Subsequent Meetings

Suggested Topics of Discussion

Program Requirements & Course Selection

Preparing for the Meeting

• Review course selection in light of your career goals and the trajectory of the program. Be attentive to growing interests that have come from previous courses and discuss your advisor ways to explore these further in light of other goals.

  • Review any notes you may have taken during your initial meeting with your advisor and consult your Program of Study worksheet to determine what courses you need. 

  • Familiarize yourself with the Spring Schedule of Courses and the Course Degree Requirements Sheet.

  • Consider Cross registering through the  Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium or one of the other consortia affiliated with Boston College.

  • Given our current religiously pluralistic world, the CSTM anticipates that graduates will encounter pastoral or academic challenges that require familiarity with a variety of religious and faith traditions. Therefore it is strongly encouraged that each student take at least one course on or from the perspective of a tradition outside of Catholicism.

• Review any non-academic graduation requirements remaining (e.g., Professional Ethics in Ministry Workshops; Spiritual Formation for Ministry Seminar; etc.).

Spiritual & Ministerial Formation at CSTM

Preparing for the Meeting

Think about ongoing spiritual & ministerial formation opportunities offered at CSTM, BC and beyond and discuss which may be most suitable for you, such as:

• Days of Reflection & Retreats 

• Spiritual Direction

• Volunteer Service

• Pastoral Employment

• Student Forum & Other Student Groups

Career Goals & Other Questions

Preparing for the Meeting

• • Ask for recommendations for any career appropriate conferences, activities, research, employment, etc. that the may be beneficial for ongoing professional development.  Conference funding may be available for you!

  • Inquire about individuals "in the field" who might serve as mentors, guides, employment contacts, etc. Try and get a sense of which people and organizations you should be aware of as you begin to think about life after the CSTM.

  • Consult the CSTM Vocational Discernment and Development Website for ideas and opportunities.

  • Explore the activities/opportunities available to you through the Office of Graduate Student Life and BC Career Services for Graduate Students.  Talk through some of these options, if appropriate, with your advisor.