Community Fellows

What is the Community Fellows Program?

Drew Theological School welcomes men and women of all ages and interests to study religion, theology, ethics, and related disciplines as part of its Community Fellows Program.

This non-credit educational venture brings people from every walk of life into Drew classrooms to learn, explore, study, and ponder great questions from a religious and theological perspective.

Community Fellows participate in classes with theological students preparing for ministry and enrich classrooms with their perspectives and experiences. They study theological texts, participate in discussions, and fully engage with students, other fellows, and Drew faculty.

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Who Should Participate?

The Community Fellows program is open to all, from people grounded in their faith and committed to a religious institution to those who are beginning a spiritual exploration. Fellows from any religious community will find abiding respect because Drew already welcomes students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and traditions.

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Who are the Faculty?

Drew faculty are among the nation's most noted scholars and inspiring teachers. They share an ecumenical outlook and emphasize the strength that faith can bring to life.

While the faculty challenge students and fellows, they create a safe place in which to search for answers and test new understandings.

Their openness to students has led Drew graduates to acknowledge them as the major influence in their spiritual formation.

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What are the Costs and Registration Requirements?

To enroll in the program, new fellows complete a brief, one-time application process through the Office of Theological Admissions. After completing the admissions process, students fill out a Community Fellows Registration Form available with a list of courses set aside for fellows. Registration Forms are available from the Office of the Academic Associate Dean in the Theological School. Enrollment costs $100 per credit; Drew usually offers three-credit courses.

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What are Some Frequently Asked Questions About the Program?

Q: How do I apply for the Community Fellows Program?

A: To enter the Community Fellows Program, you must complete a one-time admissions process.  

1. Complete a Theological School Non-Degree Application in one of two ways:
• Complete the online application, available through this website free of charge.
• Contact the Office of Theological Admissions at 973/408-3111 or theoadm@drew.edu to request the application.
2. Interview with the Academic Dean of Drew Theological School.
• Contact the Office of Theological Admissions to schedule your interview.

Once completed, return paper applications and the $35 fee to the Theological Admissions Office. If you are admitted, a letter and Intent to Accept form will be mailed to you. Applicants must return the Intent to Accept form before registering for classes.

Q: What classes offered by the Theological School are open to Community Fellows?

A: Each semester, Theological School classes open to Community Fellows are published on this web site and in paper form. A description of most classes is available in the course catalog. However, classes are available on a first come first served basis. Once a class is full, it is possible that you will not be able to register for it.

Q: What is the cost for taking a class through the Community Fellows Program?

A: Community Fellows pay $100 per credit and most classes are three credits.

Q: How do I register for classes?

A: Once you have accepted your admission by returning the intent to accept form, you are able to register. Unless otherwise noted, mail your check (typically $300) and registration form to:

• Office of the Registrar
• Tilghman House
• Drew University
• Madison, NJ 07940.

Registration forms are available from the Office of the Academic Dean (973/408-3419).

Q: If I skip a semester, do I need to go through the admissions process again?

A: No. After the one time admissions process, you can register for classes during any semester.

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What do Community Fellows Say About the Program?

Community Fellows forge ties with students, other fellows, and professors. In class and out, exchanges may match a young Seminarian from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, with a cardiologist from New Jersey or generate a discussion among a student pastor from rural Pennsylvania, a retired executive, a homemaker, and a professor.

The Drew community is diverse -- representing different religious traditions, ages, and ethnicities -- bound by a desire to explore through the quality theological education Drew offers.

Maxine Clarke Beach
Vice President and Dean, Drew Theological School

"Community Fellows are a welcome addition to our classes. Not only is their desire to learn an inspiration, but also they bring a new perspective to the education of theological students. Educating future church leaders in the same classroom as those to whom they will minister creates a unique and quality learning experience seldom available."

Virginia Burrus
Associate Professor of Early Church History

"It is especially exciting to have Community Fellows in the classroom not just because they are bright, motivated, experienced individuals, but also because they remind all of us what a privilege it is to be studying together. For the Community Fellows are here not to earn grades or degrees but for one reason only, out of sheer desire to learn."

Franklyn Rodgers
Community Fellow

"After 34 years in the publishing world in New York, I have discovered the joys of continuing education by taking classes at Drew Theological School. I loved publishing, but I had a hunger to explore some new subjects in an exciting environment. The Community Fellows program has given me that opportunity. I have already taken three courses and plan to do more. It is such a blessing to have an outstanding educational institution in our midst and one that welcomes community involvement."

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What Courses are Currently Offered for Community Fellows?

Spring 2010

Chsoc 428 001 Social ecology, EcoJustice, and the Bible
Note: This is a 1-credit course (consisting of 10 hours class time)
Cost: $100; 1 CEU available
Dates: April 9th, 1-5pm and April 10th, 9am - 4pm with lunch break 
Instructor: Carlos Sintado, Ph.D Candidate, Biblical Studies, Drew Theological School

The seminar will discuss local and global questions pertaining to issues of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. It will review the ecological concerns in the Bible from that particular perspective, and will read selected biblical texts through the eyes of those who stand on the underside of history. Carlos Sintado worked with the World Council of Churches for over two decades, and traveled the globe conducting workshops on the topic.

3-Credit Courses:

 Community Fellows who are interested in other courses offered should contact the Associate Academic Dean, Anne Yardley at ayardley@drew.edu or (973) 408-3419.

Registration

Once you have been accepted into the program, you can register for Community Fellows courses by downloading and printing out the registration form. The form is available as an Adobe Acrobat file. You will need Adobe's free Acrobat Reader program to view and print the file.

• Download the registration form

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Who Do I Contact for More Information?

For more information about the Community Fellows Program, contact:

• Coordinator of Continuing Education
• Drew Theological School
• Madison NJ 07940
• Phone: 973/408-3084
• E-mail: nvanderveen@drew.edu 

For more information about Admissions, contact:

• Office of Theological Admissions
• Drew University
• Madison, NJ 07940
• Phone: 973/408-3111
• Fax: 973/408-3242
• Email: theoadm@drew.edu 

For more information about Registration, contact:

• Coordinator of Continuing Education
• Drew Theological School
• Madison NJ 07940
• Phone: 973/408-3084
• nvanderveen@drew.edu