QUESTIONS AFTER ENROLLMENT
Q. How are my courses mailed and when will they arrive?
A. The are sent by regular US Postal Service and should arrive within 10-14 business days. (Foreign students should add at least a week to this estimate)
Q. How do I know which course to start with?
A. That decision is entirely up to you.
Q. Do I take one course at the time and send it in for a grade?
A. Again, that decision is up to you. You can send one at a time or wait and send all of them together.
Q. How do I keep up with my progress?
A. ATS sends out grade reports every 4 weeks so that you can keep a record of progress. Allow 3 weeks for grading and one week for us to log it in computer and print the grade report for mailing.
Q. Can I call and check on my grades?
A. You can call, but we ask that you call only after you have waited the four weeks and have not heard anything. Unless it has been over 4 weeks we do not give out grades by phone, email, or fax for ANY reason. We have hundreds of tests that are graded daily and it slows down the process if too many people jump the gun. We know it is important, but please try to be patient.
Q. What is the grading scale at ATS?
A. Our grading scale is: (A) 90-100; (B) 80-89; (C) 70-79; (D) 60-69; (F) Below 60 We also use I for Incomplete to let you know that part of the test was either missing or done wrong. Any grade above 60 is considered as passing, but a (D) is not transferable.
Q. Can I retake a test?
A. You can retake any test once at no extra charge. There is a $50 charge for extra retakes after the first. Both of the grades are averaged together.
Q. How can I get help on a test?
A. Our staff can usually answer your questions, but if not, we have access to each of our adjunct faculty members who can help you.
Q. Can I exempt courses that I have already taken?
A. ATS is glad to work with you—we can exempt courses in some cases, or use replacement courses. This will require a transcript from previous schools.
Q. If I am not doing my courses, do I still have to pay?
A. Yes, you must make a payment each month regardless of whether you are doing coursework.
Q. Is there a time limit on my coursework?
A. In most of our programs, there is no time limit on how long it takes you to do your courses. The only programs that have time limits are in the Christian Counseling department.
Q. How will I know what I made on a test?
A. The grade department sends out grade reports every four weeks, so please try to allow that much time before calling to check on a grade.
Q. What can I do if I want to change my program of study?
A. You will need to fill out a Change of Program form that is on our web site. The change will cost $100 in order to reship new courses. You will need to send the form in to us so that we can attach it to your file.
QUESTIONS FOR CURRENT AND FORMER STUDENTS
Q. Does ATS have to have my transcript from previous schools before I can get started?
A. No, we enroll students based on an honor system of the information that we receive. However, we must have a copy on file before we can issue a degree.
Q. As a former student, how do I keep up with my progress?
A. When you enroll, we send out a list of your courses for record-keeping purposes We ask that you PLEASE keep up with your current status on this sheet and avoid having to call and check on your status.
Q. After enrollment, how do I know when my payment is due?
A. All payments are due by the 10th of the month. We do send out statements the first of each month to remind you.
Q. What kind of diploma (degree) will I receive?
A. Our degrees are printed by Josten’s, which is one of the largest graduation businesses in the country.
Q. How do I know when my degree will be ordered?
A. When you have finished all of your courses and received passing grades and when your financial obligations are met, you will receive a letter from us telling you how to order your degree. The degree itself is $100 plus an administration fee of $50.00 for a total cost of $150.00.
Q. How often does ATS order degrees?
A. We order degrees twice a month. We order on the 1st and the 15th of each month. It takes about 8 weeks after we order for the degree to come back to ATS then we mail it out directly to the student.
Q. Does my degree come in a frame?
A. No the $150 grad/administration fee allows your degree to be put between two thick pieces of cardboard and mailed to you once we receive it. If you want to order a frame it cost $155 and that order form is under the form tab on the ATS website.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Q. How often does ATS have a graduation ceremony?
A. We have one graduation a year. It is held in May and it is always the Friday before Memorial Day. The site we have it at is the Albany Municipal Auditorium in Albany, Georgia.
Q. Who can attend the graduation ceremony?
A. Anyone who has received a degree from ATS and has never attended a ceremony for that degree.
Q. Can a person attend more than one graduation?
A. Absolutely! As long as you have completed a degree and have not been to a previous ceremony for that degree. You can attend every time you receive a new degree. You can also attend as a guest at every ceremony.
Q. How many people can I bring with me to graduation?
A. There is no limit. The auditorium holds close to 1,000 people.
Q. When will I receive an information packet concerning graduation?
A. ATS begins sending out information for the May graduation in January. ATS begins sending out information for the September graduation toward the end of May. These forms are always located under the form tab on ATS website so check from time to time because they may be up earlier.
Q. Where and when can I order my graduation regalia?
A. ATS has the cap and gown information located in packet one under the form tab for graduation.
Q. At what point can I order a ring to identify my accomplishments?
A. As soon as your diploma has been received, you can order a class ring from Josten’s, who handles our diplomas and rings. You can call them directly at 229-435-1809 or call the seminary for more information.
Q. Is there a fee to attend graduation?
A. Yes, the fee is usually $250 (this could change based on the economy). This helps the seminary with staging such a large event. This fee is separate from the $150.00 degree/diploma/administration fee.
