Self-paced Academic Year   Enrollment Procedure   Grading   Transfer of Credits   Enrolling with Advanced Standing   Books   Internet/Online Services   Student Handbook   Student Newsletter   Nondiscrimination   Confidentiality of Records   Change of Program Policy   Lack of Aptitude Policy   Financial Aid   Shipping Overseas   Student Withdrawal Policy   Admissions Application

Admissions and Enrollment

“The direction of our lives is formed through intention. For those who pursue the goals and rewards of higher education, seeking wisdom is a life-long commitment that not only keeps us healthy in mind, but also in spirit.”

“No matter what our endeavors, persistence gives assurance that we can and will reach the goals to which we deeply commit. My hope, for us all, is that our individual intention can empower not only our own faith, but also help to brighten the spark of a collective intention: reaching out to others with a caring heart.”
— Jennifer Gibson, M.A.Ed., Faculty

As a partner in your theological quest, AIHT embodies an open admissions policy. We affirm that life is sometimes the ultimate classroom—or at least that it can offer an ample sufficiency of “learning prerequisites.”

In other words, AIHT believes that students who can exhibit the desire, self-discipline and motivation to learn through independent study are surely deserving of this unique learning opportunity.

Within our open academic admissions policy, AIHT acknowledges with you that the human experience of growing, creating and being can often shed as much as, or even more light than, prior education within a traditional classroom.

Of course, independent collegiate study also requires the demonstration of basic educational preparation and academic aptitude. High school graduation or satisfactory completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test is our only requirement for admission at the bachelor’s level.

Self-paced Academic Year

AIHT’s independent study format is non-traditional in the best sense of the word. Our flexible learning format works within your own schedule, because our typical student is an adult learner with family and professional responsibilities.

Instead of only the quarterly enrollment periods or semester completion times, you may enroll at any time. You may progress at your own pace, as quickly or as slowly as the rest of your life plan allows. You may become an AIHT graduate as soon as you successfully fulfill your academic and financial agreements.

When a student’s academic and tuition obligations are met, you become eligible to graduate at the end of the same month in which final course work is graded.

Enrollment Procedure

At the time you requested information about the school, AIHT assigned you an admissions advisor whose business card accompanies this catalog. Your admissions advisor can help you with the process of becoming a student and answer your questions about our educational programs.

The AIHT enrollment procedure is easy and straightforward.

ENROLL BY PHONE

Please contact your admissions advisor at 1-800-650-4325. (Outside the US, please call 1-205-458-1792.)

ENROLL ONLINE

You will need to complete an online application, located on our Web site: www.aiht.edu/catalog/application.asp. (Please include all required information.)

ENROLL BY MAIL OR FAX

Complete the application from the back of the catalog. Remember to include your admissions essay and your initial payment.

MAIL TO: American Institute of Holistic Theology
Office of Admissions
2112 11th Avenue South, Suite 520
Birmingham, Alabama 35205

FAX: 1-205-458-4184

Grading

Students promptly receive a letter grade for each exam taken. Passing is 80%; anyone who scores a lower grade is offered an opportunity to repeat the exam. When all your academic and financial requirements have been met, you will graduate. At this time you will receive an unofficial transcript along with your embossed diploma.

Transfer of Credits

If you have completed at least one quarter or semester of college work, you may be able to transfer some credits to AIHT. For comparable work, you may be able to fulfill up to 18 credit hours per section of study.

Requirements are:

• The grade must be a C or higher to transfer into an AIHT program. The course must also be comparable to that which is required for your program of choice.
• AIHT must receive for evaluation an official transcript, which is sent directly to us from your prior college. Provisional transfer of credit can be based on a non-official transcript. However, the official transcript must be on file at AIHT within six weeks of enrollment.

Please note that credits to be transferred must be earned prior to your enrollment at AIHT. If you enroll in and complete outside course work during your term as a student, those credits will not be transferable within our established curriculum. After enrollment, if AIHT finds that any credits transferred from another school do not meet the above criteria, the student will be required to take those courses.

Depending on other schools’ academic requirements, you may be able to transfer credits earned with AIHT. Just as we have our own criteria for awarding credits, so, too, do other educational institutions. AIHT will send official transcripts to any school upon your request. Each student may order as many as three official transcripts free of charge.

Enrolling with Advanced Standing

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you may enter AIHT at the master’s level by completing certain prerequisites. You may enroll at the doctoral level if you hold a master’s degree and complete the required prerequisites.

Advanced standing may be based on a non-official transcript that must be sent to AIHT along with your completed application upon enrollment. Please note that you will need to furnish official transcripts showing the dates that your degrees were awarded.

All official transcripts must be on file at AIHT within six weeks of enrollment.

PREREQUISITES: Students enrolling at the master’s level are required to complete any specified AIHT bachelors’ level coursework if not supported by transfer credit from another school. Likewise, students enrolling at the doctoral level are required to complete specific AIHT bachelor’s and master’s courses that are not supported by transfer credit from another school.

AIHT offers its students a discounted prerequisite price of $150 per course.

Books

All books are provided within your all-inclusive tuition. AIHT curriculum materials are carefully monitored for both relevance and the ability to engage readers with accessible, stimulating truths.

Some of our books convey traditional textbook information, while others are selected for their inspiring, thought-provoking subject matter. AIHT students may be assured that each book title is hand picked to expand your theological horizons.

Internet/Online Services

AIHT offers you an array of online services, including a free e-mail box for each student. From your home, your office, even while traveling (via public library, hotel or other public access), AIHT e-mail capability allows students to post inquiries, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, to our faculty and staff—whether your questions concern academics, enrollment, finances, or other information needs.

You can also use the Internet to access our catalog and newsletter at www.aiht.edu—as well as online resources, an interactive bulletin board, student and graduate Web site links, ordination information and more.

• To reach an admissions advisor for enrollment information: admissions@aiht.edu
• To discuss course materials with your faculty advisor or other faculty member: faculty@aiht.edu
• For questions regarding your student account, shipments and general information: staff@aiht.edu

Student Handbook

Upon enrollment you receive a comprehensive AIHT student handbook that includes study tips, academic rules and straightforward encouragement to accompany you on this academic adventure.

It is essential for each student to carefully read your student handbook first, before delving into the course materials which accompany this shipment. Rest assured that virtually any question about AIHT will be answered within one easy reference source, your student handbook.

Student Newsletter

All AIHT students and alumni receive a complimentary subscription to our newsletter, Vibrations. This communication is designed to help all of us stay in touch—to facilitate your own peer networking while keeping you abreast of all AIHT innovation, and also offering students the opportunity for AIHT to proudly promote and publicize your noteworthy achievements.

Nondiscrimination

AIHT is both non-secular and non-sectarian. We affirm that education should be equally available to everyone, regardless of race, national origin, religious affiliation, and health status.

Confidentiality of Records

American Institute of Holistic Theology protects the confidential nature of students’ records, both personal and academic. Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended, certain information about each student is deemed “Directory Information.”

AIHT considers the following as DIRECTORY INFORMATION:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Prospective date of graduation
• Date of enrollment
• Degrees and awards received
• Most previous educational agency or institution attended

This information will be released to anyone who requests it unless you file a written request that this information not be released. If such a notice is filed with AIHT, further information will not be released without your written consent.

Change of Program Policy

Students enrolled in an AIHT program who wish to switch to another program will pay any difference in tuition prices, along with a $200 administration fee. The student will return all unmarked AIHT books and materials from the original program. This transaction can occur within 60 days of enrollment, and if no exams have been submitted for grading.

Lack of Aptitude Policy

If at any time during enrollment the AIHT academic staff determines a student does not have sufficient collegiate aptitude to succeed within the program in which he or she is enrolled, the student may be withdrawn from the program. This decision is made at the discretion of the curriculum committee, following discussions with the student.

Financial Aid

It is solely the student’s responsibility to seek financial aid. Financial aid may come from employers, associations, churches, philanthropists, and private groups. While AIHT does not offer grants, we do seek to assist students through tuition discounts and financing options.

Shipping Overseas

Canadian and international students are responsible for all of their shipping costs. These students should further be aware that they may be required to pay additional “duties” required by customs authorities upon receipt of study materials.

Student Withdrawal Policy

If you withdraw within 30 days of enrollment, if you have not completed any of your coursework and if you return all of your books unmarked, AIHT will grant you a full refund of all tuition paid, less accrued interest. If you withdraw after 30 days but before 60 days you will be granted a partial refund of up to 50% of the tuition paid, less accrued interest. Refunds after 60 days will not be granted. To withdraw, you will need to contact your admissions advisor to request an official AIHT withdrawal form. Shipping costs are non-refundable.

I couldn’t believe at “52” I would start college. I now hold my graduate degree and have founded a nationally renowned education and advocacy organization. Thanks, AIHT!
— Rev. Daniel M. Newman, B.S., M.S., Holistic Ministries