SCHREINER UNIVERSITY 2013 - 2014 CATALOG Mission Schreiner University, a liberal arts institution affiliated by choice and covenant with the Presbyterian Church (USA), is committed to educating students holistically. Primarily under- graduate, the university offers a personalized, integrated education that prepares its students for meaningful work and purposeful lives in a changing global society. Vision Schreiner University will always hold student success as its first priority. The university will be known for its academic rigor; it will continue to be an institution of opportunity where stu- dents from a variety of backgrounds and experiences learn through educational programs equipping them to achieve, excel, and lead. The university aspires to serve as a standard to oth- ers in programs and practices. Values Schreiner University • holds sacred the Christian convictions that each student is valuable and unique and that the university’s purpose is to enable every student to grow intellectually, physically and spir- itually. • values diversity of people and thought in a setting of open, civil discourse. • embraces life-long learning and service to society as critical traits in a world whose com- munity is global. • believes that higher education is instrumental in developing thoughtful, productive, and ethical citizens. • believes that the values that inform our relationships with our students should also inform our relationships with one another. Goals • Support, promote, and initiate curricular and co-curricular programs which instill a cul- ture of demonstrable excellence within a diverse community of scholars. • Foster internal conditions and relationships and expand external partnerships with pro- fessional, service, and church-related communities to further the university’s strategic vision. • Develop and be effective stewards of Schreiner’s resources to achieve the educational mission of the university. 1 This catalog contains pertinent information concerning academic requirements, educational and social oppor- tunities, financial and other regulations of Schreiner University for the academic year specified. This catalog does not constitute a contract, express or implied, between the student and the University. The final respon- sibility for meeting University requirements and abiding by University regulations rests with the student and therefore the student should study and become familiar with the provisions. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND TITLE IX POLICY In accordance with applicable provisions of law, Schreiner University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, extra-curricular programs or employment against any individual on the basis of that individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status or ethnic origin. Exceptions may be made if a bona fide occupational qualification applies. Inquiries/complaints should be for- warded to the Title IX Coordinator, Barbara Von Brandt-Siemers at [email protected] or phone (830) 792-7368. The mission statement of Schreiner University affirms the university’s long-standing commitment to serve a diverse community. Included in this commitment are ongoing efforts to make the learning resources of the university accessible to students with disabilities. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Schreiner University provides academic adjustments/auxiliary aids for students with physical/medi- cal, learning, and psychological disabilities. It is the policy of this University that no student, faculty or staff member with AIDS or HIV antibodies shall be discriminated against in his/her relationship with the University. Persons with AIDS or HIV antibodies shall not be denied admission or employment based on the diagnosis of AIDS or HIV antibodies. Health Services shall provide a referral list of HIV testing and counseling resources. Persons with HIV infections are encouraged to inform the campus nurse to enable the University to provide them proper medical care, support, counseling and education. This information will be handled in a strictly confidential manner, consis- tent with the treatment of other medical disorders or illnesses. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Section 22, requires that Schreiner University main- tain a drug-free school and campus. In compliance with the Act, the University’s Drug-Free School and Campus Policy is: The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or the unlawful use of alcohol and/or a controlled substance is prohibited on the campus or any other property under the control of Schreiner University and at University sponsored events. Violation of this policy will necessitate appropriate disciplinary action against such an employee or student, up to and including termination or expulsion. Appropriate disciplinary action may also include, but is not limited to probation, and/or requiring such employee or student, at the individual’s expense, to participate satisfactorily in a drug assistance or rehabili- tation program approved by the University. STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE The Schreiner University Board of Trustees affirms the right of each student to seek relief from con- ditions which the student believes to be unfair, inequitable, discriminatory, or a hindrance to effec- tive academic progress. The complaint policy applies to all current and prospective students but does not apply to situations concerning initiation or modification of Board policy and/or situations for which there is a separate internal appeal process (e.g., Judicial Board process for conduct code vio- lations). For complaints regarding an academic issue, please contact the dean of the school responsible for the respective area: Dean of School of Liberal Arts - Dr. William Woods Dean of the Trull School of Science and Mathematics - Dr. Diana Comuzzie Dean of the Cailloux School of Professional Studies - Dr. David Smith If the matter is not resolved, please contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs - Dr. Charlie McCormick For complaints regarding a student life or admission issue, please contact the director or dean of the respective department. If the matter is not resolved, please contact the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services - Ms. Peg Layton. COMPLAINT DEFINITION A complaint is an allegation by a student or a prospective student that there has been a violation, mis- interpretation, misapplication, discriminatory application or unreasonable application of a University policy, procedure, rule or regulation. Student grievances shall contain a written statement of the com- plaint and a statement of what the student considers a sufficient remedy of the complaint. 2 POLICY It is the policy of Schreiner University that students be assured the right to file legitimate complaints and to follow established formal procedures without censure of reprisal. A complaint must be brought to the hearing officer (i.e. dean of vice president) within ten (10) working days of the action. The hearing officer will provide a written decision to the student within 30 days. Students may appeal a dean’s or director’s decision to the respective vice president within ten (10) days of the action. The vice president will make a determination on an appeal within 30 days and will provide written notifica- tion to both the student and the dean. The vice president’s decision will be final and binding on all parties. If a complain is not satisfactorily resolved internally, the student may then file a complaint with the appro- priate state agency and accrediting agency. Students receiving face-to-face instruction at Schreiner University contact the Consumer Protection Division at the Office of the Attorney General of Texas and/or the University’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Texas Attorney General, PO Box 12548 Austin, TX 78711-2548 [email protected] (800) 252-8011 or (512) 475-4413 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 (404) 475-4413 Students receiving distance learning out-of-state may contact the appropriate state agency in their state of residence and/or the University’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Inquiries concerning this policy may be referred to the Director of Human Resources, phone (830) 792-7375. The University reserves the right to change, without notice but subject to policies stated elsewhere in this cat- alog, requirements and regulations as necessitated by faculty, administrative, and/or trustee action. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. THE UNIVERSITY 5 A. ACADEMIC CALENDAR 6 B. INTRODUCTION TO SCHREINER UNIVERSITY 10 II. ADMISSION 17 III. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 29 A. COSTS 30 B. FINANCIAL AID 35 IV. STUDENT LIFE 47 A. STUDENT SERVICES AND FACILITIES 48 B. CAMPUS LIFE 52 V. ACADEMICS 57 A. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 58 B. AREAS OF INSTRUCTION 87 VI. DIRECTORY 173 A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 174 B. FACULTY 176 C. ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF 183 VII. INDEX 187 CORRESPONDENCE AND OFFICE HOURS Administrative offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Visitors are always welcome. Arrangements for visits should be made through the Office of Admission and Financial Aid (830) 792-7217. Schreiner University personnel are pleased to answer inquiries. Our address is Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX 78028, and our telephone number is (800)