Student Handbook

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this handbook, The Seattle School has the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. The Student & Academic Services Department, in conjunction with other appropriate staff and faculty, is responsible for the annual updating and revision of the handbook. The Board of Trustees has final authority for approval of the handbook and approves changes annually.

The handbook is for purposes of information and does not constitute the irrevocable terms of a contract between The Seattle School and current or prospective students. There are established procedures for making changes and procedures that protect the school’s integrity and the individual student’s interest and welfare. A curriculum or graduation requirement, when altered, is not made retroactive unless the alteration is to the student’s advantage and can be accommodated within the span of years normally required for graduation. If a student drops out of The Seattle School or becomes inactive and later returns, they fall under the jurisdiction of the policies and procedures of the handbook in effect at the time of return.

It is the school’s expectation that students will follow school policies and procedures as presented in the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook. The student assumes personal responsibility for fulfilling their course of study and completing the graduation requirements of The Seattle School. A student’s ignorance of a policy, which appears in published student documents, particularly the catalog or student handbook, is not a valid reason for granting an exception to any policy. The Academic Catalog and Student Handbook are available to view and/or print from The Seattle School website.

Modifications to our academic and co-curricular activities may be made throughout the year based on the CDC and State of Washington Guidelines regarding social distancing and safety. Check the Responding to COVID-19 page on the school’s website for the up-to-date information. 

In an abiding belief—based on the witness of Scripture—that all people are image bearers of God, The Seattle School affirms the Belovedness of all people, including differences in ability, race, age, ethnicity, economic status, creed, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The Seattle School chooses an intentional posture of dialogue and engagement, with a desire to be a context that bridges differing traditions, perspectives, and cultures toward the possibility of encountering the generous hospitality for all people found in the reign of God. In a divided and broken world, we seek to train people to be agents of hope and healing for individuals and communities. We are a community seeking to recognize, reflect, and engage the dignity, agency, and mutuality of all people, especially those who have been marginalized.

The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology (The Seattle School) meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Washington State Degree-Granting Institutions Act. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Washington State Achievement Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430. 

The Seattle School participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). This multi-state consortium oversees distance education, including preceptorships and practicums in which students may engage outside of Washington. The Seattle School seeks approval, authorization, or exemption to operate in other states as needed. Additional information regarding NC-SARA is available at the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements website, as well as the NC-SARA website of the Washington Student Achievement Council.

The Seattle School is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and Master of Arts in Theology & Culture. The Commission's contact information is The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States & Canada - 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275. Telephone: 412-788-6505; Fax: 412-788-6510; www.ats.edu.

The Seattle School is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation. Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution. Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution.  Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100

Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558‐4224 www.nwccu.org

The Department of Education has certified that The Seattle School is eligible for Title IV student financial aid assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).

Students who have specific concerns that relate to accreditation standards should address their concerns to the Provost, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology 2510 Elliott Ave., Seattle, WA 98121. They may also contact:

• The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275; (412) 788-6505.

• Northwest Commission on College and Universities, 8060 165th Ave N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4224; www.nwccu.org.