Frequently Asked Questions: Alumni
Calling all Valor Alumni!
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FAQ's for Valor Alumni wanting to complete an Associates Degree
Below are answers to some questions we have received lately from Alumni asking about how they can complete their Associates Degree at Valor. The answers are from President, Dr. Charles Estridge.
Everyone’s transcript has to be evaluated to determine exactly where you are. That has to be done by the registrar. However, Valor’s administration has attempted to answer these frequently asked questions in a generic way. Please understand that all of these requirements will not only vary from program to program, but person to person (depending on whether you stayed with the traditional program or substituted certain courses). Others of you may have taken credits at another college that could count toward your general education requirements. If you have sent an official transcript, the registrar can identify these courses for you.
Here are the generic answers to some FAQ's that may help in answering your questions:
Why did Valor not inform us about the degree programs until after July 29, 2009?
Valor was forbidden to say anything about the degree programs until they were approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges. State law and ethics does not allow us to promise something which is not approved. Please know that Dr. Estridge and the entire faculty have been working on developing general education requirements, professional courses, increasing library holdings, and contracting a credentialed faculty to receive state approval. The application was filed at the beginning of the summer break. This application had to be reviewed by the staff of Ohio State Board of Career Colleges. This was followed by an evaluation visit to our campus to review supposing documents for each program. Upon the staff and evaluation teams recommendation our program was finally approved by the full board on July 29, 2009. We have received approval for the degree programs until 2014. At the end of five years all programs have to be reaffirmed by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges. This is meant to ensure that we have professional accreditation and Valor is in compliance with the laws and rules of the State of Ohio.
What if I have been here two years – how long will it take to get the AA?
A Valor graduate must take a minimum of six hours to be issued a degree even if he/she has fulfilled all course requirements. This allows Valor to demonstrate that you have taken some actual courses in the degree program. The course requirements will vary from one degree program to another and one person to another (you are better off to stay with the degree that is most closely aligned with your diploma program). However, Valor has determined that many students will have to take: English Composition 1 & 2; General Psychology; Fundamentals of Speech, and Church History. Other courses may also be required depending on your diploma program.
If I am a current student, will I have to retake anything if I transition into the A.A. degree program?
NO, not if the new course is essentially the same as the old course.
If I am a current student, will I have to take any additional required course to get an A.A. degree?
Yes. Once again, the requirements vary from one degree program to another. Courses which are labeled the same under the old diploma and new degree programs will be counted toward your degree. Former required courses that had multiple levels of correspondence with a new required course has been placed on a conversion chart to help you see which of the former courses (not in the new curriculum) will transfer to the new degree program.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL Valor before you have met with your advisor. Your advisor will go over your program in detail and explain your options. With two weeks before registration the faculty and staff are busy filling out your preregistration schedule. To aid you when you register you will have one preregistration form for the diploma program in which you are enrolled. If there is a degree program that is very similar you will be given a preregistration for that degree program as well. Please understand that Valor does not have time to mail these preregistration packets to you and you will be better served to speak with your faculty advisor. Do not put stock in the words of others.
What if I graduated and want to come back for the AA? How long will it take?
Valor would like for all of our former graduates to get a degree. You must take a minimum of six credit hours and meet all degree requirements (which vary from one degree program to another and from one person to another—this depends upon whether or not you stayed with the official diploma program, filed for substitutions, or can transfer in credits from an accredited college). The registrar at Valor will be glad to evaluate your transcript and notify you of which courses you will need to take to complete a degree—this may take a month or two. You are welcome to send an email request to Dr. Charles Estridge, president, at Estridgec@worldharvestbiblecollege.org or Estridgec@Breakthrough.net He will monitor the process and forward all requests received in his office to the registrar.
Because we did not receive approval to offer the degrees until July 29, 2009 the staff has a lot of work to do in preparation for the beginning of the semester. PLEASE DO NOT CALL Valor because the staff has a tremendous workload preparing pre-registration packets for all returning or incoming students. HOWEVER, if you have not taken or cannot transfer in the following courses, you can sign up to take them (English Composition 1 and 2; General Psychology; Fundamentals of Speech, and Church History). THESE COURSES ARE OFFERED AT NIGHT IN THE ADULT DEGREE COMPETION PROGRAM (the class will be held one night a week (4 hrs.) for five weeks and then you move on to the next course). You can sign up for the class(es) AS A CONTINUING EDUCATION STUDENT AND RECEIVE FULL COLLEGE CREDIT. WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR TWO THE REGISTRAR WILL EVALUATE YOUR TRANSCRIPT AND GIVE YOU AN OFFICIAL REPORT ON THE COURSES YOU NEED FOR YOUR DEGREE. MOST STUDENTS SINCE 2003 WILL NEED THE COURSES MENTIONED ABOVE.
We trust you remember which courses you have taken, if not and you are presently enrolled as a student, you should be able to access an unofficial transcript through RenWeb if you have a password. If you are a graduate or former student you can request an unofficial transcript through emailing Dr. Estridge, president, (Estridgec@worldharvestbiblecollege.org) who will forward it to the registrar (be sure to include your full name [and maiden name if applicable], address, and email).
What classes will transfer into the NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS?
Equivalent courses taken at Valor or an accredited college will transfer into the degree program. If you graduated in recent years, the conversion chart is listed below. If you graduated a number of years ago you will have to work on the general education classes you know you need to take. Please submit an email to Dr. Estridge, president, requesting an official review of your transcript Estridgec@worldharvestbiblecollege.org He will forward it to the registrar who will attempt to get back with you in a month or so (please keep in mind that Valor is working on pre-registration packets for returning students—it will take a while to respond to your request).
IN THE MEANTIME GO AHEAD AND TAKE THE GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES you know you will need in the night program for Adult Degree Completion. If you wish to pay by a debit or credit card please print and send it to us by the U.S. mail system (DO NOT SEND BY EMAIL since you will be providing important information about your debit or credit card) . Or you can send a money order or cashiers check (NO PERSONAL CHECKS PLEASE).
What’s up with the Missions program?
Valor is excited to announce that the new Lester Sumrall School of Missions is up and going. The A.A. in Missions was approved by the Ohio Board of Career Colleges on July 29, 2009. The missions trips which the faculty would like to include in this program are yet to be approved. Valor will keep you informed as we move forward.