Other Information

Pre-registration

Approximately five weeks prior to the first day of class Students are able to begin the pre-register the classes they desire to take. This procedure requires a Student User ID and password. Once the student has obtained the ID and PW, the student will enter the Registration Portal and select their desired classes. Instructions for this procedures are located under the current student link - register for class link.

Registration

Students are required to register in person on the official financial registration day. Incoming students must be approved for admission one week prior to registration. Registration is not complete until tuition and fees have been paid or a satisfactory arrangement has been made with the Business Office. A late registration fee is charged when registration is not completed prior to the first day of classes.

Academic Year

The academic year consists of three 11 week trimesters (Fall, Winter, Spring). This creates a 33 week academic calendar.

Academic Credit

Classes meet on alternate days using a Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday, or Wednesday/Friday schedule. The unit of credit represents 12.5 hours per trimester. Each hour represents 50 minutes of instruction. Classroom credit is issued based on the units of credits per week.

Academic Credit for Field Ministry

Every four hours in practicums and field ministry constitutes one credit hour. Practicum credits are included in a student's overall Grade Point Average (G.P.A.). Students select their practicums each Trimester.

Academic Advising

Each faculty member serves as an advisor to assigned students. In private conference during the registration process faculty members review a student's progress towards graduation. The faculty advisor signs the schedule at the end of the conference.

Academic Load

A normal class load (required to graduate in 2 years) for each trimester consists of 12 classroom credits and 2 field ministry (practicum) credits. This degree program requires focus and commitment. SUM requires 72 classroom credits and 14 practicum credits (86 credits) for graduation.
Academic full load for financial aid is 8 credits per trimester.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is considered a very serious offense at SUM. The use of another person's academic work without proper citation may result in serious disciplinary action including the possibility of dismissal.

Academic Electives

The design of SUM's curriculum requires specific classes in general studies, Bible, applied theology (practical ministry), theology, and field ministry. Sum offers an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies with five areas in which electives can be selected. The areas are Biblical Studies, Church Planting, Global Missions, Pastoral Ministries, and Youth Ministry.