About Cultivate U

Prayer

I Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.

Communication is an essential aspect of any relationship. In order to determine God’s will and direction, resist temptation, ask for courage, or offer thanksgiving, we must pray. The key element of prayer is that it establishes a relationship with God.

Bible Reading

John 8:31-32 – If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

An understanding of the Word of God is the most important element of any ministry. God gave us His Word for guidance and direction. Therefore, it is imperative that our students engage in the reading of Scripture on a daily basis.

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

God gave us His Word in order for us to be able to stand against any temptation or trial. It is important for our students to memorize Scripture, so that when those trials come, they will have the power to overcome them. Students are encouraged to memorize a minimum of one verse per week.

Fasting

Matthew 16:24 – Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.

Fasting is an important aspect of discipleship. The significance of fasting is that you allow yourself to be emptied of physical desires in order to deepen your relationship with God. Periodically, students will be encouraged to participate in corporate fasts. Students are encouraged to fast on their own as well.

Journaling

Isaiah 30:8 – Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness.

Everyone has a story. Your experiences, ideas, thoughts, and dreams are what make up your life’s journey. A great way to keep a reflection of all those things is through a weekly journal.

Accountability

I Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up. 

Jesus sent the disciples out in groups of two. This is significant because God put us on this earth to help each other through trials and tribulations. We encourage our students to develop accountability partners among other students as well as with the staff.

Submission to Authority

Hebrews 13:17 – Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.

There will never be a point in your life when you are without authority, whether in a spiritual or a vocational environment. It is important for our students to understand how to submit to the leadership God has placed in their lives. For this reason, we expect students to immediately carry out the instructions of staff members, pastors, or any student who has been given responsibility and authority.

SAGU Policy on Academic Dishonesty/Cheating (SAGU Student Handbook, 2023, p. 25)

Students are expected to be honest in fulfilling all academic requirements and assignments. This pertains to examinations, themes, book critiques, reading reports, and all assignments. A student will not be allowed to withdraw from a course if he/she is under investigation for academic dishonesty. In the event that the student is determined guilty for academic dishonesty, then the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course and will receive a grade determined by the faculty member, either an “F” for the assignment and/or an “F” for the course. Dishonesty could result in further disciplinary action.

SAGU Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy Related to Students With Disabilities

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is dedicated to providing students with disabilities access to the programs, services, and activities of the University’s campuses as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The academic accommodations staff collaborates with SAGU students, staff, and faculty to provide equal access to educational programs and safeguards against discrimination for qualified students with disabilities.

SAGU Learning Centers

The Learning Centers are part of the academic program of Southwestern Assemblies of God University and are open to all students. The Learning Centers consist of the Math Center, the Writing Center and the Achievement Center. Services include individual and group tutoring and academic skills development.

SAGU Class Attendance / Unexcused Absences

A student must attend all online academic classes unless he or she has been excused from the class. Excused absences may include hospitalization, extended illness, family funeral, or mandatory court appearance. Unexcused absence may result in loss of points for class participation and assignments due, which may affect the letter grade.

Cultivate U Attendance Requirements for Dual Enrollment Elective Credit  

To receive full credit for the dual enrollment internship elective, church attendance is required and will be taken as outlined on p. 5.  To receive full credit for the dual enrollment internship elective, attendance is required and will be taken for the internship class held the first, second, and third Sunday of the month from 11:00 – 1:00. Students have 2 days for absences or sickness per semester. If extended time off is needed for medical reasons, a note from your physician or medical provider will be required.

Cultivate U Internship Credit Final Paper

At the end of each semester, to receive full credit for the dual enrollment internship elective, a final paper will be required.  A rubric will be provided.  

Cultivate U Physical Resources

Cultivate U provides adequate physical resources to meet the needs of the students and faculty.  The instructional space includes two classrooms equipped with technology, screens, and whiteboards. The physical facilities also include a . The coffee area in the church foyer provides a place for study and fellowship while the conference room is available for faculty and student meetings. The work room is equipped with a copy machine and other minimal office supplies.  Dr. Missie’s office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 – 2:00. Cultivate U students are welcome to work on campus during these hours.  

SAGU & Cultivate U Communications

Dual enrollment (ECC) students will use their @sagu.edu email for all communications with SAGU and Cultivate U. Students should check SAGU Blackbaud and Cultivate U Google Classroom several times per week for updates and assignments.  For all SAGU course inquiries, students should develop a professional relationship with their professors and communicate with them frequently and as needed.  Their contact information is included in their course syllabus. For all Cultivate U inquiries, students should contact the Cultivate U Executive Site Director, Dr. Missie: drmissie@cultivationchurch.com or (504) 388-6549.

SAGU & CULTIVATE U Payments

Dual enrollment (ECC) students will need to make all course payments directly to SAGU by the appropriate deadlines as outlined by the university.  The cost of the Cultivate U Dual enrollment (ECC) fee is $250 per semester ($500 per year).  Students may pay the internship fee annually, per semester, or monthly ($50 per month) by the 20th of each month directly using the Tithe.ly link and selecting the “Cultivate U Student Payment” option.

Academic Calendar

Students are responsible to follow the SAGU Academic Calendar and the CULTIVATE U Events Calendar. 

Disciplinary Procedures  

For the benefit of the student body as a whole, it is essential that all students adhere to general guidelines of acceptable behavior, as well as college rules set out in this handbook (and elsewhere).

If faculty, staff or student leaders believe that a student’s behavior is unacceptable, and warrants disciplinary action, the disciplinary procedures shall be undertaken as follows:

1. Discuss the issue with the student. The purpose of this initial phase is to ensure that the student is aware of the inappropriate behavior, and to warn the student that if the behavior continues, formal discipline may result. This phase is resolved when the discipline is complete, and the student behavior is corrected.
2. Meet with the Executive Director. Should the inappropriate behavior continue, the student shall be required to report to the Executive Director, where the issue will be discussed, and disciplinary action appropriate to the behavior implemented.

The College reserves the right to suspend or expel students in certain circumstances, provided the Executive Director approves such disciplinary action.

Confidentiality  

All student’s personal details are completely confidential. Student records are stored in a secure system. Electronic storage is password protected and hard copy information is filed securely. No contact details of students or staff will be given to any person (such as friends, media, parents etc.), unless the student/staff member specifically gives permission for the details to be passed on. Staff will take precautions that any personal details (i.e. staff or student phone numbers) recorded in their own smart devices are kept in a secure manner. Please note that in situations where the staff is of the opinion that the student is likely to harm him/herself or others, staff are legally obliged to inform the appropriate person(s).

Social Media & Online Activity 

Students should not engage in questionable uses of social media that would cause harm to themselves or to others. We encourage you to refrain from posting or engaging in divisive or polarizing issues.

Students should not promote or engage in inappropriate topics, sexual or pornographic activities, sites, channels or accounts that do not exemplify biblical living.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress modestly, appropriately and in good taste at all times. If at any time the Cultivate U faculty or staff approaches you about a dress code concern, your cooperation is essential. 

No articles of clothing that endorse alcohol and/or narcotic products may be worn at any time. Please refrain from and be cautious of wearing clothing with suggestive words, graphics or lyrics. For health and safety reasons, students are expected to wear footwear at all times.

For Women: Shirts, tank tops, and blouses must be modest and appropriate. The midriff is not to be seen. Dresses, skirts and shorts must cover the mid-thigh. No Camisoles or Tube Tops. Leggings are permitted with appropriate tops that cover.

For Men: Shirts are required on campus at all times. Sleeveless tanks and workout shirts are not preferred.

Integrity & Leadership 

Who you are becoming (a person of integrity) is more important than simply graduating with experience. As a student of Cultivate U, you are expected to reflect the heart of our house, the honor code of this school and a life that is reflective of being a Christ follower.

You also need to keep growing in your faith – you can only take people as far as you have gone yourselve. We expect that you are being a good steward of the Word and seeking personal devotional time with the Lord daily. Galatians 5:22-23 talks about the fruits of the Spirit that demonstrate the character of God to people. The more we move and live according to these fruits, the more we can impact the world for God.

Sexual Wholeness, Relationships, & Purity

Students should conduct themselves modestly in public and in private, particularly with the opposite sex. We encourage you to build healthy, biblical based friendships and relationships that do not break physical, emotional, spiritual and mental boundaries that aren’t in accordance with the Word of God.

All forms of sexual activity are only intended between a man and a woman, within the confines of marriage and should not be engaged in outside of that

union.

Students should seek to be imitators of God with not even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity (Ephesians 5:1-12). This applies to both your private and public living.

Co-ed living arrangements, or co-ed overnight stays are not acceptable for any reason.

Substances

Cultivate U prohibits the use of underage drinking. Violations under this section may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.

Cultivate U also prohibits overconsumption of alcohol and intoxication by all students including those age 21+. Violations under this section may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.

Cultivate U prohibits marijuana/THC, tobacco, nicotine, illegal drugs, eCigs, Vape-based devices and non-prescribed controlled substances by its students. Violations under this section may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.

Students who are arrested or receive a DUI could be suspended or dismissed. As a regional campus for Southwestern Assembly of God University, Cultivate U holds to SAGU’s Code of Conduct and may defer to those guidelines for various disciplinary procedures.