HANDBOOK with Bylaws, revised April 3, 2004 Agnes deLanvallei, Chancellor

ROYAL CHARTER OF THE ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIR-HAFOC

Let all the people of the known world be advised that the organization of learning known as the Royal University of Scir-Hafoc is hereby chartered under the authority and protection of the Crown and Throne of Calontir, as a Royal University with all traditional autonomy from civil political authority, save for the direct and express authority of the Crown of Calontir, whose authority shall be exercised only if the University should seriously depart from the goals, spirit, and purpose of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

Be it also ordered that the University shall be governed by a Chancellor and Board of Regents, and that all policy shall ultimately be determined by that Chancellor and Board of Regents, that the University shall be self-supporting and exempt from taxation in all localities, and that the University shall enjoy the right to establish such by-laws as are necessary for its continued operation.

Let all scholars be enjoined to serve their studies with all diligence, faithfulness and sincerity and that in all things and above all things, they ever observe unity, peace, and mutual charity.

Done by Our Hands this twenty-seventh day of May, Anno Societas XIX, sitting on Our Thrones in Our Barony of the Forgotten Sea.

                                    Chepe Rex                                                       Arwyn Regina

Alix Courbois Kingdom Seneschal

 

MOTTO

The Motto of the Royal University is “Numquan Veritas Dormit” Truth Never Sleeps.

BADGE

Our Badge is “Purpure, on a Pale Or between Two Hawk’s Lures Or, a Crane in Its Vigilance Sable.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS


PUBLISHING DISCLAIMER............................................................................................................................................................................ i

ROYAL CHARTER OF THE ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIR-HAFOC................................................................................................... 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

WHAT IS RUSH?............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

THE RUSH BOARD......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................................................................... 4

FEES................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

COLLEGES AND DEPARTMENTS............................................................................................................................................................... 4

DEGREES AND TITLES OFFERED BY THE ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIR HAFOC........................................................................ 5

Student Degrees............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Auditor Artis..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Lector Artis....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

RAC Auditor..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

RAC Lector........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Instructor Honors............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Magister............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Snoter................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

RAC Magister................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

RAC Snoter....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

WAIVING OF PREREQUISITE CLASS WORK.......................................................................................................................................... 6

NON-SESSION CREDITS................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

BECOMING A RUSH INSTRUCTOR............................................................................................................................................................ 7

HOW THE CLASS SCHEDULE IS PUT TOGETHER................................................................................................................................. 7

STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES...................................................................................................... 8

CHILDREN AT RUSH..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

MERCHANTS AT RUSH................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

EVALUATION OF CLASSES......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

GRADING POLICY........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

THE ROYAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REVIEW...................................................................................................................................... 9

GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

KINGDOM SESSION ROTATION................................................................................................................................................................. 9

By-Laws of the Royal University of Scir Hafoc......................................................................................................................................... 10


 

This issue of the Student/Instructor Handboke was produced by Mistress Luciana della Ridolfi, with editorial assistance provided by Mistress Tamara Tysjachyvolosova.  All policies and procedures contained herein were determined and/or approved by the Board of Regents of the Royal University of Scir-Hafoc.  Many thanks to the RUSH board, past and present, who have created this body of information.

Badge rendering taken from an original by Mistress Olga Krombashnya.
 

WHAT IS RUSH?

The Royal University of Scir-Hafoc (RUSH) of the Kingdom of Calontir was chartered in May of AS XIX (1984).  Our first session was held November of 1984 in the Barony of Three Rivers.  The work of many gentles over the intervening years has given the Kingdom an established institution for scholarly pursuits.

Our name, Scir-Hafoc, comes from an Old English term meaning “bright falcon” and is used with the express permission of its creator, Margaret Clark.  The acronym “RUSH” seems an apt description of the behavior of the RUSH board on the day of a session.  We ask that our name be used only in connection with events planned and executed with the participation of the RUSH Board of Regents.

Kingdom RUSH sessions are held regularly, at locations that vary across the Kingdom. RUSH also supports classes taught at events and within the shires and baronies of Calontir. A broad spectrum of classes on various aspects of pre-17th century culture, and about the Society itself, is taught.  Individuals may take these classes for enlightenment and enjoyment, or they may work toward a “degree”.  RUSH is not an accredited institution and cannot confer credentials in the modem world.

Additionally, RUSH credits may be earned through classes held outside the Kingdom RUSH sessions.

Any person willing to register and pay fees may attend RUSH.  National membership is not required.  People new to the Society will find RUSH classes particularly beneficial.  Specific instructions for registration for each session are included in the flyer that appears in the MEWS and at the website <www.calontir-rush.org>.

THE RUSH BOARD

The Crown appoints the Chancellor to be the executive officer of RUSH.  The Chancellor presides over its business meetings and makes final decisions on policy.  Assisting the Chancellor are the other RUSH Officers and Regents.  As a body, these people constitute the Board of Regents, RUSH’s governing body, which meets at every Kingdom RUSH session and also as needed.

The Provost is the chief administrative assistant to the Chancellor and is secretary to the Board of Regents.  This person is also responsible for collecting student and instructor feedback and summarizing it for instructors and the Board.

The Registrar maintains a list of all courses taught, checks completed degrees for accuracy and recommends graduation to the Chancellor; maintains a database of graduates and degrees received. The Bursar handles all RUSH money, keeps the financial records, and issues reports to the Kingdom Treasurer, the Chancellor, and RUSH Board.

The Constable is the safety, security, and on-site information officer of RUSH.

The Virtual Scribe maintains the RUSH website and is the Board’s computer and technology resource.

Calontir is divided into geographic regions, each of which has its own Regent.  These Regents are responsible for sessions held on their campuses, providing information about RUSH, and facilitating acquisition of RUSH credit.

Other Regents function outside the geographic boundaries.  The Dean of the Royal Academy of Calontir (DRAC) promotes and coordinates children’s educational activities at Kingdom RUSH sessions.

Many of these officers appoint deputies to assist them in their work.  If you are interested in becoming a part of the RUSH Board, send a letter to the Chancellor or to the officer whose job you would like to learn.  Watch for announcements of Board openings in the MEWS and on the website.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Historically, RUSH Registrar kept records of every class taken by every student.  At the RUSH meeting on March 6, 2004, the RUSH Board changed the record-keeping method.  The new procedure will take effect at the beginning of the War of the Lilies, June 2004) AS XXXVIIII, 

Student Record after June 2004.  Students keep the list of the classes they have taken.  After each class, instructors initial the student’s form.  When the student has taken enough classes for a degree, they submit the list to the RUSH Registrar, who checks for accuracy.  If there are no problems, the student will graduate at the next RUSH graduation

Student Records before June 2004.  RUSH will continue to maintain all records it has collected in perpetuity They will be available upon request from the Registrar.  Most graduating students will have some old system and some new system records for many years.

Limited enrollment classes:  Some classes have limited enrollment.  Your best chance at getting into these classes is to reserve space early, by contacting the Registrar, listed on the website or by contacting the Chancellor listed in the MEWS.  Reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis.  If the class you want is full by the time your reservation is received, your name will be put on a waiting list.

FEES

For stand-alone RUSH sessions, there is an event fee, the proceeds of which shall be split between RUSH and the hosting group with the hosting group guaranteed a minimum of 50%.  Everyone attending any stand-alone RUSH session – whether they are taking classes, teaching, or just there to socialize – is required to pay the event fee.  RUSH does not generally collect fees when other activities in addition to RUSH are also occurring at the event.

All instructors of RUSH have the right to charge class fees that will reimburse them for the cost of materials.  When possible, these costs are published in the MEWS or on the website. However, instructors may change the costs without prior notice.   These fees are paid directly to the individual instructors in each class. Please check with the instructor.

COLLEGES AND DEPARTMENTS

The class offerings at RUSH are divided into colleges and departments.

The only college RUSH currently supports is the Royal Academy of Calontir (RAC).  RAC provides educational opportunities for children ages 5 – 14.  The classes cover the same diversity as RUSH classes but are targeted to a younger student.  RAC students may be permitted to attend RUSH classes (see children at RUSH below).  RAC classes are indicated on the schedule.

The departments of RUSH are used to indicate class subject and, for those working toward a degree, show the diversity of classes taken by the student.

DEGREES AND TITLES OFFERED BY THE ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIR HAFOC

RUSH offers four (4) degrees: Auditor Artis, Lector Artis, RAC (Royal Academy of Children) Auditor, and RAC Lector; plus honorary titles for instructors: Magister and Snoter.  These RUSH degrees and honors should not be confused with the degrees conferred by modern academic institutions.  RUSH also confers the honorary title of Fellow upon those individuals who have provided extraordinary service to RUSH.

The Auditor and Lector degree programs suggest a course of study within the Society of Creative Anachronism for gentles seeking a broader understanding of the Society and the times it seeks to recreate.  A certain number of class hours in each of several subject areas are required to attain each degree.

A gentle need not pursue a degree to fully participate in RUSH.  Each student is free to choose which classes to take.  Attainment of a RUSH degree is highly applauded by the RUSH staff.  However, as the degree is not an official Kingdom level award, it has no bearing on an individual’s ranking in the Kingdom’s Order of Precedence

Student Degrees

 

The RUSH Board revised the degree program on March 6, 2004.  Students may graduate on either the “Old System, or the “Current System”, (both detailed below), at their discretion.  Future RUSH Boards may put a termination date on use of the “Old System”

OLD SYSTEM (Before March 2004)

Auditor Artis

Requirements (class prefixes included):

      4 hrs SCA history/culture                                                                                                 COMP; SCA

      2 hrs basic heraldry                                                                                                                     HERL

      2 hrs fighting/fighting appreciation/archery                                                ARMR; LIST; MISS; WARS

      3 hrs performing arts                                                                                       DANC; DRAM; MUSC
      3 hrs medieval history                                                                                                                   HIST
      2 hrs medieval philosophy/theology/mathematics/law                                             LAW; MATH; PHIL
      3 hrs adornment                                                              CLAC; CLER; CLNR; FIBR; JEWL; NEDL

      3 hrs life arts                                                                                         BREW; CHIR; COOK; HERB

      3 hrs life sciences                                       EQUS; FIRE; LETH; METL; SCI; SHIIP; TENT; WOOD

      3 hrs fine arts                                                                                 A&A; GAME; LANG; LIT; MSCR

In order to successfully fulfill the requirements for the Auditor Artis degree, a student must complete forty (40) hours of class credit divided as indicated above, with 28 specified topics and 12 electives.

Lector Artis

In order to successfully fulfill the requirements for the Lector Artis Degree, a student must complete sixty (60) hours of class credit from the University, including the completion of the Auditor Artis Degree.  The student may choose to concentrate in a specific area or pursue a general course of study for the additional twenty (20) hours.

RAC Auditor

Requirements (class prefixes included):

      2 hrs SCA history/culture                                                                                                 COMP; SCA

      1 hrs basic heraldry                                                                                                                     HERL

      1 hrs fighting/fighting appreciation/archery                                                ARMR; LIST; MISS; WARS

      2 hrs performing arts                                                                                       DANC; DRAM; MUSC
      1 hrs medieval history                                                                                                                   HIST
      2 hrs adornment                                                              CLAC; CLER; CLNR; FIBR; JEWL; NEDL
      2 hrs life arts                                                                                         BREW; CHIR; COOK; HERB

      2 hrs life sciences                                       EQUS; FIRE; LETH; METL; SCI; SHIIP; TENT; WOOD

      2 hrs fine arts                                                                                 A&A; GAME; LANG; LIT; MSCR

To complete the RAC Auditor requirements, a total of twenty (20) hours of credit are required with 15 specified topics and 5 hours of electives.

RAC Lector

In order to successfully fulfill the requirements for the RAC Lector Degree, a student must complete thirty (30) hours of class credit from the University, including the completion of the RAC Auditor Degree.  The student may choose to concentrate in a specific area or pursue a general course of study for the additional ten (10) hours.

 

Instructor Honors

Instructor Honors are offered only to RUSH instructors.

Magister

In order to successfully complete the requirement for the title of Magister, an instructor must have taught five (5) times.

Snoter

An honorary title awarded to those individuals who have taught ten (10) or more times and who have completed the Auditor Artis degree.

RAC Magister

An honorary title offered only to RAC faculty who have taught Royal Academy of Children classes five (5) times.

RAC Snoter

An honorary title shall be awarded to those individuals who have taught at least ten (10) RAC classes and have completed an RAC Auditor or an Auditor Artis degree.

 

CURRENT SYSTEM:  APRROVED MARCH 6, 2004; IN PLACE JUNE 2004

Major Changes:

1)      All categories in the degree require the same number of classes (3);

2)      Classes rather than hours are counted;

3)      The same course number cannot be used twice in any category. (A second course with the same course number can be counted as an elective. 

4)      New requirement for hands-on classes.  The classes used in this category may be used above to meet the 3-class requirement in the relevant topic area.  In that case an additional class will be needed as an elective.

5)      Changed numbering system

6) All records of courses taken kept by students.  Lists of courses taught will be archived on the RUSH website.

Auditor Artis

Requirements (class prefixes included):

A total of 40 classes, 15 as follows

HERALDRY                                                                                                                               3 classes     

COSTUMING                                                                                                                             3 classes     

FINE ARTS                                                                                                                                 3 classes     

PERFORMING ARTS                                                                                                                 3 classes
TEXTILES                                                                                                                                  3 classes

LIFE SCIENCES                                                                                                                         3 classes     

SOCIAL SCIENCES                                                                                                                   3 classes
WARS                                                                                                                                        3 classes

SCA CULTURE & HISTORY                                                                                                     3 classes

Plus THREE Hands-on-class (from any category)

 

Plus the remaining 10 in any area.

In order to successfully fulfill the requirements for the Auditor Artis degree, a student must complete forty (40) hours of class divided as indicated above, with 30 specified topics and 10 electives.

Lector Artis

In order to successfully fulfill the requirements for the Lector Artis Degree, a student must complete sixty (60) classes from the University, including the completion of the Auditor Artis Degree.  The student may choose to concentrate in a specific area or pursue a general course of study for the additional twenty (20) classes.

RAC Auditor

Requirements (class prefixes included):

HERALDRY                                                                                                                               2 classes     

COSTUMING                                                                                                                             2 classes     

FINE ARTS                                                                                                                                 2 classes     

PERFORMING ARTS                                                                                                                 2 classes
TEXTILES                                                                                                                                  2 classes

LIFE SCIENCES                                                                                                                         2 classes     

SOCIAL SCIENCES                                                                                                                   2 classes
WARS                                                                                                                                        2 classes

SCA CULTURE & HISTORY                                                                                                     2 classes

Plus TWO Hands-on-class (from any category)

To complete the RAC Auditor requirements, a total of twenty (20) classes are required as described.

RAC Lector

In order to successfully fulfill the requirements for the RAC Lector Degree, a student must complete thirty (30) classes from the University, including the completion of the RAC Auditor Degree.  The student may choose to concentrate in a specific area or pursue a general course of study for the additional ten (10) classses.

Instructor Honors

Instructor Honors are offered only to RUSH instructors.

Magister

In order to successfully complete the requirement for the title of Magister, an instructor must have taught five (5) times.

Snoter

An honorary title awarded to those individuals who have taught ten (10) or more times and who have completed the Auditor Artis degree.

RAC Magister

An honorary title offered only to RAC faculty who have taught Royal Academy of Children classes five (5) times.

RAC Snoter

An honorary title shall be awarded to those individuals who have taught at least ten (10) RAC classes and have completed an RAC Auditor or an Auditor Artis degree.

       
If you think you may qualify for a RUSH degree and/or honor and would like to be so recognized, it is up to you to let the RUSH Board know.  Specifically – contact the Registrar and ask to have a transcript printed.  Review the transcript for errors or omissions, and check it against the degree requirements.  The Chancellor and Registrar will determine if you are eligible.

WAIVING OF PREREQUISITE CLASS WORK

For classes with prerequisites, the student with experience/knowledge can petition the instructor to waive the prerequisite requirement.  In this case, no credit shall be awarded for the classes not taken; the only credit hours given will be those for the class actually attended.

COURSE NUMBERS—AFTER MARCH 2004

NEW NUMBERING SYSTEM IS AS FOLLOWS: 

10-19 Heraldry

20-29 Costuming

30-39 Fine Arts

40-49 Performing Arts

50-59 Textiles

60-59 Life Sciences

60-79 Social Sciences

80-89 Wars

90-99 SCA Culture

Specifics:

HERALDRY HERL

10                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

11                Survey/Overview/ History

12                Heraldic Design / Vocabulary / Blazoning

13                Naming Practices

14                Field Heraldry / Voice

15                Displays / Banners / Clothing

16                Protocol & Etiquette

17                Ceremonies

18                SCA Specific

19                Misc/ Other Related

COSTUMING       COST

20                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

21                Survey/Overview/ History

22                Headwear/ Hoods / Hats /Veils

23                Footwear/Shoes/Boots etc.

24                Outerwear/ Cloaks/ Great Coats

25                Garb/ Tunics/ Gowns/ Pants/ Cyclas’

26                Undergarments/ Chemise/ Hose etc.

27                Accessories/ Pouches/ Gloves/ Belts

28                Patterns

29                Misc/ Other Related

FINE ARTS     FINE

30                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

31                Arts & Architecture

32                Calligraphy

33                Illumination

34                Materials

35                Languages

36                Literature

37                Games & Recreation

38                SCA Specific

39                Misc/ Other Related

PERFORMING ARTS    PERF

40                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

41                Survey/Overview/ History

42                Vocal/ Choral Music

43                Instrumental Music

44                Dance

45                Drama / Storytelling/Bardic

46                Drama – Theater/ Puppets

47                Materials

48                SCA Specific

49                Misc/ Other Related

TEXTILES        TEXT

50                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

51                Survey/Overview/ History

52                Needlework/ Embroidery / Blackwork/ Sewing

53                Weaving

54                Spinning

55                Dyeing

56                Fabrics & Felting

57                Knitting & Naalbinding

58                Tatting/ Lace making

59                Misc/ Other Related

LIFE SCIENCES          LIFE

60                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

61                Health/ Chiurgeon / Waterbearing

62                Food & Nutrition

63                Animals

64                Fire

65                Wood

66                Metal

67                Leather

68                SCA Specific

69                Misc/ Other Related

SOCIAL SCIENCES      SOC

70                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

71                Survey/Overview/ History

72                Law

73                Math

74                Philosophy

75                History of Specific Person

76                History of Specific Culture

77                History of Specific Event

78                SCA Specific

79                Misc/ Other Related

WARS             WARS

80                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

81                Survey/Overview/ History

82                Armor

83                Weapons

84                Archery

85                Tactics & Scouting

86                Marshalling

87                Tournaments & List

88                Clinics – For Skill Practice

89                Misc/ Other Related

SCA CULTURE & HISTORY            SCA

90                Open/ Discussion/ Roundtables

91                Persona development

92                Beginner Orientation

93                Children & Page School

94                Documentation & Competition

95                Relationships/ Judging/ Conflict Resolution

96                Event Planning/ Demos / Public Relations

97                Awards & Orders

98                Teaching & Trainings

99                Misc/ Other Related

This system is applied as follows:  the person organizing these sessions of classes, in consultation with the instructor, chooses the appropriate category and uses that number. 

 

NON-SESSION ADDITIONAL CREDITS

Participation in educational events in Calontir outside RUSH Regular Sessions, (e.g. Scribes’ Guild and War College class sessions, baronial and shire classes). Can be applied toward RUSH degrees by the same methods for regular RUSH session classes:  put it on the student course list.  Information needed: course’s class number, title and instructor, place and date. Get instructor’s signature that you attended. 

 

BECOMING A RUSH INSTRUCTOR

RUSH encourages everyone, regardless of rank, to share his or her knowledge with the Kingdom.  New classes and instructors, with a diversity of subject matter and viewpoint, are always welcome.  The RUSH Board will review all class offerings to determine if they are appropriate for the RUSH curriculum.

The procedure for being a RUSH instructor:

1. Fill out a Class Information Form for each class you would like to teach.  Include a short outline, description, or overview of the material you are covering in the class.  Be sure to fill out the form completely.  If you are unsure about any items, ask a Regent for help.  The form is available from any RUSH Board member and is on the website.

2. Send the completed form to the Registrar.  Contact the Chancellor for a current listing of the RUSH Board.  The Chancellor’s name and address are in the MEWS and the entire RUSH Board in listed on the website.  The Registrar will inform the Regents about new classes. This will happen automatically if you use the form on the RUSH website.