Academics

Class Attendance

On-ground Attendance Policy

This 2025-26 university policy prescribes the maximum number of unexcused absences a student may accumulate in a class. This policy does not apply to Jones School of Law and graduate courses in the College of Health Sciences. Instructors may choose to set forth course-specific attendance policies in the course syllabus.

1. Terms
   1. Excused: University-approved events (e.g., athletics, band, chorus, etc.); military service, subpoena for a court appearance, or jury duty; natural disasters; incidents of student illness for which students provide clear documentation in a timely manner; death or serious illness of a close family member; similar unavoidable circumstances due to no fault of the student and at the discretion of the course instructor. Work missed for excused absences may be made up subject to terms and schedule set by the instructor.
   2. Unexcused: any absence not covered in the above “Excused” definition. Work missed for unexcused absences cannot be made up.
   3. Withdrawal date: the date set by the Registrar as the last day to withdraw from a course.
   4. FA: A final grade that indicates “failure based on attendance” and counts toward the GPA the same as an F. Please note: the FA may affect the eligibility of student athletes.
2. Responsibilities
   1. Instructor: the instructor is responsible for keeping accurate, timely attendance and marking that attendance in the university attendance system; clearly articulating his or her classroom attendance policy in the course syllabus; reporting students who do not attend the course within the first 14 calendar days of the semester to appropriate offices, including financial aid; and creating a course wherein class attendance proves pivotal in successfully completing the course.
   2. Student: the student is responsible for keeping track of his or her attendance, including excused and unexcused absences, communicating clearly and effectively with the instructor concerning any absences, providing appropriate documentation for excused absences, and, at the student’s discretion, initiating a withdrawal prior to withdrawal date and in accordance with the Registrar’s procedure.
   3. When a student is held subject to the withdrawal from course consequences of the attendance policy as stated in the syllabus, the instructor will notify the student via email and assign an “FA” in Regent.
   4. The student may appeal to the college dean by email within three days. Successful appeals require a clearly defined response from the dean to all parties with prescribed conditions. Appeals denied by the dean may be taken to the vice president for academic affairs. Students may continue to participate in class pending final resolution of an appeal.
   5. A student failing to withdraw by the withdrawal date, and exceeding the allowed number of unexcused absences will be assigned a grade of FA as specified above.

Online Attendance Policy

1. Terms
   1. Attendance/Participation
      1. Online attendance is measured in terms of student participation.
      2. Logging into the course’s learning management system does not count as participation.
      3. Attendance includes:
         1. The submission of any course assignment (e.g. discussion, quiz/exam) even if they are not graded
         2. Synchronous video conference sessions
   2. See the full Online Attendance Policy for the complete definition of online attendance.
2. Responsibilities
   1. The instructor is responsible for keeping track of online student participation; reporting nonparticipation to the appropriate office, including financial aid; clearly articulating the attendance policy to the students; and requiring adequate participation from students at regular intervals.
   2. Students are responsible for keeping track of the upcoming assignment due dates, communicating with the instructor in a timely manner if something happens to keep them from being able to complete an assignment on time, and monitoring announcements from the instructor regarding any changes to the course calendar.
3. Attendance Policy
   1. Administrative Withdrawal for Non-participation
      1. Students who do not participate in a course within the first 7 days will be reported as not participating. They will be contacted to encourage participation in the course.
      2. Students who do not participate in a course within the first 14 days will be administratively withdrawn.
      3. Appeal Process
         1. Administratively withdrawn students may appeal to the department chair/program director to be reinstated.
         2. If allowed back in the course, the student must participate immediately by submitting an assignment. Should the student not submit an assignment in a timely manner, he/she will be administratively withdrawn without an opportunity to appeal.
         3. If the reinstatement request is denied by the department chair/program director, the student may appeal to the dean of the college by following the university’s academic complaint process.
   2. Failure for Attendance (FA)
      1. Full-term classes: a student will receive a grade of FA if he/she participates in a course, but then stops participating for a period of 21 consecutive days.
      2. Classes 8 weeks or less: a student will receive a grade of FA if he/she participates in a course, but then stops participating for a period of 14 consecutive days.

Grades and Grade Point Averages

The following symbols (grades) in the chart below are used to record the achievement and quality of the work of students in each course:

Unless the syllabus specifies otherwise, the scale in this chart is the understood University scale.

*The grade of I (Incomplete) indicates that some requirement of the course is not yet complete. It is only given for reasons which have been unavoidable in the judgment of the instructor. In such cases the instructor will give the student instructions and deadlines for completing the course. An I which has not been changed to a permanent grade by the last day of classes of the following term automatically becomes an F. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate steps with the instructor to have an I changed before this deadline.
**The grade of W (Withdrawn) is given only when a student withdraws before the announced withdrawal deadline. Those who withdraw after the announced deadline will receive an F.

Appealing a Final Grade

If a student does not understand the reason for a grade, it is the student’s responsibility to consult the instructor of the course about the grade. If after such consultation the student does not agree with the basis on which the grade was assigned, the student may initiate an appeal according to the procedures given below using the Academic Student Complaint Form (available at: https://www.faulkner.edu/undergrad/studentlife/living-on-campus/student-services/student-complaint- process/).

The burden of proof will rest with the student. There are four stages of appeal available to a student and they must be followed sequentially. Stages Two through Four must be completed during the term immediately following the term in which the grade was assigned unless an extension is authorized by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. At the completion of each stage of the appeal, the student is to be notified of the decision in writing.

• Stage One: An appeal must be initiated within 14 working days after the posting of grades for the term for which the grade was awarded. The student should petition the instructor in writing, giving salient reasons for the grade appeal. The student should retain a copy of the written appeal for personal records.
• Stage Two: If the student is not satisfied after review by the instructor, the student shall consult the department chair or appropriate director and submit a copy of the written appeal. The department chair or director will attempt to resolve the grade appeal. The chair will meet with the instructor and may consult with other persons who have relevant information (if the instructor is also the chair of the department, the appeal will proceed directly to the dean).
• Stage Three: If all efforts to resolve the grade appeal at the departmental level are unsuccessful, the student may submit the written appeal to the Dean of the appropriate college. The Dean will examine the appeal and other pertinent materials submitted by the student. The Dean will meet with the instructor and also may request from the instructor materials deemed relevant. In an attempt to resolve the grade appeal, the Dean may interview the student, instructor, and others who may have pertinent information (if the instructor is also the dean of the college, the appeal will proceed directly to the VPAA).
• Stage Four: If all efforts to resolve the grade appeal at the college level are unsuccessful, the student may submit the written appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). The VPAA will examine the appeal and other pertinent materials submitted by the student. The VPAA will meet with the instructor and also may request materials deemed relevant. In an attempt to resolve the grade appeal, the VPAA may interview the student, instructor, and others who may have pertinent information.

Grade Point Average

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total quality points earned for a term by the total quality hours earned in the same term. Term GPA, Faulkner cumulative GPA, and all- schools (overall) cumulative GPA are recorded on the permanent academic record. These averages are used to determine term honors, academic probation and suspension, renewal of academic scholarships, and eligibility for degrees.

Retaking Courses

Students may retake courses to improve grades, paying full tuition costs, and after consultation with the academic advisor. When a course is retaken the last grade earned is the grade used to calculate GPA. The previous grade remains on the transcript, but is not used to calculate GPA. The exception to this rule is a grade of W which carries no credit.

Transfer Credit

Students transferring from institutionally accredited colleges and universities (i.e., by accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education) may transfer credit under the following conditions.

• The school that awarded credit must mail official transcripts directly to Faulkner University.
• A transfer student’s Faulkner transcript will show credit for courses transferred according to the regulations below. A transferred course that is equivalent to a course in the student’s curriculum at Faulkner will satisfy the equivalent degree requirement. Other transfer credits may also appear on the transcript, even though they do not satisfy specific degree requirements. Students planning to transfer from Alabama Community Colleges should consult appropriate matriculation agreements for guidance in planning their course of study for transfer to Faulkner.
• The grade for any transferred course must be a D or better, except as follows:
• Faulkner only accepts a C or better for English Composition I (EH EH 1301  ) and English Composition II (EH EH 1302  ).
• Students may not transfer D credit in a course required for their majors. (Transfers from Alabama Community College System are allowed certain exemptions to this limitation. Please consult the STARS plan for details.)
• A student may request the approval of the appropriate college Dean for transferring particular courses with grades of D if the student transfers with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better. (A dean’s approval only applies to courses in that dean’s college.)
• Students may transfer no more than 60 semester hours from two-year institutions.
• Transfer students must earn credit in residency at Faulkner as follows:
• Students must earn a minimum of 40% of all coursework at Faulkner to receive associate’s degrees.
• Students must earn a minimum of 40% of all coursework at Faulkner to receive bachelor’s degrees.
• At least 40% of the discipline required (content) courses must also be completed at Faulkner.
• Note: The HRM Executive Program is an exception to this rule, given the total content of the program only represents 37.5% of the degree program.

A student already enrolled at Faulkner University who wishes to take a course at another institution and transfer that credit to Faulkner University must meet the following conditions:

1. The student must have a cumulative Faulkner grade point average of 2.0 (C).
2. The student must obtain written permission from the dean of the respective school prior to taking the course.
3. Grade points for courses taken at other institutions will not be used to compute the student’s Faulkner University cumulative grade point average unless the course is taken as part of the cross-enrollment agreement with another school. (See below.)

Non-traditional Credit

A maximum of 60 hours of non-traditional credit may be accepted in fulfillment of the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Non-traditional credit includes, but is not limited to: tests (CLEP, DSST, AP, IB, CIE), military transcripts, public safety certificates, and non-accredited technical/trade schools.

A maximum of 20 hours may be accepted from all tests combined, and a maximum of 15 hours may be accepted from non-accredited trade/technical schools.

Faulkner acknowledges scores recommended by American Council on Education (ACE), except for areas where additional requirements are noted. Non-traditional credit acceptance is as follows:

• Minimum Standards Certificate- Law Enforcement Academy or AL Corrections Academy-Twenty-eight (28) semester hours for BCJ and BCJ-Corrections programs for Physical Education, Social Science (Maximum of twelve [12] semester hours), and/or general elective requirements. Six (6) semester hours for the ASCJ program for general elective requirements
• Alabama Municipal Court Clerks and Magistrates Certificate Program- Three (3) semester hours for BCJ and BCJ-Corrections programs for elective requirements
• Joint Services Transcripts (JST)- Evaluated according to ACE recommendations
• Advanced Placement (AP)- Score of three (3) or four (4) earns credit for one course; perfect score of five (5) earns credit for an additional course, where applicable
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)- Score of fifty (50) earns credit for one course (or two courses where applicable)
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)- Grade of “C” or an “A” or “AS” level course earns credit for one course (or two courses where applicable)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)- Score of four (4) or more earns credit for one course; perfect score of seven (7) earns credit for an additional course, where applicable)
• DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)- Minimum score of 44-48 (depending on subject) earns credit for one course

Credit from Schools without Institutional Accreditation

Faulkner University does not accept credit from institutions not accredited by an entity not recognized by the US Department of Education. Exceptions may be made for transferees from institutions with whom Faulkner University has negotiated special matriculation agreements.

Credit may be accepted from schools recognized by other accrediting agencies, according to the following policies:

• A student may transfer no more than 15 semester hours from such schools.
• A student must earn at least a 2.0 GPA on the first 12 Faulkner hours for such transfer.
• A student may be required to take examinations to validate such credit.
• A student must have a dean’s approval for such credit to meet requirements of a major.

Credit for Standardized Tests and Experiential Credit

A maximum of 60 hours of credit earned by CLEP/DANTES, military service training, and extra- institutional learning may be accepted in fulfillment of the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. (A maximum of 20 hours may be accepted from CLEP/DANTES; a maximum of 15 hours from technical colleges.) Military educational experiences are evaluated in keeping with the recommendations of the Office of Educational Credits and the Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Credits for CLEP classes are awarded in keeping with the recommendations of the Commission on Educational Credits of the American Council on Education. The student should contact the dean of the appropriate college to ascertain the Faulkner course(s) for which they will be granted credit. Faulkner University also grants credit for courses successfully completed in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Unless otherwise indicated by policy, for scores of 5, 4, and 3, the semester hours of credit awarded for AP are those allowed for the corresponding freshman course(s) at Faulkner University.

Academic Standing

Classification of Students

• Dual Enrolled Students: Superior students taking university courses while still in high school.
• Freshmen: Students who have earned 0 - 29 semester hours of credit.
• Sophomores: Students who have earned 30 - 59 hours of semester credit.
• Juniors: Students who have earned 60 - 89 semester hours of credit.
• Seniors: Students who have earned 90 or more semester hours of credit.
• Non-Matriculating Students: Students not working toward a degree at Faulkner University, including transient students or non-credit students.

Each student has the right to continue an education at Faulkner University as long as there is satisfactory academic progress and compliance with the regulations of the University. The student’s academic progress is measured in terms of cumulative Faulkner grade point average which is computed at the end of each term. To remain in good standing academically, a student must attain a cumulative Faulkner grade point average as follows:

• A freshman must maintain a GPA of at least 1.5.
• A sophomore must maintain a GPA of at least 1.75.
• A junior must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0.
• A senior must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0.

Academic Probation and Suspension

A student who fails to meet the cumulative Faulkner GPA standards above is placed on Academic Probation, warning that a second consecutive term with a GPA below the standard above results in Academic Suspension. Academic Suspension means a student may not enroll for one full term.

However, no student, regardless of cumulative GPA, will be suspended at the end of any term in which he attains a GPA of 2.0 or higher. A student may be reinstated after one term of suspension, but remains on probation. If the student does not meet the GPA standard above during the first term of reinstatement, the student is placed on Second Academic Suspension.

A student on Second Academic Suspension may not enroll for the next two semesters, and reinstatement after that time is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, the Dean of the respective College, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Academic Honors

For full-time students, term grade reports and transcripts will recognize exceptional academic accomplishment as indicated in the charts below. Graduation honors calculate both grades for courses taken elsewhere, as well as grades for courses taken at Faulkner.

Grade Reports

Final grades are posted online and accessible only with student ID and password. Official notice of academic honors, probation, or suspension is indicated on students’ transcripts. A confirmation letter may follow. Midterm and term grades are available online to students with password access.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements for Associate’s Degrees

1. In the first month of the semester during which the student expects to complete the requirements for graduation, the student must file with the Registrar an Application for Graduation and pay a graduation fee.
2. The student must complete all the courses required under the Core Curriculum Component, unless a substitution is approved by the appropriate college Dean.
3. The student must complete an approved program of study, meeting all requirements listed for the program. Any exceptions must be approved by the Dean of the appropriate college.
4. The student must earn a 2.0 GPA or better on all work attempted at Faulkner University and on all work attempted within the major field of study.
5. The student must earn a 2.0 cumulative Faulkner GPA or better for a minimum of 60 semester hours for any associate degree program.
6. The student must complete at least 40% of the coursework applicable to the degree with Faulkner University.
7. No more than one-half of the credit applied to any degree may be earned from extra-institutional programs such as the College Level Examination Program. Credits from these sources that exceed one-fourth of the degree must be recommended by the appropriate Dean. Some programs may not permit this much extra-institutional credit.
8. The student must complete an assessment of general education learning (currently the ETS Proficiency Profile) upon accumulating between 55 to 75 semester hours of credit. No student may participate in graduation exercises who has not completed all degree requirements prior to the date of the graduation exercise. Exceptions granted by Vice President for Academic Affairs.
9. All of the above relate to fulfillment of academic requirements. Students must also ensure that all financial and other obligations are met prior to participating in graduation.
10. Failure to complete any of these requirements may result in denial of a student’s application for graduation.

Graduation Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees

1. In the first month of the semester during which the student expects to complete the requirements for graduation, the student must file with the Registrar an Application for Graduation and pay a graduation fee.
2. The student must complete all the courses required under the Core Curriculum Component for the degree program, unless a substitution is recommended by the appropriate college Dean.
3. The student must complete an approved program of study meeting all requirements for the program, with any exceptions approved by the Dean of the appropriate college.
4. At least one-half of the hours required for the major or area of concentration must be in upper-division courses.
5. Students receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree must complete two semesters in a college level foreign language.
6. The student must earn a 2.0 GPA or better on all work attempted at Faulkner University and on all work attempted within his or her major field of study. (This is a general rule. Some programs may require higher standards.)
7. The student must earn a 2.0 GPA or better for a minimum of 120 semester hours, including a minimum 36 hours in upper division (3000-4000) courses.
8. The student must complete at least 40% of the coursework applicable to the degree with Faulkner University.
9. The student must earn at least 60 semester hours in a senior college or institution with an approved third-year program.
10. No more than one-fourth of the credit applied to the degree may be earned from extra-institutional programs such as correspondence or College Level Examination Program. Credits from these sources that exceed one-fourth of the degree must be recommended by the appropriate Dean and approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Some programs may not allow this much extra- institutional credit.
11. The student must take all required standardized, comprehensive, or departmental tests.
12. The student must complete an assessment of general education learning (currently The ETS Proficiency Profile upon accumulating between 55 to 75 semester hours of credit.
13. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree must take an Exit Exam in their major field during the semester they anticipate graduation, as prescribed by their department.
14. Students must also ensure that all financial and other obligations are met prior to participating in graduation.
15. Failure to complete any of these requirements may result in denial of a student’s application for graduation.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Rarely is it in the best interest of the student to work toward a second bachelor’s degree. A student may find that it is advantageous to take courses in a second field at the undergraduate level, but if a second degree is sought, most often the student will find that a graduate degree is more advantageous and accomplished within a similar timeframe.

A student who has completed a bachelor’s degree may, however, be allowed to receive a second bachelor’s degree at Faulkner University provided he or she completes all requirements for the second degree and a minimum of 24 hours beyond the requirements for the first degree. The major for the second degree shall be distinct from that of the first. The second degree is not to be confused with a double major in which case only one degree is granted. Students are encouraged to meet with the Dean of the respective college before pursuing a second degree. Special requirements may apply for some degrees.

Minors

The university requires a student to complete at least 18 hours in the minor discipline, with at least 6 of these hours in upper-division courses. Some minors require more than 18 hours. Consult the catalog section of the department offering a minor of interest for specific requirements.

Institutional Assessments: All Students and Programs

Faulkner University has the following requirements for all students and programs:

Any student who has completed 55 to 75 semester hours of coursework must complete an assessment of general education learning. Faulkner currently administers the ETS Proficiency Profile as the measure of general education learning.

Any student who completes a degree must complete an assessment of major field learning. The academic departments, in conjunction with the Center for Assessment, Research, Effectiveness and Enhancement, select the major field examination. The major field examination for a degree is embedded in a course required for that degree.

Division of Academic Affairs

The division of Academic Affairs oversees several university-wide initiatives, including, but not limited to the following:

• Academic Advising
• Faulkner Foundations
• Institute for Faith and the Academy
• Learning Technologies
• Professional Development/Academic Research
• Study Abroad
• Center for Assessment, Research, Effectiveness, and Enhancement
• University Faculty College

Curriculum Design

The Faulkner University curriculum consists of core course requirements and professional studies course requirements. The University’s core curriculum requirements are designed to provide broad liberal arts based knowledge, skills, and dispositions. The University’s core is also designed to support the mission, vision, core values, and conceptual framework of Faulkner.

The University’s core and the professional studies requirements are structured to promote the development of literacy in a particular area of study. The curriculum’s promotion of literacy supports the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and dispositions - or in other words: Intellect, Character, and Service. The University’s curriculum consists of Christian Cultural Heritage Literacy, Cultural Heritage Literacy, Mathematical and Scientific Literacy, Information and Communication Literacy, Personal and Social Literacy, and Professional Literacy.

University Core Curriculum

Christian Cultural Heritage Literacy

The Christian Cultural Heritage Literacy component of the core is designed to develop biblical knowledge and an understanding of the cultural heritage of Christianity. The Christian Cultural Heritage Literacy curriculum required of all Faulkner students promotes the development of literacy in the biblical and Christian faith, knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Christian Cultural Heritage Literacy curriculum consists of lower level and upper level biblical studies requirements and electives. The lower level requirements consist of the Biblical Worldview I  BI 1315   , Biblical Worldview II BI 1316  , Understanding Biblical Literature (BI BI 2318  ), and Christian Ethics (BI BI 2319  ). The upper level requirements consist of Marriage and Family Relations (BI BI 3311  ) and Christian Cultural Heritage (BI BI 4311  ).

All students attending Faulkner University must take at least 4 courses from the V. P. Black College of Biblical Studies. At a minimum, all students must take BI BI 1315   , BI BI 1316  , BI BI 2319  , and BI BI 3311  . Transfer students may “stack” or take more than one Bible course a semester if necessary. While this might add additional time to students transferring in high credit loads, the four-course requirement reflects the missional intent and goals of Faulkner University and aligns with the University’s objective to provide excellent Christian education.

Cultural Heritage Literacy

The Cultural Heritage Literacy component of the core is designed to develop cultural knowledge and an understanding of the cultural heritage of Christianity. The Cultural Heritage Literacy curriculum required of all Faulkner students promotes the development of literacy in the humanities, western culture, history, American culture and government, and Christian culture knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
Cultural Heritage Literacy curriculum consists of lower level requirements addressing the humanities, history, and culture. The lower level requirements consist of the Western Tradition Series (HU HU 2315  and HU HU 2325  ) and American Cultural Heritage (HY HY 2320  ). The Cultural Heritage Literacy curriculum works in conjunction with the combination of the Christian Cultural Heritage Literacy curriculum to promote the development of broad-based knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Mathematical and Scientific Literacy

The Mathematical and Scientific Literacy component of the core is designed to develop mathematical and scientific knowledge and understanding. This curriculum required of all Faulkner students promotes the development of literacy in mathematical and scientific knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Mathematical and Scientific Literacy curriculum consists of lower level requirements addressing mathematics, natural sciences, and physical sciences. The lower level requirements consist of a mathematics course, and a natural science or physical science course, with the accompanying laboratory counterpart. The specific mathematics, natural sciences, or physical sciences courses will vary by degree program.

Information and Communication Literacy

The Information and Communication Literacy component of the core is designed to develop information and communication knowledge and understanding. The Information and Communication Literacy curriculum required of all Faulkner students promotes the development of literacy in compositional (writing), verbal/oral (speech), and technology knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Information and Communication Literacy curriculum consists of English Composition I (EH EH 1301  ), English Composition II (EH EH 1302  ), and a literature course in English or American Literature (EH EH 2301  , EH EH 2303  , and EH EH 2304  ).

Personal and Social Literacy

The Personal and Social Literacy component of the core is designed to develop personal and social knowledge and understanding. The Personal and Social Literacy curriculum required of all Faulkner students promotes the development of literacy in physical health and social sciences knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Personal and Social Literacy curriculum consists of lower-level requirements addressing physical health, and social or behavioral science. The physical health requirements consist of Lifetime Fitness (PE PE 1300  ); the social or behavioral science requirement varies by degree program, but consists of one course from Psychology (PY PY 1310  ), Criminal Justice (CJ CJ 1300  ), Counseling (COU COU 2320  ), Sociology (SY SY 2328  ), American Government (PS PS 2308  ), Economics (BA 2303  , Computers, Ethics, and Society (CIS CIS 2315  ), or Information, Ethics, and Society (INF INF 2315  ). The Personal and Social Literacy curriculum also includes the University’s Faulkner Foundations or Faulkner Foundations-Transfer course (FAF FAF 1111  or FAF FAF 2111  ).

Professional Literacy

The Professional Literacy component of the curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and understanding in a major field of study. The Professional Literacy curriculum required by each degree program promotes the development of literacy in professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions. The Professional Literacy curriculum in each degree program consists of departmental requirements, major field requirements, experiential requirements, and electives. The total number of hours and courses will vary according to the student’s major and degree plan.

University-Wide Courses

University-wide courses are offered in support of student success and development across the University. The courses in these areas are components of the University’s Student Success, Welcome Week, and Spiritual Formation Programs.

Student Success Course (FACE): University-wide student success courses are offered to support academic success and development. FACE 1300 The College Edge: Success in Academics: The College Edge focuses on practical strategies to help students - both traditional and non-traditional - progress from pre-college, through college and on to careers, through the discussion of a wide variety of topics such as study skills, working in groups, making presentations, conducting meetings, working with professors, and communication. This course is part of the University’s Student Success program and may be deemed a requirement for some students. Each student who is required to take this course must pass the course or repeat the course until it is passed. This course may also be taken as a general elective course for non-traditional students but cannot count for a psychology, counseling, sociology, criminal justice, or other social science requirement in any program including Executive BBA, Executive BSB, BCJ, BCJ-Corrections, FSM, and HRM. Offered every semester.

Orientation Courses (FAF): University-wide orientation courses are offered to support academic success and development. Faulkner Foundations and Faulkner Foundations-Transfer courses are overseen by the Director of Student Success.

FAF 1111 Faulkner Foundations: The Faulkner Foundations course focuses on the orientation of new students to Faulkner University and university life as a college student. The purpose of the class is to provide new students with academic and life skills necessary for college success. Faculty members from all disciplines lead the classes that are taught in such a way as to incorporate various teaching styles and to utilize a variety of speakers and extra- curricular activities. The course is a student’s first introduction to Faulkner’s Spiritual Formation Program and all of its components. In addition, students in each class will form a character community to enhance students’ development of character traits as outlined by Faulkner’s Spiritual Formation program. Course objectives include sessions on campus resources, study skills, time management, personal relationships, money management, health and wellness, and academic advising. This course is part of the University’s Student Success program and is required of all new students or students with less than 13 hours of transfer credit. This course is taken as a general elective course but cannot count for a psychology, counseling, sociology, criminal justice, or other social science requirement in any program including BBA, BCJ, BCJ-Corrections, FSM, and HRM. Prerequisites: None. Offered every semester.

FAF 2111 Faulkner Foundations-Transfer: The Faulkner Foundations-Transfer course focuses on the orientation of transfer students to Faulkner University. The purpose of this class is to provide transfer students with the skills necessary to make a smooth transition from their previous college/university to Faulkner University. Faculty members from various disciplines lead the classes that are taught in such a way to engage the transfer student as he/ she: explores factors influencing the transition into Faulkner; develops skills to enhance academic success with a focus on student responsibility; and develops skills to enhance spiritual formation and a Christian worldview. In addition, students are introduced to Faulkner policies and procedures, campus facilities and resources, and University expectations and challenges.

This course is part of the University’s Student Success program and is required of all new students with more than 12 hours of transfer credit. This course is taken as a general elective course but cannot count for a psychology, counseling, sociology, criminal justice, or other social science requirement in any program including BBA, BCJ, BCJ-Corrections, FSM, and HRM. Offered every semester.