. ATTENDANCE & ABSENTEEISM

VIC-SA considers regular class attendance to be essential to the teaching/learning process. Any unnecessary absence decreases the contribution by and to the students and faculty. For those reasons, faculty and students will honor the following guidelines: Class attendance is required except for true emergencies or school-related activities as determined by LSC Head. All students desiring to have absences excused must complete and submit a letter to this effect to the Tutor. The request must acquire the instructors signature for each class missed and must be submitted prior to the absence. In the case of emergency or unexpected absence, request must be turned in within seven days (including weekends) of the absence. Unexcused absences (absences not excused by the LSC Head) may not exceed the number of class meeting per week without penalty. Each unexcused absence exceeding the number of class meetings per week may result in a grade reduction. Three late arrivals without valid excuses (tardies) equal one absence. Credit will not be awarded in any course where absences exceed 30% of the class meetings regardless of the reasons for absence. Faculty will report in writing to the LSC Heads all students whose total absences exceed the 30% limit. Once the student has reached the 30% limit he or she will receive an NOT YET COMPETENT mark. The final determination of true emergency will be at the discretion of the LSC Head. Instructors do not have the authority to approve or disapprove absences. The LSC Head will determine the legitimacy of school-related business. The responsibility for notifying the instructor of anticipated absences, reasons for emergency absences, and fulfilling all assignments rests entirely on the student. The Faculty is not expected to give make-up exams or make-up lessons for unapproved absences.

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10. TEACHING AND LEARNING (TUTORING) a) THE MONITORING PROCESS

Tutors who has agreed to guide a certain student in his or her studies undertakes to: Guide the student in such a manner in the introduction of the studies and becomes familiar with administrative procedures. Guide the student in such a manner that the student will submit quality work and selects the right and appropriate tutoring methods to achieve the objectives of the research. Support the student to such an extent in that the student can obtain the required data; solve practical problems when gathering data and draw meaningful, correct and logical conclusions. Assess the standard of the students work and determine whether the work meets the requirements and academic standards before the student submits the work for examining purposes. The Tutor must be satisfied with the quality of the coursework or dissertation or thesis (i.e. that the mini dissertation/ dissertation/ thesis complies with accepted academic standards).

b) RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STUDENT

A Tutor who has agreed to guide a certain student in his or her studies undertakes to: Give dedicated attention to the guidance of the student. Maintain a professional relationship with the student and Lead the student into the academic community. Always treat the student as an adult student, even as a colleague. Take individual differences between students and their circumstances into account. Give special support to students who are not studying in their mother tongue. Motivate the student continuously and create effective appropriate communication channels. Make the expectations of the Tutor clear to the student at all times. Ensure that the Tutor is readily available and can be reached by the student. Encourage the student to work independently to an increasing extent as the work progresses.

c) CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TUTORS AND DIRECTORS

The mission of VIC-SA is to communicate and develop knowledge by means of research. In the training for postgraduate degrees, these tasks are integrated and reach a joint culmination. It is therefore extremely important to VIC-SA and all the role-players and stakeholders for this training to be of an outstanding quality. The guidance provide to the students to a great extent determines the quality of the training. VIC-SA uses policies and certain procedures to guarantee this quality. In addition to these policies and procedures, VIC-SA also uses a code of conduct for Tutors to: ensure the quality of the training; serve the interests of the students; and develop the profession of the Tutor as academic. 17

11. ASSESSMENTS POLICY a) DEFINITION

A structured process for gathering evidence and making judgments about an individuals performance in relation to registered national standards and qualifications.

b) OBJECTIVES
To collect evidence of students work so that judgements about students achievements, or non-achievements, can be made and decisions arrived at. To make decisions about the education and training system itself, and to make judgements in the process, informing such decisions. Assessment is not only focused on what students can do, but intends to develop students holistically. In other words, students are also required to demonstrate certain life skills, which will not only enhance their learning, but will also ensure that these skills are transferable to their private lives.

c) GUIDING PRINCIPLES
As assessment is central to the recognition of achievement, and the quality of the assessment is therefore important to provide credible certification. Credibility in assessment is assured through assessment procedures and practices being governed by certain principles. These principles help to allay the concerns and anxieties of users of assessment results. All roleplayers want the assurance that the assessment results are credible. This is because these results often affect personal, social and economic progression and mobility in society. In addition, the results provide accurate information about the individual. Fairness: An assessment should not in any way hinder or advantage a student. Validity: Validity in assessment refers to measuring what it says it is measuring, be it knowledge, understanding, subject content, skills, information, behaviours, etc. Reliability: Reliability in assessment is about consistency. Consistency refers to the same judgements being made in the same, or similar contexts each time a particular assessment for specified stated intentions is administered. Practicability: Practicability refers to ensuring that assessments take into account the available financial resources, facilities, equipment and time. Assessments that require elaborate arrangements for equipment and facilities, as well as being costly, will make the assessment system fail. The critical overriding principle of assessment is that of ethics. Because the results of an assessment can lead to an increase in pay, improved career prospects and the like, the principles of assessment are applied ethically and responsibly.

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d) ABOUT ASSESSORS
Assessors are trained and competent in administering assessments; Assessors give clear, consistent and unambiguous instructions; Assessment criteria and guidelines for unit standards and qualifications are adhered to; Assessors meet and talk to each other; Assessors are subject experts in their learning field(s); Where possible, more than one assessor are involved in the assessment of one student; Assessors use checklists, or other objective forms of assessment, in addition to other assessment instruments; Internal and external moderation procedures for assessment are in place; and Clear and systematic recording procedures are in place.

e) ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Assessment criteria are used to assess students. Assessment criteria are statements that describe the standard to which students must perform the actions, roles, knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes stated in the outcomes. They are a clear and transparent expression of requirements against which successful (or unsuccessful) performance is assessed. The assessment criteria specify: The knowledge, understanding, action(s), roles, skills, values and attitudes that a student has to display in order to provide evidence that outcomes and competence have been achieved; The level of complexity and quality of these; and The context of and conditions under which demonstrations should occur.

f) SUCCEEDING WITH THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The explicit and transparent specification of competence, outcomes and assessment criteria is intended to ensure fairness of assessment: All students know what they are expected to demonstrate in order to achieve credits; All assessors know what skills, knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes, etc. are expected from a student There is clarity on tasks and activities that students have to perform; There is clarity on the level of complexity, quality, kinds and range of skills, knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes, etc. expected from the student; and There is clarity on the context of and the conditions under which assessment will occur. In addition, the explicit and transparent specification of competence, outcomes and assessment criteria is intended to ensure validity and practicability of assessment: The nature of assessment methods and instruments should match the assessment criteria specified. Furthermore, the explicit and transparent specification of competence, outcomes and assessment criteria is also 19

intended to ensure reliability of assessment. The standards, outcomes and the assessment criteria are the basis upon which assessments are planned and administered. These remain constant regardless of who is assessing or who is being assessed. The specific nature of these aspects makes it incumbent upon the assessor to use them as a guide to planning, developing and administering assessments The clear nature of these aspects is a built-in mechanism to avoid assessor deviation, inconsistency and error.

g) THE APPEAL PROCESS WITH REGARDS TO ASSESSMENTS

A student has the right to appeal against: unfair assessments invalid assessments unreliable assessments the assessors judgement, if considered biased inadequate expertise and experience of the assessor unethical practices

h) PROCEDURE OF APPEALING
The student who wishes to appeal must first approach and discuss the issue with the assessor. The assessor will attempt to cure any defects or address any issues raised by the student. Unresolved matters are referred to the Academic Dean who will assume control of the process and attempt to resolve the appeal. Resolution may take the form of a re-assessment. Matters left unresolved by the Academic Dean can be referred to the Southern Africa Director who will seek resolution and thus his/her decision will be final.

i)

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT ROLES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Board of Directors is responsible for the existence and monitoring of implementation of an assessment policy. Institutional Management is responsible for the implementation of this policy in terms of the necessary processes, systems and procedures. Line directors are responsible for adhering to the policy, as well as the process and procedures. The Administrator is responsible for the administration process, and the provision of management information.

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12. GRIEVANCE POLICY

Each student, by virtue of his or her enrollment, implies his or her agreement to abide by the standards set forth in this catalog and in the Student Handbook. These policies, while generally appropriate, may on occasion need to be reconsidered in the context of individual circumstances. In the event that a student feels that a policy has been applied inappropriately or seeks an exception to existing policy, such a request may be submitted in writing to the appropriate office as indicated below. This same process is appropriate for a student seeking to appeal a decision on matters of academics, conduct, finances, etc. Appropriate forms will be available from the national office to facilitate the appeals process.

a) STEP 1: APPEAL WITHIN 5 DAYS

The written appeal will describe the decision or policy in question and the basis for the students appeal, and when appealing a decision, must be submitted within five days of the initial action. Upon submission, the appeal will be heard and reviewed by the appropriate college personnel and faculty.

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

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

c) STEP 3: FINAL APPEAL TO NATIONAL OFFICE

If the student is unsatisfied with the response to the appeal, the student may make final appeal in writing to the office of the Southern Africa Director (SA Director). Appeals initially involving the SA Director, must be sent to the Chairman of the Board. In academic matters, the initial appeal will be submitted to the Academic Dean. In matters of finance, the initial appeal will be submitted to the Finance Office. In other non-academic matters, the initial appeal will be submitted to the SA Director. In the event that the individual functioning in any of these roles is unavailable, a delegate will be appointed by the SA Director to handle the appeal.

13. GRADUATION a) THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

The Graduation Ceremony is regarded as a very important academic tradition, thus the graduation ceremony is a grand and impressive affair. VIC-SA takes this opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge publicly successful students achievements. Guests, especially relatives and friends, are warmly invited to share this celebration with students who both did exceptionally well and others who did not do that well. 21

b) REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Degrees and Certificates will not be granted until all requirements and obligations, academic and financial, have been fulfilled. To participate in commencement exercises and graduate with a certificate or degree from VIC-SA, each student must fulfill the following: Achieve a passmark for the different qualifications from the undergraduate to the Post-graduate studies, without having any outstanding Assignments and/or exams. Must complete and submit his/her Intent to Graduate form to the Administrative Office by the start of the last month of the particular exit level of the qualification. A student must complete his/her final year at VIC-SA prior to graduation, unless the student has applied for RPL. Fulfill all financial obligations to the college. Be approved by the faculty as a candidate for a degree. Participate in Commencement exercises.

c) APPLYING TO GRADUATE
Students must notify the Registrar in writing of their intent to graduate. This can be done during the first week of the final month of study, before you sit final exams/assessments and before you receive your results. All outstanding financial obligations to VIC-SA must be satisfied and all borrowed library books must be returned before a student can receive a diploma and have transcripts released. It is your responsibility as a student to ensure you have completed all the requirements for your course before you are eligible to graduate. This may mean ensuring all exemptions or any Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning applications have been processed for the course you are completing. Under extreme circumstances, some students may be granted degrees in absentia; however, requests must be made in writing to the Academic Dean no later than seven work days before the date of graduation. The Board of VIC-SA must grant final approval.

d) GRADUATION DAY
VIC-SA will notify all graduating students of the Graduation date, time and venue; also dress code and the Guest of honour will also be announced. Within three weeks before the Graduation, a special meeting will be called at the graduation venue to effect a rehearsal explaining both the Procession as well as the Receiving ceremony.

e) PERMISSION TO GRADUATE IN ABSENTIA

Permission to not be present from the Graduation Ceremony must be secured from the Academic Dean at least 10 days before Commencement, and it is granted only in unusual circumstances.

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14. EXECUTIVE BOARD a) RESPONSIBILITIES:

The final authority in the determination of the administration, policy, and program of VIC-SA is vested in the Management Board. It is the responsibility of the Board to cast the vision for the College. The Board is also responsible for setting policy, hiring staff, approving the budget, faculty, and curriculum and maintaining spiritual integrity where doctrine is concerned.

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

15. ACADEMIC BOARD

Rev M. Coetzee (SA) (PG. Dip) Prof J Theron (SA) (Phd) Dr S Mills (USA) (D. Min) Dr. N. Daniels (SA) (MA),( D.Min) Rev M Yadoon (East Africa)) (MA) Dr S DeKoven (USA) (Phd) Prof N. Horn (Nam) (Phd) Rev M. Heuvel (SA) (MA) Dr J. Reichard (USA) (Phd) Dr D Plant (Aust) (D. Min. Phd)

16. MANAGEMENT BOARD

Director: Dr. N. Daniels (NC:OD- ETDP;MA, D. Min) National Learning Support Co-ordinator: Rev M. Heuvel (MA) Quality Assurance: Rev M. Coetzee (P.G. Dip)

17. ADMINISTRATION
Administrator Pastor William Koeries

Assistant Administrator Ms Denise Prins 23