Academic Information

Probation

Any student whose cumulative grade point average at the end of any semester is less than 2.0 (3.0 for M.A.R.S. and D.Min. students) shall incur probation at the end of that semester. Probationary students who in the succeeding semester fail to raise their cumulative average to at least a 2.0 (3.0 for M.A.R.S. and D.Min. students) are dropped immediately. Students who are first admitted to the School of Divinity on probation may not be readmitted if dropped for poor scholarship. Individuals who remove their first probation are dropped if they incur probation thereafter. Students who are dropped for poor scholarship may be readmitted at the discretion of the faculty, following an absence of at least one semester.

Academic Advisement

A system of academic advisement for students in the Master of Arts in Religious Studies (M.A.R.S.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree programs is available and mandatory. It may begin for some during the personal interview either as an applicant for admission or at the time of admission. It will continue throughout the years a student is enrolled at the School of Divinity. Students may be reassigned faculty advisers when necessary.

The purpose of academic advisement at the School is to ensure planning of academic work in terms of a student’s goals and the Divinity School resources for fulfilling those goals. During orientation, entering students in the M.A.R.S., M.Div., and D.Min. degree programs meet with faculty advisers to exchange information about education for ministry and educational resources to meet student goals, especially curriculum offerings. Students and advisors plan programs of study, including a schedule of future meetings. Since the needs of students differ widely in this respect, regular meetings with advisers may be preferred to a looser, less methodical arrangement. In either case, it is the School of Divinity’s aim to provide special attention to this important part of education.

Credit for Directed Study

With the consent of the professor concerned and with the approval of the Masters Degree Committee or the Doctoral Degree Committee, a student who has completed at least one year of theological study and is judged competent to undertake directed study may secure up to three credits in any semester for such work. Directed study normally follows completion of the area requirements in the program of study. The professor concerned, after consultation with the student, will set the program of study and, before the end of the semester, will ascertain either through examination or paper that it has been satisfactorily completed. Normally no more than six credit hours of directed study may be counted toward any degree requirement.