How am I graded in class?
You will either get Credit or Audit for a class; letter grades are not assigned. You can take a class for audit or for certificate credit. If you take it for certificate credit, you will be required to satisfactorily complete the necessary assignments to get credit for the class. Remember, our goal here is to equip you for ministry and take you deeper in your relationship with God and with one another. It's literally not about the grade :).
What's the latest I can add a class after the session has started?
You can add a class for up to the second week of the class. If you miss the first two classes, feel free to sit in on the class. You will not be required to pay, and your name will not be on the class roster.
Can I fail a class?
No. If you take the class for certificate credit and are unable to complete the necessary projects and homework, you will simply convert to audit.
I'm a high school or college student, do I get a discount?
Yes! Your tuition is waived completely. Just indicate that you are a student when registering for a class.
How much is tuition for a class?
Unless otherwise noted, tuition for a class is $35 per person, per class. Early registration discounts are given. If you are registering early, then classes are $25 per person per class. Some classes are more, but those are clearly indicated. If you cannot afford a class, please do not let that be a discouragement to you. Simply request the Harle Damon Scholarship and the fees will be waived.
Are books included in the tuition for a class?
No. The tuition covers the class notes that you will receive in a binder. The tuition also helps cover the overhead of the institute. Books are an additional fee. If you are unable to pay for the books for one reason or another, please ask for the Harle Damon Scholarship and the fees for the books will be waived.
I have x circumstances. Do I qualify for the Harle Damon Scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship works on the honor system. You tell us you have financial need; we waive the fees for the class. It's as simple as that. Be blessed. Love God more :).
Are books covered by the Harle Damon Scholarship?
Yes. We only ask one thing of you, however. If you take books under the scholarship, we simply ask that you do the reading assignments and that you strive to integrate the materials you're learning into bringing glory to God.
What's the difference between taking a class for certificate credit vs. auditing a class?
When you complete a class for Certificate Credit you've demonstrated to the instructor that you have a working competency with the materials presented in class. This helps to demonstrate your grasp of the subject at hand. You are required to complete a class for Certificate Credit if you are working towards earning a Certificate of Completion in Core Studies.
Can I get college credit if I take an RHBI class for "certificate credit"?
Unfortunately No. In order for an institution to offer credit that will be recognized by colleges and universities, the institution must fall under the oversight of at least one of the major accrediting bodies (e.g., the Western Association of Schools and Colleges). This is a very rigorous and expensive process that would distract from the goals of the institute which are to bring you into a deeper understanding of your beliefs, and how those beliefs ought to impact your affections and actions towards God and one another.
That being said... there are always exceptions to the rule. Some classes can count for undergraduate or graduate credit. The US Center For World Missions' "Perspectives" class is an example of this kind of class. In those circumstances, the class will be clearly noted to make you aware of this fact.
Just for fun, think about this... If RHBI classes were to be accredited, they would be roughly the equivalent of 1 semester hour (unit) of college course work. Did you know that some Christian Universities charge over $1,000 per unit? That makes the $35 per class seem like a steal huh? Also, did you know that the Core Curriculum would amount to approximately 8 units of course work? That's $8,000 worth of education at some universities! Don't get us started on the prices at secular private universities! :)
