Community Life
Theological education is not simply an educational or professional activity. Preparation for ministry and theological reflection inevitably involve the student's full personal identity and relationships. A supportive and challenging community for worship, reflection, and service is an essential component of learning. Drew seeks to create a community of openness, mutual regard, patience, and care among people of diverse backgrounds. This community building takes place in small-group interactions in regular courses, daily worship, community meals, all school retreats, and life in campus residences.
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Housing
Campus residential life is an important feature of community in the Theological School. It provides a context in which students share their common experiences and support one another through the life changes accompanying seminary enrollment. Since community living enters so naturally into the processes of theological education, students are encouraged to seek ways of residing on campus during at least a part of their studies, preferably during the first year.
Much sharing is informal: the spontaneous late-night conversations, the readiness of a neighbor or roommate to listen and remain present through a time of crisis. Some is intentional: potluck dinners, parties and celebrations, study breaks, the formation of groups for prayer, faith sharing, and mutual encouragement.
Lasting friendships develop among individuals and families. There are opportunities for all members of the family to be exposed to a multicultural community where racial and linguistic diversity is taken for granted. Families are helped in their adjustment to the decision of a parent or spouse to engage in theological education and ministry.
Drew offers a variety of different housing options available to single and married students. Units include singles and doubles, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments; and "commuter" rooms for persons who live a short distance away and need housing for only two or three nights per week. A campus playground is provided for the children of student families, and a day-care center offers professional supervision at a competitive cost. Campus housing is more economical than comparable accommodations in the neighborhood of the campus.
Campus housing cannot, however, be guaranteed to all applicants and is reserved for full-time students and their immediate families, including children under the age of 18. All housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. The University reserves the right to limit the length of occupancy and assign housing to families if appropriately-sized housing units are available. Married student housing is limited to members of the immediate family only. Relatives of students may visit in campus housing no more than 72 hours. No pets are permitted in any residence hall or apartment.
Adjustment to campus residency may not be easy for those who have owned their own homes or lived in spacious apartments. Campus apartments may seem small and storage space is very limited. Single students will be sharing common space with other students. Even so we believe the personal gains made possible by the fellowship found in University housing ore than outweighs any inconveniences.
Single students live in apartments or suites with a common living area that includes a kitchen and bathroom and usually a dining/living room area. During the academic year, cleaning assistance for the bathrooms and kitchens is provided in the single student residence halls. Bedrooms are furnished with a single bed, dresser, chair, and a desk. Students provide their own bed linens, blankets, pillows, towels, curtains, lamps, rugs, and other incidental furnishings. Common living areas are usually furnished.
Apartments for families have bathrooms, kitchenettes, and a living room with one or more bedrooms. All apartments are equipped with a refrigerator, stove and oven but are otherwise unfurnished. Residents provide their own furniture, kitchen utensils, dishes, tableware, rugs, lamps, bed linens, pillows, blankets, towels, curtains, and other furnishings.
The University supplies heat, water, gas, and electricity for all students in housing. Heavy appliances, such as freezers and portable washers and dryers may not be installed. Coin-operated laundry facilities are conveniently located in all residence halls. There is also a large loung in Tipple Hall for community and social activities.
Occupancy of rooms and apartments begins the day before Orientation and terminates on May 31 for students in single-student housing and on June 30 for students in family housing. In March, students who qualify for housing, may request to continue their stay in University housing for the upcoming academic year. Although housing is not guaranteed, the University makes every effort to allow our students to continue in housing.
The Housing Office is available to assist you with any questions regarding housing. Also, the Director of Residence Life is available to current students to help make community living more productive and comfortable for everyone.
Further details are available in Daniel's Dictionary.
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Employment (student/spouse)
The region around Drew is consistently high in employment. This generally ensures that there is a steady supply of well-paid part-time and full-time jobs for students or their spouses. While many of these jobs are entry level, there are also abundant positions for persons with skill and experience. These opportunities also include student in non-student jobs for those with special skills needed at the University offering increased hours, compensation, and benefits. Theological School students are in high demand for all types of positions. International students are usually eligible only for on-campus employment.
Regular employment opportunities are available on campus, usually on a part-time basis. Students who qualify for the Federal College Community Service Work/Study Program, as noted in their financial aid eligibility award notices, receive priority in campus employment (see Financial Information).
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Worship
Community worship opportunities are frequent and varied in the Theological School.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the academic term, midday services are held in the university worship center, Craig Chapel. Thursday services generally include communion and musical leadership by the Seminary Choir. The chapel is described as a place of both worship and learning. Chapel services offer the possibility of experimentation with various worship practices, an opportunity for students to share their historic faith practices as well as engaging with new and challenging concepts. Worship experiences reflect the diversity of denominational traditions, theological perspectives, and cultural influences represented in the international and ecumenical student body, staff and faculty of the Theological School. Guest preachers, off-campus guests, student leaders, alumni/ae and faculty members often preach in chapel sharing their wisdom and experience.
The Chapel Practicum, a one-credit course, encourages students to enhance their skills or introduce themselves to a specific aspect of worship leadership, design and implementation by joining the worship staff to create the midday worship experience.
Several alternatives to midday chapel are led by student groups, including morning and evening prayer services, Taize worship, twilight communion, revivals, liturgical drama, dance, and music.
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Spiritual Formation
Ministry that successfully addresses the complexities and ambiguities of life in the 21st century must be grounded in a deep and lively spiritual life. The Theological School is acutely aware of its responsibility toward each student's spiritual formation. Beginning with the orientation program, students are introduced to influences and events that contribute to spiritual development and maturity. Spiritual disciplines and values are presented in both individual piety and social service models and reflect the many traditions and faith communities present in the seminary. Retreats take students and faculty off campus to retreat centers for extended times of reflection and community building. Community lunches held on campus provide times of fellowship and dialog between students and faculty. Cross-cultural study offers further opportunities for spiritual growth. No student is required to change; all students are offered opportunities to develop.
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Diversity and Inclusiveness
Following its mission to represent the full range of Christian thinking, the Theological School makes constant efforts to ensure that both the student body and the faculty include persons from a wide variety of backgrounds and traditions. We seek individuals of every ethnic heritage, every geographical region, every vocation and social group, and every segment of the larger Christian family. Diversity is sought not simply for its own sake, but because of our conviction that it is theologically valuable and a communal mandate. We are convinced that the experience of being part of such an inclusive community contributes necessary insights to individuals preparing for Christian service while offering opportunities for spiritual growth necessary for effective religious leadership.
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Learning Differences
Drew University, in accord with the policies underlying Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans Disability Act of 1990, and in compliance with the Association of Higher Education and Disability guidelines, works to ensure that reasonable accommodations are implemented for enrolled students with documented disability to function in the academic environment. All admitted students are judged by the appropriate admissions officer to have the ability to succeed academically, and all students are required to meet the same academic standards. At the same time, the University recognizes that documented disability and potential learning differences may require accommodations. We are committed to helping all students develop fully and complete successfully their degree requirements. If a candidate wishes to inquire about disability services offered by the University, a confidential meeting with the Office of Educational Affairs may be arranged by contacting the office at 973/408-3327.
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Physical and Emotional Illnesses and Family Crises
A student who is unable to complete work or attend class due to a physical or emotional illness or family crisis should notify the Associate Academic Dean's office and provide appropriate corroboration from a physician or other qualified professional. At the request of the student, the Associate Academic Dean will notify the student's professors and work with the professors and student to negotiate appropriate deadlines for completion of course work.
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Profile of the Student Body
The seminary student body is stable at about 250 regular degree-seeking students in on-campus programs. About 80 percent of these are M.Div. candidates. In any particular term, students come from at least 20 states and more than 20 denominations. About 18 percent are from other countries. Students range in age from 22 to 70. Males and females each make up about 50 percent of the student population. Approximately 60 percent of the student body consists of African-American, Asian, Asian-American, and Hispanic students. Students have had experiences as lawyers, accountants, dentists, medical doctors, computer professionals, law enforcement officers, musicians, actors, educators, plumbers, carpenters, welders, missionaries, broadcasters, homemakers, farmers, and engineers.
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Counseling
The University maintains a professional staff of counselors for students. The campus services are free for a limited number of sessions, and some off-campus services may be available to students at a reduced fee.
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Student Organizations and Initiatives
Students, through student organizations and initiatives, play a central role in shaping theological education at Drew. Student organizations are formed and remain active in response to student interest and need.
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Seminary Governance
Student representatives attend regular faculty meetings and have the right to speak, but without vote. They play an advisory role in faculty appointments and contract renewals and in promotion and tenure recommendations. They are full participants on school and university committees, including admissions, curriculum, academic standing, chapel, and community life.
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Theological Students Association
This body represents the entire theological student community. It manages an activities budget and seeks to identify and articulate student concerns in seminary and university policy-making. Officers are elected annually.
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Black Ministerial Caucus
This group provides support and representation for African-American students in all aspects of the school's life. It is especially active and involved in curricular matters and sponsors various chapel services and the Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture.
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The Hispanic Caucus
This caucus is a gathering of students and faculty from both the Theological and Graduate schools and is instrumental in recruiting and supporting the growing number of Hispanic students. Special chapel services, festive meals, and lectures are among its activities.
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The International Student Organization
This group includes all international students and their families but is open to American citizens as well. It assists new students at the time of their arrival in the United States and helps them settle in to a new culture. It sponsors social events and sightseeing excursions, providing opportunities for developing close associations and friendships with persons from around the world.
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The Korean Caucus
One of the most active groups on campus, the Korean Caucus serves the needs of Korean and Korean-American students. It holds regular early morning worship services in Craig Chapel and sponsors an annual Korean lecture and cultural festival in the spring.
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The Order of Saint Luke
This United Methodist religious order is dedicated to sacramental and liturgical scholarship, education, and practice. It includes interested students and faculty.
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Alumni/ae Association
Every degree recipient from the seminary automatically becomes a lifetime member of the Theological School Alumni/ae Association of Drew University. The association exists to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relations between the alumni/ae and the Theological School, to encourage efforts to provide lifelong learning, and to support the University in its pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and public service.
Membership in the Theological School Alumni/ae Association offers numerous benefits and opportunities. Alumni/ae receive a free subscription to the quarterly Drew Magazine and the Drew Alumni/ae online community. Alumni/ae receive invitations to educational, professional and social events both on and off campus, including the Tipple-Vosburgh Lectures, and receptions at United Methodist, American Academy of Religion, and Society of Biblical Literature conferences.
Each year the Theological School Alumni/ae Association recognizes an alumnus/a for exemplary leadership in the church or ministry, and acknowledges Drew Theological School as the foundational preparation for this individual's leadership, through the Distinguished Service Award which is presented at the annual meeting of the association.
Alumni/ae help to further the mission of the association through volunteer work with the Theological School Alumni/ae Association Executive Board and its committees. For example, alumni/ae assist the Admissions office in representing Drew Theological School at annual conferences; Gift Chairs encourage their classmates to provide philanthropic support for current operations and the endowment; and alumni/ae volunteer as mentors to current students in their transition into ministry.
For further information about the Drew Theological School Alumni/ae Association contact the Office of Alumni/ae & Parent Relations at 973/408-3229 or alumni@drew.edu, or visit the Alumni/ae House Web site at www.drew.edu/alumni.
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The Seminary Choir
The choir provides opportunities for students to develop skills in vocal music and to gain appreciation of choral music from a variety of cultures and traditions. The choir offers choral leadership for chapel services and represents the Theological School in public concerts and conferences.
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Food Services
Several types of food service are available on campus. Students have, of course, the option of preparing their own meals in community kitchens in the dormitory and in the apartment kitchenettes. The University Commons offers nutritious and hearty meals, and meal tickets can be purchased for a variety of different plans (see Room and Board). A campus snack bar features fast foods and quick meals at modest prices.
The Madison community has a range of restaurants and diners with many different styles of meals. Food delivery services bring fast foods to campus rooms and apartments, if contacted.
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Health Services
Drew University Health Service is a nationally accredited ambulatory health center that serves all Drew students. The Health Service operates seven days a week during regular semesters with limited clinical hours during January and the summer. Board certified nurse practitioners are available during all open hours, and board certified primary care physicians are available on-site nine hours per week. Students are asked to make an appointment for all office visits by calling 973- 408-3414.
There is no charge for routine office visits and all lab tests, vaccines and medications are discounted. Services include assessment of health problems, treatment of common illnesses and injuries, support to students with chronic disease or disability, health education, and crisis intervention. Well Woman Care and International Travel Advisory are also available.
To comply with New Jersey law, all full-time students are automatically enrolled in and billed for a student medical insurance plan carried by the University. Students who have proof of comparable insurance coverage can waive out of the student plan, but must do so online by the deadline set by the business office. Part-time matriculated students who are interested in enrolling in the student insurance plan must do so online or arrange through the Business Office. Students wanting additional coverage for family members will be charged an additional amount. Information about insurance enrollment / waiver and other services can be found at the Health Service Web site www.depts.drew.edu/health
Should a student require more specialized medical care, physicians of every specialty are nearby. Drew is located near a medical center should hospitalization or emergency services be necessary. Expenses associated with hospitalization and specialized care are the student's responsibility.
Admitted students are required to return a completed health history, including immunization information, in order to maintain registration and housing.
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Child Care/Day Care
Children in families who live on campus are the responsibility of their parents. Standards of parental care in this type of setting are prescribed by N.J. state law, a copy of which is available through the Office of the Dean of Student Life. The University provides a playground conveniently near the family apartments, and the University child care center is located at the edge of the campus in a safe and comfortable setting. University-operated child care is competitively priced. Young children are required to be under supervision at all times.
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Recreation
North-central New Jersey offers a generous menu of recreational selections. Bike trails crisscross the forested countryside. Revolutionary War historic sites dot the region. The area is a center for bird-watching as it is situated on a major migratory route. Ski slopes are a 45-minute drive away, and canoeing, river rafting, hunting, and fishing are popular area activities. Cultural opportunities include, in New York City, the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway theaters, Carnegie Hall, the New York Philharmonic, and, on campus, the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey. Restaurants featuring the foods of many nations of the world are locally available, including Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Jewish. Major league sports of all types are readily reached by public transportation, as well as by car. Festivals of all sorts, from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Renaissance fairs to Scottish Highland Days and Holocaust memorials, are handy for students.
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Accessibility
Every effort is being made to bring Drew's historic buildings to full accessibility. Many campus buildings are fully accessible, but a few barriers still exist. As of Fall 2005, Seminary Hall is wheel-chair accessible on all levels. The Theological School is committed to making its educational programs accessible to all students, regardless of handicap, and accommodations are made according to the handicapping condition. Students with special needs must notify the Theological School and the University Dean of Educational and Student Affairs, well in advance, of any courses they wish to take to allow time for adjustments to be made to accommodate them.
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Community Lunch
Several times each semester in Seminary Hall, a community lunch is offered at no charge. The community lunch provides time for fellowship and for special programs, including informal presentations, reports, and community forums. Commuters who bring their own lunches often gather for lunch and conversation in the common spaces of Seminary Hall.
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Human Rights Policy
The purpose of Human Rights Policy is to guarantee to all members of the university community and their guests and visitors equal educational and employment opportunity, access and benefits in an environment free from harassment, assault, intimidation, and discrimination of all kinds. The policy seeks to protect the atmosphere of trust and collegiality in the university community, to educate the community, and to provide students, faculty and staff who believe that they have been subject to harassment, discrimination or sexual assault with an effective and reliable process for seeking a remedy, while affording those accused of violations a fair opportunity to be heard. Discrimination in education or employment on the basis of any dimension of diversity as defined in the University Diversity Statement is prohibited. The full policy is available in the office of the Associate Dean for Contextual Learning and in Daniel's Dictionary.
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Separation from the School
Drew Theological School reserves the right, upon recommendation of the deans, to separate from the school any student who fails to meet the standards of academic or community life; or whose character, or personal maturity raises reasonable doubts about the student's fitness for ministry or theological education. Students may also be separated from the school for failure to meet their financial obligations.
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