Church Partnership Program

5. Accreditation and Governmental Approval | Office of Distant & Online Education works with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the appropriate governmental agencies to ensure that the local site is approved both academically and legally. 6. Site Director Selection | At successful and growing sites, the church dedicates one individual who commits a significant portion of time to marketing, recruiting, admitting, and assisting students through the various stages of their academic tenure. These individuals work with Bluefield College to facilitate the student experience. 7. Site Director and Staff Training | Early each spring, Bluefield College facilitates training for new and existing church partner coordinators held on Bluefield’s campus. Lodging and meals are provided for up to two approved representatives from the site. Bluefield also provides instructional and technical training for church partner faculty and best practices training for individuals serving as facilitators. 8. Marketing and Student Recruitment | Sites coordinate local promotional and recruitment activities. All marketing (brochures, websites, advertisements, etc.) that incorporates Bluefield College branding must be reviewed and approved by Bluefield’s marketing department prior to publication. For digital files or marketing questions,

contact Chris Shoemaker , the church partner marketing coordinator, by phone at 276.326.4212 or by email at cshoemaker@bluefield.edu . For recruiting and admission questions, contact Michael White , Bluefield’s church partner development officer, by phone at 276.326.4217 or by email at michael.white@bluefield.edu . 9. Site Launch | At the beginning of the fall semester, all courses are created, faculty are assigned, students are registered, practicum documentation is submitted, and courses begin. At that point, a student orientation should take place as an introduction to the program. Depending on the delivery model, a site visit may be conducted after the start of the program.