Lipscomb University is committed to defining, publishing, making readily available, and consistently applying to students its policies and procedures. As such, the institution annually publishes the Lipscomb University Graduate Student Handbook. The School of Physician Assistant Studies Student Handbook serves in conjunction with and as a supplement to the aforementioned institutional handbook.
In this section, institutional information and policies will be summarized and referenced as appropriate to provide students with guidance and direction relating to Lipscomb University policies. In no way shall this handbook shall substitute for the university policies contained herein.
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
History
Lipscomb University was established in 1891 and has since grown into the liberal arts institution it is today, offering an engaging, intellectually challenging environment for graduate education and a commitment to encourage and support spiritual formation in every member of the university community. Lipscomb’s 113-acre campus is located in the Green Hills area of Nashville, Tennessee. In this dynamic and beautiful setting, Lipscomb supports a nurturing environment where students can develop professionally and personally.
Visit the following site to review the historical timeline of Lipscomb University:
University Vision
Anchored in our Christ-centered mission, Lipscomb University will lead as a top-tier, nationally recognized institution. We will excel in teaching, learning and research; be ambitious in our service to others; and be driven by continuous improvement.
University Mission
We are a Christ-centered community preparing learners for purposeful lives through rigorous academics and transformative experiences.
University Core Tenets
We are a community engaged with the life and teachings of Jesus. We are committed to an ongoing search for truth. We provide excellent, whole-person learning experiences to shape lives of character, leadership, service and faith. We equip people to succeed in their vocation and contribute to the common good by living out their faith in action.
University Values
Love God – Matthew 22:37B-38 Seek to learn – Proverbs 1:5A
Serve others – Galatians 5:13B Embrace Collaboration – Galatians 5:22-23A
Respect all – Matthew 22:39B Deliver our best – Colossians 3:23A
Pursue joy – Psalm 68:3 Create solutions – Jeremiah 33:3
Visit the following site to review What We Believe, The Centering Core, Statement of Faith, and Heritage:
Nondiscriminatory Policy
Lipscomb University is a private Christian university open to any qualified student without regard to race, religion, sex, age, color, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Lipscomb University complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, and does not engage in prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, color, national or ethnic origin, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, programs and activities. This policy includes admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, employment practices, and athletic and other school administered programs.
Lipscomb University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. The university is controlled by a Board of Trustees and is operated within the Christian-oriented aims and ideals and religious tenets of the Church of Christ as taught in Holy Scripture. As a religiously controlled institution of higher education, Lipscomb University is exempt from compliance with some provisions of certain civil rights laws.
Accreditation
Lipscomb University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Lipscomb University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic Calendar
The academic calendar for Lipscomb University can be viewed at either of the following
Catalog: https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=29&navoid=2369
Website: https://lipscomb.edu/academics/office-registrar/academic-calendar
Academic Integrity
A community built on principles of Christlikeness sets a very high standard! All members of the Lipscomb University community are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and honorably, and with integrity in all activities and uphold the values of the institution and must not lie, cheat, or steal in academic endeavors, nor condone the actions of those who do. The full academic integrity policy can be viewed at:
Academic Program Orientation and Graduate Student Orientation to University Resources
Each graduate program provides students with an academic orientation that fully describes what students should know about the program’s curricular objectives, requirements, and program-related policies. Consult the program’s director or administrative staff for when the orientation takes place or how you can access the information provided through the academic orientation. Graduate Students also have access through Canvas to the Graduate Student Orientation to University Resources, which presents information about the academic and support services provided on campus and how to access those services.
Class Schedules
All graduate program class schedules can be viewed at:
Graduate Catalog
Students are expected to follow and adhere to the specific academic guidelines and requirements of the graduate programs in which they are enrolled. Academic curriculum requirements, course descriptions, and policies are located in the Graduate Catalog, which can be accessed at:
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The role of the IRB is to review all proposed research involving human subjects to ensure that subjects are treated ethically and that their rights and welfare are adequately protected. Information about the IRB can be reviewed at:
Learning Commons: Graduate Student Support
The Learning Commons is dedicated to empowering you to reach your fullest potential within a transformative, collaborative, and welcoming environment that promotes academic excellence and professional growth. It is comprised of:
Beaman Library
Career Development Center
Center for Teaching and Learning
Coggin Family Academic Success Center
Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports
In the Center for Speaking and Writing, located in Beaman Library, you have access to dedicated writing support hours, as well as help with presentations and public speaking. Whether you’re polishing a paper or preparing to present, this resource is available to help you communicate with clarity and confidence. Information about the Learning Commons can be viewed at:
Office of Research and Grants (ORG)
The ORG assists faculty and staff by providing the resources needed to be successful in finding and submitting grant opportunities, monitoring grant awards, managing contracts and subcontracts, supporting relationships with research institutions and funding agencies, regular reporting, and managing grant funding (among other activities). Further information about the ORG can be viewed at:
Use of Artificial Intelligence
One of the core tenets of Lipscomb University is a commitment to an ongoing search for truth. As researchers and Christ followers, we strive to progress toward what is true and to do so with integrity. To this end, Lipscomb researchers, including faculty, staff, and students must carefully consider the use and scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research-related endeavors and research writing. Guidance regarding the use of AI in Research and Research Writing can be viewed at:
POLICIES
UNIVERSITY HANDBOOKS
University handbooks, which contain additional policies related to the current academic year, are also available to PA students for reference.
RESOURCES
Lipscomb University provides academic support and student services to PA students that are equivalent to those services provided to other comparable students of the institution. Please visit the link below for more information and a list of available resources.
Page/Policy/Guideline Information
Last Reviewed: 2025.08
Devised/Revised: 2025.08