College Life

The Aim of the College
The College aims to equip men and women to serve God in and through the local church by helping believers to mature in the faith and in sharing the Gospel with a world in real need of a Saviour. The Bible is our authority, for whatever the Bible says is true. We believe that properly trained people not only develop in knowledge of the Word but also develop in character. For that reason, we require that the students have the support of their home church where they can exercise their abilities and develop into effective servants of the Lord.

Local Church Service
Students are expected to be actively involved in the ministry of a local church that takes a separatist position. This includes both faithfulness in attendance and participation in ministry opportunities. Each student enters into a discipleship relationship with this local church.

Standards and Conduct
While believing in the freedom of conscience concerning Christian conduct in those things not expressly commanded or forbidden in Scripture, Victoria Baptist Bible College wants to help students to develop spiritual discernment which harmonizes with the Scriptural principles. In addition, the College reserves the right to require students to subscribe to standards that are believed necessary to create the campus atmosphere and community character that is desired.

In applying for admission, all candidates are required to sign this statement to the effect that they will gladly adhere to the moral and scholastic standards of the school. As a minimum requirement the student is obliged:

To utilise his or her time to the best possible advantage by careful study, participation in spiritual activities and Christian service responsibilities, faithful attendance at church, maintenance of healthy living practices and

balanced time at home and recreation. To exercise care in choices of entertainment and activities so that the student is not participating in those things which could cause one to ‘stray from the words of knowledge’ (Proverbs 19:27), lead another to stumble (Romans 14:21) or damage the testimony of the Lord Jesus, their local church, the student, or the school (1 Timothy 3:7; 4:12). For example, gambling, illegal drugs, drinking alcoholic beverages, attendance at discos, night clubs, pubs and viewing pornographic and erotic media are not allowed.

To avoid every form of dishonesty, including lying, stealing, cheating on examinations or assignments, failure to meet financial obligations promptly, and negligence in the performing of duties in the place of employment.

Should a question arise about the legitimacy of some activity or behaviour, please discuss it with the Principal of Victoria Baptist Bible College. When students enrol, they agree to live within the framework of the school’s standards of conduct. While some may not have personal convictions in accord with all of these standards, agreeing to them obligates the student to assume responsibility for honourable adherence to them while under the jurisdiction of the College. It should, of course, be understood that any behaviour, either on campus or away, which indicates that a student has disregard for the spirit of the school standards, would be sufficient reason to ask him to withdraw from the school.

Dress and Appearance
When VBBC accepts students, it assumes the responsibility to help them in their spiritual, moral and intellectual development so that they will be well prepared servants of Jesus Christ. Standards of appearance and dress are not a test of spirituality, but they do serve to promote godly character and a good testimony in the community. Students who do not comply will be warned by the Principal. Continued failure to comply will result in dismissal from classes. Full time students are asked to comply with the following:

Men
Hair — Kept neat above the ears and collar.
Shoes — No thongs or runners.
Trousers — No jeans.
Shirt — With a collar and tie (no flannel shirts)
Beard/Moustache — Neat and trimmed.

Women
Shoes — No thongs or runners
Dress or Skirt — At least knee length or longer
Modesty in dress and moderation in use of cosmetics and jewellery.

Employment
The student will need to allow adequate time for study and a balanced life especially if the student is married. If a person is called to Bible College, he or she must regard study as a high priority.

Semesters, Classes and Study Time
The College operates on a semester basis. A semester is 14 weeks in length. Each semester is self-contained with a number of subject units being offered. Not every subject unit is offered every semester, or every year. Classes are usually 50 minutes in duration and normally meet for 3 times per week. The total contact time for a subject unit is 35 hours. Normally a student can plan for around 10 hours per week for each subject unit. This is only a guide, and there will be variations according to workload and ability, but the student can plan his or her schedule using this amount of time as a guide.

Enrolment
Applicants who have satisfactorily completed year 12 (or its equivalent) or are age 18 or older may enrol. The college reserves the right to make exceptions where it is deemed legitimate.

The applicant must complete the enrolment form.

The College requires that the applicant's home church support the enrolment into VBBC. This is expressed by completing the Church Authorisation Form.

The College requires references to enable the college to assess the applicant's ability to undertake study at VBBC. Normally this includes a reference from the pastor plus 2 others.

Applicants who enrol need to enclose a non-refundable $20.00 deposit to process the forms. This deposit will be credited to their tuition upon acceptance by the college.

In some circumstances a person may (with the permission of the College) choose to enrol as an Audit Student instead of as a regular student.

Graduation Requirements
Each student must indicate agreement to the doctrinal statement of VBBC without reservation. Students who are unable to do so and have satisfactorily completed the academic requirements with a good attitude will be given a letter of recognition of accomplishments, but will not receive a certificate or diploma.

Each student must be a baptised believer whose Christian life and service merit recommendation by the faculty to the Committee of Management for their particular course of study.

Each graduate must be a member of a church that takes an ecclesiastically separatist position.

In order to receive credit toward a certificate or diploma, the student must satisfactorily complete the required number of credit hours including the core subject units with a grade point average of 2.00.

Academic Honours
Members of the graduating class may be graduated with honours on the basis of their entire college record, including the following academic standards:

3.75 grade point average minimum - Honours (First Class)
3.50 grade point average minimum - Honours (Second Class)
3.25 grade point average minimum - Honours (Third Class)

Chapel Attendance
Whenever chapel is held and students are attending class on those days, attendance at chapel sessions is required.

Saving Clause
When deemed necessary, the faculty along with the Principal, may vary any of the academic regulations required by the college.