Student Handbook - Faith Seeking Understanding . Understanding Making a Difference - St. Mary's Seminary & University
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St. Mary’s Seminary & University
ST.MARY’S ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE
More than 50 Years of Ecumenical Theological Education
Student Handbook
2021 — 2022 Edition
Faith Seeking Understanding….
Understanding Making a Differencepublished by
ST. MARY’S ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE
St. Mary’s Seminary & University
5400 Roland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21210-1994
Fall 2021
Fax
410.864.4205
ei@stmarys.edu
www.stmarys.edu/ei
The administration of the St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute reserves the right to supplement
or otherwise modify the policies and procedures described in this Handbook, and to
correct any typographical or similar kinds of errors.TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 1 Planning Culminating Experiences
for Degree Programs .............. 21
INTRODUCTION ............................................................ 3 Grades and Grading ............................ 22
Incompletes ......................................... 22
CONTACT US/BUILDING ACCESS .......................... 4 Writing Assistance .............................. 22
E.I. Staff ................................................ 4 Canvas ................................................. 23
E.I. Faculty............................................ 6 Dean’s List .......................................... 23
Other Numbers/Location/ Procedures for Handling Academic
Building Layout ....................... 7 Concerns and Grievances ....... 23
Academic Counseling ......................... 24
INTRODUCING ST. MARY’S Academic Probation & Dismissal ....... 24
SEMINARY & UNIVERSITY....................................... 8
KNOTT LIBRARY........................................................27
THE MISSION AND CHARACTER OF General Overview ............................... 27
THE ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE ................................ 9 Web Site .............................................. 27
An Overview......................................... 9 Access to the Library .......................... 27
Mission Statement ................................ 9 General Regulations ............................ 27
Motto .................................................... 9 Library Cards/Borrowing Books ......... 27
Goals and Objectives .......................... 10 Loan Periods ....................................... 28
Community-Life Agreement .............. 11 Overdue Books.................................... 28
Lost Books .......................................... 28
ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND SERVICES ......12 Photocopying ...................................... 28
General Information Computers ........................................... 28
about Registration .................. 12 Remote Access to the Catalog &
Payment of Tuition and Fees .............. 12 Research Databases................ 28
Changes in Registration ...................... 12 Interlibrary Cooperation...................... 29
Course Load........................................ 12 Interlibrary Loans................................ 29
New Students ...................................... 13
Academic Skills Assessment (A.S.A.) 13 OTHER INFORMATION AND SERVICES..............30
Student Responsibility ........................ 13 Accommodations for Disabilities........ 30
Submission of Original Work and Seminary Chapel ................................. 30
Retention of Copies ............... 14 Dining Hall .......................................... 30
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism .... 14 E.I. Lounge .......................................... 30
Degree & Certificate Requirements.... 15 Communication ................................... 30
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) ............... 16 Wireless Internet Access ..................... 30
Certificate of Advanced Studies Electronic Devices .............................. 31
(C.A.S.) .................................. 16 Security and I.D. Badges..................... 31
Loss of Candidacy & Leaves Parking ................................................ 31
of Absence ............................. 16
Planning One’s Course Sequence ....... 16 COMMUNITY-LIFE POLICIES................................32
Pre- and Co-requisites......................... 17 Criminal Background Check............... 32
Cancellation of Classes for Smoking Policy ................................... 32
Inclement Weather................. 18 Drug & Alcohol Policy/Substance
Attendance & Class Participation ....... 18 Abuse Prevention Program .... 32
Auditing .............................................. 19 Firearms and Weapons ........................ 33
Independent Study .............................. 19 Discrimination and Harassment .......... 33
Field Placements ................................. 20 Sexual Misconduct Policy................... 33Reporting Sexual Misconduct
on Campus ............................. 34
Procedures for Addressing Reports
of Sexual Misconduct ............ 34
Right-to-Know Act ............................. 36
Procedures and Penalties Related
to the Violation of
Community Standards ........... 36
2INTRODUCTION
This Student Handbook supplements the current academic policies and
procedures, which are published on our website. It also provides
practical guidance for study and life within St. Mary’s Ecumenical
Institute. We hope it serves as a tool of both communication and
community.
Students may receive updates and/or supplements to this Handbook from
time to time. Such supplements that alter existing policy in the Handbook
will specifically indicate the pertinent item and the effective date.
This is especially apropos in this era of a COVID-19 pandemic. Although
the information in this Handbook is accurate in normal semesters,
certain policies and practices may be altered during the pandemic. The
reason for these altered policies and practices is straightforward: to
safeguard the health of all who are part of the learning community.
Given that this is a fluid situation, know that we will follow CDC
guidelines and local government policies in terms of on-campus
activities, including classes. When restrictions can be eased, we will
communicate with students and faculty via our website and electronic
communication, especially the weekly bulletin.
As your deans, we join the entire staff and faculty of St. Mary’s
Ecumenical Institute in wishing you a fruitful and rewarding experience as
you pursue your theological education here.
Rev. Brent Laytham, Ph.D.
Dean
Pat Fosarelli, M.D., D.Min.
Associate Dean of Instruction
Rebecca Hancock, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Administration
Fall 2021
3CONTACT US/BUILDING ACCESS
N.B. The best way to reach staff members is by e-mail.
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute Staff (* = alum)
Appointments are strongly recommended for meetings with all members of the staff.
Name & Title Phone, Email, and Office Normal office hours
(subject to change)
Dr. Brent Laytham 410.864.4201 M-F
Dean blaytham@stmarys.edu 9-5
214B
Dr. Pat Fosarelli*
410.864.4204 M-F
Associate Dean of Instruction pfosarelli@stmarys.edu 8:30-4:30
217B
Dr. Rebecca Hancock 410.864.4202 M-F
Associate Dean of Administration rhancock@stmarys.edu 9-5
223B
Dr. Jason Poling 410.864.
M 1-5
Director, D.Min. program jpoling@stmarys.edu
Th 9 – 1
Dr. Michael Gorman 410-864. Office hours by appointment:
Director, CAS program mgorman@stmarys.edu Mondays 3-5;
Wednesdays 11-3;
Zoom any time.
Kaye Guidugli*
410.864.4203 M-F
Director, Recruitment &
kguidugli@stmarys.edu 9-5
Advancement
225B
Marcia Hancock 410.864.4234 M-Th
Billing Specialist mhancock@stmarys.edu 8:00-2:30
218B
Paula Thigpen 410.864.3605 M-F
University Registrar pthigpen@stmarys.edu 8:30-4:30
222B
410.864.3606
Dr. Kimberly McManus by appointment and email
eiwriting@stmarys.edu
Writing Specialist
210A
Emily Hicks* 410.864.3657 by email
CANVAS Specialist ehicks@stmarys.edu
220A
Office Assistants Varies
410.864.4208
eisupport@stmarys.edu
4Dr. Christopher Dreisbach 410.516.9868 by email
Advisor cdreisbach@jhu.edu
Dr. Michael Gorman
Director, CAS Program; Advisor 410.864.3683
mgorman@stmarys.edu by email
Dr. Tony Hunt
Advisor 410.588.5620
cahunt@msn.com by email
5ST. MARY’S ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE
FACULTY DIRECTORY 2021—2022
Anderson, Jeff, Ed.D. Jorgensen, Rev. Janyce C., Ph.D. Reisner, Rabbi Avram
D.Min. Faculty Biblical and Ecumenical Studies, Jewish Studies
janderson@stmarys.edu Religious Education 410.486.0758
717.428.1878 avramresiner@aim.com
Berry, Brian, Ph.D. rjjorg@aol.com
Moral Theology Sutherland, Arthur M., Ph.D.
bberry@ndm.edu Langmead, Joseph M., S.T.D. Systematic and Moral Theology
Systematic Theology 410.617.2217
Cardin, Rabbi Nina Beth 410.435.8333 asutherland@loyola.edu
Jewish Studies joseph.langmead@verizon.net
410.486.0758
ncardin@comcast.net Laytham, Rev. Brent, Ph.D.
Dean Visiting Adjunct Professors
Dreisbach, Christopher, Ph.D. Systematic and Moral Theology
Systematic and Moral Theology 410.864-4201 Brown, Katherine, Ph.D.
410.516.9868 blaytham@stmarys.edu Hebrew Bible
cdreisbach@jhu.edu Drkatherinebrown00@gmail.com
Lloyd, Stephen, Ph.D.
Fosarelli, Patricia, M.D., D.Min. History Edwards, Rev. Dennis, Ph.D.
Associate Dean - Instruction 301.412.1327 Biblical Studies (D.Min.)
Practical Theology, Spirituality sjlloyd@bu.edu dredwards@northpark.edu
410.864.4204
pfosarelli@stmarys.edu McManus, Kimberly, Ed.D., Eklund, Rev. Rebekah, Th.D.
D.Min. Biblical Studies (D.Min.)
Gorman, Rev. Mark, Th.D. Academic Writing Specialist raeklund@loyola.edu
Liturgics, Systematic Theology eiwriting@stmarys.edu
443.458.2092 Servant, Rev. Emily, Ph.D.
gorman.mark@gmail.com McNeel, Jennifer, Ph.D. Practical Theology (D.Min.)
Biblical Studies emilymralph@gmail.com
Gorman, Michael J., Ph.D. 804.386.5401
Biblical Studies, Spirituality jhmcneel@gmail.com
410.864.3683
mgorman@stmarys.edu Olsen, Derek, Ph. D.
Hancock, Rebecca, Ph.D. Biblical Studies, History
Associate Dean - Administration 443.986.8132
Biblical Studies derekaolsen@hotmail.com
410.864.4202
rhancock@stmarys.edu Poling, Rev. Jason, D.Min.
Director, D.Min. Program
Hayes, Rev. John, Ph.D. Practical Theology
Practical Theology, Spirituality jpoling@stmarys.edu
410.206.6410
johnmchlhayes@gmail.com Radosevic, Tracy, D.Min.
Practical Theology, Religious
Hunt, Rev. C. Anthony, Ph.D. Education
Practical, Moral, and 410.467.2996
Systematic Theology tracy@tracyrad.com
410.588.5620
cahunt@msn.com
6OTHER NUMBERS/LOCATION/BUILDING LAYOUT
(all begin 410/864-)
Center for Continuing Formation 4100 School of Theology 3602
Billing Office 4234 Switchboard 4000
Library Circulation Desk 3626 Writing Specialist 3606
Location and Access
St. Mary’s Seminary & University is located at the corner of Northern Parkway and Roland Avenue in North
Baltimore. From points north and the Baltimore Beltway (695), take beltway exit 23 (I-83 South) to the first
exit (Northern Parkway, east). Travel east through the intersection (Falls Road), turn right at the next
intersection (Roland Avenue), and then take the second driveway on the right (marked 5400) onto the
campus. From points south and downtown, take I-83 North to the first Northern Parkway exit (east) and
continue as above. We may also be reached on the #61 MTA bus (north-south on Roland Avenue) and the
#44 bus (east-west on Northern Parkway). The #27 (north-south) on Falls Road stops one (long, uphill) block
from St. Mary’s.
Main Parts of the Building
First Floor Second Floor
Information/Security Office E.I. Administrative Offices
Main Chapel Registrar’s Office
Classrooms Billing and Financial Aid Office
Library Writing Specialist
Laubacher Hall
Dining Hall
St. Charles Chapel
Center for Continuing Formation
E.I. Lounge (“The Upper Room”)
Access for the Disabled
See “Accommodations for Disabilities,” p. 30.
Security Guard and Staff on Afternoon and Evening Duty
When E.I. afternoon, evening, or weekend classes are in session, a
security guard is on duty at or near the front entrance. In addition, at least
one E.I. staff member is normally present in the E.I. offices until 6:00
p.m., and later on some evenings.
7INTRODUCING ST. MARY’S SEMINARY & UNIVERSITY
St. Mary’s Seminary & University, the oldest The dynamic relationship between St. Mary’s
Catholic seminary in the United States, was mission and its Sulpician ethos is the crucible
founded in 1791 by priests of the Society of St. within which the several purposes of the
Sulpice, based in Paris. St. Mary’s purpose is institution are realized.
articulated in its bylaws:
At the same time, the Ecumenical Institute
St. Mary’s provides for the spiritual, maintains its distinctive purpose and its autonomy
intellectual, and pastoral preparation of with respect to the content of its theological
candidates for priesthood in the Roman curriculum. It is a place where people of all
Catholic Church… and offers ecumenical Christian traditions, as well as inquirers and
and other programs in theology, ministry, others, contribute to the identity of the E.I. itself
and continuing formation for clergy and and also to the ethos of the larger institution.
laity. There is, in other words, an institutional spirit of
reciprocity and mutual respect.
St. Mary’s is divided into three divisions, the
School of Theology, or Seminary (for those The translation of Sulpician values into the
studying for the priesthood), the Ecumenical Ecumenical Institute means at least the following:
Institute of Theology, and the Center for • developing a theological community of
Continuing Formation. The Seminary currently learners and scholars, with shared
has about 80 students from various parts of the intellectual and spiritual goals, who
U.S. and from other countries. mutually benefit from one another’s
wisdom, knowledge, and experience;
The mission of St. Mary’s is grounded in and • integrating the intellectual and the
nourished by its Sulpician ethos and charism. spiritual;
Certain elements of the Sulpician tradition have • nurturing people’s sense of call and desire
been enumerated as particular hallmarks at St. to make a difference in the world;
Mary’s: • equipping those called to both lay and
• the creation of a formational community; ordained ministry in various religious
• an emphasis upon spiritual formation; traditions and settings;
• the cultivation of an apostolic spirit; • working together with ecumenical respect
• a commitment to ministerial priesthood; and sensitivity.
• the exercise of collegiality.
8THE MISSION AND CHARACTER OF
ST. MARY’S ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE
An Overview Mission Statement
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute was founded in The mission of the Ecumenical Institute of
1968 as the evening division of St. Mary’s Theology, the evening division of St. Mary’s
Seminary and University to provide accredited Seminary & University, is to offer accredited
graduate theological education in the greater ecumenical theological education at the Master of
Baltimore area. It is the only such institute within Arts level to qualified men and women in the
a Catholic seminary in the world. Both students greater Baltimore area. Through its academic
and faculty come from a wide range of religious programs and community events, the Ecumenical
backgrounds. Many students are men or women Institute seeks to provide opportunities for
who study part-time for personal enrichment or to personal or professional enrichment; preparation
prepare themselves for leadership roles in their for voluntary or professional leadership in a
religious communities. Other students are church, school, or community organization; and a
preparing for ordained ministry or professional basic theological foundation for ministry.
positions. The ecumenical character of the
Institute promotes mutual respect and As a center for theological study in a pluralistic
understanding for persons of all faiths. society, the Ecumenical Institute exists to promote
ecumenical and interfaith understanding and to
The E.I. offers courses in the major areas of contribute to the formation of a theologically and
theology: biblical studies, church history, ethically informed public. At the Ecumenical
systematic theology, moral theology, practical Institute, theological inquiry takes place in an
theology, spirituality, and ecumenical/interfaith atmosphere that acknowledges the diversity of
studies. Classes normally are open to any person religions and cultures while emphasizing the
with an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.75 Jewish and Christian traditions. The educational
GPA) from a regionally accredited institution, program of the Ecumenical Institute is intended to
regardless of major. Students may audit courses or stimulate careful reflection leading to knowledge
take courses for credit without being in a degree or of one’s own traditions and respect for the
certificate program. Classes are offered in fall, traditions of other people.
spring, and summer terms.
Approved by the Executive Board of the
These courses form a curriculum leading to the Ecumenical Institute of Theology
M.A. in Theology or the M.A. in Christian April 27, 1989
Ministries. Both degree programs require the
completion of 48 credits, including a core Approved by the Board of Trustees of
curriculum, plus a cumulative experience. St. Mary’s Seminary & University
Students may also choose to work toward a October 24, 1989
graduate certificate in a particular area; the
number of credits varies by certificate. The
certificate is currently available in four areas: Motto
biblical studies, CONNECT (faith, health, and (adopted for the 40th anniversary in 2008)
medicine), spirituality, and urban ministry (under
revision). In addition, the E.I. offers a post- Faith seeking understanding…
master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in understanding making a difference
Theology (30 credits) and a Doctorate in Ministry Seeking wisdom. Nourishing faith.
(D.Min.) degree; information about the latter can Engaging community.
be found in the D.Min. Handbook.
9Goals and Objectives
In light of its mission statement, St. Mary’s Intellectual integration: understanding of the
Ecumenical Institute recognizes certain goals and interconnections among various theological
objectives in its programs, with the conviction that disciplines and of the relationship between
its graduates should possess certain intellectual, theological reflection and praxis.
ecumenical, and (depending on their program)
practical skills gained or enhanced during their Ecumenical Skills
time of study. Ecumenical skills are evidenced in class
discussions and written papers that exhibit
Intellectual Skills knowledge, fairness, accuracy, and respect in the
Intellectual skills are evidenced in class consideration of other people and religious
discussion, initiative in theological conversation traditions. These skills include the following:
and research, and carefully prepared and argued
papers. These skills include the following: Ecumenical and interfaith understanding:
knowledge of key historical developments in intra-
Knowledge of the Judeo-Christian theological Christian and interreligious relations;
tradition: the acquisition of knowledge of the understanding of similarities and differences
Scriptures of both Testaments, the Jewish roots of among various religions and traditions within
Christianity and the ongoing relationship of religions (especially Christianity in its American
Christianity to Judaism, the significant aspects of context); and familiarity with key areas of
Christian theology in historical and contemporary disagreement, dialogue, and cooperation
perspective, aspects of historical and
contemporary practices of Christian spirituality, Ecumenical and interfaith respect: appropriate
and the fundamentals of Judeo-Christian regard for the traditions of others and for the
theological ethics and the variety of perspectives people who are part of those traditions
that this ethical tradition offers to contemporary
issues, all informed by the best contemporary Ecumenical and interfaith dialogue: the ability
ecumenical theological scholarship to engage in fair and respectful dialogue with
people from other religious traditions in a spirit
Skill in the exegesis of texts: ability to engage in that reflects both commitment to one’s own
the historical, literary, and conceptual analysis of tradition and willingness to learn from others and
primary sources in the theological tradition, their traditions
including Scripture, theological documents, and
ancillary sources Practical Skills
Practical skills are evidenced in the clear, coherent
Theological curiosity: the desire for the analysis and articulation of ideas, and (when
acquisition of new knowledge and perspectives appropriate) in the integration of theory with
practice in the exercise of particular forms of
Awareness of theological and ethical issues: ministry. These skills include the following:
acquaintance with major contemporary theological
and ethical questions, the complexity of those Critical thinking: the ability to analyze,
issues, and the variety of religious perspectives on synthesize, and evaluate theological texts and
them arguments
Theological reflection: the ability to engage in Excellence in communication: the ability to
careful, critical, and creative reflection on and articulate one’s perspectives, insights, and
about theological sources, traditions, and issues convictions in excellent English, both orally and in
writing
10For the MA in Christian Ministries (and certain Leadership skills: the ability to plan, guide,
related certificates) only: supervise, and evaluate ministry programs
appropriate to the degree track or certificate, and
Ministry skills: the ability to perform particular to guide individuals, groups, and churches in such
ministries appropriate to the degree track or ministries
certificate
Integration of theory and praxis: the ability to
apply theological knowledge and theory to actual
ministry situations
Community-Life Agreement
The Ecumenical Institute of Theology of St. this academic community, students, faculty, and
Mary’s Seminary & University is an academic staff agree to contribute to the educational
community of theological reflection and progress of all and to respect each other’s rights
exploration. It comprises people from many and dignity. Faculty members agree to treat all
denominations and traditions, people with diverse students fairly, and students agree to respect a
theological perspectives. Historically, this has professor’s right to teach and other students’ right
been a great strength of the Ecumenical Institute, to learn. This mutual respect requires that
as our mission statement emphasizes: students, faculty, and staff practice basic virtues,
such as honesty, integrity, and civility, in all their
[T]he Ecumenical Institute exists behavior and communication, both inside and
to promote ecumenical and outside the classroom, toward all St. Mary’s
interfaith understanding.... The students, faculty members, and staff.
educational program of the
Ecumenical Institute is intended In addition to respecting others and making a
to stimulate careful reflection positive contribution to the Ecumenical Institute of
leading to knowledge of one’s Theology academic community, all members of
own traditions and respect for the the community respect and care for the facilities
traditions of other people. and property of St. Mary’s Seminary and
University.
Thus, respect for difference is basic to an To nourish such an ethos of theological reflection
Ecumenical Institute education. Students, faculty, and mutual respect, students, faculty, and staff
and staff agree that this respect extends to work together for the good of all and for the
differences of denominational affiliation, benefit of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology as
theological conviction, and spiritual experience as an academic community.
well as gender, age, and race. It also includes
respect for those with no religious affiliation or
explicit religious faith. Adopted by the Faculty
August 27, 1997
All members of the Ecumenical Institute
community are responsible for fostering an Amended August 25, 2005
atmosphere of study and dialogue that balances
academic freedom and mutual respect. In joining
11ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND SERVICES
General Information about Registration Normally, students may register at early registration
Courses at St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute (approximately 8 weeks before a term begins) by
generally yield three graduate credits. Course paying fees alone ($165). Tuition is due in full, or a
announcements and registration forms are available deferred payment contract must be signed, before
on our website about two months before the the first class. Students will not be permitted to
beginning of each term. In addition to scheduled attend class until they have paid their tuition or
courses, independent-study courses in various areas signed a deferred payment contract.
may be arranged with the permission of the
professor and the approval of the Dean. Course Continuing students must meet all previous financial
descriptions, including requirements and textbooks, obligations to St. Mary’s before registering for the
are available on our website and at the E.I. office new term. In addition, students must be in good
during registration. standing with the library before attending the first
class of the term.
All students should register early to ensure that all
elective courses can run. New students must have an Changes in Registration
interview before registering for their first course. All changes in registration (credit to audit, audit to
Returning students may register in person or by credit, and withdrawal) must be made by submitting
mail, fax, or attachment to an email. New and a completed and signed change form (available on
returning students may register in person during the website or in the E.I. office) to the Registrar’s
regular office hours or by appointment. After a office. The Registrar will notify the Associate Dean
student registers, he or she will receive a schedule of Instruction who will then contact the student.
confirmation in the mail. Changes are effective when approved by the
Associate Dean of Instruction.
There is a registration deadline after which there is a
late fee for registering. Late registrations will be A “drop-add” period of one week at the beginning of
accepted until the first meeting of a class, but a late each semester allows students to change course
registration fee of $90.00 must be paid, except by registrations without penalty. A student may change
new students, after the date announced on the from credit to audit or audit to credit up to the mid-
website. point of the term, with the approval of the Associate
Dean of Instruction; the semester-specific date for
Normally, at least five students must register for a such changes is published in the E.I. calendar. A
class to be taught. If a course is canceled, students student may withdraw from a course at any time
who have registered for it will be notified by email prior to the final week of classes. All other changes
and/or telephone before the scheduled first class of registration must be approved by the Associate
meeting. If attending onsite, students should arrive Dean of Instruction.
early on the first night of classes to complete
registration if necessary and obtain a library card Course Load
from the circulation desk. Most E.I. students are part-time students taking one
or two classes. A full-time load is 9 credits (half-
Payment of Tuition and Fees time = 6 credits). New students may enroll in up to 6
Payment of tuition and fees may be made by check, credits without permission from the Associate Dean
money order, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or cash. of Instruction. Continuing students in good academic
A deferred payment plan of payments spread standing may enroll in up to 9 credits (6 in summer
throughout the term, beginning with registration, term) without permission. Students on probation are
may be authorized upon consultation with the normally permitted to enroll in no more than 3
administration. credits per term.
12New Students however, is not to 'pass the ASA,' but to acquire and
New students are required to attend new student use the skills it assesses in E.I. coursework.
orientation, which is offered at the beginning of each
term. New students considering a degree program Two exceptions to this process should be noted.
should usually take BS600 Orientation to Biblical 1) When a student applies to the EI with an
Studies and/or TH601 Introduction to Theological extremely marginal undergraduate academic
Study in their first or (at the latest) second term. record, the ASA is typically administered as a
These introductory courses, especially TH601, are diagnostic assessment for the application process.
often an indicator of a student’s promise of success In such a case, the student's score would become
at the E.I. part of the overall set of data being analyzed for an
admission decision. 2) When a student receives
During a student’s first semester, he or she will be advanced standing for TH601, there would be no
assigned an academic advisor. Students are requirement to take the ASA.
encouraged to meet or consult with their advisors
regularly, especially prior to registration. Student Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all students to know and
Also, in students’ first semester, they will receive a comply with the academic and community-life
call from the Associate Dean of Instruction to policies of the Ecumenical Institute as published in
welcome them and to determine if there are any the Student Handbook and other official documents
areas about which students have questions, issued to students. Among these responsibilities are:
concerns, or suggestions. • registering for classes in a timely manner;
• paying tuition and fees on time;
New students should review the course-load • completing admission requirements;
restriction in the previous section and the section • attending, and being on time for classes,
called “Getting Started” below. whether attending in person or online;
• submitting required work on time;
Academic Skills Assessment (ASA) • keeping a copy of all submitted work in all
The ASA (Academic Skills Assessment) assesses media (paper, electronic file, etc.) - see
a student's reading comprehension and ability to further below;
write both a short essay and a longer one on a • informing the office of any changes in
particular theme. The ASA is a diagnostic registration, email or home address, or
instrument, which students are encouraged to take phone in writing (email acceptable except
before their first class. The E.I. Writing Specialist for registration changes);
then scores it and provides a report back to each • completing required forms (scholarship
student (and the Deans), interpreting the score and applications, requests for a grade of
offering advice on whether there are particular Incomplete, etc.) on time;
areas where work is needed in order to succeed in • regularly (approximately once per term)
the EI. Scores of 3.0 (on a four-point scale) or initiating contact with their advisor;
higher are the best indicators of readiness for • caring for borrowed library materials (e.g.,
success in graduate theological study. not marking or altering them) and returning
them on time;
The Administration communicates ASA scores
• exhibiting academic honesty and integrity;
confidentially to students. Those who receive
and
lower ASA scores are provided with advice on
• engaging in gracious discourse and behavior
areas for growth and how to improve. Students
with all St. Mary’s students, faculty, and
would only take the ASA again if it were useful in
staff.
furthering the process of improvement. The goal of
the process,
Most of these responsibilities are discussed
elsewhere in this Handbook.
13In addition, all students are required to abide by the It is the student’s responsibility to retain a copy of
expectations outlined in the Community-Life all work submitted for evaluation, including written
Agreement (p. 11) and in the Community-Life materials, electronic files, and work submitted on
Policies (pp. 33-37) in this handbook. other media such as thumb drives.
Students are expected to demonstrate the basic Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
values of honesty and fairness in all matters. They Students are responsible for the honesty and
are also expected to be respectful of others whose truthfulness of all of their academic work and of all
beliefs or opinions might differ from their own; this of their communication with faculty, administrators,
respect is to be communicated in both written and and staff regarding any and all academic matters.
oral communication. Most importantly for an Academic dishonesty in any form (cheating;
academic institution, all students are expected to plagiarism; fabrication of sources, information, or
practice academic integrity, as discussed below. quotations; sharing one’s assignment with another
student or collaborating with another student [or
Submission of Original Work and with other students] on an assignment without the
Retention of Copies professor’s expressed consent; submission of work
It is customary for students to submit exams, papers, other than one’s own; misrepresentation about
theses, and other projects to their instructors for academic experience, degrees, honors, etc.; and all
evaluation during a course or as part of their other types of dishonesty regarding academic
culminating experience in a degree program. When matters) is absolutely unacceptable and will not be
work is submitted for evaluation, the student retains tolerated.
the intellectual property rights to that which has
been created, but the original hand-written, typed, or Students should already have basic skills in library
word-processed document (or, for a thesis, the usage, reading and research, writing term papers,
original and one copy) or other medium of work and acknowledging sources. Written work must be
(e.g., electronic file) submitted becomes the the student’s own, and each student must take care
property of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. In to give full documentation for all material quoted
the case of course work, the instructor evaluates the or paraphrased from other sources, including the
submitted work and communicates the results of the Internet. Two standards for written work are:
evaluation to the student. The faculty member, at his
or her discretion, may return the work to the student, 1. the most recent edition of Kate L. Turabian,
retain the work, discard the work, or request that the A Manual for Writers of Term Papers,
administration retain the work or place the work in Theses, and Dissertations); and
the student’s academic record. The administration 2. the most recent edition of Diana Hacker,
of St. Mary’s also retains the right to request the Rules for Writers (Bedford/St. Martin’s).
original work from the instructor and may place it in
the student’s academic record, store the work Students should note that stringing a series of
elsewhere (e.g., in the library or in a special quotations and/or ideas from other sources together,
collection of submitted projects), or discard the even when they are properly documented, does not
work if the student fails to retrieve it in a timely constitute an original paper. At the discretion of the
manner after being asked to do so. professor, such work may be deemed a failure or
returned for revision.
It is St. Mary’s policy to retain all student work
about which the instructor or administration has All forms of academic dishonesty are serious
raised questions of academic integrity, or that is (or offenses and grounds for grave consequences,
is likely to be) the subject of a grade appeal. which include one or more of the following: failure
of the assignment, failure of the course, academic
probation, and dismissal from the E.I.
14Perhaps the most common form of academic The grade of XF indicates that the reason for failure
dishonesty is plagiarism. We define plagiarism as was plagiarism, cheating, or another form of serious
the intentional or unintentional use of another academic dishonesty. The grade can be assigned
person’s ideas or words without appropriately only by the Dean of the division in which the course
indicating them as such. Examples of plagiarism was taken, after consultation with, and the
include: agreement of, the faculty member. Mitigating
circumstances shall be taken into consideration by
• any direct use of another’s words without the Dean in determining the seriousness of the
properly indicating such use (including the violation for the purposes of this policy.
appropriate use of quotation marks or
indentation), attributing the words When the findings support the charge of academic
accurately and exactly, and properly dishonesty, the grade “XF” will be assigned prior to
documenting the source; the end of the course and the student will be
• any use of another’s words by changing a withdrawn from that course. If the dishonesty is
word or phrase here or there without discovered after a student withdraws from or
appropriately indicating and documenting completes a course with a standard letter grade
the source as described below; (including W), the grade of XF may still be
assigned.
• any indirect use (e.g., by paraphrasing or
summarizing) of another’s ideas, arguments,
The grade of XF is posted to the student’s academic
thesis, or organizational structure without
transcript along with an explanation that it was
attributing and documenting those ideas or
awarded because of academic dishonesty in the
structures; and
course. The grade is also used in the calculation of
• buying, downloading, or copying someone
the student’s cumulative GPA. Additional
else’s work and passing it off as one’s own.
consequences, including dismissal, as indicated
above in the general discussion of academic
Proper presentation and documentation of another’s
dishonesty, may also result.
words and/or ideas include:
Any determination that an act of academic
1. for direct quotations: use of quotation marks
dishonesty has occurred and any penalties imposed
and/or indented block quotes, plus specific
in virtue thereof will proceed in accordance with the
source attribution in a parenthetical note,
academic due process and grievance procedures
footnote, or endnote;
outlined below.
2. for indirect quotations, paraphrases, and
summaries: general acknowledgment of the
Degree and Certificate Requirements
source in the body of the text, plus specific
This section summarizes the two M.A. programs, the
source attribution in a parenthetical note,
D.Min. program, and the basic certificates. The
footnote, or endnote.
Certificate of Advanced Studies is discussed in the
next section. See the website for more details.
Further information may be found in Turabian and
in Hacker’s Rules for Writers.
Requirements for the M.A. in Theology
and the M.A. in Christian Ministries
Members of the St. Mary’s faculty who suspect or
The M.A. in Theology is a general theological
have evidence of academic dishonesty bring the
studies degree that can serve a student’s goals in
matter immediately to the attention of the Dean of
multiple ways. The M.A. in Christian Ministries is
the appropriate division (Ecumenical Institute or
a degree oriented toward leadership in specialized
School of Theology). In the event that there is clear
ministries. Students choose an area of emphasis.
evidence of serious academic dishonesty, the student
may merit the grade of XF for the course.
15Successful completion of the M.A. in Theology or the admission. The C.A.S. may be pursued with either a
M.A. in Christian Ministries requires 48 credits general or a focused program of study. The 30-credit
including a culminating experience. This experience program (as required by the State of Maryland) can be
may be a colloquium, thesis, or comprehensive exam for taken on a full-time or part-time basis. A maximum of
M.A. in Theology students. The M.A. in Christian five years is allowed for completion. In general,
Ministries requires a semester of field placement and a students construct their own curriculum (either
concurrent seminar called “Ministry-in-Context.” general, specialized, or research), in consultation with
the CAS Director, as long as the curriculum falls
The maximum time for completion of a degree is eight within the program guidelines. A directed reading
years, with a minimum GPA of 2.7. course called TH790 is the capstone experience of the
C.A.S. program. There is no thesis option or
Requirements for Doctor of Ministry comprehensive exam.
The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced theological
degree designed for practitioners in the field of Loss of Candidacy & Leaves of Absence
ministry. Admission requires a Master of Divinity or Students admitted to a degree or certificate program
its educational equivalent; substantial ministry (including C.A.S.) are program candidates. Program
experience; and capacity for advanced competence in candidates lose their candidacy if they allow three
ministry practice and reflection. Successful terms, including summer, to pass without taking a
completion of the D.Min. requires 6 intensive courses; course, unless they request a leave of absence. A
3 research online courses; and culminating ministry leave of absence may be granted for up to one year
project with thesis. Additional information can be for a certificate (including C.A.S.) candidate and two
found in the D.Min. Handbook. years for a master’s degree candidate. A student who
takes a leave of absence must still complete the
The maximum time for completion of a degree is six certificate or degree in the time period specified in the
years, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. catalog unless he or she requests, and is granted, an
extension due to extenuating circumstances.
Requirements for a Certificate
Certificates (apart from the Certificate of Advanced If a leave of absence must be extended, it is the
Studies; see below for its requirements) require from 12 student’s responsibility to request the extension in
to 21 credits in a particular area of study; the number writing from the Dean. Failure to return to classes at
of credits varies by certificate. Normally, courses do the end of one’s leave of absence ordinarily results
not count toward a certificate until the student is in a loss of candidacy, unless the student has been in
formally accepted into the certificate program. communication with the Dean or Associate Dean of
Individual certificates are under the process of Instruction about his or her status. When a student
revision in the current academic year. loses candidacy, he or she must reapply for
admission to the program and demonstrate
Courses not required for a certificate must be commitment to its completion.
approved in advance before they are counted as part of
a student’s certificate program. Planning One’s Course Sequence
The average E.I. student takes 1.2 courses per term
Students may normally transfer courses taken for a and is often somewhat confined, with respect to
certificate into a degree program. scheduling classes, by other commitments. The
following guidelines are given with the
Certificate of Advanced Studies understanding that few students can follow the
in Theology (C.A.S.) “ideal” program.
The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Theology
(C.A.S.) is a post-master’s program requiring a Getting Started
theological master’s degree (M.A. Theol., M.A. Ch. New students who are designated “Explorations in
Min., M.Div., etc.) with a minimum 3.3 GPA for Theology” may take 600-level courses without pre-
requisites. These include the introductory courses TH601
16Introduction to Theological Study and BS600 Electives
Orientation to Biblical Studies. For a variety of reasons, students may wish to mix
some electives into their early sequence of courses.
All degree and certificate candidates, potential One important principle to keep in mind is that taking
candidates, new students exploring various the core course(s) in most departments (BS, H, MT,
programs, and students who need a general and ST) should generally precede taking elective
introduction to theological study should take courses (less so in ES, PT, and SP). Although many
TH601 and BS600 during their first year. TH601 is E.I. electives are designed to be profitable for
required for all candidates and is a pre- or co- students at various levels of preparation, most
requisite for most other courses. BS600 is required students will get the most benefit from electives for
for all degree candidates and for the certificate in which they have a foundation.
Biblical Studies, and it is a pre- or co-requisite for
most other biblical courses. Certificate-Seeking Students
Certificate-seeking students should consult with the
Degree-seeking students should then normally Dean or Associate Dean of Instruction, and work
continue with foundational courses in each of the closely with their assigned advisor in deciding which
core theological disciplines. There is no magic order, courses might best meet their goals.
but the ideal order for the first four to six courses
(after TH601 and BS600) would probably be (1) Pre- and Co-requisites
biblical core (taking Hebrew Bible before New There are currently two basic levels of master’s
Testament); (2) H601 The Early-Medieval Christian courses at the E.I.: introductory (600-level) and
Church before H603 Modern Church History (for intermediate/advanced (700-level). Doctoral-level
the M.A. Theol.); (3) ST601 Foundations of courses are at the 800-level.
Systematic Theology; (4) MT600 Fundamentals of
Theological Ethics. Some reasons for this order Some of the 600-level courses have one or more pre-
include the use of the Hebrew Bible in the New or co-requisites (courses that must be taken prior to,
Testament; the importance of the period 100-451 as or at the same time as, the course listed, unless
a continuation of the first Christian century and a special permission of the Dean is obtained). A few
foundation for subsequent centuries; the use of 600-level courses do not have pre- or co-requisites.
Scripture and the church fathers in later (including
contemporary) theology; and the foundations of Most 700-level courses have one or more
moral theology in systematic theology. prerequisites (courses that must be taken prior to the
course listed). The highest 700-level courses (790s)
Many students cannot follow this precise order. are advanced seminars.
Most students, however, should take these courses
before taking too many others. C.A.S. students may take certain 600-level courses
at the 700-level (with additional work required) with
Ministry Emphasis the permission of the C.A.S. Director.
Candidates for the M.A. in Christian Ministries
choose an emphasis and take at least four courses Waiver of a pre- or co-requisite requires the written
related to that emphasis. Courses are often built on permission of the instructor and the Dean on a form
the foundation of biblical and theological work available from the Registrar’s office. Waivers are
done in the core courses. Regardless of emphasis, granted only when there are compelling reasons
M.A. Ch. Min. students should take PT601 for the request. One signature (instructor or Dean)
Foundations of Christian Ministry early in their is needed for registration, and the other must be
program and prior to taking courses in their obtained no later than the first meeting of the class
emphasis. Often, within an emphasis, it is advisable to finalize the registration.
to take certain courses prior to others. The Director
of the M.A. Ch. Min. or a student’s assigned Pre-/co-requisites do not normally apply to auditors,
advisor should be consulted for advice in this area. but they may be applied at a professor’s discretion.
17Cancellation of Classes participation for graduate theological education.
for Inclement Weather Students should be present at all classes and should
In the event of inclement weather, the Ecumenical notify their professors as soon as possible of any
Institute tries to make a decision about campus closure anticipated absence or tardiness. Students are
by 4:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 am on Saturdays. responsible for getting any notes, handouts,
A message about the decision is placed on St. Mary’s assignments, etc. that they miss due to absence.
voicemail, and a red alert box appears on all St. Mary’s Attendance applies whether a student is attending
and EI webpages with specific information about the onsite or online.
closure. In such circumstances, classes will be held
online. In other words, campus closure does not cancel Absence (onsite or online)
class but does remove the option of onsite attendance The following policies regarding absence are based
for those who do not live on campus. on the normal number of class meetings (12-15).
The policies apply for similar percentages of time
Cancellation is unlikely to occur now that all classes from classes with other frequencies of meeting
are held online. For more information, see the EI times, such as courses that meet biweekly.
website (“Inclement Weather Policy”, under Current
Information). 1. One (1) absence will not affect a student’s grade.
However, any student who misses either of the first
Attendance & Class Participation two classes of a course without the permission of the
Originally adopted by the faculty, August 2000 professor may be administratively withdrawn at the
Revised and adopted by the faculty, January 2003 discretion of the professor.
As a graduate theological school with a student body 2. For two-three (2-3) absences in the term, the
of adult learners, the Ecumenical Institute places student will normally have to do additional work to
high value on creating a community of interactive avoid receiving a lower grade, or the student’s
learning. Class attendance and active participation grade may be lowered. The choice is the professor’s
based on appropriate preparation are thus integral alone.
not only to personal growth and success, but also to
the creation of such a community, to the welfare of 3. For more than two (2) absences in the first half
other students, and to the integrity of the educational of the term, or for more than three (3) absences in
process. At the same time, the faculty of the the entire term, the student may be administratively
Ecumenical Institute recognizes that adult learners withdrawn from the class. If this occurs, the student
have both planned and unplanned demands is financially responsible for the course up to the
(professional, family, church, etc.) on their time, and date of the professor’s request for administrative
all professors attempt to work with responsible withdrawal, according to the published schedule.
students within reasonable limits, as set forth in this
policy. The key to successful student-faculty Extenuating circumstances (medical problems,
relationships in this area is student-initiated unexpected business travel, family emergencies,
communication with professors. etc.) may alter the application of the policy.
Most professors count participation as a percentage St. Mary’s Seminarians
of the course grade. While individual members of Seminarians who miss more than one class because
the faculty are free to determine their own particular of attendance at mandatory seminary events
requirements and standards (e.g., what percentage of (published each term by the Vice Rector of the
the grade is assigned to participation), the following seminary) will normally be required to do additional
official E.I. policies have been adopted by the work, but their absence will not directly affect their
faculty: grade. However, seminarians should not register for
classes from which they expect to miss more than
Attendance two (2) classes for any reason.
We affirm the importance of attendance and
18(normally without a grade) if they choose to do so
Auditors and if the professor agrees. As noted above, auditors
Auditors are required to attend more than 50% of are required to attend more than 50% of a course’s
a course’s class hours in order to have the course class hours in order to have the course audit appear
audit appear on their transcripts. Instructors may, on their transcripts. Instructors may, at their
at their discretion, require auditors to attend a discretion, require auditors to attend a greater
greater percentage of their classes. Auditors are percentage of their classes.
not permitted in certain courses, either by decision
of the administration or at the discretion of the Pre- and co-requisites do not normally apply to
professor. auditors, but they may be applied at the discretion of
the professor.
Tardiness
A pattern of tardiness disrupts and shortens the Independent Study
educational process. Students are required to arrive Independent study refers to individual study by a
for class on time and to remain until the class has student, guided by an E.I. professor. It is intended to
ended for the day. A student who is tardy or leaves enhance a student’s program of study materially. It
early must communicate the reason to the is not meant to permit students to take regularly
professor in writing or electronically. A professor scheduled courses on an individual basis, because
has the right to ask for the administrative part of the learning process is precisely the
withdrawal of any student who exhibits a pattern of classroom experience.
tardiness or early departure and fails to alter this
pattern after the professor’s encouragement to do The topic of most independent studies falls into one
so. (“Pattern” refers here to two or more infractions of two categories: (a) a subject not offered, or not
of this rule.) regularly offered, in the curriculum; and (b) a
subject related to a course in the curriculum (which
Alternatively, a professor may lower the student’s the student has, normally, already taken) but
class participation grade and/or ask the student for narrower/more in depth or in scope. Students are
supplemental work to compensate for the missed responsible for planning their academic schedules to
class time. The decision is solely the professor’s. A meet all degree requirements through regularly
student who is administratively withdrawn is scheduled courses. Thus, not every course or idea
financially responsible for the course up to the date qualifies for independent study.
of the professor’s request for withdrawal, according
to the published schedule. Audit students, students not in a certificate or degree
program, and students with a GPA less than 3.5 are
The tardiness policy applies to all students in E.I. not normally eligible for independent study.
classes (on-site and online), including auditors and Independent study is normally not permitted for any
seminarians. core, foundational, or regularly offered required
course for an emphasis or concentration that will be
Cell Phones and Beepers offered prior to the student’s planned graduation.
Please see the policy on Electronic Devices, p. 31. (Rare exceptions may be granted in unusual
circumstances.) Independent study for the
Auditing Colloquium or for Ministry-in-Context is not
Auditors are welcome in most courses, at the permitted.
discretion of the administration and the professor,
and should participate in class discussion if Independent study is normally for three credits but
appropriately prepared to do so by carefully reading may, in unusual circumstances, be for fewer or more
the assignments or other preparatory work for a credits with the approval of the Dean or Associate
class. Professors may set specific expectations and Dean of Instruction.
standards for participation by auditors. Auditors may
also submit papers for a professor’s evaluation Students may normally take no more than 12 credits
19of independent study toward a degree, of which no
more than 6 may be required courses for an • Significant reading (more than 1,000 pages) is
emphasis or concentration. expected for all independent studies.
• The student must meet with the professor at
Procedure for Arranging an Independent Study least four or five times, spaced at regular
The first step for a student in thinking about an intervals, in the course of the semester to
independent study is to consider what is lacking in discuss the readings, often in connection
his or her program that an independent study could with a short paper each session.
address. For some students, it might be a certain • The student should normally prepare
elective course that is offered infrequently; for
approximately three critical responses (3-5
others, it might be a specific area of theological
pages each) to the reading.
inquiry, perhaps arising out of a particular course,
• Normally, a substantive final research paper
that the student would like to explore in depth under
the supervision of a faculty member who has some (15-20 pages) is the main project of an
expertise in that area. A student may seek guidance independent study.
about possible subjects and faculty guides from his • Other kinds of assignments at the discretion
or her advisor or from the Dean or Associate Dean of the instructor may be assigned.
of Instruction. This step normally includes getting
initial, tentative approval for the subject and Time Frame
professor from the Dean or Associate Dean of The course must run for at least two calendar months
Instruction. Then a faculty member is contacted to (60 days) and no more than six months from the date
ask him or her to guide the study. it is approved. The course does not have to be
coterminous with an E.I. term.
No faculty member is required to agree to an
independent study proposal by a student. If the Most students begin an independent study at the
professor agrees, both the professor and the student beginning of a semester and complete it by the
agree upon and complete an “Independent Study semester’s end, although, under special
Contract,” which may be obtained in the E.I. office circumstances, an independent study can begin and
or on the E.I. website. “Completing” this form end at other times. Grades for independent study are
means that clear goals and objectives must be issued as part of the regular grade report at the end
delineated; the number of sessions and their length of each term.
are indicated; the books or articles that will be
required are listed; and any written assignments that Financial Considerations
will be expected are noted. Failure to completely fill The tuition for any independent study is 1.5 times
out the form will result in the form being returned to the usual credit hour tuition.
the student, with subsequent possible delay in
beginning the independent study. The form must be Exceptions
signed by both professor and student. When both Significant deviations from these guidelines require
signatures are present, the form is given to the Dean the approval of the Dean.
for approval. Only when the Dean’s signature is
present can the student be registered for the
independent study. Field Placements
Although generally no longer required, some
Guidelines for Independent Study Workloads and practical theology students engage in a 3-credit field
Student-Faculty Meetings placement at a student’s own church, another
As a basic guideline, the quantity of work required church, or a different site in the community. The
for independent study should exceed that of a student “joins” an existing ministry so that the
normal course with respect to required reading student (a) can learn more about the practical aspects
and/or required writing (or other, comparable, of ministry and (b) can be evaluated with respect to
academic work). This means: aptitude for ministry. A 3-credit field placement
(other than Ministry-in-Context) requires
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