2010-2011 HBU Catalog - Houston Baptist University

Violation of Academic Conduct Regulations
Falsifying information or documentation in order to obtain an excused absence is considered a violation of
the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Conduct Regulations.
Sharing information about a make-up examination or quiz with other students is deemed a violation of the
Code of Student Conduct and Academic Conduct Regulations.
Anyone found responsible for falsifying information or documentation in order to obtain an excused absence
or sharing examination or quiz information may receive a course grade of zero, as determined by the course
instructor, in addition to any sanction(s) imposed by the administration.
The HBU Athletic Affairs Committee has also developed an Administratively Approved Absence Form to be
distributed to all professors of student-participants detailing absence information. This form comprises a list of times
and dates when a student-participant will be administratively excused from a class during that semester. It is developed
by the Head Coach or sponsor and checked by the Athletic Director or Dean of the sponsor.
Regular absences due to illness, etc.: Apart from the absences caused when students represent the university,
students might need to miss class and/or lab sessions from time to time due to illness or other reasons.
Instructors will permit students to be absent from a maximum of three class meetings that are scheduled in the
syllabus for MWF and for TTH courses during the Fall and Spring semesters. Upon the fourth absence, faculty
will begin to penalize a student‘s grade in the course as the professor deems appropriate. For summer session
courses that meet throughout the week, instructors will permit students to be absent a maximum of two class
meetings. For courses that meet once a week, whether regular semesters or in the summer, instructors will
permit students to be absent a maximum of one or two class meetings (upon the discretion of the instructor)
before penalties are applied. Students are advised to use the allowed absences for illnesses and significant events
beyond their control. Regular attendance in class is important for student success.
Challenge Examinations
Challenge examinations are used to validate mastery of content (1) gained many years previously or (2) gained in
part through co-curricular means. The University‘s policy disallowing life experience credit prohibits this option
from being open to students who can show no formal study of the content area at the college level. For those who
have some formal college study plus independent study or gained expertise, the challenge exam presents a viable
option. The Registrar‘s Office is the coordinator of all activity in this respect.
After the exam has been taken, the student should secure a form from the Registrar‘s Office for credit to be
posted on their academic transcript.
Required scores for specific tests are stated in the current Catalog found on the website. A grade of ―CR‖ is
entered on the transcript of the student who achieves the required score and the appropriate number of semester
hours of credit awarded. At the graduate level, credit does not apply to degree requirements but does allow
program admission based on the fulfillment of prerequisites.
In the event that another testing vehicle is proposed other than those listed under the Advanced Placement
heading in the current Catalog found on the website, the University Registrar will serve as the approval agent.
Such a proposal should contain descriptive information as to the nature of the examination, grading standards,
and comparability to the CLEP tests. The proposal should contain the signature of the program director and the
appropriate dean before going to the University Registrar. Failure to meet necessary deadlines will not be
considered justifiable grounds for substituting for the CLEP test.
Classification of Undergraduate Students
Freshman:
Sophomore:
Junior:
Senior:
Special:
Part-time
Student:
Commencement
Fewer than 32 semester hours of credit
At least 32 and not more than 63 semester hours
At least 64 semester hours and an approved degree plan on file with the Registrar
At least 96 semester hours and a 2.00 scholastic standing or above
A student over 21 years of age, with demonstrated ability to do acceptable university work, but
indicating by signed statement that he or she is not interested in following a degree program
Undergraduates registered for fewer than twelve semester hours in
a regular semester
Commencement ceremonies are scheduled annually in August, December, and May. Degree recipients are
encouraged to participate. Due to the limitations of the Dunham Theater, which holds 1200 persons, students
will be limited in the number of their guests who can attend the ceremonies.
2010-2011 HBU Catalog www.hbu.edu/catalog Page 49