Student Life

Maple Springs Baptist Bible Seminary has more than 75 students enrolled in study of the Word of God. They come from various independent and denominational churches. Most of the student body are from the Washington metropolitan area.

MSBBS is primarily an evening institution designed to serve full-time Christian workers and others who have full-time jobs during the day. Therefore, MSBBS offers most of its curriculum during the evening hours. Although MSBBS is primarily an evening institution, a number of classes are offered during the day Monday - Saturday.

Chapel services are held once per semester for day and evening students. These services challenge the students from the Word of God. Also, chapel serves as a period of intercessory prayer. Students and faculty are expected to attend all chapel services.

The Student Government Association consists of students who have been appointed/elected for three primary purposes: to listen intently for the specific needs of the student body; to channel such information steadily to the administration and faculty; and to convert such information into effective action.

All graduates and certificate recipients as well as former students who have earned at least 30 semester hours of credit are designated as Alumni of the College and Seminary. The MSBBS Alumni Association, under the leadership of the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, serves the needs and interests of graduates.

The Christian Service Department, under the supervision of the Director of Student Services, provides an opportunity for students to develop Christian leadership and spiritual ministry. Within the Washington metropolitan area there are opportunities for institutional work in jails and hospitals. Everything is done to ensure that students will receive the maximum degree of benefit and fulfillment from personal involvement in various types of practical Christian work and community service throughout the Washington area.

The Seminary campus is a beautiful one and one-half acre tract of land opposite the Maple Springs Baptist Church. It is nestled in a suburban residential community which is easily accessible by public transportation to the heart of the rapidly expanding Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Chester A. McDonald Center for Biblical Studies Administration Building. This building is named in honor of Chester A. McDonald, the founder of the Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary who served as its first President. He is Pastor of the Maple Springs Baptist Church and serves as the Chancellor of MSBBS. MSBBS is a ministry of the Maple Springs Baptist Church. The Administration Building is the center of activity of the Seminary. In it are housed the administrative offices, bookstore, snack area, classrooms and the library.

Library. Located on the ground floor of the Administrative Building, the Library provides a variety of resources. It contains a growing collection of excellent resources for reference, research and circulation. The holdings are arranged on open shelves according to the Dewey Decimal classification system.

Students are encouraged to secure medical services when necessary from their own physicians. These consultations are entirely at the student's expense. Special items, such as the cost prescriptions, hospitalization, ambulance service, x-rays, operating room expense, dental work, surgery, special nursing or special care for students with contagious diseases are also paid by the student, if not covered by health insurance.

The services of Washington's many fine hospitals are available in an emergency. Students are required, if they do not have hospitalization insurance, to obtain such before entering school. Students should meet this requirement by purchasing health insurance coverage of their choice.

At the beginning of each school year, new students receive a copy of the Maple Springs Bible College and Seminary Student Handbook. When the Student Handbook is revised, all students may receive a revised copy.

Because we at MSBBS are a Christian community as well as an educational institution, our family life together is governed by a code of conduct. This is done so that we may be able to function together in harmony, that we may preserve a good testimony, and that we may each develop good habits of Christian discipline.

Moderation in the manner of dress is a safe guide for MSBBS students. Casual dress is acceptable in the classroom so long as it is neat and modest. Students are to dress appropriately and in good taste at all times.

The right of sharing in the privileges of the MSBBS community involves corresponding responsibilities. These include the recognition of the authority of the administration and faculty of MSBBS and the Board of Trustees of MSBBS over all procedures, policies and guidelines in governing the college.

MSBBS seeks to maintain high standards of integrity in academic work, in ministry, and in community relationships. These standards of integrity are expected to be met by students, faculty, and staff and are stated here for self-discipline and support by all members of the college community. Each of us may expect from the other absolute honesty in all relationships, responsibilities, and tasks; integrity and good stewardship in all financial obligations and dealings; conscientious concern for each other in matters of personal habits, attitudes, and actions; demonstration of a spirit which recognizes the Lordship of Christ and expresses the biblical concept of love for God and man; a caring attitude toward others; an appreciation of the facilities of MSBBS and a custodial concern for maintaining both its natural and physical facilities.

The maintenance of appropriate personal standards while members of the community, is expected. The use of alcohol, tobacco and non-prescription drugs on campus is not permitted. MSBBS also believes that the biblical standards for human sexuality clearly prescribe a heterosexual relationship within the context of marriage, or sexual chastity for those who are single. Students are expected to conform to these standards and give clear evidence of their Christian life and character so as to commend the Gospel, strengthen the church and honor the Lord.

Evidence of conspicuous or persistent failures in moral responsibility will lead to disciplinary action which may result in suspension or dismissal from the faculty, staff or student body. Specifics for faculty are outlined in the Faculty Handbook, and details for students are given below.

The following activities will subject the student to dismissal from MSBBS: use or possession of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal use or possession of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens or solvents; sexual immorality; lying, especially to the Administration or Student Government Association in a disciplinary or appeals situation; gambling; abuse of property; dishonesty (including falsification on tests or assignments, theft, forgery, etc.); and persistent failure to comply with administrative requests.

Should a student wish to appeal non-academic disciplinary action by MSBBS, he/she should apply first to the Director of Student Services. The second stage consists of an appeal to the Student Government Association in conjunction with the Vice President for Administration. If unsatisfied, the student may then appeal to the President. There will be no appeal beyond the President.

A student dismissed from MSBBS may, after two semesters, apply for readmission by approaching the Director of Student Services, who will consider the request in conjunction with the appropriate Vice President and/or Dean.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES                                                                                                        The Informal Procedure Process

1. A student who believes that he/she has been aggrieved must first attempt to seek an informal resolution with the other party involved in the dispute, e.g, grade dispute with instructor.
2. If the student is unable to resolve the dispute with the primary party of the dispute, then the student is to bring the dispute to the Dean's Office, here upon the Dean, or his/her designee will seek to reach an informal resolution through mediation between the parties.
3. If the mediation at the Dean's level fails, then the student's grievance is consigned to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Formal Process

1. Student grievances which are consigned to the Vice President for Academic Affairs must be specified in writing. A student's written statement, along with supporting evidence, constitutes a case document.
2. The second party to the dispute is also required to provide the Vice president for Academic Affairs a written statement with his/her account of the dispute.
3. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is then required to set a date for convening a meeting to hear the case as expeditiously as possible. All parties are to be informed, in writing, of the charges and the meeting date, as well as a statement requesting his/her presence.
4. During the hearing, the student presents his/her case, after which the accused party is allowed to present the other side.
5. Following the hearing, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will inform all parties, in writing, of his/her decision. The Dean of the College or Seminary is also sent a copy of the Vice President's decision.

NONACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

A student who believes he/she has been aggrieved must first attempt to seek an informal resolution with the other party involved in the dispute.

APPEALS PROCESS RELATING TO FINANCIAL MATTERS

A. First Appeal

1. First appeal must be filed within 45 days of the event.
2. Appeal must be in written form addressed to the Vice President for Administration. It must address the basis and reason it is filed.
3. The Vice President will consult with staff.
4. The Vice President will prepare a written response to the appeal. If the response is negative, the reason for the negative decision will be clearly stated.

B. Final Appeal

This appeal may be made to the President. Such appeal must be in writing and filed within 30 days from the date of the response from the first appeal.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Each student must pledge to honor MSBBS Standards of Conduct. Also, each student is required to sign a copy of the pledge to MSBBS Standards of Conduct.

HONOR SYSTEM

Academic life in the Seminary operates under an honor code based on individual integrity. Each student is required to sign an "Honor Pledge" upon enrolling in the Seminary, which prohibits the giving or receiving of assistance under specified scholastic situations and requires the reporting of any infractions. Tests and examinations are not necessarily proctored by faculty members.

ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT

MSBBS is dedicated to learning and upholds the highest academic standards. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes for which they are enrolled except in cases of illness or other valid reasons (in all cases notify the professor).

Given its objectives, MSBBS will not overlook failures of personal integrity in matters of academic honesty among members of the college community and will deal with them in an effort to seek the interest of all concerned. Normally cheating on an exam shall result in a "zero" for the exam and an "F" for the course. Normally copying someone else's paper will result in a "zero" for the paper and an "F" for the course. Additionally, students may be placed on probation or suspension due to these violations.

Students who have not met, or made satisfactory arrangements to meet, all financial obligations to MSBBS, including library book returns and library fines will not be allowed to register for the next academic semester. No diploma, transcript, or letter of recommendation shall be granted, nor action taken in regard to placement, until such time as these arrangements have been completed. Students will be graduated only after their debts to MSBBS have been paid, or arrangements satisfactory to the administration have been agreed upon.

STUDENT SERVICES

COUNSELING SERVICES

When a student is accepted into any seminary program, a faculty advisor is assigned to him. The advisor is to guide, assist, and counsel the student throughout his academic program.

BOOKSTORE

The Seminary bookstore operates as a service to the students to supply them with textbooks and necessary materials. The cost of books and supplies is not included in the registration fee.

Bookstore Refund Policy

1. Refunds will be given if the returned book has not been marked, altered or written in. No refunds will be made after two weeks of purchase.
2. No refunds will be given without a receipt.
3. Refunds during registration will be given for any mistakes made by the bookstore or the college. This includes scheduling errors or course canceled by the seminary.

LIBRARY AND INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES CENTER

The Library and Instructional Resources Center (LIRC), which serves students, faculty, and staff is a vital part of the educational program at MSBBS. It is called a library/resource center because it offers audio/visual materials, cassettes, video tapes, books, and periodicals. Within 15 minutes driving distance is the Library of Congress, the world's largest and greatest library, with general provisions in the field of learning and a total of over 20 million volumes. Local university and seminary libraries are also available as are interlibrary loans.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

The Business Office handles all financial matters, such as tuition and fee payment. The Director of Records and Admissions' Office handles all student admissions and academic records, academic calendar and course schedule information.

STUDENT PARKING

All student vehicles must be parked in the parking area across Belt Road on the Maple Springs Baptist Church parking lot. This enables security to better monitor parking facilities.

SNACK SHOP

The student snack shop is a self-serve facility. Faculty, staff, and students find it a pleasant place to fellowship over a cup of coffee, soft drinks, and treats.

PLACEMENT

MSBBS provides placement assistance for students seeking professional positions with churches and other Christian organizations. Graduating students may register with the Director of Student Services for such assistance. To help prepare graduates to enter Christian service, counselors offer seminars on preparing resumes, job application completion, and interviewing techniques for those who register. These records are on file in the Director of Student Services Office.