Student Handbooks
Each program at CRI is supported by a student handbook that outlines expectations, academic policies, and our theological foundations. These handbooks help guide your learning journey.
- Review the handbook below. A PDF copy will be sent to each student for signature.
- Understand grading and participation expectations
- Review academic and conduct policies
Handbooks: Please review each section carefully
Grading Standards
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CRI maintains high academic standards in all certificate and non-certificate programs.
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All coursework will be graded using the following scale:
| Letter | Percent Grade | Grade Point |
| A | 100-95 | 4.0 points |
| A- | 94-90 | 3.67 points |
| B+ | 89-87 | 3.33 points |
| B | 86-83 | 3.0 points |
| B- | 82-80 | 2.67 points |
| C+ | 79-77 | 2.33 points |
| C | 76-73 | 2.0 points |
| C- | 72-70 | 1.67 points |
| D+ | 69-67 | 1.33 points |
| D | 66-63 | 1.0 points |
| D- | 62-60 | 0.67 points |
| F | 59-0 | 0.0 points |
| P/F | Audit and other designated courses | Pass/Fail |
| I | Incomplete | |
| W | Withdraw |
- All courses require a minimum grade of “B-” (80%) or higher: to count toward degree or certificate requirements.
Regular attendance in live Zoom sessions is expected for all students enrolled in programs that include synchronous instruction.
Excused Absences:
Students may be granted up to two (2) excused absences per semester for illness, family emergency, or other approved reasons.
Requests for excused absences must be submitted in writing to the instructor or Office of the Administrator.
Unexcused Absences:
Absences beyond two excused absences or without prior notice will be considered unexcused. Pre-recorded lectures can be viewed at the students discretion within the timeframe allowed. It is the students responsibility to know the course requirements and meet them for credit.
Unexcused absences will result in a reduction of the final grade at the instructor’s discretion.
Excessive absenteeism may result in dismissal from the course or program.
Each Program requires satisfactory completion of at least the following:
Program | Required Courses |
M.Div. Degree | See Degree Programs for course requirements. |
M.A. Degree | See Degree Programs for course requirements. |
Theology and Pastoral Certificate Programs 3 Yr | See Certificate Programs for course requirements. |
Theology and Pastoral Certificate Programs 2 Yr | See Certificate Programs for course requirements. |
1-Year Biblical Studies | See Certificate Programs for course requirements. |
- Non-certificate students may take individual courses but are still expected to meet the same academic standards. Assignments for audits are not required, but may impact transferring the course into a Certificate Program at a later date.
- Papers and Written Assignments:
All written assignments must follow APA 7th Edition Style, including formatting, citations, and references. A style guide will be provided to enrolled students.
All work submitted by students must be their own original work.
Plagiarism (copying text or ideas without proper citation) or submitting work completed by another person is a serious academic offense.
- Use of AI: All work must be the students own work. Using AI to discover answers or write papers is strictly prohibitted.
Plagiarism: Students found guilty of plagiarism may receive:
A failing grade for the assignment
A failing grade for the course
Possible dismissal from the program
Proper citation (APA 7) must be used for all sources in written assignments. It is highly recommended that students purchase an APA 7 writing guide.
If unsure about citation or paraphrasing, students are encouraged to seek guidance before submission.
Students enrolled in MDiv Degree programs are generally expected to complete all required coursework within three (3) years from the date of initial enrollment (unless other arrangements are made with the Deans office).
Students enrolled in MA Degree programs are generally expected to complete all required coursework within two (2) years from the date of initial enrollment (unless other arrangements are made with the Deans office).
Students enrolled in Theology and Pastoral 3 Yr Certificate Programs are generally expected to but not required to complete all required coursework within three (3) years from the date of initial enrollment (other arrangements are available through the Deans office).
Students enrolled in Theology and Pastoral 2 Yr Certificate Programs are generally expected to but not required to complete all required coursework within two (2) years from the date of initial enrollment (other arrangements are available through the Deans office).
- Students enrolled in 1 year Certificate programs are generally expected to complete all required coursework within one (1) years from the date of initial enrollment (unless other arrangements are made with the Deans office).
Non-certificate students taking individual courses should complete their courses during the active semester of enrollment.
Extensions may be granted under special circumstances with approval from the Office of the Administrator.
Failure to complete courses or certificates within the stated timeframe may require re-enrollment or retaking courses to meet current standards.
Mission: Covenant Reformed Institute exists to equip believers through accessible, faithful, and Reformed theological education.
Vision: To be a global training center for gospel-centered leadership and biblical depth.
Doctrinal Standards:
Westminster Confession of Faith
Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort)
- 39 Articles
Statement of Faith posted on CRI website
Christlike Speech: Students are expected to speak and write with grace, humility, and respect.
Respect: All interactions with faculty, staff, and fellow students should reflect Christian love and civility.
Integrity: Academic and personal honesty is required at all times.
- Policy Manual: Please review our more detailed Policy Manual.
Academic Honesty: Plagiarism, cheating, and falsification are strictly prohibited.
Deadlines: Students must adhere to assignment deadlines unless prior arrangements are made.
Communication: Students are expected to maintain regular communication with instructors and staff.
- Please review the details in Policy Manual.
Payments: Tuition and fees are due as outlined in enrollment materials. See also Tuition & Fees.
Refunds: Refund policies are detailed on the Tuition & Fees page.
Discounts: May be available from time to times.
Enrollment: Students must complete all required application steps and be accepted.
Withdrawal: Withdrawal must be submitted in writing to administration. Refund eligibility depends on timing. Please review details in Policy Manual.
Academic Standards: Minimum grade requirements apply to all program courses. See grading.
Completion Timeline: All courses must be completed within the semester. All programs have timeline suggestions, but variations in the number of courses and timeframe may be extended or compressed upon approval by the Dean and according to CRI standards.
Progress Tracking: Available through Canvas LMS.
CRI courses are delivered via Canvas LMS. Lectures will be either live on Zoom or pre-recorded. All classes (live and pre-recorded) will have time frames after which they will no longer be available. Students are responsible to understand the timeframes established for each class. Assignments will also have timeframes and deadlines.
- Classes will entail lectures, Q&A on Canvas, Quizzes, Papers, discussions. All will be outlined in each course syllabus.
Students will be given login credentials upon enrollment.
Help resources and guides are provided within Canvas.
Internet: Stable broadband connection required.
- Microphone: Required.
- Camera: Required.
Zoom: Ability to use Zoom for live and recorded sessions.
File Uploads: Ability to upload documents in .docx or .pdf format.
- Proficiency: Students must be proficient in the use of the required technology.
Email Help:
Covenant Reformed Institute
- Office of the Administrator
- Administration: Office@covenantreformedinst.org
- Academic: Admissions@covenantreformedinst.org
Zoom Office Hours: Faculty and staff hold weekly virtual office hours.
Online Links: Curated theological resources provided.
PDF Library: Downloadable materials available within Canvas and CRI library site.
External Recommendations: Suggested reading and reference links.
Main Contact:
Covenant Reformed Institute
Office of the Administrator
PO Box 153
Raynham, MA 02767
P: (508) 456-4226
Email: office@covenantreformedinst.orgAppeals: Academic or conduct appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Administrator. Appeals are reviewed by CRI leadership.