Yes.AmridgeUniversity
is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia
30033-4097; Telephone number 404.679.4501) to award
Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science,
Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Divinity,
Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
In addition, Amridge's Turner School of Theology is an
Associate Member with the Association of Theological
Schools (ATS).
·
How long has
AmridgeUniversity been
providing Distance Education?
There are lots of newcomers to distance learning, but
Amridge has been a leader in distance learning longer than
almost any institution in the country.Distance learning is not just a second option for
Amridge—it is our primary instructional delivery system
and has been for decades.The list below provides some additional facts on
AmridgeUniversity’s distance
learning program:
- Over 40 years of experience in providing Higher
Education - Offering Distance Learning since 1993
- One of the first 15 participants in the nation
selected by the U.S. Department of Education
to pilot
- Distance Education on a broad level—this resulted
in a change to the federal law to allow
more students access to distance education
- All of our courses are taught online (even those
taught live on campus are streamed over
the internet).There is not just one small department -- all of
the faculty and staff have the
distance-learning student
in mind.
·
What degrees are offered at Amridge?
Degree programs can be found by clicking on the “Degree
Programs” link on the homepage.
Click on the link below to be taken to the Amridge
University Degree Programs listing and descriptions:
·
How can I find more information about distance learning at
Amridge University?
Amridge University has developed a short video on the
advantages of distance learning and what it takes to be a
successful distance learner and what it takes for academic
success at Amridge University.
·
Is there any information I can review on the interaction
between students and faculty at
AmridgeUniversity?
Yes.Students
and potential students can view a short video on
interaction between students and faculty at Amridge
University for undergraduate and graduate students.
All undergraduate degrees are offered fully online.
Graduate and post-graduate degrees can be completed either
fully or mostly online. Residency requirements apply
for all Amridge University Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree programs.Additionally, there are residency requirements for
the master of arts and master of divinity degree programs
offered through the Amridge University Turner School of
Theology.
·
Where do I find degree offerings and course descriptions?
To locate course listing and descriptions, click on the
link:
·
Does Amridge accept credits from the Community College of
the Air Force?
Yes, AmridgeUniversity has an
articulation plan with the Community College of the Air
Force (CCAF).
The articulation plans are for those AmridgeUniversity undergraduate programs that
are directly related to associate degrees offered by the
CCAF.Click
on the link below to learn more about the
AmridgeUniversity – CCAF Articulation Plan:
·
Where can I find out about
AmridgeUniversity's faculty
credentials?
Click on the “Academic Catalog” link on our homepage, and
then click on the applicable school and scroll to the
bottom link to read through the school’s faculty
credentials.
Additionally, the listing of faculty credentials are
provided, along with pictures of faculty, under the
section labeled
Introduction of Faculty on the Amridge University’s
information related to the four University schools listed
on the Student
Services Tutorials, Modules, and Career Services Portal.Click on the link below to be taken to the
Student Services
Tutorials, Modules, and Career Services Portal:
·
I am a new student; how do I get started with my courses?
When you log in to Blackboard, you will be directed to
your main Blackboard page, referred to as your "My
Amridge" page.This page will show a link for each course in which
you have enrolled.Access each of your courses and locate your course
syllabus. The
syllabus is located under the "Course Information" or
"Syllabus" button.It is recommended that you print a copy and read
all the information carefully.
The syllabus
details all of your course requirements as well as
other important information concerning AmridgeUniversity.
·
How do I log attendance in my Blackboard courses?
Access dates and times, as well as all content areas, are
automatically tracked by the Blackboard portal as you
progress with your studies.
·
What is
AmridgeUniversity's religious affiliation and
where can I read its statement of faith?
Amridge
University
is a private, church-related institution affiliated with
the churches of Christ. Since there is no
hierarchical organization over individual congregations or
church-related institutions, the relationship of the
University with the churches of Christ is solely on the
basis of fellowship. Those of various religious
backgrounds are welcome to take advantage of Amridge's
curricular offerings. In fact, of those students who
responded to the optional religious affiliation question
on the Amridge Admissions Application (close to 82% of
Amridge students chose to answer this question), close to
60% indicated they are affiliated with churches other than
the churches of Christ.
·
Below is the
Amridge
University
Statement of a Positive Biblical Faith
In accordance with its stated purpose and its concern for
truth,
AmridgeUniversity is firmly
committed to furthering the teaching and practice of
Christianity.
The University fairly presents all significant viewpoints
on major issues and promotes freedom of inquiry.However, certain key positions are firmly
established by Biblical evidence, which we believe should
be upheld.
AmridgeUniversity’s student
body is from various religious faiths.Students are free to formulate individual
positions.No
one is required to sign a creedal statement of belief.AmridgeUniversity
is happy to have students from various religious backgrounds
enrolled in its courses.
The University's understanding of the Christian religion
includes the following tenets about its source of
authority, central doctrines, polity and worship of the
church, and the conduct of the Christian life:
Both the Old and New Testaments have been given by divine
revelation and are the standard of authority in religious
matters.
The Old Testament prepared the way for Christ, and the New
Testament fulfills and supersedes it, making the New
Testament the final authority for those who have lived
since Christ's death on the cross.
There is one God, who is the creator and sustainer of the
universe and who takes a direct interest in every human
being.The
Godhead consists of God the Father; Christ the Son; and
the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.Christ was born of a virgin, died on the cross to
make atonement for man's sins, arose bodily from the tomb,
and ascended into heaven, where he presently reigns.There is a heaven to be enjoyed by the faithful and
a hell to be endured by the disobedient.
God created all people with a need for fellowship with him
and the ability to choose to obey his commands.Man cannot earn salvation from sin but can qualify
to receive it as a gift of grace through submission to the
will of God.
The scripturally appointed means for receiving this gift
is faith in Christ, repentance, confession of faith, and
baptism (immersion).The transformation in character, conduct, and
relationship with God that man experiences in this process
is the new birth (regeneration).Christians are expected to live in accordance with
the teachings of the New Testament.
Christ established the church for the mutual
encouragement, instruction, and assistance of Christians
and for the evangelization of the world through the
proclamation of His gospel.Jesus prayed for unity among his disciples and
commanded love for one another as the means to maintain
it.The
church was originally organized so that, once the apostles
passed away, individual congregations would be independent
of any central human authority and would be guided solely
by the unchanging standard of Scripture.Congregations are to be bound together by common
purpose and cooperative effort.
Each congregation is to assemble for worship on every
first day of the week according to the teachings of the
New Testament.In contrast to the elaborate temple ritual of the
Old Testament, worship in the Christian age is to be in
spirit and truth.Accordingly, the worship of the New Testament
church consists of teaching God's word, offering prayers
and thanksgiving from the heart, singing praise to God and
encouragement to one another with the human voice,
voluntary giving as a means of expressing appreciation to
God for his blessings and sharing them with others, and
partaking of the Lord's Supper in commemoration of
Christ's death.Genuine charismatic gifts, such as prophecy,
speaking in foreign languages, and miraculous healing,
were exercised in the first century but not perpetuated
afterward.
On the basis of principles established at creation, the
New Testament assigns roles of leadership in public
worship and supervision of the local congregation to male
Christians.
The scriptural organization of the local congregation
consists of a plurality of elders (also called bishops or
shepherds), who have oversight of the church; deacons, who
assist the elders in ministering to the needs of members;
and evangelists, who proclaim the gospel and teach under
the authority of the elders.The offices of apostle and prophet ended with the
passing of the miraculous age of charismatic gifts.Women are a powerful force in the church through
the influence of their character and spiritual insights
and through their efforts in teaching other women and
children, helping the needy, and engaging in personal
evangelism.
Christianity as taught by Christ and the apostles provides
for the needs of the individual, the family, and society.An understanding of God's sacrificial love enables
each person to recognize his worth and potential in the
sight of God, relieves his guilt and anxiety, and
motivates him to conduct his life according to the highest
standards.
The example of Christ fosters humility, submission to
authority, and service to others.Through its teaching, its communal worship, its
fellowship, and its mission of evangelism and benevolence,
the church strengthens both individuals and families and
has a strong impact for good wherever its efforts and
influence reach.[Written by Lawrence
E. Barclay, Faculty Member,
AmridgeUniversity
TurnerSchool of Theology]
Note:
Amridge
University
is an academic institution, not a church.Bible courses at AmridgeUniversity
are not worship or devotional services, but an educational
environment for interaction between student and teacher.
·
Do I need an associate degree to enroll in undergraduate
courses at Amridge University?
No, but you do need proof of high school graduation or GED
as the minimum requirement to be admitted to AmridgeUniversity.
·
How can I receive specific information about enrolling at AmridgeUniversity?
Click on the link below and fill out and submit the
request for information (RFI) form. An advisor will
contact you shortly after your submit the RFI form.
Prospective students can contact a financial aid advisor
by calling our toll free number at 1.800.351.4040
extensions 7527 or 7525, or call our local Montgomery
number at 334.387.7458, or send an email to this address: financialaid@amridgeuniversity.edu
·
What do I need to do to receive financial aid?
Click on the link below to be taken to the Amridge
University Financial Aid page.Read the information, including financial aid
eligibility, on the Amridge University Financial Aid page
for detailed instructions on securing financial aid for
your education.
http://www.amridgeuniversity.edu/au_financialaid.html
·
What is the cutoff date to apply for financial aid?
You can apply for financial aid right up until the time
you register.
·
Can financial aid be transferred from my present school?
Yes.For more
details, call our toll free number at 1.800.351.4040
extensions 7527 or 7525, or call our local Montgomery
number at 334.387.7458, or send an email to this address:
financialaid@amridgeuniversity.edu
·
Does Amridge accept military educational benefits?
Yes.For more
details, contact the Financial Aid Office by calling our
toll free number at 1.800.351.4040 extensions 7527 or
7525, or call our local Montgomery number at 334.387.7458,
or send an email to this address:
financialaid@amridgeuniversity.edu
Additionally, Amridge University students and potential
students are encouraged to view the short video on
Using Your Military
Benefits.
·
What is the minimum required course load in order to
receive financial aid in any given term?
For undergraduates, 8 semester hours is considered the
minimum required course load.For graduates, 5 semester hours, and for doctoral
students, 3 semester hours is the minimum required course
load.
·
How and when do I submit my application for admission?
Tuition is due at the time of registration, unless you
have financial aid in place to cover your tuition and
related fees.
·
Can I get a student ID card as a distance education
student?
All registered students are issued an ID card every fall
semester, and each new student is issued an ID card the
first semester enrolled. The ID cards are mailed to
each student.
·
Will I be given an
AmridgeUniversity email
address?
No.You can
use an email account you already have or you can establish
a new email account using a free email account such as
Gmail or Hotmail.
·
Is there any available information on
AmridgeUniversity degree
programs and professional organizations?
Amridge
University
uses Blackboard as the primary virtual classroom.Coursework completed within the Blackboard learning
environment may involve posted lectures, email, discussion
boards, testing and group projects.
·
May I turn in assignments anytime during the semester?
None of our courses are “independent study” so all
assignments have actual due dates.You may submit assignments early or by the due
date.This
helps you spread the workload.This also provides you an opportunity to digest the
new material before moving on or to seek immediate
clarification.
·
Will I have to be in front of my computer at the same time
as my classmates or my instructor?
It all depends on your degree program.Associate and bachelor programs do not require
“same time” access.Master’s and doctoral programs have certain courses
that will stream live (same time); live classes are
recorded if you cannot attend live.Anytime you are able to attend live, it’s to your
advantage because you can ask questions, receive answers,
and participate in class discussions in real time.However, anytime you view a recorded session you
can email your questions and your instructor will respond.There are some courses in certain programs where
live, same-time access may be required.Your advisor can discuss specific course
requirements before you start a program.
·
I’ve registered for the next semester, but where do I find
out about the textbooks that we will be using?
We work through a company named MBS to provide students
with class textbooks. You may contact MBS to find
which textbooks will be used for the next semester by
clicking the link below or you can simply call the toll
free telephone number at 800.325.3252.
Click the link below to be taken directly to the MBS home
page:
MBS provides a convenient service for students to do
one-stop shopping for all their course materials.
Unlike many other bookstores, MBS actively tries to stock
the titles that the University specifies, allowing for a
more timely delivery of materials to students.
Finally, MBS has a buyback program where students can
return their books for money at the end of the semester.
Other bookstores do not necessarily have this option.
·
I don’t see my textbooks at the MBS site. Now what?
It may be that class information was recently submitted to
the MBS inventory and that the books have not arrived yet.
In this instance, you may contact your advisor to find out
what materials are being used for your courses.
·
I want to know more about the library hours, policies,
etc.
Much of the information about Amridge library may be
accessed by clicking on the “Library Resources” link near
the top on the University’s homepage. Also, you may
contact the Amridge library by calling our toll free
number at 1.800.351.4040 extension 7541, call the
University’s local Montgomery number at 334.387.3877
extension 7541, or send an email to
library@amridgeuniversity.edu.
Click on the link below to be taken to the Amridge
University Comprehensive Library Services page:
Amridge
University
uses an online log system for students to enter
information related to library research activities.Use of the Research Log is required for all
AmridgeUniversity courses with the exception
of language, practicum, clinical, and algebra courses.The
Research Log helps the quality of academic programs in
three ways:
It will help students keep track of the number of
library resources they have obtained from a library,
Web site, or other research sources.
It will help faculty obtain a better understanding of
where and how students are conducting their research
for a given class. From this information, faculty can
review the research logs to help determine if they
need to make adjustments in courses to help students
master research processes. Also, because faculty can
view the Research Log system in real time, faculty can
immediately contact selected students who are going to
sites not considered “scholarly” sources.
This system will provide the Amridge faculty and
administration with more accurate information on the
types of resources the University should invest in to
meet the needs of its students better. As an example,
a student may go to an online journal that would be
considered “scholarly” but is not currently used by
the University. Specifically, a student may have
access to an online journal that the University
currently does not have access to for faculty and
students. With the student’s citation of the site and
journal, the respective faculty member may visit the
respective Web site to see if the University should
purchase this journal or service for use by all
Amridge faculty and students.
·
Can someone help me with the Research Log?
Detailed instructions on how to use the Research Log are
posted on the Research Log access page.Also, click on the link below to review the
Research Log instructions:
Additionally, students are encouraged to view the videos
on the Amridge University Research Log provided in the
Library Tutorials that may be accessed through the
Student Services
Tutorials, Modules, and Career Services Portal.There is a tutorial for undergraduate students (FD
1018 -- General Orientation to Library Services) and
graduate students (FD
6018 -- Orientation to Library Services).Click on the appropriate link below to access the
Library Orientation videos.You must be a current Amridge University student to
access these videos.
Undergraduate students:
Orientation to Library Videos:This link will
take you to the video launch page. There are 14
video modules. We recommend that you start with the
first video module and complete the video modules in
proper numerical order. Section 14 is the video on the
Research Log.
Graduate students:
Orientation to Library Videos:This link will
take you to the video launch page. There are 16
video modules. We recommend that you start with the
first video module and complete the video modules in
proper numerical order.Section 16 is the video on the Research Log.
·
I’m not getting into the Amridge University Virtual
Library System, or it’s giving password prompts when it
shouldn’t.
Your problem may be caused by one or more of the
following:
You may be using Internet Explorer (IE). If you are
using IE, then in your browser, go under Tools > Internet
Options > Privacy > Sites (at the bottom of the pane).
In the screen that comes up, “uah.edu” should show up in
the big box with the settings “Always Allow.” If
not, follow the prompts and add it to your list of sites
that should be allowed.
Additional access problems may include (1) You are using
an old version of Windows, such as Win98. If this is
causing you problems, you might want to consider updating
to Windows XP or higher; or (2) You are behind a firewall
that is set too strictly. Adjust the settings of
your firewall. You may need to contact your system
administrator to do this.
If you require additional help, then contact the Library
Help Desk at
1.800.685.1302.
·
Does the University provide personal counseling services?
No.However,
the Amridge University online Personal Counseling Resource
Center currently provides three valuable tools for Amridge
students: The Learning and Student Strategies
Inventory (LASSI), the Barsch Learning Styles Inventory,
and a reference page for selecting and finding a counselor
or therapist. Most of these services (particularly
the Barsch and LASSI inventories) are offered at no charge
to our students.
Click on the link below to be taken to the
Amridge University
Online Personal Counseling Resource Center:
·
If I have a question about my grade, whom do I contact?
You will need to contact your instructor.
·
Can I obtain personal tutoring services at Amridge
University?
Yes.Amridge
University students have access to personal academic
tutoring through the SMARTHINKING system and services at
no additional cost.SMARTHINKING provides live academic help from
academic specialists in several key academic disciplines
associated with Amridge University courses.These disciplines include (1) Math, (2) Writing,
(3) Grammar, (4) Chemistry, (5) Statistics, (6)
Accounting, Managerial, (7) Accounting, Financial, (8)
Microeconomics, (9) Macroeconomics, and (10) Spanish.
Amridge University students can access the SMARTHINKING
system and services by clicking on the link below:
·
Whom do I contact when I am having technical difficulties?
Contact the Course Administrator for help with the
Blackboard system and online courses by telephone Monday
through Thursday from
8:30 am to 5:00 pm (CST) or Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 noon (CST) or by email at this
address:
Contact the Network Operations Center (NOC) for help with
assistance with video and audio streaming by telephone
Monday through Thursday from
8:30 am to
9:00 pm
(CST) or Friday
8:30 am
to 12:00 noon
(CST) or by email at this address:
··
How do I contact my instructor when I have a problem
taking a quiz?
On page 2 of your Syllabus, you will find your
instructor's telephone number and his or her email
address.Your
instructor will contact you upon receiving your question
and will either guide you to a solution or contact the
Course Administrator for assistance.
·
Whom do I contact when I am having problems contacting my
professor(s)?
··
I was completing a quiz and by accident hit the submit
button before I had answered all the questions.Will my grade be based upon my mistake or is there
a procedure to let me complete the quiz?
Contact your instructor, and he or she will be able to
reset the quiz for you.
·
As a graduate student, working towards a master’s or
doctorate, what happens if I miss a class that streamed
live?
Live classes are recorded.Whether you attend live or not, you will have
access to the recorded session.If you have questions or need clarification after
viewing a recorded session, you can contact your
instructor via email.
·
·
I can’t attend class sessions during the scheduled class
time.How do
I access the recording of the class session?
Go to your Blackboard Course > Communication > Elluminate
Live! Click the
drop down menu to change Live Session to Recorded Sessions
and click the magnifying class next to Recorded Sessions.Click on the calendar on the right side of the
screen to show the date or date range (e.g., This Month)
that you want to see.You should see the recordings you asked for listed
in order, from newest on top to oldest on the bottom.Click the link you want to see, and your recorded
Elluminate session should begin shortly.
·
I will be attending a residency course in Montgomery.Does the university provide housing?
Amridge
University
does not provide housing for students who come to campus
for a residency course.Students may stay in a number of nearby hotels.
·
I will be attending a residency course on the Montgomery campus.Where is the university located?
Amridge
University
is located off of the Taylor Road Exit of I-85.From I-85 Northbound, exit at the
Taylor Road exit and turn left
at the end of the exit ramp onto
Taylor Road.
AmridgeUniversity will be the
first location you will see on the left.If you are coming to the university from I-85
Southbound, exit at the Taylor Road exit
and turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Taylor Road.The University will be immediately on the left side
of the road.
·
I am interested in the PhD programs in Marriage and Family
Therapy and in Professional Counseling.Will there be opportunities for me to give
presentations and write for publication, so that I can
develop as a scholar?
Many Amridge University Ph.D. students have presented at
state, national and international conferences including
the International Family Therapy Association Conference
and the AAMFT Conference.Also, Ph.D. students are required to write a
publishable quality paper before beginning the
dissertation phase of their programs.Additionally, several faculty members have worked
with doctoral students on conference presentations and
publications, so this is a very nurturing environment for
you as an emerging scholar.
·
How can I secure a copy of my academic transcript?
Click on the link below to be taken to the
AmridgeUniversityeForms page.Provide the required information and select the
“Transcript Request” option.
A student must have access to a broadband or high-speed
internet connection.Cable Modem, DSL or ADSL, or Satellite is
acceptable.
Dial-up connections will not permit the required data
exchange! The
minimum rates required are 128 Kbps upload speed and 256
Kbps download speed.Note: Some services are labeled “DSL” when in fact
they are dial-up connections with varying compression
rates and cache servers located at central server
locations, which may give the sense of faster speed.If the rates at which you can transmit and receive
data are not 128 Kbps up and 256 Kbps down, you do not
have a broadband connection or “DSL.”How to check Internet speed: Go to the link below
to test “Upload Speed” and “Download Speed.”True high-speed internet access will have download
speeds in excess of 384 kbps (this being the minimum) and
upload speeds of128 Kbps (this also being the minimum).The internet service provider’s SLA (Service Level Agreement) is usually 70% of what you
buy.At 256
Kbps, you are promised 179 Kbps.At 384 Kbps, you are promised 268 Kbps.A constant 179 Kbps or better should work, but to
get a true 256 Kbps, the service would be rated at 384
Kbps.