Financial Policies

BICU advocates financial integrity and pledges to honor all its financial commitments in a prompt, honest and fair manner. BICU expects the same from all its clients. The following charges are automatic to the respective engagement with BICU. These charges are marked to market conditions and subject to change. They are only incurred as they are relevant to each program (see section on program charges). Charges will include:

i. Application fee (non-refundable)
ii. Charge per credit hour
iii. Registration fee
iv. Late registration
v. Lab fees (where applicable to some programs)
vi. Technology fee
vii. Late payment fee (for negotiated payment plans)
viii. Graduation fee

Financial Assistance – For students who qualify, financial assistance may be available via federal student loans and grants (USA), military and veterans benefits (USA) or via a semester payment plan. To apply for federal student loans go to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . For useful links go to: Federal Student Aid . A student will have to maintan satisfactory academic progress throughout the semester to keep FAFSA benefits. Any student taking a loan or entering into a payment plan will have to sign the relevant forms to acknowledge that they are aware fo their financial obligations based on the applicable terms and conditions.

22. TRANSFER CREDITS BICU welcomes students from other tertiary institutions who wish to join our university family. BICU accepts transfer credits from recognized or approved institutions accordingly. For the:

1) Master of Arts in Religion (MA): A maximum of 12 credit hours with evidence of a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses with a letter grade of ‘C’ will not be accepted.

2) Master of Pastoral Theology: A maximum of 16 credit hours with evidence of and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses with a letter grade of below ‘C’ will not be accepted.

3) Master of Arts in Religion and/or Church Administration: A maximum of 12 credit hours with evidence of a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses with a letter grade of “C” will not be accepted.

4. Bachelor of Arts in Religion: (BA) degree, a maximum of 65 credit hours with evidence of cumulative GPA of 2.50

5. Associate of Arts in Religion: A maximum of 35 credit hours with evidence of an accumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. All transfer students are required to complete the application process specific to the desired program of study.

23. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION PROCESS The protocol pertaining to applicants who wish to discontinue their application process are as follows:

1. The applicant must complete a withdrawal form indicating the withdrawal of his/her application. Should the applicant have made any payments during this process, BICU will charge US$50.00 withdrawal fee, then:
2. Grant 100% return of whatever payments have been made, if the applicant’s withdrawal form is received by BICU within nine months after the applicant has made these payments. After nine months an additional 2% processing cost will be charged
3. Note: Registration/processing fee is not refundable.

24. WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS
Registered students who wish to withdraw from all classes after the semester has begun will be charged a withdrawal fee of US$25, after which refunds will be based on the protocols below.

1. If students have not attended any classes, 100% refund will be given
2. If students have attended a minimum of one class session in the following weeks then for:

After the sixth week of class no refund will be made whether or not the student has attended any class(es). Note: The student must complete the withdrawal form and 19 have it signed by his/her advisor before withdrawing from the class. Registration/processing fees are not refundable.

25. PAYMENT PLAN
Students who are not able to meet all financial obligations at registration are welcome to negotiate a payment plan with the university. Once this agreement is made, students are expected to honor their commitment or be transparent if for any reason re-negotiation needs to be made. BICU will make every effort to accommodate students financially. However, silence or simply ignoring an arrangement will not be countenanced.

26. FINANCIAL CLEARANCE
The registration process is completed when financial clearance is given by BICU. Financial clearance means that the student has paid all charges in full or has negotiated a payment plan. Financial clearance must be obtained in order to write major exams. Thus, financial clearance given at the beginning of a semester may not suffice for end of semester exams as clearance then will depend on whether or not the student has honored the initial negotiated commitments or has made new arrangements.

27. FINANCE CHARGES
Students with an outstanding balance and who have not negotiated a payment plan, will be charged a late fee of $25.00 dollars on the 25th of each month when no payments are made.

28. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to graduate from BICU, students must complete the following requirements according to their respective program of study. In each case, an application form will be completed and the application fee of $60.00 be paid. (For detailed information regarding each program of study please see the appropriate section of this bulletin).

For the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion:

i. Complete 120 credit hours with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on BICU’s 4.0 grading scale
ii. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 108 credit hours of the degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the Registrar’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The student must indicate if s/he intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia. 20
iii. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s).

For the Associate Degree in Religion:

i. Complete 60 credits hours with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
ii. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 51 credit hours of the degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the register’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
iii. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s)

For the Master of Arts in Religion (NT Emphasis):

i. For the Master of Arts in Religion (NT Emphasis):
ii. Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 33 credit hours of this degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the Registrar’s Office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
iii. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s).

For the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies:

i. Complete 64 credit hours with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on BICU’ 4.0 grading system.
ii.Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 52 credit hours of this degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor and submitted to the register’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
iii. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s)

For the Master of Religion & Church Administration

i. Complete 39 credit hours with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on BICU’ 4.0 grading system.
ii.Make a formal application for graduation after the successful completion of at least 24 credit hours of this degree. This application must be signed by the student and his/her advisor 21 and submitted to the register’s office at least six (6) months before the intended date of graduation. The application must indicate if the student intends to participate in the graduation exercises or be graduated in absentia.
iii. Complete exit form and interview with academic advisor(s)

Note: In all cases, students must make all outstanding financial payments to BICU, or if payments cannot be completed, negotiate a payment plan accordingly. This must be done before one can participate in the graduation exercises. Note: While a student may be allowed to graduate with an outstanding financial balance, that student will not receive his/her degree until all negotiated payments are made.