Student Handbook

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Disclaimer: Northeast Institute for Biblical Studies (NEIBS) students are responsible for knowing the information, policies, and procedures outlined in this document. The Institute reserves the right to make changes to this handbook as necessary, and once those changes are posted, they are in effect. Students are encouraged to check for the updated versions of all policies and procedures online. The NEIBS Student Handbook was last updated in Spring 2026.

MISSION

The Northeast Institute for Biblical Studies is a conservative evangelical institute for the advancement of biblical studies and for equipping church leaders for Christian ministry.

VISION

Founded in 2025, the Institute’s goal is to offer affordable, high-quality, and effective instruction in person to individuals interested in either deepening their knowledge of the scriptures, growing in their faith, deepening their ability to serve in the local church, or entering full-time ministry. We do this by offering courses in 12-hour formats on an eight-week basis, with every class being 90 minutes long. Courses can be taken by a variety of individuals and ages, either to complete a certificate in a concentrated focus area, certificates in multiple focus areas, or simply for personal growth. Classes are currently designed to be taken in person to encourage interaction and facilitate student to instructor relationships. However, classes will eventually be available online as well as in person as we grow and expand our outreach.

R E G I S T R A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N

Class Size and Cancellations

NEIBS reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is insufficient enrollment. If your course is cancelled, you may choose another course in the same semester, register for a course in the next semester, or a refund. Recruiting family and friends to join you will ensure a class size!

Participation:

NEIBS offers classes on Monday evenings for 8 weeks in fall and spring quarters.

Attendance

It is the responsibility of the student to check in with the professor, especially if late to class. Attendance affects the student's grade. Credit students missing more than two classes cannot receive a passing grade for the course, unless special arrangements have been made with the Professor.

Student Status - Credit & Audit

Credit: Students may register on either an enrichment level or a certificate level. Enrichment level coursework is easier and is designed to encourage students to make some effort to better understand the course material. Certificate level students will be required to do more advanced work to prepare them to be leaders or pastors in a local church. Audit: This allows the student to take a course without the responsibility of assigned work and quizzes/exams. No grade will be given. An audited course cannot qualify for certificate requirements.

Withdrawing

If a student cannot complete a course after the second session of the class, the student must either withdraw from the course or change a credit status to audit in order not to receive a failing grade. There is no refund for a course after the first session of class.

Tuition Assistance

Currently, NEIBS does not have scholarship monies available for tuition assistance. We encourage students with a need for financial aid to contact their church for sponsorship. If that is not available, contact Director Chris Gardner for further options

Textbooks

Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks from any venue they choose. NEISB recommends Christian Book Distributors and/or Amazon as good resources. Local Christian bookstores may be a bit more expensive, but purchasing through them helps the local economy.

Tuition Fees and Payments

Current registration fees per quarter/session:

Per Credit course, $80

Per Audit course, $50

Payments may be made through the website, or by check or cash brought on the first day of class (Please pre-register online, even if paying in person). If you require a receipt for tax purposes, contact Director Gardner.

FINANCES AND FINANCIAL AID

NEIBs desires to make the courses of study available to anyone who wishes to take a class. While we may wish that we could offer all classes without cost, unfortunately, we are not able to do so. However, we intend to keep costs as low as possible. Professors know that they will receive only a token payment for their labors. We encourage students who find the costs beyond their limited means to approach their pastor or church leaders with their desire to study and their financial need. Professors are asked to keep the cost of textbooks and other required materials under $70. A small library is located on the main floor in the church conference room.

LOCATION AND CONTACTS

NEIBS is currently blessed to have use of the Orwell Bible Church facilities on Monday evenings. OBC is located at 1749 Orwell Hill Rd, Rome, PA 18837. Their phone number is (570) 247-2462. Questions and inquiries concerning NEIBS should be directed to Chris Gardner, (347) 374-0967 or c_n_gardner@yahoo.com. Website: www.northeastinstituteforbiblicalstudies.net.

COURSE STRUCTURES AND LEVELS

Currently, NEIBS offers 8-week courses leading toward a certificate in a Focus Group, or courses may be taken individually for personal enrichment. A certificate is earned by students who enter and complete the coursework on a certificate level in at least 6 courses of study in a particular Focus Group, except the preliminary certificate which requires eight courses.

A student may enroll at NEIBS on any of three levels of study: Audit, Enrichment, or Certificate. A student enrolled as Audit is welcome to sit through all lectures in that course and may do as much or as little of the class assignments as desired. Enrichment level students will have some class assignments designed for their level of instruction. Certificate students will be required to complete serious classwork assignments and participate in class activities.

Grading Scale and Policy

Due to the goals of NEIBS, the grading policy is designed to meet the three levels of course offerings: audit, enrichment, and certificate. For students auditing courses, there is no grading required. Students may choose to do work, but no grade will be given. Students seeking a grade on the enrichment level will have work required at a simpler level to encourage the student to grow at a level they can reach. The certificate level students will receive required work on a first or second year college level.

Grading Scale

A – 91–100 C – 71–80

B – 81–90 Below 71 – required to redo work

Current Certificates Being Offered

Preliminary Certificate

Fall I (6:00 pm) – How to Study the Bible Level I – Chris Gardner

Fall I (7:30 pm) – Old Testament Survey: Law – Glenn Hulburt

Fall II (6:00 pm) – How to Study the Bible Level II – Chris Gardner

Fall II (7:30 pm) – Old Testament Survey: History – James Buchanan

Spring I (6:00 pm) – New Testament Survey: Gospels-Acts – Chris Gardner

Spring I (7:30 pm) – Old Testament Survey: Poetry & Lamentations – James Buchanan

Spring II (6:00 pm) – New Testament Survey: Romans to Revelation – Chris Gardner

Spring II (7:30 pm) – Old Testament Survey: Prophetic Books – Glenn Hulburt

As NEIBS grows, these Focus Group Certificates will also be added to those offered below:

Biblical Languages
Church Growth: Apologetics, Evangelism, Missions, Church Planting
Systematic and Biblical Theology
Preaching, Worship, and Ministry
Practical Theology: Specialized programming, Counseling, Leadership Development

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Beginning in the Fall I 2026 quarter, NEIBS will offer the Preliminary Certificate, which is an 8 course certificate recommended for all students seeking to enter the certificate program. This certificate includes two How to Study the Bible courses and six Bible Survey courses. We encourage all beginning students registering on any level to take these courses as a foundation for learning. Students who have already completed any of these courses on the certificate level in the 2025–2026 school year or taken an equivalent course at a recognized Christian College, University, Seminary, or Institute may count those courses as part of their preliminary certificate.

To earn a 6-course certificate, the student is required to complete the following:

1. Complete six courses in a certificate course of study area.

2. Pass each course with a grade of “C-” or better. • Only certificate level credit courses qualify.

3. Complete and submit the "Certificate Application," which notifies the administration that all courses have been completed for the requested certificate.

a. Prepare a written testimony describing ways NEIBS has impacted you —if the Certificate is your first.

b. Submit the application to the Director to receive the certificate.

4. Receive confirmation from the NEIBS School Office.

5. The Preliminary Certificate requirements are the same, except it is an 8–course certificate.

2026–2027 COURSE OFFERINGS