Oct 08, 2024  
2023-2024 Southeastern University - Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Southeastern University - Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

California Notices


California Notices

 


Contents

Location

Classes are held at the following locations:

  • SEU at NorCal Campus, 1601 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355

 

Approval to Operate

Southeastern University is a private university affiliated with the Assemblies of God churches.

Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Southeastern University.

Southeastern University is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education to operate in California in accordance to the standards as set forth in the CEC 94885 and Code of Regulations, Title 5, Chapter 3.

 

Description of Facilities

SEU NorCal facilities are owned by The House, an Assembly of God Church.  The regional campus is primarily located on the first floor of an educational wing, which includes 2,400 square feet of administrative offices; three 1,200 square foot classrooms, each equipped with an 80-inch smart TV and a whiteboard; and a 1,200-square foot library housing seven computer workstations.  Adjacent to the campus is a 2,000-square-foot student union and student success center, housing SEU NorCal’s largest computer lab that contains ten workstations.  The students also have access to a very modern fitness facility that includes a coffee shop.  As needed, additional space is available for chapels and other student events.  Students have WIFI access in all of these locations.  The facilities and equipment are more than adequate to ensure a positive learning environment.
 
The facilities at the Modesto campus are highly accessible for students with disabilities.  Parking is more than adequate for students, faculty, and staff.  The campus appears to be well-light with security measures in place.  A security guard is also on duty at night.  Adequate provision has been made for the protection of physical resources, and most importantly, the health and safety of students and employees.
 
Valid building permits for all mentioned areas are available upon request.

Financial Status

Southeastern University does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years, or has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Review of Catalog and School Performance Fact Sheet

As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

Mission & Objectives

The mission statement for Southeastern University is provided in this catalog. Visit the General Information link on the right sidebar. 

All the programs offered under Southeastern University’s School of Unrestricted Education fully support SEU’s primary mission of serving Christ and the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning, and leadership. Students formulate a biblical worldview alongside rigorous training in leadership principles, biblical and theological studies, practical ministries training, while receiving a robust foundation in theology, the Bible, spiritual development, church ministry, ecclesiastical operations, as well as a foundation in general education, which will position the student for utmost effectiveness as leaders in the local church and marketplace. 

Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits and Credentials Earned at Our Institution

The transferability of credits you earn at Southeastern University: NorCal Campus is at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree, you earn in the educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits or degree that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Southeastern University: NorCal Campus to determine if your credits or degree will transfer. For more details on the credit transfer policy, visit the University’s annual academic catalog.  

 

Admission Policies & Articulation Agreements

The admission policies for Southeastern University are provided in the university’s catalog

Southeastern University has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university. Southeastern University does not accept application from Ability-to-Benefit students.  ATB students are defined as those who do not possess a high school diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent and are beyond the California State age of compulsory school attendance.

Program Costs

 
California Licensed Graduate Degree Programs California Licensed Graduate Degree Programs Total Program Hours
Master of Arts in Leadership 2/6 36
Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership 2/6 36
Master of Science in Pastoral Care and Counseling 2/6 36
Master of Arts in Theological Studies* 3/8 48
Master of Divinity✝ 4/12 72
 

Based on the schedules above, the program costs are estimated as follows:

Tuition and Fees 2022-23 2023-24
Tuition ($495/credit hour) $8,910 $8,910
Technology Fee $350 $350
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (non-refundable) $5.00 $3.00
Totals $9,265 $6,293
 
Tuition and Fees 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Tuition ($495/credit hour) $8,910 $8,910 $5,940
Technology Fee $350 $350 $350
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (non-refundable) $5.00 $5.00 $3.00
Totals $9,265 $9,265 $6,293
 
Tuition and Fees 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
Tuition ($525/credit hour) 9,450$ $9,450 $9,450 $9,450

Technology Fee

$350 $350 $350 $350
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (non-refundable) $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Totals $9,805 $9,805 $9,805 $9,805
 
  1. The 2022-23 costs are actual amounts based on set tuition and fees.  The University reserves the right to increase tuition and fees following each academic year, therefore the costs for years two through four are estimates and should not be considered final.  Any changes will be communicated in advance of the next academic year.

  2. Students should expect basic textbooks and related educational costs as part of their enrollment.

  3. The estimated total is subject to change based on tuition and fee modifications over the term of the program.

  4. Effective January 1, 2015, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate was set at ($0.50) per $1,000

Students’ Rights & Responsibilities: Student Tuition Recovery Fund

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.

  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.

  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.

  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.

  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.

  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary awards by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.

  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and has an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of non-collection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

Student’s Right to Cancel

Students have the right to cancel an agreement for a program of instruction, without any penalty or obligations, through attendance at the first class session or the seventh calendar day after enrollment, whichever is later.   After the end of the cancellation period, they also have the right to stop school at any time; and they have the right to receive a pro-rata refund if they have completed 60 percent or less of the scheduled days in the current payment period in their program through the last day of attendance.

The refund policy for Southeastern University is as follows: 

  • A student choosing to withdraw after the commencement of classes is to provide a written notice to the Site Director with the expected last date of attendance. The student is also required to complete a withdrawal form from the Retention Office and complete a short exit interview with the Retention Coordinator to officially withdraw from the university. (Please refer to the University Catalog for additional withdrawal policy details.) A student will be determined to be withdrawn from the institution if the student misses 14 consecutive calendar days.

  • If special circumstances arises, a student may submit a leave of absence written request, which should include the date the student anticipates the leave beginning and ending. The leave of absence cannot exceed 180 days in a 12-month period. If a student fails to return on or before the end of an approved leave of absence, they will be considered withdrawn as of the date the LOA was approved for refund purposes. 

  • When official withdrawal forms are filed in the Retention Office after classes have begun, refunds of tuition and room and board are made within 45 days after receipt of a written request or the date the student last attended class, whichever is sooner. Expenses and financial aid will be prorated based on Federal Title IV Funds Guidelines. The amount of federal financial assistance that a withdrawing student earns is calculated on a pro-rata basis. Please refer to the attached table. The table lists the percentage of the tuition the student is responsible to pay based on the withdrawal date.

  • Once the student has completed more than 60% of the payment period, all federal financial assistance is considered to be earned and the student will be responsible for 100% of the charges. 

  • Fees are non-refundable after the first week of classes.

  • If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of money not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.

Additionally, please review the Return of Title IV Funds as stipulated in the University’s academic catalog, Financial Information section.
 

Participation in Federal & State Aid Program

Southeastern University participates in federal financial aid programs for its NorCal Campus students. Federal financial aid programs include the Pell Grant, Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Parent PLUS loans, and Direct Graduate PLUS loans. To be considered for any federal aid programs, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which determines their eligibility for all federal student aid programs. The FAFSA is a free application that determines eligibility for federal aid. To qualify, students must meet basic eligibility criteria and, for most programs, demonstrate financial need. The Pell Grant is awarded to students based on their EFC (expected family contribution) as determined by filing the FAFSA. Students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens (permanent residents) have the option of borrowing from the Federal Direct Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) program.  Students must complete the FAFSA as well as other loan requirements. Parents of dependent students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens (permanent residents) have the option of borrowing from the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan program.  Students must complete the FAFSA as well as other loan requirements. The Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan and requires an application. Students must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for each loan program before any loan disbursements are made. Federal aid is reevaluated each year based on the results of the FAFSA, which must be completed every year. In addition, students must make satisfactory academic progress. Consumer information is intended to provide current students, prospective students, and their families with important information regarding the university. To view this important information, please visit the consumer information page

If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund, and, if the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the money not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.

For additional details pertaining to the university’s participation in federal aid programs, see the university’s catalog, financial information page

 

Veterans Benefits

Southeastern University is approved by the State Approving Agency of the State of Florida for the education and training of veterans and eligible dependents under public laws in effect. Students who are eligible for educational benefits under any Veterans Administration program will find additional details on the university’s catalog, financial information page.

 

Housing Options

Southeastern University: NorCal Campus does not have dormitory facilities under its control and does not provide assistance to the student in finding housing.  The availability of housing near the institution is favorable with the average cost of a home in the area at around $325,000 and rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100.

Distance Education Policies

Professors are expected to answer student emails within 24 hours. An automated response receipt is sent immediately upon submission of assignments through the MyFire portal. Professors are expected to post grades and feedback within a timeframe appropriate to the subject matter and no later than 7 days from the assignment due date. Final grades for courses are also submitted within 7 days of the deadline. 

Faculty Qualifications

Southeastern University employs full-time or part-time faculty within California. All faculty who teach at Southeastern University meet all of the academic, scholarly, and teaching qualification set forth by our regional accreditor, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC).

Any faculty member, hired to teach courses in the Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership degree must possess the following minimum qualifications.

  • A master’s degree in the course discipline with at least 18 graduate hours from a regionally accredited university

  • Depending on the subject matter (more practical disciplines), expectations may be set for professional experience. This is established by each academic college and department.

In all cases, the university prefers to hire faculty with terminal degrees in the discipline as SEU must continually monitor the percentage of courses taught by terminally qualified faculty. Once hired, the university provides a comprehensive set of faculty training tools, including the following: (1) an initial onboarding seminar, which is offered face-to-face and via streaming service (on-demand); (2) access to best practices courses in online instruction and course development; (3) a mentor to support to provide one-on-one assistance; and (4) various handbooks and internet training systems. All faculty are required to receive adequate training, regardless of their delivery.

Due to SACS accreditation policies, we will not employ faculty who fail to meet these minimum qualifications.

Library Services

The SEU library is well equipped to serve the needs of the programs offered at these extension sites. As of the end of the 2020-21 academic year, the library’s collections included 79,902 print books, 266,721 eBooks, 4,973 videos (DVD), 2,011 online videos, and 16,655 online recordings. In addition, the library subscribes through individual subscriptions and e-journal packages to 7,034 journals. Of these journals, 97% are e-journals. In terms of databases, both EBSCO and ProQuest are platforms on which multiple disciplines are covered. In addition, the library provides more than 100 databases, many with full-text availability (over 27,303 e-journal titles). 

 

Holdings and resources specific to programs to be offered at The Belonging Co for the Associate of Arts in General Education, the Associate and Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership, and the Bachelor of Science in Business and Professional Leadership include the following:

 

Format

General Education

Ministerial Leadership

Business /Professional Leadership

eBooks

111,965

20,910

31,395

Print Books

53,522

27,122

6,114

Subscriptions

1,262

154

583

 

Academic Search Complete is a multidisciplinary database capable of supporting disciplinary courses in general education (Foundational Core). Other discipline-specific databases for behavior and social sciences include SocIndex, PsyArticles, ScienceDirect’s Social Sciences and Psychology; databases for English and literature include MLA International Bibliography Full Text and Literature Resource Center; databases for music include Classical Music Library; and history includes U.S. History Collection. The Associate and Bachelor of Science include Atla, and the Business and Professional Leadership includes Business Source Complete, ABI/Inform, and ScienceDirect’s Business, Economics, and Decision Sciences. 

 

Twelve dedicated and professional staff members (dean, five faculty librarians, four full­time staff, and two part­time staff) provide the library’s services. The five faculty librarians are reference librarians who are available to assist the students and faculty at a distance through telephone, email, video chat, video workshops, and/or consultations. Though all reference librarians are available to help distance students, one librarian (the Reference and Outreach Librarian) is specifically trained to work with distance students as a part of that position’s job description.

 

Faculty and students may access the resources at the library and/or through online searching of the catalog and the library’s databases. EZProxy makes this possible for faculty and students away from the campus.  The library uses the OCLC’s WorldShare Management Services (WMS) with WorldCat local serving as the library’s catalog (library.seu.edu/), and databases are easily searchable on this website. WMS also facilitates ILL where users can easily search the larger OCLC bibliographic database to locate additional sources.  Users may request books from the Steelman Library’s collection which are supplied by mail with postage-paid return envelopes, and the library will scan and email periodical articles as requested in compliance with copyright guidelines.

 

Students receive guidance in the use of library services and resources through the following means. At the request of the sites and through funding by the Extension Site Office, librarians have visited and are willing to make visits to sites to provide training.  Students have electronic access to LibGuides which bring together information about resources for various programs, some courses, and other more specialized topics.  A LibGuide (library.seu.edu/distance) is available especially for distance learners to introduce library services and to give them online library instruction (including instructional videos).  There is a LibGuide that identifies the library’s databases and includes a tutorial on how to use these databases (library.seu.edu/databases/general).  The university’s LMS (MyFire) has a link to the library’s webpage on MyFire’s Welcome Page and in each course.  The library webpage (library.seu.edu/) provides links to the catalog, databases, and other LibGuides on a variety of topics including Citation Styles (library.seu.edu/citations) and Research Step­by­Step (library.seu.edu/research).  

 

The library makes every effort to supply extension students with the same high­quality service that on­campus users receive.  The library is open from 7 am – 12 am Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am – 8:30 pm on Friday, 12 pm – 8:30 pm on Saturday, and 1 pm to 11 pm on Sunday.  Online students can generally reach a reference librarian during the day Monday through Friday, and an evening librarian is available until 11 pm Sunday through Thursday.  Weekend staff can usually help users but can forward requests to a reference librarian.  The Library Dean or another librarian frequently answer research questions on weekends.  A Research Request Form is available under the Services tab on the library webpage.  This is a 24/7 form that sends an email to a reference librarian who will respond no later than the next open library day.  Because of the university’s membership in the Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC), chat reference is provided through Florida’s cooperative Ask a Librarian service.  Even students outside of Florida may use this service as long as they are coming from one of the library’s LibGuides or the library home page.

 

The library is not reliant upon any other library for resources relevant to the programs offered at these extension sites, and electronic databases provided by the library are not accessed through consortial or statewide groups.

 

Student Records

Student data will be stored permanently by the university, including the following: the degree or certificate awarded and the date on which that degree or certificate was awarded, the courses on which the certificate or degree was based, and the grades earned by the student in each of those courses.

 

Unresolved Question Pertaining to Catalog

Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 1747 North Market Blvd.,, Suite 225, Sacramento, CA  95834, at www.bppe.ca.gov, and at (888) 370-7589, (916) 574-8900, or by fax at (916) 263-1897.

 

Retention of Student Records

Student transcripts and degrees or certificates are maintained indefinitely and all other records are maintained for 5 years.