ABOUT THE STH COMMUNITY:

Boston University School of Theology is an academic institution where students receive education and training in the field of theology. The School of Theology is a community where students find both support and experience to reinforce what is presented in the classroom.

Worship Services

The School of Theology community worships on Wednesdays at services in Marsh Chapel (11:00-Noon). Faculty, staff, and students of the School lead the ecumenical service. The Seminary Singers provide the anthem.

A Eucharist Service is held each Tuesday (12:30-1 PM) for the School of Theology community in Muelder Chapel.

Many places of worship representing all denominations can be found in the Boston area. Churches welcome the participation of School of Theology students in their congregations. Additional information about places of worship will be included in summer newsletters.

Office of Professional Education

This office coordinates the field education experience for Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Music students (and provides ancillary professional education opportunities for local clergy). Field education is done in the second year of the degree program, after students have had a year of graduate theological study. The trained supervisor and lay supervision committee enable the local church to provide a challenging and supportive setting for students to develop the professional skills of ministry. At the same time, all students take a seminar at the School of Theology called Integration of Theology and Practice (ITP). The professional development of pastors and musicians is emphasized as local churches and the School work together.

In addition, the Office also provides denomination-specific workshops and support groups for students.

Office of Community Life

As part of the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Community Life is staffed by School of Theology students who work to promote community and student issues. The Community Life Office sponsors Community Lunch on Wednesday, and various workshops throughout the year.

Music Opportunities

If you love to sing, then the Seminary Singers would love to have you join them! The Singers rehearse each Tuesday (5:00-6:30 pm) and prior to singing in Chapel. Seminary Singers is more than an opportunity to sing, however—it is also an opportunity for friendship and fellowship. The Seminary Singers have toured nationally and sang at the 2004 United Methodist General Conference in Pittsburgh.

Boston Theological Institute

One advantage to doing a theology degree at Boston University is the opportunity to take classes at other theological schools in the Boston area. Nine schools participate in the consortium that provides a range of denominational and theological experiences. Library privileges are also extended to all students in the BTI. The BTI sponsors workshops, lectures and programs throughout the year, in addition to a seminar-workshop each summer.

Anna Howard Shaw Center

The Anna Howard Shaw Center is the School of Theology’s Center for the support of women in ministry. It is also the Women’s Center for the Northeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. The Center is open to all students and spouses of students. The Shaw Center offers: a weekend retreat for women each semester; discussion groups; a resource library on women, ministry, and theology; and the Women and the Word preaching conference in the spring. In addition the Shaw Center offers a place for women to gather and talk.

BUTSA

The Boston University Theological Students Association (BUTSA) is the governing student body of the School of Theology. Representatives from each class and degree program help to keep faculty and administration informed of student concerns and issues. BUTSA regulates funding for student groups within the School of Theology community, such as Black Seminarians, Korean Students Association, MTS Club, The Order of Saint Luke, Daytrippers, and the Christian

service organization CAUSE.

FINANCIAL AID

The School of Theology offers financial assistance to all students who matriculate in a degree program at Boston University. If you have been admitted, financial aid materials are found at www.bu.edu/sth/students/financial; or, if you do not have computer access, please contact the School of Theology Admissions Office at (617) 353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu for a green (domestic) or yellow (international) form. Scholarship for Merit recipients must also fill out these materials.

U.S. Citizens must send the following to the School of Theology:

1. School of Theology Financial Aid application form (sent on-line or as the green paper form)

1. FAFSA application—available on-line at

www.fafsa.ed.gov

*Please note that Boston University School of Theology’s Title IV Code is: 002130.

International Students must send the School of Theology Financial Aid application form (sent on-line or as the yellow paper form) to the School of Theology. No other information is needed.

Financial Aid awards will be made in June or early July. You will not receive an award until you have been accepted into a degreeprogram and all your financial aid materials have been received by Boston University School of Theology.

Housing Opportunities

The School of Theology has an on-campus dorm for single students. Theology House has shared and single rooms, shared bathrooms, and a full kitchen; microfridges are provided in every room. The Boston University Office of Rental Property and the Office of Off-Campus Housing also provide listings of apartments in the Boston area.

Complete housing information will be mailed to you later this summer, with directions for securing housing. You need not worry about this now, but you should respond after you receive the housing mailing.

Boston University

Later this summer we will provide you with more extensive information about Boston University and Boston itself. It might interest you to know of some of the opportunities available to Boston University students. School of Theology students can take advantage of opportunities offered by the larger institution of Boston University. Things to know about:

Case Center, classes, and

The Fitness and Recreation Center

Students have access to all recreation facilities, including the Charles River boathouse, and can register for physical education classes throughout the school year.

Computers

Student computer facilities are provided, as well as e-mail and internet accounts. The Computer Center supports both PC and Macintosh computers and offers free program tutorials.

Love the Arts?

Through a special program with the Museum of Fine Arts, B.U. students have free general admission and often can obtain discounts for special exhibitions. For further information, please contact the Boston Museum of Fine Arts at 617-267-9300.

In Future Issues:

Housing Information

Summer Reading Lists

Plans of Study and Registration Information

Orientation Information

Academic Calendar

Plus lots of fun and helpful hints about Boston University, the School of Theology and the city of Boston.

Boston University...Did You Know?

Boston University traces its origins to an April 1839

convocation of New England delegates of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Did we answer all your questions?

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the School of Theology Admissions Office:

By Mail at:

745 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02215

By Telephone at:

617-353-3036

By Fax at:

617-358-0140

By E-Mail at:

sthadmis@bu.edu

I-20 Forms for International

Students

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) processes I-20 Forms for all Boston University students, including School of Theology students. The ISSO is finishing the I-20 Forms for students who will attend Boston University this summer. They have now turned their attention to September 2008 entering students. We thank you for your continued patience as you wait for your important documents to be sent, and encourage you as you should receive these items in the next couple of weeks. If you have been academically admitted to the School of Theology and do not receive your I-20 Form before May 30, please contact the Admissions Office.

Center for Practical Theology

The Center bridges theology and congregational life by conducting research, by providing education, resources, and networking, and by working alongside congregational and denominational leaders for congregational birth and renewal. Its work is guided by critical reflection on the actual practice and lived faith of Christians in congregations and throughout the world. Each year the Center sponsors the School for Congregational Development Conference.

Program in Spiritual Formation and the Study of Spirituality

The Program engages students with the questions of how to understand “spirituality”, of understanding the study and practice of spirituality as theological enterprises, and of theology in its best sense as a spiritual practice.