ACES

ACES Credits Required for Graduation

To graduate from Buena Vista University at the Storm Lake campus, all full-time students must register for .5 credits of ACES each semester beginning in their first semester until successfully completing the required number of credits based upon the formula outlined below. These credits shall be graded on the P/F scale. Non-fulfillment of the ACES requirement for a given semester will result in a grade of “F” on the student’s transcript. Students possessing a baccalaureate degree are exempt from the ACES requirement.

The Academic and Cultural Events Series (ACES) contributes to the University’s mission by enriching the solid liberal arts foundation of the University, by enhancing the curriculum through experiential learning opportunities and, by promoting an awareness of the diversity of cultures and perspectives that exist in the global community.

The ACES Program consists of three categories:

• Cultural Events 
• Scholarly Events 
• Student Life Events

Cultural Events

Cultural ACES are performances from worldly touring groups. They consist of dance, theater, performing arts, vocal, instrumental, as well as solo artists. There are 4 to 5 events programmed a semester. They are booked in Schaller Memorial Chapel or Anderson Auditorium

Tickets - You will need to pick up a ticket for each Cultural ACES. You may pick up a ticket at the information desk 1 week prior to the event. Tickets are free to BVU students. The performances are general seating. We do not open the Cultural Events to the general public.

Behavior - Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner during the performances. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices will be allowed during the performance. Further, any disruptive behavior, such as talking or undue noise, will not be tolerated. The BVU campus is tobacco free including ACES events.

Attire - Cultural Events are considered semi-formal and students will be required to dress accordingly. Students wearing casual attire such as jeans, t-shirts, ball caps, and athletic shoes or attire, will be asked to leave.

Scholarly Events

Scholarly ACES are a series of lectures/programs related to topics within the academic disciplines and sponsored by the University undergraduate schools.

Buena Vista University performances such as theatre, choir, band, and jazz band are part of the Scholarly Series.

Most of the time you do not need a ticket to attend these events and seating is first come, first serve. These events take place in various rooms around campus.

These events are open to the general public.

Dress for these events may be casual, but respectful.

Student Life Events

Student Life ACES are a series of lectures/programs related to topics of wellness, transition to college learning and living, financial literacy and the like.

These events take place in various locations on campus and are open to the public.

Dress for these events may be casual, but respectful.

Requirements

Entering first year students: A minimum of 2.0 credits must be earned in the first four semesters of attendance.

Entering transfer students: The amount of credit required to graduate depends on transferred credit hours accepted by the Registrar’s Office based on the following.

Transfer Hours		Credit Required
0-23		2.0
24-55		1.5
56-86		1.0
87-more		0.5

Transfer students must earn ACES credits in consecutive semesters beginning with the first semester.

Non-degree seeking students and part-time students at the Storm Lake campus are not required to fulfill ACES requirements, nor are BVU Graduate & Professional Studies students.

Earning ACES Credit

A student earns .5 credits in a semester by attending eight (8) ACES events with the following distribution:

• 2 Cultural Events
• 4 Scholarly Events 
• 1 Student Life Event
• 1 Event of the Student's Choice 

ACES Change of Grade Contract Process

If a student has been recorded in attendance for at least six (6) events in a given semester, but fails to attend the required 8 (with correct distribution) he/she may file for a Change of Grade Contract. This must be done through the ACES director prior to a designated deadline toward the end of the semester. Approval must be granted. This status requires a student do the following:

1. Earn .5 ACES credit for the immediate semester following the incomplete semester by meeting the quantity and distribution requirements.

2. Attend extra events to complete the previous semester’s incomplete distribution requirement.