Dear Students of Bangor Theological Seminary:

The quality of our life together as a Christian community is of great importance. It is a reflection of our understanding of and our commitment to the gospel; to a way of life that is a reflection of the love of God for all persons. Furthermore, the quality of our life together as an educational institution should reflect respect for and attention to the life of the mind as it informs the life of faith. In these ways theological schools are unique.

It is in light of the distinctive and unique nature of this Seminary that this Guide is prepared. The policies described here suggest a way of approaching our common life that cares for and respects both the individual and the institution.

I ask you, as president of Bangor Theological Seminary, to join me in a pledge to make this school a genuine community of scholars and believers to the glory of God.

Faithfully yours,

Ansley Coe Throckmorton
President

You must complete your Liberal Studies requirements first otherwise you jeopardize your financial aid. Liberal Studies students may not take courses at other institutions during the academic year unless they receive permission by vote of the Faculty. Liberal Studies students wishing to transfer in credit for courses taken elsewhere while currently enrolled in a degree program here at the Seminary must submit an application to the Academic Dean before enrolling in the course. See the Transfer Credit Policy on pages 20-21 of this Guide for full details.

A student is admitted to standing as a Freshman with fewer than 24 credit hours of the undergraduate requirements.

To qualify as a Sophomore in the Liberal Studies Program, a student must have taken at least 24 credit hours of undergraduate requirements.

To be admitted to standing in the Junior class in the M.Div. Studies Program, a student must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or in the Bangor Plan Program must have credit for at least two years (60 credit hours) of college work equivalent to the Seminary’s Liberal Studies Program. Students who have completed 54 credit hours of such college work may be admitted to Conditional Junior standing. However, advancement to full Junior standing is dependent upon completion of the equivalent of the full Liberal Studies Program (60 credit hours).

The requirement that a student advance to full Junior standing must be met by the third semester after the student has become a Conditional Junior; otherwise, the student will not be allowed to register.

To qualify as a Middler, a student must have completed at least 24 credit hours of Theological Studies in the M.Div. Studies, and, if in the Bangor Plan Program, the Liberal Studies Program.

Senior

To qualify as a Senior, a student must have completed at least 54 credit hours of Theological Studies in the M.Div. Studies, and, if in the Bangor Plan Program, the Liberal Studies Program.

All M.Div. students who expect to complete a degree at Bangor Seminary must do so within seven and a half years of their initial enrollment as a degree student. All Bangor Plan students who expect to complete a degree at Bangor Seminary must do so within twelve and a half years of their initial enrollment as a degree student. Bangor Plan students have seven years following receipt of the Seminary Diploma to complete their B.A. and receive the M.Div. degree.

"Special students" (Non-degree students) are those students not formally enrolled in degree or diploma programs. In order to register for courses, special students must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, must complete an Application for Admission, and must show proof of their baccalaureate. Not all courses taken as a Special student will necessarily be applied to a degree. Special students are limited to four (4) courses.

Students enrolled in accredited M.Div. programs elsewhere may take Masters level courses at Bangor Theological Seminary as Special Students.

Subject to the permission of the instructor, persons may apply and register to audit courses (except denominational polity, history and theology and language courses) at the current audit fee. The fee entitles the auditor to attend class lectures and any other formal class meetings, and to receive the course syllabus and any other instructional handouts distributed to the class. The instructor may establish other terms with which auditors must comply.

With the instructor’s permission and proof of their baccalaureate as indicated above for Special Students, students may convert audit courses to credit courses within the first five weeks of the semester (first five class-hours for CMU courses) by filling out an Add/Drop Form with their advisor, filing it with the Registrar, and paying the difference between the audit fee and the credit hour fee.

Spouses/Partners of full-time degree candidates and mentored practice mentors may apply to audit any course, without charge, with approval from the instructor and proper registration. (There may be an application fee.) Full-time students, those registered for at least twelve credits in a semester, may audit additional courses at no charge with the approval of the instructor and proper application and registration. Alumni/ae can audit two courses, without charge, with approval from the instructor and proper registration.

To be admitted to standing in the Junior Class in the M.A. or M.T.S.programs, a student must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

To qualify as a Middler, a student must have completed 20 credit hours in the M.A. or M.T.S. programs.

To qualify as a Senior, a student must have completed 40 credit hours in the M.A. or M.T.S. Program.

All M.A. or M.T.S. students who expect to complete a degree at Bangor Seminary must do so within ten years of their initial enrollment as a degree student.

To be admitted to First Year standing in the D.Min. Program, a candidate must have a Masters of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited seminary or divinity school.

To qualify as a Second Year student, a candidate must have completed 12 credit hours in the D.Min. Program.

To qualify for the Project Year, a candidate must have completed 24 credit hours in the D.Min. Program.

All D.Min. candidates who expect to complete a degree at Bangor Seminary must do so within seven years of their initial enrollment as a degree student.

1. Develop, review and evaluate curriculum for M.Div., M.A., M.T.S., and Bangor Plan Liberal Studies programs, and such other programs which are faithful to the mission and goal of the Seminary and the wise and effective use of the Seminary resources.

2. Review the program offerings in these programs for appropriate and updated content and for their regular rotation on the campuses.

3. Chaired by the Academic Dean.

1. Supervise and coordinate the recruitment, advisement and support of D.Min. candidates throughout the program, including where necessary site visits.

2. Develop, review and evaluate the D.Min. curriculum and staffing, coordinating with the Academic Dean on faculty assignments and making recommendations to the faculty for necessary changes.

3. Foster coordination between all faculty teaching in any given D.Min. program, including the recruitment of adjunct faculty where necessary.

4. Foster the development and approval of D.Min. projects, including necessary work with advisors and candidates during the fourth semester.

5. Maintain and distribute the D.Min. Handbook.

6. Such other work as necessary.

7. The committee shall meet as it deems necessary.

8. Membership shall include representatives from current D.Min. groups and faculty.

The Student Life Committee provides a forum for discussion of and a channel for student perspectives regarding the various areas of student life.

1. Development of community formative events.

2. Plan and prepare Orientation of new students in conjunction with the Director of Admissions and the Academic Dean.

4. Membership shall include representatives from the various housing units, commuter students and a faculty member.

5. The committee shall meet monthly during the academic year.

6. The committee shall be chaired by the Director of Student Services.

Worship Committee

1. Prepare the semester schedule for weekly presider for the worship services.

2. Assign the rotations for the preparation of the Chapel for weekly and other services.

3. Create and provide for other worship opportunities for the Seminary community.

4. Serve as a training laboratory for preparation of special services.

5. Membership shall include a faculty member and students.

1. Receive for review, assessment and decision completed applications as they are transmitted from the Enrollment staff.

2. Review these applications for decisions 1) to offer admission; 2) to offer admission on condition; or 3) to deny application for admission. Notify the applicants accordingly.

3. Review transcripts for the evaluation of transfer credit.

4. Assist in the planning and preparation of Orientation of new students in conjunction with the Student Life Committee.

5. Membership shall include the Director of Admissions, the Academic Dean and at least one faculty member.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to assist in planning an academic program and for consultation with respect to other concerns. Doctor of Ministry candidates are assigned a faculty advisor for the first year of the program. Thereafter they may select another advisor to assist them in developing their project. The final responsibility for fulfilling degree requirements, however, rests with the student.

If the student’s advisor is temporarily unavailable (for example, when the student needs a form signed), the student should make an appointment with the Academic Dean.

A student wishing to change advisors should secure the consent of the selected faculty member and request in writing that the Registrar officially record the change.

All new degree candidates will meet with their faculty advisors and register on, or before, the time designated in the orientation program for the semester in which they enter. All students taking courses for credit must obtain the signature of their advisor before submitting their Registration Form. Liberal Studies students should indicate "L.S." next to cross-listed electives they wish applied toward their Liberal Studies electives and, prior to completion of their Liberal Studies requirements, Liberal Studies students must have permission of the instructor to take courses that are not cross-listed as Liberal studies electives. Permission of the instructor can be indicated by having the instructor initial the "Pre-req.*" box on the Registration or Add/Drop Form.

Regularly enrolled students are expected to preregister for the succeeding semester at the time designated by the Registrar. Registration for all courses is to be completed before the beginning of class work. All students are encouraged to preregister when possible. Students returning after more than one semester may need to do more than just register. (See the "Leave of Absence or Withdrawal" policy on pages 22-24 of this Guide.) Registration is a three-stage process that consists of a meeting with your advisor (degree candidates and Special Students), seeing the Registrar or appropriate campus representative, and discussing method of payment with the Business Office.

Degree students, you and your advisor should both have a copy of your M.Div., M.A., M.T.S., or Liberal Studies checklist. Check lists are available at the Reception Desk, from your advisor, or from the Registrar.

Courses can only be taken for the credits they are offered for in the course list and catalog. Additional credits need to be registered for as Independent Study or Practice Units. (To register, see the Independent Study and Practice Units sections on page 7 of this Guide.) When wishing to take Independent Study or Practice Units with an adjunct faculty member, approval of the Academic Dean and supervision by a full-time faculty member are required.

Anyone registering for an Independent Study or Practice Unit must complete an Independent Study Contract in addition to the Registration Form.

Registration is not complete until you have submitted the appropriate completed forms and paid or made financial arrangements with the Business Office.

All students who register for a course will be financially responsible for the course and graded in it unless the course is officially dropped. It is the student’s responsibility to return the completed Add/Drop Form, signed by both the student and their advisor, to the Registrar. Add/Drop Forms are available at the Reception Desk, from your advisor, or from the Registrar. Changes in a student’s academic workload may have financial aid implications. Those students receiving financial aid should check with the financial aid office before dropping courses.

During the first two weeks of classes each semester, students may, with the approval of the instructor, add a course to their schedule. During the first three weeks of the semester, students may drop a course without academic penalty. During the first five weeks of the semester, students who have a passing grade may drop a course or, with the instructor’s permission, change from credit to audit without academic penalty.

During the first ten weeks of classes, students in their initial semester in the Liberal Studies Program who are enrolled in four or more courses may, with the approval of the Academic Dean, drop up to two courses without academic penalty.

During the first two class hours of a CMU course, students may add a CMU to their schedule. During the first three class hours of the course, students may drop a CMU without academic penalty. During the first five class hours of the course, students who have a passing grade may drop the course or, with the instructor’s permission, change from credit to audit without academic penalty.

After the Add/Drop period, students must file an Academic Petition and have it approved before making changes to their schedule.

Up to 12 credits of Independent Study courses may be taken and applied toward a degree, subject to the permission of the full-time faculty member involved. When wishing to take Independent Study with an adjunct faculty member, approval of the Academic Dean and supervision by a full-time faculty member are required. A student desiring to include more than 12 credit hours may petition.

Students registering for Independent Study courses must complete both a Registration Form and an Independent Study Contract for each course. The due date for the final work will be the last day to submit course requirements as indicated on the Academic Calendar, unless specified otherwise.

Students registering for Practice Units must complete both a Registration Form and an Independent Study Contract for each unit. The due date for the final work will be the last day to submit course requirements as indicated on the Academic Calendar, unless specified otherwise. When wishing to take Practice Units with an adjunct faculty member, approval of the Academic Dean and supervision by a full-time faculty member are required.

Registration for Summer or January Independent Study courses should be made before the end of spring or fall semester, respectively, as specified in the Academic Calendar. Students may, with the consent of the instructor, register for one summer or January Independent Study course. Students desiring to register for two Independent Study courses must secure the consent of the instructor(s) and the approval of the Academic Dean. Students registering for Independent Study courses must complete a Registration Form, an Independent Study Contract for each course and must contact the Business Office regarding payments arrangements. Tuition for courses taken during the summer is due the last day of registration for summer Independent Study courses. Tuition for January is due the first week of January.

Registration for Summer or January Independent Study courses should be completed on a separate Registration Form from Fall and Spring registration.

All Add/Drop Forms must be signed by the student’s advisor, and all students who register for a course will be graded for it unless they officially drop the course.

1. During the first week after the registration deadline, students may add a summer or January Independent Study course.

2. During the first two weeks after the registration deadline, students may drop a summer or January Independent Study course without academic penalty.

3. During the first four weeks after the registration deadline, students who have a passing grade in a summer or January Independent Study course may drop the course without academic penalty.

After the Add/Drop period, students must file an Academic Petition and have it approved before making changes to their schedule.

The normal academic workload for full-time students in the M.Div. and Bangor Plan programs is 12-17 credits per semester. The normal academic workload for full-time M.A. or M.T.S. students is 6-9 credits. Students taking 6-11 credits are considered half-time students.

D.Min. candidates take 1 Intensive (2 credits) and 1 Seminary (4 credits) each semester seminar (Units I-IV) for four semesters and the third year (semesters five and six) enrollment in the Project Seminar (Units V and VI) is for 12 credits, 6 credits per semester. D.Min. candidates are considered part-time students.

Students are expected to attend classes regularly. If absence is necessary, courtesy to the instructor calls for an explanation of the absence. The absentee is responsible for the assignments made and notices given. Excessive absence from class may result in a lowering of the grade and can be the cause of failure in the course. Faculty maintain class attendance records to satisfy Federal regulations.

Convocation week and other special lectures present exceptional opportunities for enriching the student’s education and attendance at these is urged.

Reading Week is a time of independent study related to the preparation of papers/exams. Specific assignments are made and instructors are advised to keep regular office hours.

The last day an instructor may choose to accept that semester’s course requirements is the final day of the second Reading week.

M.Div. and Bangor Plan students must complete one academic year or the equivalent of their theological studies in courses on the Bangor campus. Ordinarily, one academic year is defined as 30 credit hours.

To maintain consistency in class papers and essays across the spectrum of course offerings, the faculty will use the guidelines presented in the sixth edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertation, [latest edition]., Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. Issues regarding a paper’s style, proper footnoting and bibliography, etc., are addressed by this text.

Make-up examinations may be provided for students at the discretion of the instructor. Examinations in the classroom are proctored by the faculty member. Take-home examinations do not require proctoring. Many instructors use a combination of examinations and other written work in order to adequately address learning styles among students.

Resident and adjunct faculty use a variety of instructional techniques, including lecture, discussion, a seminar format, audio-visual tools, electronic communication and small group interaction. Students at Bangor Seminary are adult learners. While they need guidance, instruction and direction in their work, they also deserve our respect as responsible adults with a depth and variety of life experience. They bring with them different learning styles and skills. Attention to visual, aural, oral, and tactile learning styles through hand-outs, outlines, verbal presentations, discussion, and physical involvement promote learning.

Faculty may schedule a make-up session in consultation with members of the class. Ordinarily, extra class sessions are not scheduled.

The Resident and Adjunct faculty of Bangor Theological Seminary maintain standards for the evaluation of student work pertinent to their subject matter and to their teaching methods. Evaluation and constructive criticism of written and oral performance is a central part of academic work. The following principles guide faculty assignment of grades:

1. A letter grade is an evaluation of a specific piece of academic/professional work or of the overall academic/professional work in a course. A letter grade is not an evaluation of either the person or the call of the student who receives the grade.

2. A letter grade, which will be accompanied by the faculty member’s written comments, is intended to assess the student’s

1. understanding of the material presented in class
2. ability to expound upon class material and its implications
3. ability to integrate and use the information and skills learned for their practical application outside the class.

Course syllabi will specify how these principles will be applied in particular courses.

A - work is excellent. It must be punctual and demonstrate full control of the assignment, the material and the language. The writing has no English usage problems, the material is clearly and effectively organized and presented, and the writer speaks clearly and firmly from the page.

B - work is very good. It should be punctual and directly address the assignment. The writing may show English usage problems, but the grammar, punctuation and spelling are good. The material is well organized but transitions may be abrupt and information may be thin.

C - work is adequate. The assignment should be punctual and completed according to instructions. However, the writing may be awkward, unclear and contain English usage problems. The material is only partly grasped.

D - work is barely adequate. It may be late or not according to instructions. It is careless, not well organized, and the information is not under the control of the writer.

F - work is inadequate

Inc. - incomplete

W - withdrew

At the suggestion of the instructor, and with the student’s agreement, a student may submit rewrites for materials that have been deemed unsatisfactory. Also be aware that individual instructors may, at their discretion, eliminate the letter "D" as a grading option in certain courses. This means that less than "C" quality work will receive an "F." This modification will be noted in course syllabi.

P - Pass

R - Rewrite

F - Failure

I - Incomplete

W - Withdrawal

Letter grades, including pluses and minuses, will be recorded on transcripts. The following numerical values will be assigned to the letter grades and used to calculate quality points:

A  4.00

A-  3.75

B+  3.25

B  3.00

B-  2.75

C+  2.25

C  2.00

C-  1.75

D+  1.25

D  1.00

D-  0.75

F  0.00

Certain courses may be graded on a "Pass, D/F" basis, subject to the mutual consent of the instructor and the student. Satisfactory completion of such courses will be designated by "P"; "low pass", by "D"; and failure, by "F." In any course a student may, by presenting a written request to the instructor within three weeks of the beginning of the semester, receive a letter grade rather than a "Pass, D/F" grade or a "Pass, D/F" instead of a letter grade. It is the responsibility of students to explore the implications of taking courses on a "Pass, D/F" basis for their academic future. Preaching courses at Bangor Seminary are normally taught on a Pass, D/Fail basis.

For purposes of evaluating a student’s academic record, "P" grades will not be calculated in a student’s GPA.

Students should be aware that choosing the Pass, D/F option in too many courses might affect their financial aid eligibility. Consult with the Financial Aid officer. Furthermore, if a student also hopes to pursue further graduate studies, she or he should be aware that too many Pass, D/F courses on a transcript may be viewed negatively by some institutions. Too many such courses may also affect the transferability of the credits and/or the possibility of advanced placement.

The Registrar maintains all academic records. Grade reports are issued at the conclusion of each semester to students who have no unpaid balance on their Seminary account.

Students are reminded that using others’ words or ideas without attribution and citation constitutes plagiarism, an act of intellectual dishonesty. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited by Bangor Theological Seminary, and cases of it may result in a failing grade for a course or other academic penalty.

Plagiarism can take a variety of forms, all of which are unacceptable: the extreme form is the knowing attempt to pass off someone else’s work as the student’s own. Most forms, however, consist of the careless mixing of a student’s own thoughts and words with those of another source or sources. Direct quotes must always be in quotation marks, with a footnoted or endnoted reference to a specific source and page or electronic site. Paraphrases of another’s ideas must also be so noted, and clear indication given of where a student’s own analysis and/or ideas begin and end. Students should be aware that papers consisting largely of a mix of paraphrases and direct quotations, with little or none of the student’s own thought and analysis, are also unacceptable—even when full and precise attribution is given. The use of sources is never intended to replace the student’s own effort in expounding and analyzing a given topic or issue.

In case of a question about graded work:

1. The student will first consult with the instructor to clarify the reasons for the grade given.
2. If the student is not satisfied, he or she may make a written request to the appropriate committee chair (with a copy going to the instructor) that the chair consult with the instructor regarding the matter.
3. If, after such consultation, the student still is not satisfied, he or she may make a written request to the Academic Dean, with a copy going to the instructor, that a third party read the material in question and give an opinion.
4. Such a third party, named by the Academic Dean from the full-time Faculty, must be agreed upon as a reader by both the student and the instructor. The reader’s familiarity, or willingness to become familiar, with the material is assumed.
5. If, in the case of Liberal Studies Faculty, the grievance procedure reaches the point of appointing a third party reader, said reader need not be from the Seminary’s full-time Faculty, but must be agreed upon by both the student and the instructor.
6. The reader is to give a written opinion of the grade to the Academic Dean, with a copy going to the student and to the instructor.
7. The Academic Dean will meet with the student and the instructor to discuss the findings, after which the instructor will determine the final grade.

Honors Recognition is given to those students with an accumulated GPA of at least 3.75 at the end of their M.Div., M.A., M.T.S., or Bangor Plan studies. Students who transfer credits from other seminaries must have at least a 3.75 grade point average in the transfer courses as well as in those completed at Bangor Seminary to graduate ‘With Honors.’

M.Div., M.A., M.T.S. or Bangor Plan students will be placed on Academic Probation if their academic GPA falls below 2.0 in the Liberal Studies program or 2.5 in the M.Div., M.A., or M.T.S. programs. Removal from Academic Probation requires achievement of an accumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the Liberal Studies program and 2.5 or higher in the M.Div., M.A., or M.T.S. programs.

Special (non-degree) students will be placed on Academic Probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00. Failure of a Special student to achieve at least the required minimum accumulative GPA by the end of the second semester on probation will result in a Special student only being allowed to audit courses.

Accumulative GPA will be determined on a semester by semester basis. If the grade eventually submitted for any work not completed in a previous semester causes the accumulative GPA to fall below the required minimum, then probation will be counted as beginning with the semester immediately following that semester when the course was taken.

Failure to achieve at least the required minimum accumulative GPA by the end of the second semester on probation will result in dismissal.

Low grades are disregarded for figuring the accumulative GPA on the student’s record if the student retakes the course. Students wishing to retake a course should register for the course through the standard registration procedure and indicate on the Registration Form that it is a retake. The subsequent grade stands.

Academic Probation, dismissal and retakes are recorded on the student’s transcript and become a permanent part of their academic record.

Please note that VA benefits are not payable for repeating courses which, based upon school standards, have previously been successfully completed. Courses which have not been successfully completed include those for which a failing grade was assigned and those which a grade below the required minimum was assigned.

Course work is due as indicated on individual instructor’s syllabi. The last day an instructor may choose to accept that semester’s course requirements is the final day of the second Reading Week. If a student faces an emergency making it impossible to meet the semester due date, the student must obtain an Incomplete Contract form from the Registrar or the Reception Desk and submit it to the instructor. Incomplete requests must then be approved by both the instructor and the Academic Dean. If the request is deemed not due to an emergency (such as death in the family, serious illness of the student, or severe personal circumstances), the Dean may recommend a grade penalty.

Incompletes granted will be indicated by the instructor on the grade report as an "I" and then permanently recorded on the student’s transcript. The due date will be negotiated and contracted with the instructor, but no longer than the end of the following semester. Any grade that has not been submitted by the end of the following semester automatically becomes an "F". The accountability for this process now rests with the Instructor and the Student. If the last day work can be accepted has passed the student must complete an Academic Petition form to request an incomplete.

A petition process has been established to deal with any exception to Seminary policy. Special requests with respect to the student’s academic program, including requests to waive academic policies, must be submitted in writing to the appropriate committee chair at least 48 hours (two business days) before the scheduled meeting of the student’s program committee. Academic Petition forms are available in the Registrar’s office or at the Reception Desk.

If the committee turns down the student’s petition, the student may appeal to the faculty by asking the Chair to put the matter on the agenda for the next faculty meeting. If the faculty upholds the committee’s position, the student may appeal to the President. If the President upholds the faculty’s position, the student may appeal to the Educational Policy Committee of the Board of Trustees. If the President upholds the student’s position, the faculty, upon a 2/3 vote, may appeal to the Educational Policy Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Ordinarily, D.Min. candidates are expected to complete their program within the given three-year time frame, but they may request additional time for significant reasons, such as health issues or relocation.

Requests to extend the time a Doctor of Ministry candidate has to complete the program requirements, including the D.Min. project and project report, must be submitted in writing to the Doctor of Ministry Committee. The Committee, after consultation with the candidate and the project advisor(s), if any, shall forward the candidate’s petition to the Faculty with their recommendation for action. The Faculty may grant a one or two semester extension. A continuation fee will be required. All D.Min. candidates who expect to complete a degree at Bangor Seminary must do so within seven years of their initial enrollment as a degree student.

M.Div., M.T.S., M.A., or Bangor Plan students may complete a thesis during their senior year for two courses (6 credits). The topic of the thesis must be academically acceptable and within the collective competence of the faculty. Completion of the thesis must involve work equivalent to that of two regular courses.

1. Thesis Application (during 3^rd semester prior to your graduation)

• Consult with a faculty member to discuss, define, or formulate the proposed topic.
• Obtain a "Thesis Application" form from the Registrar.
• Submit the completed application to the Chair of the Curriculum Committee at least six weeks before the end of the semester. The Committee will then review the application and either approve the topic and recommend that the Academic Dean assign an advisor, or request additional information from the student. The student may be present for the committee’s discussion of the application. The Dean will appoint the thesis advisor in consultation with the appropriate faculty member.
• Include "Thesis" in your class schedule both semesters when you register for your final year.

2. Outline (Final year, first semester)

3. First Draft (Final Year - Second Semester)

• Submit the completed first draft to the thesis advisor at least six weeks before the end of the second semester.

4. Final Copy (Final Year - Second Semester)

• Obtain the advisor’s signature on the completed final copy of the thesis.
• Submit the signed thesis to the Librarian not later than ten days before the end of the term. The Librarian will certify to the Registrar that the thesis, in acceptable format, has been received. The grades for both semesters will then be recorded. At the discretion of the advisor, either P/F or a letter grade will be given.

(Students not completing the thesis by the end of the second semester will be charged for an additional course. Such an extension may not extend beyond one semester.)

The completed thesis is deposited in the library and, thus, becomes accessible to the public (students, faculty, visiting scholars, and examination and accreditation committees). Consequently, the thesis represents not only the achievement of the degree candidate, but its quality serves as a public indicator of the academic standards of both the thesis advisor(s) and the Seminary as a whole. [Sample title pages and approval sheets available from the Registrar.]

• Use the most recent edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press) for form, footnoting, pagination, and bibliography.
• Submit forty-five to fifty-five loose (unstapled, unpunched, unbound) typewritten, double-spaced pages. [The library will bind the thesis and charge you a small fee.]
• Use 8 ½" by 11" quality bond paper, minimum 16 pound weight and 50% rag content ("erasable" paper is not acceptable).

Set top, bottom, and right margins at one inch. The left margin (binding side) should be set at 1 ½ inches. On the first page of each major division, the top margin should be two inches above the heading. Include the following:

Title Page

• title of thesis (all caps)
• name of student in full (no initials)
• degree(s) already obtained plus name of conferring institution and date Approval Sheet (signed by advisor)

[insert following title page]

Thesis Consent Form

Table of Contents

Footnotes (at the bottom of pages or at the end)

Complete Bibliography

At any time during the writing of the thesis, or upon completion of the thesis, the student may request that the thesis advisor schedule a faculty-student colloquy for the purpose of receiving further input from faculty and peers, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the project, and weighing the educational value of the thesis for the student’s professional development. If the student elects this option, the advisor will convene a gathering of interested parties, typically consisting of at least one other member of the faculty and one or two student peers, for a one to two hour discussion of the thesis. The colloquy should be scheduled in time to meet the set purposes of such a meeting.

The portfolio will include the mid-program and final statement of goals and purposes for the degree and an analysis of their accomplishment; materials from the mid-term review; the principal work from all courses; all work done in the area of concentration; and a final paper which integrates the material studied for the degree, personal and vocational aspirations and theological reflection. The paper will normally be 10-15 pages, cross-referenced to other items in the portfolio and completed in proper scholarly form. The portfolio will be evaluated by first and second faculty readers.

The summative project will be developed with the advisor. A project report which includes theological reflection on the project, will be completed in proper scholarly form and evaluated by first and second faculty readers.

Approximately mid-point during a student’s program, an advisory review committee of two or three Faculty members, chaired by the student’s advisor, will meet with the student. The committee will review the student’s program of study and assess the progress being made toward attaining these educational goals and competencies. This committee will work with the student to clarify specific educational needs and will review the student’s draft of a plan for completing the remaining degree requirements. After consultation with the committee, the student will prepare a final draft of the plan of study, to be approved by the advisor, and a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent file.

At the close of a student’s program, the committee will reconvene and review the student’s entire work in light of this educational plan. In particular, the committee will assess the student’s various competencies, discuss continuing education goals and strategies, and consider ways to strengthen the M.T.S. program itself. A final report will be written by the advisor, in consultation with the committee and the student, and a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent file.

Upon completion of this two-stage process, the advisory review committee will report to the Faculty and recommend whether the student should become a candidate for the M.T.S. degree and under what conditions, if any. Students may participate in graduation ceremonies if satisfactory completion of the work in which they are currently enrolled would fulfill the degree requirements. Degrees will not be granted, however, until that work has been successfully completed.

The mid-point review is scheduled with the student’s advisor when the student has completed at least twenty but no more than thirty-five credits. The Registrar notifies students and their advisors when the 20 credit threshold has been reached. Students are not permitted to register for more than 35 credits in the M.A. program until after completing the mid-point review. The student gathers the necessary documents for the review, which include

• The student’s Academic Transcript
• A written presentation of the student’s learning goals and purposes for the degree
• A review of progress in the concentration
• A statement regarding the student’s intended summative evaluation

A summative evaluation demonstrates skill and expertise in the area of concentration, as well as the capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection in the area of concentration. Three options are available: Portfolio, Project, Thesis. The M.A. thesis is for 5 credit hours.

To be a candidate for either the Seminary (Bangor Plan) Diploma, M.Div., M.A., or M.T.S., degree, a Senior must achieve an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, have completed, not later than eight weeks after the beginning of the final semester, any work not yet completed from the previous semester, and submit an Application for Diploma or Degree.

To be a candidate for the D.Min. degree, a student must be in the third (project) year of the program and submit an Application for Diploma or Degree. Upon satisfactory completion of the four Intensives and Seminars, the development of and engagement in a project, and the acceptance of the written report by the Faculty, a recommendation will be made as to whether the candidate should receive the Doctor of Ministry degree and under what conditions, if any.

Students may participate in graduation ceremonies if satisfactory completion of the work in which they are currently enrolled would fulfill the degree requirements. Degrees will not be granted, however, until that work has been successfully completed.

Bangor Plan diploma graduates who wish to be considered M.Div. candidates must submit an official transcript indicating receipt of the baccalaureate degree before the M.Div. degree will be awarded. However, the student may participate in graduation ceremonies if the Seminary has received both 1) an official transcript following the conclusion of the student’s next to last term and 2) an official letter stating that satisfactory completion of the work in progress will fulfill all the requirements for awarding the baccalaureate degree.

An official transcript of the student’s academic record includes all academic work attempted at Bangor Seminary and is issued by the Registrar only upon written request of the student. Requests should include the student’s full name and signature, return address, social security number, date of birth, dates of attendance, and mailing information. Requests should be made at least two weeks before the transcript is needed. Transcripts are issued only if the requestors have no unpaid balances on their Seminary accounts or no overdue balances on loan accounts. Forms are available from the Registrar’s Office or at the Reception Desk.

Official transcripts are $5.00 each. The Seminary will fax transcripts for a $5.00 charge, but a faxed transcript is not considered official and the Seminary cannot ensure the confidentiality of faxed documents. Consequently, students must sign a statement releasing the Seminary from any obligation to maintain the confidentiality of a faxed document. If the student wishes an official transcript, too, there will be an additional charge of $5.00 and it will be sent via U.S. Mail.

Transcripts and other documents from other institutions are the property of Bangor Theological Seminary, and, as such are under the control of the Registrar’s Office. Under Federal policy, the student has the right to view the documents in their file; the Seminary is not required to provide (or allow the making of) copies of these documents. Transcripts submitted to Bangor Theological Seminary for admission or credit transfer become the property of the Seminary, and cannot be returned to the student or forwarded to other institutions. The Seminary has set this policy for the following reasons:

1. Transcripts and other documents are a reflection of a student’s record at the other institution at a particular time. They may not be complete or may not reflect the student’s most current record.
2. The current, complete, accurate and official record of a student’s academic work is made available by the transcripting institution. Bangor Theological Seminary is concerned that those receiving and using the record work from official and complete documents, not copies.
3. Bangor Theological Seminary has no way of knowing whether a student wishes to use a copy of a transcript from another institution (with an incomplete record) to avoid having others see grades or other information which may be considered by the student to be negative (e.g., low grades, records of disciplinary actions). In other cases, students may have an account balance at the issuing institution, and may therefore be prevented from obtaining an official transcript until such obligations are met. As a professional courtesy, the Seminary honors the desire of the issuing institution to have official records obtained directly from that institution.  We expect other institutions not to make copies of our transcripts which may be found in their students’ files.

Official copies must be requested in writing by the student from the respective institution.  Fees vary; you may want to call beforehand to find out the current rate. Some institutions may be able to provide quick emergency service (possibly Fax), but nearly all will provide copies only when all financial obligations have been met.

A student’s name of record is the name that the student listed on the application as their full name. To change or correct the name on their academic record, including their transcript, a student needs to submit documentation of their legal name. Such documentation could include a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

Students wishing to transfer in credit for courses taken elsewhere including the University of Maine while currently enrolled in a degree program here at the Seminary must submit an application to the Academic Dean before enrolling in the course. The Dean, in consultation with the appropriate faculty member, is authorized to approve/disapprove the transfer of credits from other institutions. Application for Transfer Credit forms are available from the Registrar’s Office or at the Reception Desk. Courses taken without prior written permission will not be accepted for transfer to the Seminary.

Liberal Studies students may not take courses in other institutions during the academic year unless they receive permission by vote of the faculty.

Students taking the Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.) out of state must complete an Application for Transfer Credit prior to enrolling, and pay the C.I.P./C.P.E. fees. In-state a student must register and pay tuition

The Seminary regards Diploma graduates and other Bangor Plan students who are working for a baccalaureate degree at any accredited college or university in preparation for the receipt of the Master of Divinity degree as off-campus students of the Seminary. The ultimate responsibility for abiding by the Seminary’s policy, which follows, lies with the individual student.

Any student wishing to change programs before completing a degree will apply in one of the following ways for acceptance into the new program. Generally, an M.Div. student who wishes to change to the M.A. will need to submit a formal written request to the Academic Dean to be considered by Faculty. On the other hand, Special students wishing to enroll in a degree program and M.A., or M.T.S. students wishing to enter the M.Div. program must make application by first sending a formal written request to the Director of Admissions.

Transcripts will be evaluated to determine which credits may be applied toward the new degree.

A student who has previously been awarded a degree by Bangor Theological Seminary who wishes to apply for another degree offered by the Seminary will be required to complete a comprehensive application process. This will include the basic application and program insert, a letter of intent for admission to the Director of Admissions, a new personal statement, new references and interviews. Ordinarily, advanced standing will be granted, but will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Candidates should expect to complete two full years in the M.Div. program, usually between 48 and 60 credit hours.

Leave of Absence. A student may appropriately apply for a Leave of Absence when faced with changes in life circumstances and/or medical conditions which make impossible successful completion of academic work for a specified period of time. Such application is instituted by filing the appropriate form with the Registrar.

Administrative Leave of Absence. Should circumstances warrant it, a student may be placed on Administrative Leave of Absence by the Academic Dean for a specified period of time, with or without conditions of return to active student status.

Students who do not register for one or more credit courses in two successive semesters will be placed on Inactive Student Status. Inactive students must reapply for admission through the Enrollment Office before resuming course work as per following section on readmission.

A Withdrawal is the formal departure of a student from the Seminary. Withdrawal from the Seminary constitutes forfeiture of a student’s original admission to the Seminary’s degree programs and/or status as Special Student or Auditor. Should a student wish to return to the Seminary, he or she must submit a new application, as indicated under following section on readmission, with no presumption of automatic readmission.

Withdrawal. Application for withdrawal is appropriate for students who wish to forfeit their admission to a program, their status as a Special Student or Auditor, or their degree candidacy. Application is initiated by filing the appropriate form with the Registrar.

Administrative Withdrawal may be applied to (1) students who do not return after a Leave of Absence; (2) students who fail to register for credit courses in six semesters; (3) D.Min. candidates who do not attend six consecutive Seminars or miss two consecutive Intensives; and (4) students who violate the Seminary’s code of expected conduct in the Non-academic Dismissal Policy, as described on p. 24, of this Guide.

Request for Withdrawal/Leave of Absence forms are available from the Registrar’s Office or the Reception Desk on either campus if a student wishes to make formal notice of a change in their enrollment status. Leave of Absence and/or Withdrawal are recorded on a student’s transcript.

Students who receive Federal student aid should be aware that, effective July 1, 1995, an approved leave of absence cannot exceed 60 days and will only be permitted if no other leave of absence has been granted within a 12 month period. If a leave of absence does not meet these requirements, the student will be considered withdrawn and may be subject to a refund of Federal student aid.

Readmission

1. A student who officially files for a leave of absence and then returns when the leave of absence expires does not need to re-apply. An official letter of intent requesting reactivation of the student’s file is all that is required. The Director of Admission reserves the right to request an interview.
2. A student who officially withdraws and is out for less than one year needs to send a letter of intent for readmission to the Director of Admissions. The Director of Admissions reserves the right to request one or more interviews with the student, and may request new references and a new personal statement.
3. A student who officially withdraws and is out for more than one year, withdraws unofficially, or does not return after a leave of absence will be required to complete a comprehensive application process, which will include a new application, program insert, a letter of intent for readmission to the Director of Admissions, a new personal statement, new references and interviews.

A student may be dismissed from Bangor Theological Seminary on academic grounds or on the basis of improper conduct. For dismissal on academic grounds see p. 13 of this Guide.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the purposes and goals of the Seminary. A student may be dismissed or placed on non-academic probation because of conduct the Faculty judges is disruptive to the educational process, is incompatible with the goals of the Seminary, or demonstrates lack of fitness for leadership in ministry.

Formal notice of the Faculty’s decision to terminate a student’s course of study shall be given in writing by the Academic Dean. The student shall have a right to appeal on the basis of the Seminary’s established grievance procedure as defined on pp. 60-62 of this Guide.

Students who are dismissed for non-academic reasons may apply for readmission after a waiting period of at least one year from the date of dismissal. Readmission requires the consent of the Faculty.

The Seminary’s dismissal policy applies to candidates in the Doctor of Ministry program. In addition, if there is a significant change in a D.Min. candidate’s circumstances (e.g., loss of ministry site, change in denominational affiliation), the candidate shall report the change as soon as possible to the Academic Dean and the Chair of the Doctor of Ministry Committee. That Committee may recommend to the Faculty a range of options, including probation, leave of absence or dismissal from the program.

If a D.Min. candidate is charged with professional and/or legal misconduct, the candidate shall inform the Academic Dean and the Chair of the Doctor of Ministry Committee. The candidate may be placed on probation or leave of absence. If found guilty of the charges, he or she may be dismissed.

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This agreement outlines a transfer policy, effective January 1, 1992, for those students meeting established criteria who have completed two years of course work within the Bangor Theological Seminary’s liberal studies program and wish to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine’s College of Applied Sciences and Agriculture, College of Arts and Humanities, or College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree, students will be awarded the Bangor Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity degree for which the work will already have been completed.

Bangor Theological Seminary students who have completed two years of liberal studies in good academic standing may apply for admission to the University of Maine after receiving prior approval of the Program Coordinator at Bangor Theological Seminary and the Dean of the desired college at the University of Maine. Credits earned at Bangor Theological Seminary with a C grade or above will transfer for degree credit at the University of Maine. UM’s transfer official will determine which credits will count towards requirements in the student’s chosen degree program and make arrangements for advanced-standing consideration as outlined in the attached Bangor Theological Seminary "Faculty Statement of Transfer Credit Policy."

As registered students, Bangor Theological Seminary transfers will pay tuition and fees at the regular student rate to the University of Maine. Residency status will be determined using the University of Maine System Residency Policy.

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The parties acknowledge that this agreement shall provide information and guidelines for students enrolled at Bangor Theological Seminary who are interested in completing their undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies at the Division of Continuing and Professional Studies at Saint Joseph’s College.

Credits will be transferred in the following manner:

Requirements to be filled with courses from St. Joseph’s College for General Education:

Requirements to be filled with courses from St. Joseph’s College for General Education:

Additional courses (electives) to complete the required 128 semester-hour credits may be selected from any of the course offerings in the catalog.

Students are welcome at all Continuing Education programs sponsored by the Seminary. During the school year one-day workshops, conferences, and training programs are offered at the Bangor campus, Portland campus, and at various locations in New Hampshire and Vermont. Annual programs include: Clergy Day in the Fall and Spring on topics related to congregational life, worship and pastoral care; Summer Studies at the Bangor campus; and outdoor spirituality wilderness experiences. Each year a Visiting Pastor in Residence is available to students to talk about the practice of ministry and church dynamics. The Visiting Pastor lives on the Bangor campus, preaches at a Chapel service, and offers a workshop. Multicultural programs of the Seminary sponsored by Continuing Education have included a Southeast Asian Study Tour: Christian Witness in a Pluralistic Culture.

Continuing Education offers programs for pastors, church members and students to take together as a vehicle to enhance the spiritual health and vitality of congregations. Seekers of all kinds are welcome as they learn together new skills and gain knowledge in biblical studies, theology, ethics, global concerns, health and healing, and worship and music. A two-year Certificate in Small Church Leadership program has been developed in cooperation with six denominations. It provides training for pastors and church leaders with learning sites in NH, VT and ME .

The Rev. Gini King, Director of Continuing Education, is available for conversations and suggestions on the practical application and practice of ministry. The Continuing Education office is located in Maine Hall. E-mail: ContEd@bts.edu.

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The service students perform in churches as volunteers or as student ministers during the years they are enrolled in seminary provides valuable ministry to those they serve, and can make an important contribution to their preparation for ministry. All students enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at the Seminary are required to practice ministry as an integral part of their theological education. A student’s educational needs and a church’s needs for ministry are most likely to be met when student, local church leaders, and staff work together with the Director of Mentored Practice to design the student’s work in a church or other context of ministry.

While they are pursuing theological education, the services students can offer as student ministers are limited by their academic obligations. Churches or other employing groups who seek a student minister should prepare a job description which lists specific responsibilities, including the number of hours the student is expected to work, and submit this description to the Director of Mentored Practice for review. A student minister’s work responsibilities should be defined clearly and specifically in the job description so that both student and church know exactly what will be expected of the student pastor. The student and those among whom the student ministers need to recognize that the student has entered seminary to prepare for ministry and, therefore, that the student’s educational commitments are primary.

Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity Program are required to complete eight (8) credits of Mentored Practice, including two Ministry Seminars. Theological reflection is a primary component of the Ministry Seminars. They are designed to provide peer support as well as action/reflection opportunities for students to evaluate their growth in ministry through conversation with peers and faculty members. The practical experience requirement can be either as a volunteer or in a paid position in a local church. Other pre-approved contexts of ministry may also be considered. Each student is responsible for choosing a suitable site and enlisting a mentor for ministry who will guide them in making effective use of the site as a context for strengthening their ministerial skills. Assistance in making these choices is provided by the Director of Mentored Practice and material is available from the Director to introduce the program to a potential mentor. In addition, in consultation with the Director of Mentored Practice and the respective course instructor, students may attach a Practice Unit (one elective credit only) to an existing course.

All students accepting a student pastorate who have not completed their Mentored Practice requirements are encouraged to enroll in Mentored Practice at the earliest possible date (to be determined in consultation with the Director.) If students have already completed Mentored Practice requirements, they are encouraged to enroll in the Advanced Ministry Seminar each semester that they remain in their pastorates.

Many students find it vocationally satisfying and educationally stimulating to work as volunteers in local congregations. Such work may take the form of teaching classes in church education programs, serving as an advisor to various groups in local congregations, volunteering services in a local nursing home, or other forms of volunteer ministry. Student volunteers should work under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.

There are many opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to lead worship and preach in nearby churches. Such opportunities are afforded students, faculty, and staff with equal frequency and are regarded as opportunities both to serve these churches in the name of the Seminary and to develop liturgical and homiletical skills. Students wishing to participate should request in writing that the Director of Mentored Practice include their names on the supply preaching list.

Eligibility criteria for such opportunities are as follows:

• completion of one semester of work at Bangor Seminary;
• completion of either the required courses in Preaching and Worship, or the CMU, Orientation to Leading Worship and Supply Preaching;
• good academic standing.

Since the Mentored Practice Office is committed to giving equal opportunity to faculty, staff, and students engaged in pulpit supply, student pastors who wish to secure pulpit supply for the congregations they serve are urged to contact the Director of Mentored Practice, or to advise the office when someone from the Seminary is preaching for them. In a similar vein, students who do pulpit supply which does not come through the Mentored Practice Office should report such activity to the Director, so that a record can be kept of who is representing the Seminary in this way.

Salaried work in churches takes the form of student pastorates, youth workers, assistants to the minister, directors of educational ministries, and occasional internships. Occasionally, a student will serve as pastor of a congregation on a full-time basis while attending school as a part-time student. All students who wish to apply for any such salaried positions, whether or not the position is posted through the Mentored Practice Office, shall consult with the Director of Mentored Practice as the first step in the application process. Students who are on academic probation are considered "not ready" for salaried work in churches.

1. General Eligibility for Student Pastorates

In order to be eligible to apply for a student pastorate, a student must satisfy the following criteria:

• completion of one semester of work in the M.Div. program, or three semesters of work in the Liberal Studies program;
• good academic standing;
• completion of the required courses in Preaching and Worship, or the CMU, Orientation to Leading Worship and Supply Preaching.

Exceptions to any of these criteria must be requested by petition to the Curriculum Committee and approved by the Committee before a student may apply for a pastorate.

2. Denominational Eligibility for Student Pastorates

There is a great variety of denominational polities represented in our student body, and our students serve in churches of diverse polities (United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Unitarian-Universalist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, National Association of Congregationalists, American Baptist, and others). In order to honor the distinctive polities of all denominations, the Mentored Practice Office, in cooperation with appropriate denominational officers, will honor the placement policy of the congregation that is seeking a student pastor. Moreover, when the placement policy of the denomination with which the student is affiliated is different from the placement policy of the congregation seeking a student pastor, the student, along with the Director of Mentored Practice, is expected to abide by: 1) the placement policy of the student’s denomination, 2) the placement policy of the congregation seeking a student pastor, and 3) the relevant placement policies of the Seminary. Any questions or uncertainties about these expectations should be discussed with the Director of Mentored Practice before any initiatives are taken.

3. Other Salaried Work

Students (whether in Liberal Studies or M.Div. Studies) who wish to apply through the Mentored Practice office for salaried work in churches other than as a student pastor must meet the following criteria:

• completion of one semester of work at Bangor Seminary;
• good academic standing;
• if the work in question includes preaching or leading worship, completion of the courses in Preaching and Worship, or the CMU, Orientation to Leading Worship and Supply Preaching.

4. Academic Probation

Students who are placed on academic probation while serving a parish may not be considered eligible to move to another parish. Students who are failing in academic work may be required to withdraw from parish work.

Occasionally misunderstandings or disagreements arise between student ministers and the churches they serve. When a student and congregation experience a disagreement or conflict, either can request the Director of Mentored Practice to meet with them. When appropriate, denominational staff may also be invited to such a meeting. Student ministers and official leaders of congregations that employ a student minister are obligated to inform the Director of Mentored Practice when they are unable to resolve disagreements, and to invite the Director of Mentored Practice to meet with them to mediate any unresolved disagreement.

The Mentored Practice Program within the M.Div. curriculum is designed to help you discover the kinds of ministry in which you will be most effective, and to equip you to begin at least one kind of ministry. The M.Div. curriculum is designed so that you will be ready to begin Mentored Practice in your second term as an M.Div. student.

1. Read: William T. Pyle and Mary Alice Seals, eds. Experiencing Ministry Supervision: A Field-Based Approach. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995. (See bookstore or library for a copy.)
2. Think about the kinds of ministry in which you feel called to engage. Describe, as specifically as you can, the kind of ministry in which you intend to serve. This ministry should be the primary focus of your Mentored Practice.
3. Obtain and review the Mentored Practice Manual available at the Reception Desk.
4. A list of potential sites and mentors is available at the Reception Desk. Explore mentor possibilities and potential practice ministry sites that you would be interested in. If the potential mentor is basically unknown to you, do not confirm the mentor relationship without consulting the Director.
5. Fill out the application/worksheet for Mentored Practice in the manual. In addition, provide a resume and complete the skill section of the life profile form to facilitate your first conversation with the Director. A copy of this form should eventually go to your mentor.
6. Arrange an appointment with the Director of Mentored Practice to discuss your practice requests.

1. The three major ingredients that provide an effective Mentored Practice learning experience are the place, the people and the mentor. If you wish to design a practice experience (and you are encouraged to do so), please be prepared to describe why you believe this is a place where you can learn about ministry, why you think you can learn about ministry from the people in this place and who there is qualified to function as the mentor guiding your learning. You should also be prepared to list your goals and objectives for this ministry setting.
2. Mentored Practice units that you want to integrate with other courses in the core curriculum will need to be scheduled when those courses are offered.
3. Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.) and Chaplain Intern Program (C.I.P.) may be used toward Mentored Practice requirements, but only three (3) of the six credits can be used for the Mentored Practice requirements. All students will enroll in a Ministry Seminar concurrently or in the Fall semester following a summer of C.P.E. or C.I.P.

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The Business Office staff is located in Maine Hall on the Bangor campus and is available for consultation with all students concerning their financial obligations to the Seminary.

Our policy continues to be:

• All fees and tuition are due at registration or prior to the first class meeting.

In the event that payment is not made at registration, the following procedure is followed:

• All fees are due and payable in full prior to the first class meeting.
• An auditor’s registration forms will not be processed, their name will not appear on the class list, and they will not be permitted to attend class until full payment is received.
• There is no refund of audit fees.

• All tuition and fees are due and payable in full prior to the first class meeting.
• Special students’ registration forms will not be processed, their name will not appear on the class list, and they will not be permitted to attend class until full payment is received or a payment plan is set up.
• Students who are unable to pay the full tuition and fees prior to the first class must contact the Business Office at least 10 business days prior to the first class meeting to make payment arrangements. A minimum of 25% of the semester’s charges is required at the time the payment plan is set up.
• Refund of fees and tuition will be according to the policy found in this Guide on pages 40-42 and in the current catalog.
• Changing a course from a credit to an audit status will follow the same procedure, refund policy, and fee as established for an add/drop.

• All fees and tuition are due and payable in full prior to the first class meeting.
• Students who are unable to pay the full tuition and fees at registration must contact the Business Office at least 10 business days prior to the first class meeting to make payment arrangements. A minimum of 25% of the semester’s charges is required at the time the payment plan is set up.
• Students who have not paid, or made payment arrangements, will be dropped from the class list before the second class.
• Refund of fees and tuition will be according to the policy found in this Guide on pages 40-42 and in the current catalog.
• Changing a course from a credit to an audit status will follow the same procedure, refund policy, and fee as established for an add/drop.

• Students who have filed all the necessary paperwork in the application for Federal aid, but who have not received those monies prior to the first class, will be allowed to attend class. Any portion of tuition and fees that is not covered by Federal aid must be paid prior to the first class meeting or a payment arrangement must be made with the Business Office.
• Students who have not filed all the necessary paperwork for financial aid or other sources to cover their tuition costs, must make payment arrangements with the Business Office at least 10 business days prior to attending the first class meeting.

• Fees for CMUs are due and payable at registration.

Please refer to the current Schedule of Fees for additional information.

The Seminary accepts payment by Visa and Master Card.

All students are encouraged to register as early as possible, and to keep the Business Office informed of any changes in financial status or condition that may affect repayment.

Any matriculated student in a degree program is eligible to apply for financial aid. Priority consideration is given to full-time students (students carrying at least 12 credits per semester).

The Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran’s status, national origin, or physical challenge in its awarding of student aid and scholarships.

Matriculated students who have not received a baccalaureate degree may apply for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal PELL grants, Federal Stafford Loans, and Seminary scholarships. Graduate students may apply for Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, and Seminary scholarships. Students must be enrolled at least half time (six credits per semester) to be considered for Federal assistance.

A student’s enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution (Bangor Seminary) may be considered enrollment at the home institution for the purpose of applying for assistance under the Federal student aid programs.

Current and prospective students are encouraged to check with the Director of Student Services, who coordinates all student financial aid, for information on the availability of Seminary sponsored scholarships. In order to be considered for any type of financial aid, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Department of Education each year. As a result, a colored Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent to the student within three to four weeks. If there is information that is not correct, students should make the changes on the Student Aid Report, sign the last page and send it directly to the Director of Student Services. The changes will be made electronically and a revised SAR will be sent directly to the student. Students applying for aid must also complete the Bangor Theological Seminary Application for Financial Assistance each year. The Seminary Application and a signed copy of the previous year’s tax return must be submitted to the Director of Student Services before consideration for any type of Federal financial aid can occur. The electronic version of the SAR will complete the application package.

Priority consideration is given to students who apply for financial aid before May 1. New students should apply as soon as they begin the application process with Office of Enrollment. Ideally, they, too, should complete the financial aid application process before May 1. Students interested in summer employment via the Federal Work-Study program must complete all paperwork by May 1. Recipients are notified of financial aid awards for the academic year beginning in May. The awarding process continues throughout the summer as student files are completed. All financial aid paperwork is available in the Office of Student Services.

The Seminary reserves the right to review and alter its financial aid commitment to any student whom does not enroll at the level indicated by them on the Student Aid Report, fails to enroll maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree or who is placed on academic probation. Students who are placed on academic probation are placed on financial aid probation for one semester. Financial aid eligibility will be suspended at the end of this period if the probation is not lifted. A student may appeal a Satisfactory Academic Progress decision by petitioning the Faculty. Academic Petition forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. A student whose aid has been suspended may reapply for financial aid once it has been determined that he or she has met eligibility requirements.

Students receiving Federal financial aid must report any additional outside scholarships received to the Director of Student Services.

Students providing false information in order to obtain financial aid will lose all aid and become ineligible for any future aid. If Federal funds are involved, the Federal government will be so advised.

Students may appeal aid decisions in writing or by making an appointment with the Director of Student Services.

Limited funds are available for short-term student loans that are granted on the basis of need. Application for these loans must be made through the Business Office.

Federal financial aid regulations require all institutions that participate in Federal student aid programs to define and enforce standards for satisfactory academic progress. Bangor Theological Seminary has established the standards below to measure satisfactory progress toward completion of each degree program.

A student must be enrolled in a degree program offered by the institution and must be enrolled at least half time per semester, as defined for each degree program (generally 6 credits per semester,) to be eligible for Federal financial aid.

Bangor Plan students must maintain a minimum academic GPA of 2.0 in the Liberal Studies program. M.Div., M.A., M.T.S., and Bangor Plan students (who have completed the liberal studies portion of the program) must maintain a minimum academic GPA of 2.5 in their theological studies. Failure to achieve at least a 2.0 in the liberal studies program or a 2.5 GPA in the theological studies programs will result in a student being placed on academic probation. (See page 13 of this Guide for the complete Academic Probation policy.)

Courses from which a student withdraws or which are repeated will not be included in the calculation of credit hours completed.

Courses for which a student takes a grade of incomplete will not be counted toward satisfactory progress until such courses are completed and a grade is received in the Registrar’s office.

Full-time Status: The Master of Divinity program may be completed by a full-time student in 3 years. To be classified as full-time, the student must attempt a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year. Full-time graduate students must complete the M.Div. degree within a maximum time frame of 4 ½ years, completing the number of credits as follows:

Credit Hours Completed / Attempted

Year 1:  21 credits /  24 - 30

Year 2:  42 credits / 48 - 60

Year 3:  63 credits / 72 - 90

Year 4:  84 credits / 96 - 120

Year 4 ½:  90 credits / 108 - 135

Part-time Status: Part-time graduate students must complete the M.Div. degree within a maximum time frame of 7 ½ years. Part-time students must attempt a minimum of 12 credit hours per academic year.

Credit Hours Completed / Attempted

Year 1:  12 credits / 12 - 24

Year 2:  24 credits / 24 - 36

Year 3:  36 credits / 36 - 48

Year 4:  48 credits / 48 - 60

Year 5:  60 credits / 60 - 72

Year 6:  72 credits / 72 - 84

Year 7:  84 credits / 84 - 96

Year 7 ½:  90 credits / 96 - 108

To make satisfactory academic progress, Bangor Plan students must complete their Liberal Studies requirements before attempting courses in theological studies.

Full-time Status: The Bangor Plan program may be completed by a full-time student in 5 years. To be classified as full-time, the student must attempt a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year. Full-time Bangor Plan students must complete their academic program within a maximum time frame of 7 ½ years, completing the number of credits as follows:

Credit Hours Completed / Attempted

Year 1:  18 credits / 24 - 30

Year 2:  36 credits / 48 - 60

Year 3:  54 credits / 72 - 90

Year 4:  72 credits / 96 - 120

Year 5:  93 credits / 120 - 150

Year 6:  114 credits / 144 - 180

Year 7:  135 credits / 168 - 210

Year 7 ½:  150 credits / 180 - 225

Part-time Status: Part-time Bangor Plan students must complete their diploma work within a maximum time frame of 12 ½ years, completing the number of credits as follows:

Credit Hours Completed / Attempted

Year 1:  12 credits / 12 - 24

Year 2:  24 credits / 24 - 36

Year 3:  36 credits / 36 - 48

Year 4:  48 credits / 48 - 60

Year 5:  60 credits / 60 - 72

Year 6:  72 credits / 72 - 84

Year 7:  84 credits / 84 - 96

Year 8:  96 credits / 96 - 108

Year 9:  108 credits / 108 - 120

Year 10:  120 credits / 120 - 132

Year 11:  132 credits / 132 - 144

Year 12:  144 credits / 144 - 156

Year 12 ½:  150 credits / 156 - 162

Full-time Status: D.Min. candidates are considered to be making satisfactory progress when they are in good standing. Candidates are in good standing when they earn 12 credit hours per year.

Part-time Status: The D.Min. program cannot be completed on a part-time basis.

Full-time Status: All full-time M.A. or M.T.S. students will normally complete their program by the end of 4 ½ years. Full-time M.A. and M.T.S. students must attempt a minimum of 12 credit hours per academic year.

Credit Hours Completed / Attempted

Year 1:  12 credits / 12 - 24

Year 2:  24 credits / 24 - 36

Year 3:  36 credits / 36 - 48

Year 4:  48 credits / 48 - 60

Year 4 ½:  50 credits / 60 - 75

Part-time Status: Part-time graduate students must complete the M.A. or M.T.S. degree within a maximum time frame of 8 ½ years. Part-time M.A. and M.T.S. students must attempt a minimum of 6 credit hours per academic year. Please note that students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per semester) to be eligible for Federal financial aid.

Credit Hours Completed / Attempted

Year 1:  6 credits / 6 - 12

Year 3:  18 credits / 18 - 24

Year 4:  24 credits / 24 - 30

Year 5:  30 credits / 30 - 36

Year 6:  36 credits / 36 - 42

Year 7:  42 credits / 42 - 48

Year 8:  48 credits / 48 - 54

Year 8 ½:  50 credits / 54 - 60

Students may accelerate to complete the M.A. or M.T.S. degree in 3 years.

A student must meet academic standards as set forth in this policy or be individually approved by the Faculty as having made satisfactory progress to continue at the institution. Students who are not making progress may appeal to the Academic Dean by submitting an Academic Petition form to the Registrar. The Dean may consider such an appeal in the following circumstances: (1) the death of a relative of the student, (2) an injury or illness of the student, or (3) other special circumstances.

Students who are not meeting the institution’s standards for satisfactory progress OR who have been placed on academic probation will be placed on financial aid probation for one semester. Please refer to the General Requirements section for a discussion of academic probation. Students will receive Federal financial aid funds for this probationary semester while they correct the situation. If the situation has not been corrected by the beginning of the second semester, the student’s aid eligibility will be suspended. Students can appeal the suspension of their aid eligibility by following the steps outlined above in the Appeal Procedures section.

Students who borrow through the Federal Stafford Loan program should be aware that their eligibility to borrow might be contingent on their advancing a grade level.

The Seminary has a fair and equitable refund policy. As required by Federal law, when a student withdraws from school while a semester is in progress, the Business Office will calculate and provide a refund of at least the larger of the amount provided under the Federal Return of Title IV Funds calculation, or the school’s refund policy. Refunds for students who do not receive Federal Title IV aid will be calculated using the school’s refund policy.

For the purpose of calculating refunds and repayments, the school considers financial aid to be any assistance that a student has been or will be awarded, including Federal PLUS and Federal Direct PLUS loans received on the student’s behalf, from Federal, State, institutional, or other scholarship, grant, or loan programs.

The portion of the refund that the school returns to any Title IV program will never exceed the amount of assistance the student received under that program for the period of enrollment for which the student was charged.

Upon request, the student is entitled to see examples of the application of the school’s refund policy in the Business Office. To obtain a refund, a student must first complete an official withdrawal or add/drop slip and submit it to the Registrar. When the Business Office receives notification from the Registrar that a student has withdrawn, a refund calculation will be performed.

Students who withdraw, or take an approved Leave of Absence from, Bangor Theological Seminary are subject to a refund or repayment situation under federal regulations. Under these g