ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE
Calendar and Student Handbook
2015-2016
**In the event of a discrepancy between this handbook
and college policies, college policies shall apply**
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Contents
Welcome and Introduction ............................................................................................ 1
Section One: Admission and Program Requirements ................................................. 2
1. Thinking About Theological Education? ..................................................................... 2
2. General Statement about Admissions .......................................................................... 4
3. Diploma in Theology.................................................................................................... 4
4. Master of Theological Studies ..................................................................................... 5
5. Dual Degree Program: Bachelor of Theology & Master of Divinity .......................... 7
6. Master of Divinity ...................................................................................................... 12
7. Graduate Studies: Master of Sacred Theology - Doctor of Ministry ........................ 15
8. Designated Lay Ministry ............................................................................................ 16
9. Occasional Students ................................................................................................... 16
10. Admission to the Order of Ministry of The United Church of Canada.............
16
11. Course Descriptions ................................................................................................... 17
Section Two: Information for Students ...................................................................... 25
A. Courses and Registration ............................................................................................. 26
1. Calendar of Dates for 2015-2016 .................................................................. 26
2. Registration Procedures ................................................................................. 28
a. Course Registration ................................................................................. 28
b. Course Withdrawals ................................................................................ 28
c. Course Load ............................................................................................. 29
d. Minimum Course Registration ................................................................ 29
e. Auditing a Course .................................................................................... 29
f. Program Withdrawal................................................................................ 29
3. Faculty Advisors ............................................................................................ 30
4. Transfer Credits Awarded on Admission ...................................................... 30
5. Letters of Permission for Study at Another Institution ................................. 31
6. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition ................................................ 32
7. Class Attendance............................................................................................ 32
8. Submission of Assignments and Recognition of Sources............................. 32
9. Course Credits ................................................................................................ 32
10. Grading Practices ........................................................................................... 33
11. Grade Appeal Process .................................................................................... 34
12. Repeating Courses ......................................................................................... 34
13. Academic Standing ........................................................................................ 34
14. Examinations.................................................................................................. 34
15. Extensions (an STU Policy)........................................................................... 34
16. Reading Courses and Other Non-traditional Course Credits ........................ 35
17. Reading Course Proposal Form ..................................................................... 37
18. Honours Courses/Thesis (an STU Policy)..................................................... 38
19. Honours/Thesis Course Proposal Form......................................................... 40
20. Course Evaluations ........................................................................................ 41
21. Transcripts ...................................................................................................... 41
22. Degrees and Convocation .............................................................................. 41
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B. Non-course Community Activities and Resources ..................................................... 42
1. Orientation and Entry Colloquium ................................................................ 42
2. College Committees....................................................................................... 42
3. Core Group ............................................................................................... 42
4. Pastor-in-Residence ....................................................................................... 43
5. Chapel ............................................................................................................ 43
6. Retreat ............................................................................................................ 43
7. Winter Refresher ............................................................................................ 43
8. Saskatoon Theological Union Libraries ........................................................ 44
C. Student Fees and Finances ........................................................................................... 48
1. Tuition and Other Fees .................................................................................. 48
2. Student (non-tuition) Fees ............................................................................. 49
3. Refund Policies and Late Fees ....................................................................... 49
4. Tuition Tax Credit ......................................................................................... 49
5. Financial Assistance Information .................................................................. 49
Section Three: Resources ............................................................................................ 51
1. Useful Contacts at St. Andrew’s College .................................................................. 52
2. Some Acronyms and Abbreviations Commonly Used at St. Andrew's .................... 53
Section Four: College Policies .................................................................................... 54
1.
2.
3.
4.
St. Andrew’s College Policy on Justice ..................................................................... 55
Code of Student Conduct and Policy on Student Discipline ..................................... 55
Harassment Prevention Policy ................................................................................... 59
Bursary Fund .............................................................................................................. 66
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Welcome!
Welcome—or welcome back—to classes at St. Andrew's College. Whether you are studying at a
distance or coming to campus to take classes face to face, we are looking forward to exploring our
faith and ministry together with you. A large part of this exploration is done in an academic setting.
Our degree and diploma programs are designed to provide theological education through a cohesive
program with course-based, self-directed, and integrative components. The curriculum focuses on
integration of:
• Theory and practice
• Church and society
• Theological disciplines
• Self and vocation
• United Church of Canada identity and ecumenical cooperation
Our goal of making theological education as widely accessible as possible is met through a variety
of modes of course delivery:
• Intensive courses taught by Faculty in 1 to 3 week blocks, or in a ‘split intensive’ mode such
as on consecutive weekends
• Semester-long courses taught in Saskatoon by Faculty in a ‘face to face’ format
• On-line courses using a platform such as Blackboard, which enables students to work
together in discussion and on projects, supervised by an on-line instructor and/or Faculty
member.
Another goal of the curriculum is to respect your individual learning needs and styles as an adult
student and your life circumstances. Whether you are a part-time or a full-time student, distance or
intramural, you will work with a Faculty Advisor throughout your program to enable the best
possible learning.
This handbook outlines the current academic policies and procedures at St. Andrew's, and gives you
other information about non-academic program requirements and policies, fees and expenses,
college life, and degree and diploma programs. All members of the Faculty and the Registrar are
available for consultation on these matters; your first contact should be with your Faculty Advisor.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need to discuss any issue outlined here. A full list of
useful contacts is available in Section Three.
In March 2009 St. Andrew’s College became an Affirming Ministry – a network of United Church
congregations that publically affirm and support people of all sexual orientations and gender
identities. Affirming Ministries provide information, acceptance, support and justice making for
people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. They declare in words and actions, that God
loves and accepts people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. And they call upon the rest
of the church and society to do the same.
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Section One
Admission and Program Requirements
1. Thinking about Theological Education?
Are you interested in preparing for ordained
ministry?
(MDiv degree or BTh-MDiv dual degree)
Yes
Are you a member
of the United
Church of Canada?
You may wish to get info about
another program:
Master of Theological Studies
or Diploma in Theology
See next page
St. Andrew's generally prepares
persons for ministry in the United
Church, although there are a few
exceptions. Check with the Registrar
for more information.
No
Yes
Have you been
named a candidate
for ordered ministry
by your home
Presbytery?
No
No
You may enter ordination studies prior to being named a candidate by your
Presbytery. However, you do need to complete the discernment process (which
takes about one year), meet with the Conference Interview Board and your
Presbytery Education and Students Committee, and be named a candidate by your
Presbytery before you can begin "Ministry Residency Phase" of the MDiv program.
See program information for more details.
Yes
Do you have an undergraduate
degree?
No
You may have the equivalent of an undergraduate degree if you have
taken one year of university study and completed a professional program
or certification. Do you have the equivalent of an undergraduate
degree? See box below for BTh-MDiv dual degree program.
Yes
You are eligible to
apply for the MDiv
program at St. Andrew's
College! For further
information, contact the
Registrar.
Do you still wish to take courses
through St. Andrew's College?
Yes
No
Yes
You may apply for the Diploma program, or take up to
12 credit hours of courses as an occasional student.
The credits you earn in the Diploma or as an occasional
student may be transferred to an MTS or MDiv should
you become eligible for these programs.
In order to apply for the Diploma program, you are
required to have one year of full-time undergraduate
university study or complete a Skills Assessment or
complete the Leadership Development Module from
the Center for Christian Studies. For further
information, contact the Registrar’s Office.
No
2
Yes
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 and have not
completed a post-secondary education program are
invited to apply for admission to the Bachelor of
Theology-Master of Divinity dual degree program.
Such applicants must apply to and be accepted in a
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree program
at a recognized university, normally the University of
Saskatchewan, and then apply for admission to the dual
degree BTh-MDiv program. Successful applicants will be
admitted to the BTh program with provisional acceptance
into the MDiv program.
Thinking about Theological Education? (continued)
Yes
See previous page.
Are you interested in preparing for
ordained ministry?
(MDiv, BTh-MDiv dual degree)
No
Do you have an
undergraduate degree?
Yes
You may apply for the Master of
Theological Studies program.
For more information, contact the
Registrar’s Office.
No
You may apply for the Diploma program, or take up to 12
credit hours of courses as an occasional student. The credits
you earn in the Diploma or as an occasional student may be
transferred to an MTS or MDiv should you become eligible
for these programs.
In order to apply for the Diploma program, you are required
to have one year of full-time undergraduate university study
or complete a Skills Assessment or complete the Leadership
Development Module from the Center for Christian Studies.
For further information, contact the Registrar.
If you already have a Master of Divinity or Master of Theological Studies, or an equivalent degree, and
are interested in further study, you may apply to the Master of Sacred Theology (STM) program. This
program of study emphasizes research in a theological discipline.
If you already have a Master of Divinity, at least three years of ministry experience and are currently
working in ministry in a rural area or small town, you may apply to the Doctor of Ministry program. This
program of study emphasizes reflection upon ministry practice, community development and vocational
development.
For further information on either of these programs contact the Registrar.
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2. General Statement about Admissions
In addition to academic requirements for admission to any program, an applicant’s personal
qualifications, references, etc. will be considered in the admission procedure. For a student to be
admitted to St. Andrew’s College, the College must be satisfied of their academic, vocational and
psychological fitness, and that their financial means are adequate. The College may place a student on
probation or, if warranted, may discontinue a student for any of these reasons. In the case of students in
the candidacy process for ministry, such actions will be taken only in full consultation with appropriate
courts of the church.
3. Diploma in Theology (DipTh)
The Diploma in Theology is designed for people wishing to experience theological education for personal
enrichment or as preparation for future study, in a substantial and structured way. It involves the
equivalent of one full year of theological studies, and courses are taken along with students in degree
programs. Most students do this program part-time, but it can be a full-time intramural course of study.
Members of the United Church who are wondering whether a vocation in Christian ministry might be
appropriate for them are encouraged to enter the Diploma program.
Admission Requirements:
The normal requirement is at least one year of university.
A student without this requirement may be allowed to enter the program through a Skills Assessment,
which ensures that the student possesses skills of study and research at a post baccalaureate level.
Program requirements:
The program involves 30 credit hours of course work (10 one-semester courses) plus a non-credit Entry
Colloquium in Saskatoon.
Courses may be obtained:
• At St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon, either in semester or one-week full-time intensive format
• Through either full-time or part-time study
• Through St. Andrew's College on-line courses
• As equivalent courses transferred from elsewhere (no more than 9 credit hours)
The core 21 credit hours (7 one-semester courses) of the program must be selected from a list of 15
introductory courses:
• BA 110 Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures
• BE 155 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures I
• BE 156 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures II
• HA/HL 111 Christian History: Early & Medieval
• HA/HL 112 Christian History: Reformation & Modern
• SA 113 Introduction to Christian Theology
• SA 214 Christology
• SA 152 Introduction to Christian Ethics
• PA 230 Theological Foundations for Pastoral Care in Congregations
• PA 110 Introduction to Christian Worship
• PA 212 Preaching: The Word in Worship
• PA 160 Introduction to Christian Education
• PA 264 Christian Education with Children
• PA 381 Learning Circle I: Skills and Reflection in Pastoral Ministry (3 credit hours) (for students
in a ministry placement)
• HA/SA 382 Learning Circle II: United Church History, Theology and Polity (4 credit hours)
The remaining 9 credit hours may be taken as electives, either from the foregoing list or from other
relevant courses chosen in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.
- Students who choose to complete the Diploma program in whole or in part through semester courses
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in Saskatoon are expected to participate fully in the life of the College, including participation in Core
Group, various College committees, worship, Winter Refresher, and the annual Saskatoon Theological
Union retreat.
- An overall average of 60% must be attained.
- No ministry residency or field placement is required or expected in this program.
- There is no time limit on completion of the Diploma program.
4. Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Master of Theological Studies is a degree that offers sufficient flexibility to serve a broad range of
interests and needs. The purpose of this degree is to provide a solid theological foundation for life, for
work in society or in the church, or for further theological study. The program is designed for those who
wish to gain an understanding of theology:
• for general educational purposes
• to strengthen and enrich the religious basis of their personal life and work
• to integrate faith and practice within the church and community
• to supplement their secular vocation
• to enhance a vocation of lay ministry within the church
• to pursue serious academic study of theology for its own sake or for specialization in specific
theological disciplines as a basis for graduate study and/or research
Note: This degree does not lead to ordered ministry or to Lay Pastoral Ministry (LPM) without fulfilling the
requirements of the United Church of Canada.
Admission requirements: The usual requirement for admission for applicants to the MTS program is
a baccalaureate degree from a recognized university, or its educational equivalent. While a
baccalaureate degree is preferred, we recognize that many students have taken other educational tracks
prior to seeking admission to St. Andrew’s College. Applicants who are currently enrolled in a
bachelor’s program, and who are one or two courses (up to 6 credit hours) short of completing a
baccalaureate degree, may be admitted to the MTS program, and may begin courses, on the condition that
a plan be put in place for the completion of the baccalaureate degree within the first year of enrolment at
St. Andrew’s College.
All applicants without a completed baccalaureate degree are required to have completed five fullyear courses (ten one-semester courses or 30 credit hours) at either:
1. a recognized university; or 2. a recognized university-transfer program. Their other post-secondary
education will be assessed to determine if they have the educational equivalent of a baccalaureate degree,
and if they do, they may be admitted to the MTS program.
St. Andrew’s College affirms the value of a broad education in the liberal arts prior to theological study.
Exposure to the depth and breadth of the human experience is an essential part of the preparation for
ministry. Courses in literature, history, psychology, sociology, fine arts, languages, philosophy, and the
natural sciences are part of this preparation. As well, the education undertaken in such courses in critical
analysis, reading, and writing is integral to the study of theology. It is for these reasons that the college
insists on one year of university study prior to admission.
Program requirements:
The program requires 57 credit hours of course work (19 one-semester courses), plus Program Based
Requirements (2 credit hours) and MTS Capstone course (1 credit hour). Courses may be obtained:
• At St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon, either in semester or one-week full-time intensive format
• Through either full-time or part-time study
• Through St. Andrew's College on-line courses
• As equivalent courses transferred from elsewhere or through Prior Learning Assessment and
Recognition
However, at least half of the credits (30 credit hours) must be taken in Saskatoon as either semester or
5
intensive courses. That is, no more than 30 credit hours may be taken through a combination of transfer,
PLAR, cluster and on-line courses.
Course requirements include 6 credit hours of course work (2 one-semester courses), normally
introductory courses, in each of the following areas:
• Hebrew Scriptures
• Christian Scriptures
• Theology
• Ethics/Church and Society,
• Church History,
• Pastoral Theology
The remaining 21 credits hours may be taken as electives. Those students who choose an area of
specialization must take 12 credit hours of electives in that area: Biblical Studies, Church History,
Ethics/Church and Society, Systematic Theology, or Pastoral Theology.
Students who choose to complete the MTS program in whole or in part through semester courses in
Saskatoon are expected to participate fully in the life of the College, which includes participation in the
Program Based Credit Requirements (2 credit hours): Entry Colloquium, Language Workshop (will
occur during Orientation), Boundaries Workshop (non-resident students may complete a professional
ethics/boundaries workshop elsewhere and submit a certificate of completion), Winter Refresher (2x),
Entering and Graduating Student Questionnaires.
Non-Credit Program Requirements (when resident) include: Core Group, College Committee Work,
Chapel Leadership, and the annual Orientation and Saskatoon Theological Union retreat.
Program Notes
- The academic program must be completed with a minimum average grade of 60 percent
- No ministry residency or field placement is required or expected in the MTS program
- Generally, work must be completed in ten (10) academic years
- Students who do not move to Saskatoon must complete the Core Group & Committee work
requirement as follows:
1. Set up a circle of support within their congregation/community. This will be made up of 3-4
people who will commit to meeting with the student for a total of 15 hours over one or two years, to
talk about what the student is learning, what they are experiencing as a student, how they might need
support and care.
2. Volunteers to work on a congregational/community committee for a period of at least one year.
Committees such as Outreach, Education, Mission or Fellowship are good choices, as these
committees of the College mirror these.
OR
Volunteer and be elected to serve as a student representative on the Board of Academic Committee
of St. Andrew’s College for a period of one year.
3. At the end of the mandated time of the circle of support and the congregational/community
committee service, St. Andrew’s College must receive a letter that details the work done, signed by an
appropriate member of the congregation/community. This letter shall be sent to the registrar.
MTS – 31 credit option
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree with extensive studies in religious studies and/or
theology, OR who have completed some theological study at the Master’s level are eligible to complete
the MTS program in one year (31 credit hours), upon faculty approval.
Program requirements:
• 30 credit hours from at least four of the six areas of study: Hebrew Scriptures, Christian
Scriptures, Theology, Ethics/Church and Society, Church History, Pastoral Theology. All six
6
•
•
areas of study must be represented by at least 6 credit hours of course work from a combination
of the previous study and St. Andrew’s MTS study.
PA 389: MTS capstone (1 credit hour).
PA 100 Program Based Requirements (0 credit hours).
- Entry Colloquium (including orientation retreat)
- Language Workshop
- Boundaries Workshop
- Winter Refresher (x1)
- Entering and Graduating Student Questionnaires
- Core Group
- Committee Work (when resident)
- Chapel Leadership (when resident)
- Orientation
Students who choose an area of specialization must take 12 credit hours at St. Andrew’s in that area. The
Specialization in Spiritual Care is available; the Honours option is possible (see below for requirements).
MTS Specializing in Spiritual Care
In order to specialize in Spiritual Care the MTS student must include in their credit hours 12 credit units
of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and one 3 credit university level course in Professional Ethics.
The Boundaries Workshop is not required for students specializing in Spiritual Care because of the
Professional Ethics coursework requirement.
Honours Option: The Honours program requires a grade average of 75 percent throughout the academic
program, demonstrated competence in either a second language (biblical or modern) or special
preparation in the area of the thesis research, and the presentation of an acceptable thesis (50-60 pages,
12,000-15,000 words) with a 200-word abstract. Students must declare their intention to be admitted to
the Honours program on the accumulation of thirty (30) credit hours, and must submit the proposal for
their thesis by the time they have accumulated forty-five (45) credit hours. Competency in the second
language must be proven by the end of the second week of the term in which the thesis is to be presented.
Two bound copies of the thesis are to be provided to the College Library at the student’s expense. If the
student completes all of the course credits but does not successfully complete the thesis, the student may
receive the MTS degree without the Honours designation.
5. Dual Degree Program: Bachelor of Theology & Master of Divinity
(BTh-MDiv)
The purpose of this degree is to offer a program of study and formation for ordained ministry that integrates
undergraduate preparation, post-graduate study and experience in ministry.
Program goals
At the end of the Bachelor of Theology-Master of Divinity degree program, students should be able to:
1. Express faith through practice and critical reflection on one’s self in ministry and the world
2. Demonstrate competence in justice-oriented ministry leadership in congregational life, the
church, community and the world
3. Critically analyze and engage contemporary moral issues and ethical stances in our diverse,
complex, and globalized society
4. Articulate the contexts of production and reception (including in modern faith communities) of
biblical texts
5. Articulate and interpret key Christian theological concepts accessibly
6. Critically interpret and appropriate the history of Christianity (including The United Church of
Canada)
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Requirements for Admission
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 and have not completed a post-secondary education program are
invited to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Theology-Master of Divinity dual degree program. Such
applicants must apply to and be accepted in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree program at a
recognized university, normally the University of Saskatchewan, and then apply for admission to the dual
degree BTh-MDiv program. Successful applicants will be admitted to the BTh program with provisional
acceptance into the MDiv program. Students will take the first two years (60 credit hours) of the BA/BSc
degree concurrently with the first year of the MDiv program (30 credit hours) for a total of three years of
study. This program may be taken over a longer period of time, if desired.
Upon completion of 90 credit hours, students are granted the degree of Bachelor of Theology by St.
Andrew’s College and are admitted to the Master of Divinity program with 30 credit hours of advanced
standing, and complete the Master of Divinity degree according to the usual requirements – an additional 60
credit hours – for a total of 150 credit hours. Students are granted the degree of Master of Divinity, upon
completion of the additional 60 credit hours and all program requirements.
Students wishing to complete a university Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree would normally
complete an additional 30 credit hours of courses at the university and fulfill all program requirements of the
university, possibly including the renouncing of the BTh degree. Students must consult with the relevant
university about those requirements: St. Andrew’s College does not have a cooperative agreement with any
university for this program, although the college expects students will normally enrol at the University of
Saskatchewan.
Applicants with significant life experience
Applicants with significant life experience and/or some previous post-secondary education are welcome to
apply to this dual degree program. However, applicants to this program will not be eligible for Prior
Learning Assessment or Advanced Standing with Credit additional to what is already built into the program.
Students may apply for up to 15 credit hours of previous undergraduate courses to be transferred into the
BTh portion of the program, and up to 9 credit hours of graduate courses in theology to be transferred into
the dually-credited and/or MDiv portion of the program from outside the Saskatoon Theological Union
consortium. The length of time to program completion will not be shortened.
Ordination and denominational requirements
Applicants to the BTh-MDiv program intending to seek ordination in The United Church of Canada are
encouraged to learn the church’s requirements for candidacy and ordination. Students must be candidates for
ordination by April 1 of the year in which the student intends to begin their Ministry Residency.
Applicants to the BTh-MDiv program intending to seek ordination in another denomination must present
documentation from their denominational body supporting admission and outlining denominational courses
to be taken in place of United Church denominational courses (PA 110; HA/SA 382). These denominational
courses will normally be taken at another institution. The student and their denominational body will work
with the Ministry Residency Coordinator to locate a Ministry Practicum and structure a Ministry Residency.
Program structure
This structure is based on the requirements for a Three-Year degree in Arts or Science at the University of
Saskatchewan. In exceptional cases, students seeking to study at a different university will work with their
St. Andrew’s faculty advisor and the relevant university to develop an equivalent program.
BTh Year 1 (30 cr: 24 cr BTh and 6 cr dual-credit BTh-MDiv)
6 cr Basic requirement for University Major: this becomes the BTh Minor
3 cr University English
15 cr University Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Fine Arts: a total of 6 cr in each must be taken over
8
the course of the program
6 cr from the following list of St. Andrew’s BTh courses:
BA 010 Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures (3 cr)
BA 055 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures I (3 cr)
BA 056 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures II (3 cr)
SA 013 Introduction to Christian Theology (3 cr)
SA 014 Christology (3 cr)
HA 011 Christian History: Early and Medieval (3 cr)
HA 012 Christian History: Reformation and Modern (3 cr)
SA 052 Introduction to Christian Ethics (3 cr)
BTh Year 2 (30 cr: 18 cr BTh and 12 cr dual-credit BTh-MDiv)
9 cr University Major (BTh Minor)
6 cr University Hebrew or Greek (or equivalent at St Andrew’s)
3 cr University Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Fine Arts: a total of 6 cr in each must be taken over
the course of the program
12 cr from the remaining courses on the following list of St. Andrew’s BTh courses:
BA 010 Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures (3 cr)
BA 055 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures I (3 cr)
BA 056 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures II (3 cr)
SA 013 Introduction to Christian Theology (3 cr)
SA 014 Christology (3 cr)
HA 011 Christian History: Early and Medieval (3 cr)
HA 012 Christian History: Reformation and Modern (3 cr)
SA 052 Introduction to Christian Ethics (3 cr)
BTh Year 3 (30 cr: 18 cr BTh and 12 cr dual-credit BTh-MDiv)
12 cr University Major (BTh Minor)
6 cr University Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Fine Arts: a total of 6 cr in each must be taken over
the course of the program
6 cr to complete the remaining courses on the following list of St. Andrew’s BTh courses:
BA 010 Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures (3 cr)
BA 055 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures I (3 cr)
BA 056 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures II (3 cr)
SA 013 Introduction to Christian Theology (3 cr)
SA 014 Christology (3 cr)
HA 011 Christian History: Early and Medieval (3 cr)
HA 012 Christian History: Reformation and Modern (3 cr)
SA 052 Introduction to Christian Ethics (3 cr)
3 cr One of the following St. Andrew’s MDiv courses:
BA 221, BA 226, BA 229, SA 262, SA 282
3 cr One of the following St. Andrew’s BTh courses:
PA 010 Introduction to Christian Worship (3 cr)
PA 062 Introduction to Christian Education (3 cr)
MDiv Year 2 (30 cr: all MDiv)
PA 235 Clinical Pastoral Education (6 cr): taken either the summer before or after the other Year 2 courses
6 cr from the remaining courses on the following list:
BA 22x Upper-level Hebrew Scriptures: Exegesis (3 cr)
SA 2xx/3xx Upper-level Ethics/Church & Society (3 cr)
9
PA 110 Introduction to Worship (3 cr)
PA 160 Introduction to Christian Education (3 cr)
PA 230 Theological Foundations for Pastoral Care in Congregations (3 cr)
PA 212 Preaching: The Word in Worship (3 cr)
SA 370 Integration Seminar (3 cr)
Three Electives (9 cr)
MDiv Ministry Residency (30 cr over 20 months: all MDiv)
PA 380 Ministry Practicum (15 cr)
PA 381 Learning Circle 1: Skills and Reflection in Pastoral Ministry (3 cr)
HA/SA 382 Learning Circle 2: UCC History, Theology, Polity (4 cr)
SA 383 Learning Circle 3: Learning and Reflection in Aboriginal Ministry contexts (3 cr)
PA 384 Learning Circle 4: Mission and Administration (2 cr)
PA 385 Learning Circle 5: Vocation and Identity in Pastoral Ministry (3 cr)
Program requirements (non-credit): PA 100 (0 cr)
- Entry Colloquium at beginning of BTh program
- Orientation each year of full-time study on campus (both BTh and MDiv)
- Core Group each year of full-time study on campus (both BTh and MDiv)
- Committee work each year of full-time study on campus (both BTh and MDiv)
- Chapel leadership each year of full-time study on campus
- Inclusive Language workshop each year of full-time study on campus (both BTh and MDiv)
- Boundaries workshop once during MDiv program
- Winter Refresher attendance and participation three years
- Ministry Residency preparation in the Winter semester prior to Residency
- “Residents’ Return” during Ministry Residency
- Graduating Students’ Survey
Program notes
- An overall average of 60% in St. Andrew’s BTh and MDiv courses must be maintained in order to remain
in good standing, and the student must remain in good standing at the University.
- Years 1A-C and 2 may be completed through either full- or part-time studies.
- Ministry Residency must be completed through full-time registration.
- All courses except Learning Circles (PA 381, HA/SA 382, SA 383, PA 384, PA 385) are normally
completed before beginning Ministry Residency. In exceptional cases, students with 24-29 MDiv credit
hours may be permitted to begin Ministry Residency, but must make a proposal prior to registration
demonstrating how the remaining credit hours will be completed. Students admitted to the Honours program
begin Ministry Residency with 24 MDiv credit hours, and complete the Honours Thesis (6 cr) during the
Residency.
- Students retain their status as students (for student loans, book bursaries, etc.) during Ministry Residency.
- No more than 15 credit hours of the BTh credits may be transferred from an institution other than the
University of admission (normally the University of Saskatchewan). No more than 9 credit hours of the dualcredit and/or MDiv credits may be transferred from an institution outside the Saskatoon Theological Union
consortium. Students admitted to this dual degree program are not eligible for Prior Learning
Assessment or further Advanced Standing with Credit.
- No more than 12 credit hours in introductory biblical languages may be counted towards the dual degree
program.
- All requirements for the degrees must be completed within ten (10) years of admission.
Distance Education
In the exceptional case of a student in the dual BTh-MDiv program studying at a university other than the
University of Saskatchewan, that student will complete the St. Andrew’s Year 1 BTh courses through the
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online program. Year 2 must be taken on campus in Saskatoon. Ministry Residency is taken full-time, as a
combination of half-time supervised ministry experience with half-time study; the courses are all offered as
intensive courses in Saskatoon. SA 383 is offered as a two-part intensive course at various First Nations
institutions/locations.
Honours option
The Honours program requires:
1. A grade average of 75% throughout the MDiv academic program;
2. Demonstrated competence in either a second language (biblical or modern) or special preparation in the
area of the thesis research;
3. The presentation of an acceptable thesis (50-60 pages, 12,000-15,000 words) with a 200-word abstract.
Competency in the second language must be demonstrated by the end of the second week of the term in
which the thesis is to be presented. Two bound copies of the thesis are to be provided to the College Library
at the student’s expense. If a student successfully completes all of the course credits but does not
successfully complete the thesis, the student may be given the degree without the Honours designation. The
student must declare intention to pursue the Honours program before completing 114 credit hours of the dual
degree program (24 credit hours of the MDiv program), i.e., before beginning Ministry Residency.
Ministry Practicum component of Ministry Residency
The Ministry Practicum (PA 380; 15 cr) consists of half-time supervised ministry while resident at one
learning site for 20 months. It normally begins in September. St. Andrew’s College, through the Ministry
Residency Coordinator, facilitates the finding of learning sites for students. Students must apply for Ministry
Practicum, in writing, prior to October 1 for the following year. Students are advised to see the Ministry
Residency Coordinator before September 15. Copies of the application, available on line and through the
Coordinator, must be sent by the student to their Presbytery Education and Students Committee (or
equivalent) and the St. Andrew’s College Ministry Residency Coordinator.
Students who wish to do their Ministry Practicum outside of the three Prairie Conferences of The United
Church of Canada must get authorization and seek cooperation from the Conference (of the UCC) or
judicatory where they want to do their Ministry Practicum.
United Church students are appointed as Student Supply at half-time to a pastoral charge, and are afforded
the salary and benefits of such an appointment. Students who wish an appointment of more than half-time
must apply to faculty for approval, which is not guaranteed. The College depends on the policies of The
United Church of Canada for the Ministry Residency program. If the United Church changes its
authorization, requirements or funding, the St. Andrew’s program will change accordingly.
The United Church of Canada contributes financially to the Ministry Practicum for United Church
candidates for ministry. This financial aid fluctuates from year to year and is communicated to the learning
sites when they apply to be a learning site. The committees of the church do their best to find Ministry
Practicum placements, but cannot guarantee such placement in a given year. Learning sites volunteer to
take on oversight and much of the cost of this community-based learning. The ability to find learning sites is
further challenged by individual student needs.
Students who wish to undertake an alternate Ministry Practicum must make a proposal to the faculty prior to
October 1 for the following year; there is no guarantee of approval. Students who wish to undertake such a
practicum are responsible for making all arrangements to the satisfaction of the Ministry Residency
Coordinator; the Coordinator will assist in making arrangements for one pastoral ministry site within The
United Church of Canada, but all other arrangements are the responsibility of the student. Students are
responsible for attending all Learning Circles as scheduled.
Students have the option of applying for a Global Partner Overseas Placement through The United Church of
Canada for up to half of the Ministry Practicum credit. Further details on this program are available from the
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Ministry Residency Coordinator. Participating in an Overseas Placement may extend the length of the
program.
6. Master of Divinity (MDiv)
The purpose of the St. Andrew’s MDiv program is to make theological education and ministry training
accessible to as many persons as possible, and to provide excellent integration of academic and field-based
training. The Master of Divinity degree represents the equivalent of four years of full-time theological
study. The option of doing an Honours MDiv is available.
St. Andrew’s College has implemented a new 90 credit hour Master of Divinity program, effective July 1,
2014 for all students entering Ministry Residency on or after September 1, 2015. Students who have
entered Ministry Residency before December 31, 2014 will continue in the 120 credit hour Master of
Divinity degree program. Students who have entered the program, taken courses, but not entered
Ministry Residency before December 31, 2014 will be given the option of continuing in the 120 credit
hour Master of Divinity degree program or switching to the 90 credit hour Master of Divinity degree
program. Students who are continuing in the 120 credit hour Master of Divinity degree program should
consult the 2013-2014 Student Handbook for program requirements.
Program goals
At the end of the Master of Divinity degree program, students should be able to:
1. Express faith through practice and critical reflection on one’s self in ministry and the world
2. Demonstrate competence in justice-oriented ministry leadership in congregational life, the
church, community and the world
3. Critically analyze and engage contemporary moral issues and ethical stances in our diverse,
complex, and globalized society
4. Articulate the contexts of production and reception (including in modern faith communities) of
biblical texts
5. Articulate and interpret key Christian theological concepts accessibly
6. Critically interpret and appropriate the history of Christianity (including The United Church of
Canada)
Requirements for Admission
The usual requirement for admission for applicants to the MDiv program is a baccalaureate degree from a
recognized university, or its educational equivalent. Applicants who are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s
program, and who are one or two courses (up to 6 credit hours) short of completing a baccalaureate
degree, may be admitted to the MDiv program, and may begin courses, on the condition that a plan be put
in place for the completion of the baccalaureate degree within the first year of enrolment at St. Andrew’s
College.
Applicants with significant life experience
While a baccalaureate degree is preferred, we recognize that many students have taken other educational
tracks prior to seeking admission to St. Andrew’s College. Applicants without a completed baccalaureate
degree are required to have completed five full year courses (ten one-semester courses or 30 credit hours)
at either: 1. A recognized university; or 2. A recognized university-transfer program. Their other postsecondary education will be assessed to determine if they have the educational equivalent to a
baccalaureate degree.
Applicants whose previous post-secondary education upon assessment does not meet the educational
equivalent of a three-year baccalaureate degree must submit a statement detailing how their life
experiences have prepared them for the study of theology. The college will accept confirmation from the
Shorter Course Committee of The United Church of Canada in lieu of such a statement. Applicants with
the goal of ordination within The United Church of Canada should consult the church about requirements
for pre-theology study, which may differ from the college’s requirements for admission. . The candidate
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is responsible for making an application for the shorter course to their home presbytery which is then
responsible for recommending the candidate to the General Council Office. See page 17 of Entering
Ministry Handbook, found at http://www.united-church.ca/files/handbooks/entering-ministry.pdf
St. Andrew’s College affirms the value of a broad education in the liberal arts prior to theological study.
Exposure to the depth and breadth of the human experience is an essential part of the preparation for
ministry. Courses in literature, history, psychology, sociology, fine arts, languages, philosophy, and the
natural sciences are part of this preparation. As well, the education undertaken in such courses in critical
analysis, reading, and writing is integral to the study of theology. It is for these reasons that the college
insists on one year of university study prior to admission.
Ordination and denominational requirements
Applicants to the MDiv program intending to seek ordination in The United Church of Canada are
encouraged to learn the church’s requirements for candidacy and ordination. Students must be candidates
for ordination by April 1 of the year in which the student intends to begin their Ministry Residency.
Applicants to the MDiv program intending to seek ordination in another denomination must present
documentation from their denominational body supporting admission and outlining denominational
courses to be taken in place of United Church denominational courses (PA 110; HA/SA 382). These
denominational courses will normally be taken at another institution. The student and their
denominational body will work with the Ministry Residency Coordinator to locate a Ministry Practicum
and structure a Ministry Residency.
Program structure
Years 1-2 (45 credit hours)
BA 110
Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures (3 cr)
BA 2xx/3xx
Upper-level Hebrew Scriptures: Exegesis (3 cr)
BE 155
Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures I (3 cr)
BE 156
Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures II (3 cr)
SA 113
Introduction to Christian Theology (3 cr)
SA 214
Christology (3 cr)
HA/HL 111
Christian History: Early and Medieval (3 cr)
HA/HL 112
Christian History: Reformation and Modern (3 cr)
SA 152
Introduction to Christian Ethics (3 cr)
SA 2xx/3xx
Upper-level Ethics/Church & Society (3 cr)
PA 110
Introduction to Worship (3 cr)
PA 212
Preaching: The Word in Worship (3 cr)
PA 160
Introduction to Christian Education (3 cr)
PA 235
Clinical Pastoral Education (6 cr)
Year 2 (15 credit hours) (courses to be taken in Year 2 except in exceptional circumstances)
PA 230
Theological Foundations for Pastoral Care in Congregations (3 cr)
SA 370
Integration Seminar (3 cr)
Three Electives (9 cr)
Ministry Residency (30 credit hours over 20 months)
PA 380
Ministry Practicum (15 cr)
PA 381
Learning Circle 1: Skills and Reflection in Pastoral Ministry (3 cr)
HA/SA 382
Learning Circle 2: UCC History, Theology, Polity (4 cr)
SA 383
Learning Circle 3: Learning and Reflection in Aboriginal Ministry Contexts (3 cr)
PA 384
Learning Circle 4: Mission and Administration (2 cr)
PA 385
Learning Circle 5: Vocation and Identity in Pastoral Ministry (3 cr)
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Program requirements (non-credit): PA 100 (0 credit hours)
- Entry Colloquium at beginning of program
- Orientation each year of full-time study on campus
- Core Group each year of full-time study on campus
- Committee work each year of full-time study on campus
- Chapel leadership each year of full-time study on campus
- Inclusive Language workshop each year of full-time study on campus
- Boundaries workshop once during program
- Winter Refresher attendance and participation three years
- Ministry Residency preparation in the Winter semester prior to Residency
- “Residents’ Return” during Ministry Residency
- Graduating Students’ Survey
Program notes
- An overall average of 60% must be maintained in order to remain in good standing
- Years 1 and 2 may be completed through either full- or part-time studies
- Ministry Residency must be completed through full-time registration
- All courses except Learning Circles (PA 381, HA/SA 382, SA 383, PA 384, PA 385) are normally
completed before beginning Ministry Residency. In exceptional cases, students with 54-59 credit hours
may be permitted to begin Ministry Residency, but must make a proposal prior to registration
demonstrating how the remaining credit hours will be completed. Students admitted to the Honours
program begin Ministry Residency with 54 credit hours, and complete the Honours Thesis during the
Residency.
- Students retain their status as students (for student loans, book bursaries, etc.) during Ministry
Residency
- No more than 45 credit hours may be any combination of online, transfer or Prior Learning Assessment
credits. Students admitted without an undergraduate degree or its educational equivalent are not eligible
for Prior Learning Assessment.
- No more than 6 credit hours in introductory biblical languages may be counted towards the degree
- All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten (10) years
Distance Education
Year 1 may be completed either on campus in Saskatoon or through online and/or transfer courses and
Clinical Pastoral Education. Year 2 must be taken on campus in Saskatoon. Ministry Residency is taken
full-time, as a combination of half-time supervised ministry experience with half-time study; the courses
are all offered as intensive courses in Saskatoon. SA 383 is offered as a two-part intensive course at
various First Nations institutions/locations.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who have learned through contexts outside of the higher education setting may apply for Prior
Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Please see the St. Andrew’s College policy, available in
the Student Handbook and the Registrar’s Office.
Honours option
The Honours program requires:
1. A grade average of 75% throughout the academic program;
2. Demonstrated competence in either a second language (biblical or modern) or special preparation in the
area of the thesis research;
3. The presentation of an acceptable thesis (50-60 pages, 12,000-15,000 words) with a 200-word abstract.
Competency in the second language must be demonstrated by the end of the second week of the term in
which the thesis is to be presented. Two bound copies of the thesis are to be provided to the College
Library at the student’s expense. If a student successfully completes all of the course credits but does not
14
successfully complete the thesis, the student may be given the degree without the Honours designation.
The student must declare intention to pursue the Honours program before completing 54 credit hours of
the MDiv program, i.e., before beginning Ministry Residency.
Ministry Practicum component of Ministry Residency
The Ministry Practicum (PA 380; 15 cr) consists of half-time supervised ministry while resident at one
learning site for 20 months. It normally begins in September. St. Andrew’s College, through the Ministry
Residency Coordinator, facilitates the finding of learning sites for students. Students must apply for
Ministry Practicum, in writing, prior to October 1 for the following year. Students are advised to see the
Ministry Residency Coordinator before September 15. Copies of the application, available on line and
through the Coordinator, must be sent by the student to their Presbytery Education and Students
Committee (or equivalent) and the St. Andrew’s College Ministry Residency Coordinator.
Students who wish to do their Ministry Practicum outside of the three Prairie Conferences of The United
Church of Canada must get authorization and seek cooperation from the Conference (of the UCC) or
judiciary where they what to do their Ministry Residency.
United Church students are appointed as Student Supply at half-time to a pastoral charge, and are
afforded the salary and benefits of such an appointment. Students who wish an appointment of more than
half-time must apply to faculty for approval, which is not guaranteed. The College depends on the
policies of the United Church of Canada for the Ministry Residency program. If the United Church
changes its authorization, requirements or funding, the St. Andrew’s program will change accordingly.
The United Church of Canada contributes financially to the Ministry Practicum for United Church
candidates for ministry. This financial aid fluctuates from year to year and is communicated to the
learning sites when they apply to be a learning site. The committees of the church do their best to find
Ministry Practicum placements, but cannot guarantee such placement in a given year. Learning sites
volunteer to take on oversight and much of the cost of this community-based learning. The ability to find
learning sites is further challenged by individual student needs.
Students who wish to undertake an alternate Ministry Practicum must make a proposal to the faculty prior
to October 1 for the following year; there is no guarantee of approval. Students who wish to undertake
such a practicum are responsible for making all arrangements to the satisfaction of the Ministry
Residency Coordinator; the Coordinator will assist in making arrangements for one pastoral ministry site
within The United Church of Canada, but all other arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
Students are responsible for attending all Learning Circles as scheduled.
Students have the option of applying for a Global Partner Overseas Placement through The United
Church of Canada for up to half of the Ministry Practicum credit. Further details on this program are
available from the Ministry Residency Coordinator. Participating in an Overseas Placement may extend
the length of the program.
Students retain their status as students (for student loans, book bursaries, etc.) until all courses and the
twenty-month supervised ministry are completed.
7. Graduate Studies: Master or Sacred Theology (STM) and Doctor of
Ministry (DMin)
The STM and the DMin degrees are offered through the Graduate Studies Council (GSC) of the Saskatoon
Theological Union (STU). Please refer to the STM and DMin Handbooks, available from the Registrar.
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8. Designated Lay Ministry (DLM)
The DLM program is offered on the St. Andrew’s College site. Please refer to the DLM handbook,
available from the Registrar.
9. Occasional (non-program) students
Occasional students may register for credit in up to four semester courses without being enrolled in a degree
program. To be permitted to take a course for credit, such students must provide the College with a
transcript indicating that they have successfully completed the equivalent of one year of university classes or
the Leadership Development Module from the Centre for Christian Studies, or successfully complete a Skills
Assessment (available from the General Office). Occasional students may audit a course (except an internet
course) with the permission of the instructor.
Occasional students may register for credit in the undergraduate level courses (00) as long as the applicant
demonstrates admission to an undergraduate program. Occasional students may take a maximum of two
undergraduate level courses.
Occasional students intending to use credits earned from St. Andrew’s College courses toward academic
degree programs at another institution must arrange for the registrar to receive a Letter of Permission from
that institution in order to complete the registration process.
Members of the United Church who are wondering whether a vocation in Christian ministry might be
appropriate for them are encouraged to enter the Diploma program.
10. Admission to the Order of Ministry of the United Church of Canada
Program (UCC Admissions)
Members of the Order of Ministry who are seeking admission to the Order of Ministry of the United
Church of Canada are required to complete an educational component. The admission process is
overseen by the appropriate unit of the General Council of the United Church of Canada. St. Andrew’s
College can offer the program of study, and will provide reports at the student’s request.
In order to begin the Admission to the United Church of Canada process students must submit form ADM
302(Application for Admission) to the Ministry and Employment Unit of the General Council of the
United Church of Canada. St. Andrew’s College can offer the program of study and will provide reports
at the student’s request.
The entire process is outlined in UCC Admission to the Order of Ministry October 2013, which may be
found at http://www.united-church.ca/files/handbooks/admission_order-of-ministry.pdf
Requirements: Students are required to submit to the College:
1. A copy of a letter from the executive of the Conference with which the student is affiliated which
confirms approval of the Conference Interview Board that the student is considered suitable to
seek appointment in the United Church of Canada, or equivalent.
2. A photocopy of the student’s Master of Divinity degree transcript, or equivalent.
3. There is a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $75 charged at the time the required
documents are submitted.
Educational Requirements: These requirements are specified in the UCC Admission to the Order of
Ministry October 2013 handbook, mentioned above.
Courses available at St. Andrew’s College:
•
HA/SA 382 Learning Circle II: United Church History, Theology and Polity (usually offered as a
ten-day event in February) (4 credit hours)
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•
PA 392 United Church Worship (a reading course designed for this purpose) (1.5 credit hours)
•
PA 160 Introduction to Christian Education (on-line) (3 credit hours) OR
•
PA 395 United Church Christian Education/Faith Formation ( a reading course designed for this
purpose) (1.5 credit hours)
•
Any other course(s) specified by the student’s Presbytery or Conference
Note: Students who register for PA 392 and/or PA 395 must commit to registering in HA/SA 382 at St.
Andrew’s College. If a student does not take HA/SA 382 at St. Andrew’s College after taking PA 395
and/or PA 392, then in order to have the college submit Form 307 to the United Church of Canada the
student will pay a $100 fee.
St. Andrew’s College will assign a Faculty Advisor to the student, and will provide Completion of
Educational Requirements for Orientation Reports to the appropriate unit of General Council of the
United Church of Canada upon request by the student.
Upon completion and upon request by the student, students will receive a transcript of courses taken.
Students who take their HA/SA 382, PA 392, PA 160 or PA 395 at St. Andrew’s College will fulfill the
National United Church requirements and receive the UCC Admissions Certificate from St. Andrew’s
College.
This certificate is awarded at the yearly Convocation ceremony, and the certificate recipients will become
alumni/ae of the College.
All policies and regulations of the College will apply.
11. Course Descriptions
These are all the approved St. Andrew’s College courses. Not all courses are offered every year. Please
check the most recent Timetable for course offerings. Elective courses available through the Lutheran
Theological Seminary and the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad are not included in this list of courses;
please check the most recent STU Timetable for additional elective courses.
Program Requirements
PA 100 Program Based Requirements (MDiv - 0 credits, 31 credit MTS - 0 credits)
PBCR – Program Based Credit Requirements (MTS - 2 credits)
PA 389 MTS Capstone (MTS - 1 credit) – see description below in Pastoral Studies
Biblical Studies
BA 101-102 Introductory Hebrew Grammar
Comprehensive introduction to the grammar of biblical Hebrew. Translation from Hebrew into English of
selected Hebrew Bible passages. (C. Mitchell)
BA 110 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures
A study of the whole Jewish Bible from the perspective of its formation as a canon of scripture in postexilic
Judaism. (C. Mitchell)
BE 155-156 Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures I & II
This course invites a careful reading of all the New Testament writings, as well as some other examples of early
Christian literature. The study begins by exploring the different kinds of literature early Christians wrote —
letters, sayings-collections, etiologies, hymn-collections, apocalypses, and testimonies. The next set of texts for
study illustrate how early Christians combined and edited such materials in shaping longer documents. Our
literary concern is with appreciating the layers of meaning that have been created within the text in its present
state, while our historical concern is with identifying the issues that their first Christian readers were having to
face. BE 155 focuses on texts with the strongest links to Judaism (Mark, Matthew, James, the Didache, "Q"). BE
156 shifts the focus to those texts which more explicitly address a Gentile audience (Paul, John, Luke-Acts).
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(W. Richards)
BA 221 The Pentateuch
Prerequisite: BA 110 or equivalent
A study of Israel’s identifying story, its development, and the formation of the books of Genesis through
Deuteronomy. The issues of pentateuchal criticism will be considered. The bulk of the time will be given to close
consideration of an extended section. Topic may change from year to year. (C. Mitchell)
BA 226 The Prophetic Books of the Hebrew Scriptures
Prerequisite: BA 110 or equivalent
The origin and development of prophetic texts, and the formation of the prophetic canon(s). The bulk of the time
will be given to close consideration of a part of the prophetic canon. Topic may change each year. (C. Mitchell)
BA 229 Feminist Exegesis of the Hebrew Scriptures
Prerequisite: BA 110 or equivalent
The concerns of feminist critique, and the development of feminist biblical criticism. The bulk of the time will be
given to a close consideration of a book or extended section, using the tools of exegesis and the lens of feminist
concerns. Topic may change from year to year. (C. Mitchell)
BA 301-302 Continuing Reading in the Hebrew Bible
Prerequisite: BA 101-102 or its equivalent
Reading of biblical Hebrew prose to improve speed and comprehension. Normally a two-semester sequence but
may be taken for one semester by arrangement with the instructor. (C. Mitchell)
BA 329 Inner-Biblical Interpretation
Prerequisites: BA 110, or equivalent; and either a 200-level course in Hebrew Scriptures or BL 150, or
equivalent
An examination of the interrelationships between texts in the Hebrew Bible. Various theories and models will be
studied, followed by an in-depth analysis of a particular biblical book (or part of a book) and its relationships to
other biblical texts. (C. Mitchell)
BA 340 Reading and Research: Hebrew Scriptures
Prerequisite: One 200 level course in Hebrew Scriptures
Special tutorials designated for senior students in consultation with their professor. (C. Mitchell)
BA 349 Thesis Writing: Hebrew Scriptures
BA 399 Thesis Writing: Christian Scriptures
BU 400 Graduate Seminar: Method In Biblical Studies
Prerequisite: Introductory courses in Hebrew Bible and New Testament, at least one 200-level and one 300level Bible course, or approved equivalents to these, at least one introductory level biblical language.
This course is designed to give the graduate student an adequate understanding of current methodological
discussion in biblical studies. The emphasis will be on methods which have been developed recently, or which
have undergone major change in recent times. More traditional methods, which the student should already have
encountered in exegesis courses, will also be reviewed. (C. Mitchell)
Church History
HA/HL 111 Christian History: Early and Medieval Eras
This course introduces the world of the early and medieval Christians: their changing social, political and
economic climate, their developing theologies, their worship and faith practices, and the ways they shaped their
ecclesial structures. It offers an opportunity to begin to integrate the issues that emerge in the study of Christian
history with the participant’s experience and identity. (S. Beardsall/G. Jensen)
HA/HL 112 Christian History: Reformation and Modern Eras
Prerequisite: HA/HL 111or equivalent
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This course picks up the story of Christianity in the late medieval period and carries it through to the end of the
second millennium. The first part of the course focuses on the European reformation movements of the 16th
century; the second part surveys the many facets of Christianity that shaped its modern expressions throughout
the world. Participants will engage critical tools for reading contemporary Christian communities in light of this
five hundred years of history. (G. Jensen/ S. Beardsall)
HA 323 The Protestant Spiritual Heritage
Prerequisite: HA/HL 111/112
Church life in the denominations that arose from the reformations of the Sixteenth Century (and later) required
new ways of exploring and expressing personal and collective faith. This course will examine the various
spiritual paths that developed within Protestant churches, linking them to contemporary spiritual movements.
Special attention will be given to the Canadian context. (S. Beardsall)
HA 335 Reading Congregations: Historical Portraits of Parish Life
Prerequisite: HA/HL 111/112
This course combines contemporary approaches to congregational studies with explorations of works of fiction
that have unfolded congregational settings in a variety of places and historical eras. The goal is to understand the
theology that underlies life and practice in the Christian congregation, through analyzing the riches of the past,
the possibilities of literary “truth” in studying the faith, and the challenges of present parish contexts.
(S. Beardsall)
HA 352 Christians in Conversation: Aspects of Ecumenism
Prerequisite: HA/HL 111/112
This course will examine the ways Christians have sought to end their divisions with one another through
cooperation and dialogue, particularly since the advent of the modern ecumenical movement in the late
nineteenth century. It will look at both the forms and the content of ecumenical conversations, including the
developing world of interfaith relations. (S. Beardsall)
HA 356 Preparing for Ecumenical Ministries
Prerequisite: HA/HL 111/ 112
Increasing numbers of Christian communities are working in close ecumenical ways to facilitate mission and
ministry, especially in areas of depopulation or other financial struggle. Many of these become formally linked as
“ecumenical shared ministry” congregations or clusters. This course will explore the dynamics particular to
developing and sustaining ecumenical ministry initiatives in congregational settings. It will introduce participants
to the structures, theologies, and ethos of the major denominations involved, and consider issues that are unique
to ecumenical relationships. Participants will identify and strengthen their gifts for these ministries, in the context
of the wider discussions of contemporary ecumenism. (S. Beardsall)
HA 390 Reading and Research: Church History
HA 399 Thesis Writing
HA 423 The Wesleys: Susanna, Charles and John
Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of the instructor
Of the many religious societies that arose in England in the Eighteenth Century, that initiated by the Wesley
family has had the greatest impact on global Christianity. This course will examine the lives and theologies of
Susanna Wesley and two of her sons, Charles and John, in the context of their time and place. Each student will
do a research project on an area of interest within the history and theology of the Wesleys. (S. Beardsall)
Theology, Ethics, Church & Society
SA 113 Introduction to Christian Theology
An introduction to major themes of Christian theology: God, creation, human nature, Christ, salvation, the
community of faith, and the goal of salvation history. These themes are studied in the context of issues such as
the irruption of difference in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, the impact of globalization, the ecological
crises and the changing places of churches in Western societies. The overarching goal of the course is to help
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students interpret the Christian faith in relation to life in the contemporary world. (D. Schweitzer)
SA 152 Introduction to Christian Ethics
In this introductory course learn about methods for analyzing moral arguments and responding to ethical
dilemmas through a study of diverse traditions in Christian ethics. Explore the roles of Scripture, tradition,
reason and experience as sources for ethical discernment and develop a reflective and critical approach to
naming and responding to contemporary ethical issues. (L. Caldwell)
SA 214 Christology
Prerequisite: SA 113or completion of 30 credits
Beginning from the historical Jesus and drawing on contemporary critical Christologies, this course follows the
development of faith in Jesus as the Christ and examines different ways of understanding his saving significance
in different contexts. The goal is to equip students to develop and articulate their own Christology in a way that
is authentic to the Christian tradition, their own experience, the experiences of others with whom they are in
dialogue and the needs of communities to which the students belong. (D. Schweitzer)
SA 262 On Justice
Prerequisite: SA 152 or completion of 30 credits
Explore how justice is understood in the stories and traditions of Christianity as well as in broader histories and
contemporary contexts. By critically examining current social realities (e.g., in relation to race, class, gender
identity, sexuality, disability, ecology) learn to identify how different approaches to justice as a call and
commitment lead to different outcomes and provide different possibilities for acting together. Examine how
debates about the very notion of “justice” continue to be critical for leadership in ministry and in community
engagement (L. Caldwell)
SA 327/427 The Self
Prerequisite: SA 113 or permission of the instructor
This course examines the nature of the self as embodied, communal and reflexive in relation to themes of
creation, fall and redemption through dialogue with contemporary gender studies, feminist theory, political
philosophy and classical and contemporary Christian theologians. (D. Schweitzer)
SA 333 God and the World
Prerequisite: SA 113 or permission of the instructor
This course explores what God means to the world and what the world means to God from within a Reformed
perspective in Christian theology. The first section examines the salvific meaning of God for the world, and the
increase that the world and its salvation bring to the life of God. The second section expands upon this, looking
at the moral and transmoral nature of God’s relationship to the world. The third section explores questions
concerning the suffering of God and creation, the nature of evil, loss and Christian hope. (D. Schweitzer)
SA 340 The Holy Spirit
Prerequisite: SA 113 or permission of the instructor
This course examines the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, looking at how it has been understood in the early
church and at present. Topics covered include the role of the Spirit in the economy of salvation, expressions of
the Spirit in contemporary church and society, the revelatory role of the Holy Spirit, its relation to the reign of
God and the Holy Spirit as the growing edge of God. (D. Schweitzer)
SA 370 Integration Seminar
Prerequisites: Completion of 30 credits and enrolment in Year 2
On the basis of a field placement in a social agency, students will learn how to analyze their situations and reflect
theologically on their experience in ministry. With the participation of Faculty members from other departments,
students will also be exposed to the pastoral implications of different methodological choices in the theological
disciplines. This is a required course for St. Andrew’s students in the M. Div. program. It is a three credit course
offered annually. There is an extra fee, equivalent to five percent (5%) of tuition, to cover any additional costs
required by placement agencies. (L. Caldwell)
SA 392 Reading and Research: Systematic Theology
SA 393 Reading and Research: Ethics
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SA 394 Reading and Research: Church and Society
SA 399 Thesis Writing
Pastoral Theology
PA 110 Introduction to Worship
This course introduces students to the history, theology, and practice of Christian public worship. It is designed
to gain biblical, historical, theological, and pastoral dimensions on the nature of Christian worship; to explore the
praxis of sacramental worship; to gain insights into Christian year, liturgical place, and prayers within worship
traditions, music, with reference to its relationship of culture; to demonstrate practical knowledge and experience
in leading/presiding worship, writing prayers, and choosing hymns. (H. Kim-Cragg)
PA 160 Introduction to Christian Education
This course examines the basics of Christian education as it deals with its concept, purpose, context, subjects,
and process as well as method. It aims to strengthen the understanding of Christian faith as a life-long learning by
exploring ways of how different people in age, faith development, and culture learn from one another and
journey together as disciples of Jesus Christ. While exploring different approaches to Christian education over
the decades, students are encouraged to envision the future direction of the teaching ministry in congregational
setting and their pastoral vocation as teacher. (H. Kim-Cragg)
PA 212 Preaching: The Word in Worship
Prerequisite: PA 110 or completion of 30 credits
This course introduces students the basics of preaching in terms of it contents and methods. While discussing the
central elements of constructing a sermon, it aims to explore the effective and holistic ways of how the sermon
can be delivered. With the participation of invited preachers who are in ministry, students will also gain practical
and pastoral insights on preaching. Students will be granted opportunity to demonstrate their preaching as a
mutual learning experience. (H. Kim-Cragg)
PA 230 Theological Foundations for Pastoral Care in Congregations
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits
The purpose of this course is to create a basic understanding of pastoral care, including the development of skills
appropriate to the delivery of pastoral care in a congregational setting. The course includes lectures and reading,
visitation in parish homes, written verbatims, and participation in group learning.
PA 235 Clinical Pastoral Education (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits
A unit of clinical pastoral education taken through the Saskatoon Institute for Pastoral Education.
PA 264 Christian Education with Children
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits
This course engages in the importance of children’s ministry as students are encouraged to study child
development and faith formation, in relation to her/his communities, contexts, and the world. It involves
exploring children’s literature beyond religious contents to equip students to interact with the children. It also
examines the identity formation of a child in light of the group dynamics including the family, school, and
church. By the end of this course, students are able to develop story-telling skills, design intergenerational
worship and discover their sense of vocation to children’s ministry (H. Kim-Cragg).
PA 318 Worship and Christian Education: A Postcolonial Feminist Approach
Prerequisites: PA 110 and PA 160
This course will examine the role of Story and Song as they address the need for the interplay between Christian
worship and Christian education from a postcolonial feminist perspective. It is designed to gain biblical,
liturgical, and pedagogical dimensions on the interdisciplinary nature of Christian worship and Christian
education; to explore the praxis of intergenerational and intercultural worship and education; to engage worship
and education, with reference to their relationship of cultures and Canadian church context. Students are also
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encouraged to discuss such contemporary theological issues as diaspora identity, hybridity, orientalism, and
inculturation, while exploring the implications for the church ministries in the 21st century. This course will
consist of presentations, readings, assignments, and discussions. (H. Kim-Cragg)
PA 320 Just Liturgy (Advanced Worship Seminar)
Prerequisite: PA 110
This course explores the radically inclusive ways of worshipping as a matter of justice. It involves in critiquing
the liturgical traditions and practices that are patriarchal and exclusive against certain groups of people including
women and the differently abled. Such critiques encourage students to examine inclusive language issues in
prayer and hymns and liturgical leadership as power issues. It will also consider the embodiment and sensory
phenomenological approaches to worship, overcoming to focus on liturgical texts and documents. Students will
be able to grasp the importance of creating just liturgy as an integrated way of carrying out justice. (Kim-Cragg)
PA/SA 362 Race, Colonialism, Canadian Identity and Intercultural Ministries
Prerequisites: SA 113 and SA 152
This course will engage students in a critical study of race, racism and intercultural ministry. Content will take an
ecumenical, interdisciplinary and global perspective on the issues related to, and interpretations of, intercultural
ministry. Perspectives from critical race and postcolonial theories will be studied and engaged with to support
students' development of strategies for anti-racist intercultural praxis in church contexts. (H. Kim-Cragg, L.
Caldwell)
PA 389 Master of Theological Studies (MTS) Capstone (1 credit)
The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your integration of learning from studies toward the MTS
degree, and your ability to engage and share this learning. Specifically, your response should demonstrate your
ability to:
-Articulate the historical and contemporary expressions of Christian faith,
-Critically assess the impact of scholarship upon faith and life in the contemporary world,
-Understand the theological disciplines in relation to each other (by expression both a global knowledge of the
theological disciplines and an in-depth knowledge of one discipline).
PA 392 Reading and Research: United Church Liturgy and Worship
This is a 1.5 credit admission course. The goal of this course is to gain an appreciation of the liturgical history
and polity of The United Church of Canada in the context of the present denomination of the candidate for
admission. It invites students 1) to complete a reading of and reflection on texts written by United Church
scholars for developing faithful worship practices within our congregations, and 2) to develop an attentive
awareness of one’s own leadership style and how it integrates with/challenges the worship culture(s) of The
United Church of Canada. (H. Kim-Cragg)
PA 393 Reading and Research: Pastoral Care and Counselling
PA 394 Reading and Research: Church Administration and Practice
PA 395 Reading and Research: United Church Christian Education/Faith Formation
This is a 1.5 credit admission course. The goal of this course is to equip students to be educated leaders, who are
seeking to be admitted and transferred in the United Church of Canada. It invites students to 1) engage in the
interplay between religious education and worship, 2) explore the postcolonial approaches and 3) articulate the
issues that are central and critical to faith formation of the intercultural congregational ministries. (H. KimCragg)
PA 399 Thesis Writing
Ministry Residency
PA 380 Ministry Practicum (15 credits)
Prerequisites: 54 credits and enrolment in Ministry Residency
Enrolment is limited to students in Phase 3 of the St. Andrew’s MDiv program. Ministry Practicum tuition is
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twice the normal rate per credit hour.
PA 381 Learning Circle I: Skills and Reflection in Pastoral Ministry
Co-requisites: PA 380 or 54 credits and working at least half-time in a ministry setting.
This 3 credit course is required for all St. Andrew’s Phase Three students, and is open to anyone engaged in
congregational ministry who wishes to explore the meaning and purpose of the parish pastoral minister. Using a
variety of praxis-based approaches, including case studies; discussion of articles and film; workshops; in-class
exercises; and written work, the course addresses core aspects of pastoral experience and identity: leadership,
vocation, and learning to “read” congregations and engage them in their mission and ministry. The major
assignment is a congregational “thick description,” to be completed and submitted after the conclusion of the 8day course meeting. (S. Beardsall)
HA/SA 382 Learning Circle II: United Church History, Theology and Polity
Prerequisites: HA/HL 111/112, SA 113, their equivalents or permission of the instructor
This 4 credit course explores the history, theology and ethos of the United Church through an overview of where
the United Church has been and how it has got to where it is now. Students will gain an enriched understanding
of how the United Church was formed, the journey it has traveled to the present, how it is organized and how its
polity functions. (D. Schweitzer)
SA 383 Learning Circle III: Learning and Reflection in Aboriginal Ministry contexts
Co-requisite: Enrolment in PA 380 (Ministry Residency) is limited to St. Andrew’s MDiv students
This is a 3 credit course. Students will participate in a cross-cultural experience in a First Nations context;
normally this will include some time spent in a Native Ministry site and some time spent in a First Nations
theological education site. The College makes arrangements for this learning circle, but students who wish a
different experience may, with the prior approval of Faculty, make their own arrangements. Students with
extensive experience of First Nations context/s may be permitted, with the prior approval of Faculty, to substitute
a different experience. Enrolment is limited to students in the St. Andrew’s MDiv program.
PA 384 Learning Circle IV: Mission and Administration
Prerequisites: PA 381, HA/SA 382, SA 383
Co-requisite: Enrolment in PA 380 (Ministry Residency) or working at least half-time in a ministry setting.
This is a 2 credit course.
PA 385 Learning Circle V: Vocation and Identity in Pastoral Ministry
Prerequisites: PA 381, HA/SA 382, SA 383, PA 384
Co-requisite: Enrolment in PA 380 (Ministry Residency) or working at least half-time in a ministry setting
This 3 credit course will provide closure to the ministry residency and Phase 3 of the MDiv program. It will
combine biblical, liturgical, pedagogical and contextual work with completion of tasks in the students’ learning
covenants, culminating in a statement of personal pastoral identity in ministry. A substantial piece of individual
independent work is also expected. As well, there will be time spent looking forward to ordination and
settlement, and expectations of new clergy. This course is required for all St. Andrew’s Phase 3 students who are
in the MDiv program and open to those with the equivalent to Phase 3 ministry experience and engagement.
(H. Kim-Cragg)
Course numbers, titles, descriptions for the dual degree (BTh) program:
BA 010 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures (3 cr)
Prerequisite: Admission to the BTh program
A study of the whole Jewish Bible from the perspective of its formation as a canon of scripture in postexilic
Judaism.
BA 055 Introduction to the Christian Scriptures (3 cr)
Prerequisite: Admission to the BTh program
HA 011 Christian History: Early and Medieval Eras (3 cr)
Prerequisite: Admission to the BTh program
This course introduces the world of the early and medieval Christians: their changing social, political and
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economic climate, their developing theologies, their worship and faith practices, and the ways they shaped their
ecclesial structures. It offers an opportunity to begin to integrate the issues that emerge in the study of Christian
history with the participant’s experience and identity.
HA 012 Christian History: Reformation and Modern Eras (3 cr)
Prerequisite: HA 011
This course picks up the story of Christianity in the late medieval period and carries it through to the end of the
second millennium. The first part of the course focuses on the European reformation movements of the 16th
century; the second part surveys the many facets of Christianity that shaped its modern expressions throughout
the world. Participants will engage critical tools for reading contemporary Christian communities in light of this
five hundred years of history.
SA 013 Introduction to Christian Theology (3 cr)
Prerequisite: Admission to the BTh program
An introduction to major themes of Christian theology: God, creation, human nature, Christ, salvation, the
community of faith, and the goal of salvation history. These themes are studied in the context of issues such as
the irruption of difference in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, the impact of globalization, the ecological
crises and the changing places of churches in Western societies. The overarching goal of the course is to help
students interpret the Christian faith in relation to life in the contemporary world.
SA 014 Christology (3 cr)
Prerequisite: SA 013
Beginning from the historical Jesus and drawing on contemporary critical Christologies, this course follows the
development of faith in Jesus as the Christ and examines different ways of understanding his saving significance
in different contexts. The goal is to equip students to develop and articulate their own Christology in a way that
is authentic to the Christian tradition, their own experience, the experiences of others with whom they are in
dialogue and the needs of communities to which the students belong.
SA 052 Introduction to Christian Ethics (3 cr)
Prerequisite: Admission to the BTh program
This is an introductory course for students with no previous background in Christian ethics. Together we will
struggle to identify what is the right course of action from a Christian perspective. We will analyze the structure
of moral arguments and develop a working knowledge of moral theory. We will also explore the role of the Bible
and of theology in Christian ethics.
PA 010 Introduction to Worship (3 cr)
Prerequisite: Completion of 60 cr of the BTh program
This course introduces students to the history, theology, and practice of Christian public worship. It is designed
to gain biblical, historical, theological, and pastoral dimensions on the nature of Christian worship; to explore the
praxis of sacramental worship; to gain insights into Christian year, liturgical place, and prayers within worship
traditions, music, with reference to its relationship of culture; to demonstrate practical knowledge and experience
in leading/presiding worship, writing prayers, and choosing hymns.
PA 060 Introduction to Christian Education (3 cr)
Prerequisite: Completion of 60 cr of the BTh program
This course examines the basics of Christian education as it deals with its concept, purpose, context, subjects,
and process as well as method. It aims to strengthen the understanding of Christian faith as a life-long learning by
exploring ways of how different people in age, faith development, and culture learn from one another and
journey together as disciples of Jesus Christ. While exploring different approaches to Christian education over
the decades, students are encouraged to envision the future direction of the teaching ministry in congregational
setting and their pastoral vocation as teacher.
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SECTION TWO:
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
25
A. Courses and Registration
1. Calendar of Dates for 2015-2016
July 2015
1
Wednesday
Canada Day – Colleges Closed
Monday
Tuesday
Saskatchewan Day – College Closed
Registration for Fall Term
August 2015
3
4
September 2015
2-3
7
9-11
10
14
15
18
Wednesday-Thursday
Monday
Wednesday-Friday
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
22
25
Tuesday
Friday
Entry Colloquium
Labour Day - College Closed
Orientation
Deadline to register for Fall courses
First day of classes for Fall term
Core Group
Deadline to transfer courses through registrars
Tuition payment due
Committee Meetings
Deadline to transfer courses with faculty permission
Deadline to withdraw from course with 100% tuition refund
October 2015
2
Friday
Deadline to withdraw from course with 75% tuition refund
6
Tuesday
Committee Meetings
7
Wednesday
St. Andrew’s Guild Tea
12
Monday
Thanksgiving - College Closed
13
Tuesday
Core Group
15
Thursday
Registration for Winter classes open
15-16 Thursday-Friday
Academic Committee
16
Friday
Deadline to withdraw from course with 50% tuition refund
20
Tuesday
Committee Meetings
21-22 Wednesday -Thursday Board Meeting
23
Friday
Deadline to withdraw from course with 25% tuition refund
26-30 Monday-Friday
Reading Week
30
Friday
Deadline to withdraw from course without academic penalty
November 2015
10
11
13
13-18
17
19-24
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Monday-Wednesday
Tuesday
Thursday-Tuesday
Committee Meetings
Remembrance Day - College Closed
Registration deadline for January and Winter terms
Learning Circle 1 (PA381)
Core Group
Learning Circle 4 (PA 384)
December 2015
8
11
24
Tuesday
Friday
Thursday
Committee Meetings
Last Day of Classes
College closed for Christmas break
26
January 2016
4
4-8
8
11
15
Monday
Monday-Friday
Friday
Monday
Friday
19
22
Tuesday
Friday
29
Friday
College reopens after Christmas break
J-Term/Winter Intensive Week
Grades due – Fall term
First day of classes for Winter term
Deadline to transfer courses through registrars
Tuition payment due
Committee Meetings
Deadline to transfer courses with faculty permission
Deadline to withdraw from course with 100% tuition refund
Deadline to withdraw from course with 75% tuition refund
February 2016
1-12 Monday-Friday
DLM Learning Circle
2
Tuesday
Committee Meetings
15
Monday
Family Day - College Closed
16-19 Tuesday-Friday
Reading Week
12
Friday
Deadline to withdraw from course with 50% tuition refund
23
Tuesday
Committee Meetings
19
Friday
Deadline to withdraw from course with 25% tuition refund
26
Friday
Deadline to withdraw from course without academic penalty
29 – March 2 Monday-Wednesday Winter Refresher
March 2016
2-3
2-7
4
8
22
25?
25
Wednesday-Thursday
Wednesday-Monday
Friday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Friday
Friday
Board Meeting
Learning Circle 5 (PA 385)
Deadline for submission of J Term work
Committee Meetings
Committee Meetings
Deadline to submit BTh/MTS/MDiv/STM thesis & DMin project
Good Friday – College Closed
Tuesday
Friday
Monday-Friday
Wednesday
Friday
Committee Meetings
Last day of classes
Exam Week
Grades due for graduating students
Deadline for BTh/MTS/MDiv/STM thesis oral defense & DMin
project presentation
3-4
4-5
6
Tues-Wednesday
Wed-Thursday
Friday
13
23
Friday
Monday
SAC Academic Committee Meetings
SAC Board Meetings
STU Convocation
Deadline for submission of bound BTh/MTS/MDiv/STM thesis
& DMin project to registrar
All other grades due – scheduled for one week after Convo.
Victoria Day – College closed
Friday
Canada Day – Colleges closed
April 2016
5
8
11-15
20
22
May 2016
July 2016
1
27
August 2016
1
2
Monday
Tuesday
Saskatchewan Day – College closed
Registration for Fall term
2. Registration Procedures
All students are required to register for courses through the Student database called Populi. Once a student
has been accepted into a program or as an occasional student the Registrar will have the Populi system send
the student an invitation to the site. Upon becoming an “active student” on Populi, access is granted for
course registration for the academic year. It is the student’s responsibility to register in courses, and follow
up with fee payment as outlined. After choosing the course(s) the student must contact their Faculty Advisor
for approval, approval will be provided to both the student and the Registrar through email correspondence.
a. Course registration
Registration for courses for credit will not be considered complete without a Faculty Advisor's approval
and the payment of tuition and fees. Late registration is permitted only with Faculty Advisor and
instructor permission by the late registration deadlines.
Deadlines for registration and tuition payment, 2015-2016:
FALL
Thursday, September 3 – Deadline for registration for Fall semester courses
Friday, September 11 – Deadline for late registration or course changes for Fall courses
WINTER
Friday, November 6 – Deadline for registration for January term and Winter courses
Friday, January 15 – Deadline for late registration or course changes for Winter courses
CLUSTER/ON-LINE/INTENSIVE COURSES AND LEARNING CIRCLES
Four weeks before the first day – Deadline for registration for cluster/on-line/intensive courses and
learning circles
Two weeks before the first day – Deadline for late registration for cluster/on-line/intensive courses
and learning circles
Occasional students who wish to register in an Internet or regional cluster course offered by St.
Andrew’s should send an e-mail to standrews.registrar@usask.ca with the following information in the
body of the e-mail:
• full name
• town or city
• the course(s) of interest
b. Course withdrawals
Upon deciding to withdraw from a class, students are responsible for the following:
• awareness of the academic and financial consequences of the withdrawal (see below)
• notification of the Registrar
• notification of the course instructor
• notification of the Faculty
To drop a class, students may either obtain the necessary signatures on a form available from the Registrar’s
Office, OR (if a distance education student) students may e-mail the Registrar to make the necessary
contacts. Students should ensure that they keep a copy of the e-mail.
Semester, cluster and on-line course withdrawal dates for 2015-2016 are:
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Note: For PA380 Ministry Residency there will be no tuition refund for withdrawal.
FALL
Friday, September 25 – Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 100% tuition refund; after this
date the transcript will show “Withdrawn”
Friday, October 2 – Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 75% tuition refund
Friday, October 16 – Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 50% tuition refund
Friday, October23 – Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 25% tuition refund (no tuition
refund after this date)
Friday, October 30– Noon Deadline to withdraw from course without academic penalty; after this
date the transcript will show “Withdraw-Fail”
WINTER
Friday, January 22– Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 100% tuition refund; after this
date the transcript will show “Withdrawn”
Friday, January 29 – Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 75% tuition refund
Friday, February 12– Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 50% tuition refund
Friday, February 29 – Noon Deadline to withdraw from course with 25% tuition refund (no tuition
refund after this date)
Friday, February 26– Noon Deadline to withdraw from course without academic penalty; after this
date the transcript will show “Withdraw-Fail”
INTENSIVE COURSES/LEARNING CIRCLES
End of the first day of an intensive course – Deadline to withdraw from course with 100% tuition
refund (minus $150 withdrawal fee); after this date the transcript will show “Withdraw-Fail”
End of the second day of a learning circle – Deadline to withdraw with 100% tuition refund (minus
$150 withdrawal fee); after this date the transcript will show “Withdraw-Fail”
c. Course Load
The normal full course load is five classes, enabling a student to carry 15 hours of classes and 30 hours
of preparation for those classes. Normally, registration will be limited to five classes per semester
(including any courses being taken elsewhere). Any student wanting to take an overload should request
an exemption from the Faculty through their Faculty Advisor. Each request will be handled on a case by
case basis and does not imply any precedent.
d. Minimum Course Registration
Ordinarily the minimum number of registered students needed for a course to be offered is five. If fewer
than five students register for a class, the Faculty will review the case and decide whether it should be
offered.
e. Auditing a Course
With permission of the Faculty Advisor and the instructor of a course a student may choose to enrol in a
course (except internet courses) as an audit student (rather than for credit). Audit students are expected
to do course readings, but are not required to submit assignments, and will not be evaluated by the
instructor. The "audit" designation appearing on a transcript is an indication of "status" (regular
attendance) and not one of academic achievement. Audit fees are one-half of credit fees.
f. Program Withdrawal
Student Initiated Withdrawal: To withdraw from a program a student must indicate their intention in
writing to their Faculty Advisor.
29
Automatic Withdrawal: If a student has not paid their annual program fee for 2 years, a lock will placed
on their Populi student account. The Registrar will then contact the student directly by registered letter
to notify them of the subsequent withdrawal. If a student wishes to stay in their program they must pay
the outstanding annual program fee to keep their student status current.
3. Faculty Advisors
All students in degree and diploma programs at St. Andrew's are assigned a Faculty Advisor. Students
should confer with their Faculty Advisors before registering on Populi. Faculty Advisor will give advice on
the following:
• credits that can be transferred into the program from elsewhere
• prior learning assessment and recognition (see policy in Section 3)
• admission to an Honours program
• course and other requirements for the student’s program
• course substitutions
• complaints about academic offences
• overall academic performance and standing
For candidates for ordained ministry, the Faculty Advisor will also complete the College’s annual report to
the candidate’s presbytery and will work with the student and the Ministry Residency Coordinator to help in
the preparation for the Ministry Residency portion of the MDiv program.
The Registrar assigns Faculty Advisors for each student upon admission. In the case of a dispute or
disagreement between a student and their Faculty Advisor, the Principal or Registrar will mediate, but will
not normally re-assign the student or the Faculty member for this reason. However, because of a need to
ensure an equal distribution of students for advising among available Faculty members, students may be reassigned to a new Faculty Advisor at any time, but normally at the beginning of a new semester.
The Faculty Advisor and/or the Registrar must take some decisions to the full Faculty Council for a decision
or recommendation. These include:
• approval of admission to a program
• approval of transfer to another program
• approval of transfer credits (a student wishing to take a course and transfer the credit into a St.
Andrew’s program must obtain prior approval from the Faculty Advisor)
• approval for admission to an Honours program, and certification of satisfaction of language
requirement for an Honours program
• grade appeals
• placement on academic probation or suspension
• recommendation of successful completion of ministry residency
• recommendation for graduation and granting of testamur (recommendation goes to Academic
Committee)
• recommendation for scholarships or awards (recommendation goes to Academic Committee)
4. Transfer Credits Awarded on Admission
•
•
•
•
Applicants with a Master of Theological Studies degree from St. Andrew's College may have
those credits applied to the Master of Divinity degree program.
Applicants with a Masters or Doctoral degree from another ATS accredited institution may
request that up to 15 semester classes or 45 credit hours be applied to the Master of Divinity
degree.
Applicants with degrees or credits from other institutions (including credits earned prior to an
institution receiving ATS accreditation) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Approval of transfer credits shall be at the discretion of the Faculty who will consider such
factors as the distribution requirements, level of course, age of credits, number of courses in one
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•
•
•
area, and range of preparation in undergraduate degree. Students may be asked to provide a
course outline for any transfer course.
The Integration Seminar, Ministry Residency, and Learning Circle requirements, while normally
upheld, are also at the discretion of the Faculty depending on previous experience and the content
of the previous degree.
No more than half the total credits for any degree or diploma may be earned through a
combination of on-line or cluster courses, transfer credits and/or prior learning assessment and
recognition.
A student who has taken a course(s) in a given area at an undergraduate institution prior to
attendance at St. Andrew's is encouraged to apply for an exemption(s) in the equivalent course(s):
“advanced standing”. Another course will be required in its place.
For a non-St. Andrew's course to be accepted for a semester course credit at St. Andrew's it must:
• be based on the assumption of not less than 108 hours of work, including, except in the case of
correspondence courses, not less than 26 contact hours, and
• include at least 20 pages (5,000 words) of written work.
5. Letters of Permission for Study at another Institution
Students may take up to half of their program through a combination of St. Andrew’s on-line and cluster
courses, and courses at another institution, either through credits transferred in on admission, or by Letter of
Permission from the College giving approval to study elsewhere. The procedure is as follows:
• At the student’s request, the Faculty Advisor assesses the proposed course in cooperation with the
Faculty member in the subject area most closely related to the course, taking into account the
institution, level, instructor, requirements and suitability of the course for the student’s program.
• The advisor makes the decision on whether to grant permission in conjunction with the Faculty
member in the subject area of the course.
• The Faculty Advisor reports the decision to the Registrar immediately, and seeks approval from
the whole Faculty at its next meeting; either the Faculty Advisor or Registrar prepares a Letter of
Permission sent directly to the other institution.
Saskatoon Theological Union (STU):
Equivalents have been established for most courses offered at other STU Colleges; these are available from
the Registrar. A Letter of Permission is not required for registration in an STU course; these courses follow
the same approval process as for St. Andrew’s College courses, including approval by the Faculty Advisor.
University of Saskatchewan courses:
All St. Andrew's students need permission to take courses offered at the University of Saskatchewan.
Permission is granted only when it is demonstrated that the course will enhance the learning objectives
within the student’s program and the course desired is not otherwise available within the STU. The
student’s Faculty Advisor will take the request to the next Faculty meeting for approval. Once approved, the
process for registration is as follows:
For undergraduate courses (numbered 100-600):
• The student’s Faculty Advisor will write a "Letter of Permission" to the Director of Admissions, U
of S. This letter will indicate that the student in question has been granted permission by St.
Andrew's to take a specific course for credit towards a St. Andrew's degree. The letter needs to be
sent directly by St. Andrew's to the Admissions office (in a sealed envelope).
• The student must apply for admission to the University of Saskatchewan on either a U of S
application form, checking the box for "visiting student”, and then taking that form along with the
required admission fee to Student and Enrolment Services, Administration Building, U of S, or on
the web at www.usask.ca/registrar. Students must meet U of S application deadlines!
• The processing will normally be done within one week of the receipt of both form and letter. The
status of visiting student will be valid for one year. Students should be aware that enrolments for
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•
some January classes are filled in the September registration.
The student will be given a U of S student number and a transcript will be created. At the end of the
course the student must request that an official transcript be sent to St. Andrew's where it can
be recorded.
For graduate level classes (numbered 700 or higher):
St. Andrew's students enrolled in the MTS or MDiv degree programs may register in graduate classes at
the U of S under a Memorandum of Agreement. Such students must have a grade average of 70% or
equivalent and may register for no more than 4 courses (MTS) or 8 courses (MDiv) under this
arrangement. There are no additional fees required. Use the form attached in Section Three of this
Handbook to get the necessary approvals.
University of Regina Courses:
For undergraduate classes: same as U of S procedure (see above)
For graduate level classes: The U of Regina Faculty of Graduate Studies has agreed to duplicate the
arrangement between St. Andrew's and the U of S on an experimental basis.
6. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Credit may be granted for learning acquired in a variety of contexts outside the higher education setting.
The process for assessing such learning enables students to obtain recognition for learning (knowledge and
skills) which they have achieved through both formal and non-formal learning experiences, including work
experiences and other life experiences such as independent study, community and church activities, political
action, or cultural and artistic pursuits. PLAR credits are considered to be external courses, or the equivalent
of transfer credits. A non-refundable fee is assessed for consideration of a PLAR portfolio. The Prior
Learning Assessment and Recognition Policy and Procedures document is available from the Registrar’s
Office. Students admitted without an undergraduate degree or its educational equivalent are not eligible for
PLAR.
7. Class Attendance
Given the size of the student body and the small size of most classes, it is extremely important that full
attendance at class sessions be the norm. The success or failure of a class often depends on the attendance
and full participation of all members of the class. The procedures to be followed in the case of repeated
absence are in the hands of the course instructor and are set forth in the course syllabus. Auditors are also
bound by this regulation.
8. Submission of Assignments and Recognition of Sources
Assignments for face to face (on-site) courses are to be handed directly to the Faculty member or to the
General Office. Students intending to submit an assignment electronically must be sure to check with the
Faculty member offering the course for permission to do so and for guidelines to format and timing.
Students are responsible for keeping a back-up copy of all assignments; it is strongly suggested that such
a back-up be available in printed format.
All external sources used in any assignment must be documented, and students must not represent as their
own any idea or expression of an idea of another person or group. Plagiarism is considered to be a
serious offence and may result in action under the College Policy on Student Discipline (see Section
Three).
9. Course credits
What is a course credit?
At St. Andrew's College a course normally offered over one term will involve 3 hours of classroom time
each week for 12 or 13 weeks. It is assumed that a student will spend 2 hours outside of class engaged in
reading and writing assignments for every hour in class. Successful completion of the work will earn the
32
student 3 credit hours.
How is a course credit determined in a non-traditional setting, such as for satisfying reading course
requirements or other components of a learning covenant?
Criteria:
1. Relevance of the topic - all work for which a student seeks academic credit must be relevant to the
student's learning goals and overall program of study.
2. Level of Work - all work for which a student seeks academic credit must be completed at a level
appropriate to the degree being sought.
3. Hours of Work - Based on the assumptions named above, each credit hour should involve at least
36-39 hours of total work including lectures, workshops, reading and writing.
4. Written Work - Students should expect to complete and have evaluated a minimum of 10 pages
(2500 words) of written work for each credit hour. This may be based on research, reflection on a
project or workshop, or a form appropriate to the project.
5. Bibliography - Students should prepare a bibliography of resources to be consulted for the topic
proposed, and should expect to complete a significant proportion of the reading in order to earn a
credit.
6. Fees - Tuition fees paid by the student to St. Andrew's College give the student access to the Faculty
and other learning resources of the College. The student will be responsible for any fees
associated with additional learning events outside the College that are included in a self-designed
program. Such events may be included in an application to the St. Andrew's Bursary Fund.
10. Grading Practices
The three Colleges of the Saskatoon Theological Union use the grading scheme developed by the
University, which is described in detail in the University Calendar at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
In general for all programs except the STM (for which a minimum passing grade is 70 percent), the
following grading and notation scheme applies:
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
50-59
<50
AU
Exceptional
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Minimal Pass
Failure
Audit
P
F
ABF
INF
W
WF
Pass
Fail
Absent-Failure
Incomplete-Failure
Withdrawal
Withdrawal-Failure
A Pass is understood to be 65% or more. (Note: A passing grade for a course taken for percentage grade is
50%; however, an overall grade average of 60% must be maintained.)
There are some courses at St. Andrew's that are always designated Pass/Fail rather than having a percentage
grade. These are
• SA 370 Integration Seminar
• PA 381, PA 383, PA 384, PA 385 (Learning Circles 1, 3, 4, 5)
• PA 392 and PA 395
For courses that are not designated Pass/Fail, St. Andrew’s College students may elect to take up to six
courses (18 credit hours) during their MDiv program or four courses (12 credit hours) during their MTS
program for Pass/Fail credit in addition to those designated, either in advance or by class covenant, as
Pass/Fail.
Students may opt for pass/fail evaluation only at the beginning of a course. An opportunity to indicate the
choice will be given and a student must choose by the “last day for changes in registration” each semester.
33
The decision is final.
11. Grade Appeal Process
Every student has the right to a re-read of an assignment. The Faculty member who gave the original grade
should be approached about the grievance first. If after the instructor’s decision is made, a student still feels
there are grounds for a grievance the following procedure should be followed:
1. The student should take her/his case to his/her Faculty Advisor (or to the Registrar if the instructor
is also the student’s Faculty Advisor);
2. The Faculty Advisor will take the matter to the Faculty;
3. The Faculty will appoint a third party with expertise in the area of the assignment to re-read the
paper(s) and exam(s) involved in the grievance and (a) uphold the mark given or (b) raise the
mark given or (c) lower the mark given.
4. A final appeal may be made to the Academic Committee.
12. Repeating Courses
When a student retakes a course and receives a better grade, that better grade will replace the earlier grade
on the transcript, but the student will receive only one credit for the course.
13. Academic Standing
The student’s Faculty Advisor and the Faculty as a whole monitor each student’s academic progress. If a
student appears to be in academic difficulty, an evaluation of the student's work will take place and measures
to aid the student in their studies will be taken, such as a reduction of course load, repetition of certain
courses or delay of ministry residency. If the difficulties continue, the student may be placed on academic
probation, during which time an improvement in performance must occur or the student's further study at St.
Andrew's will be jeopardized.
14. Examinations
There are a few courses in which final exams are scheduled. Students are encouraged to bring any
scheduling conflicts to the attention of the Faculty members involved.
15. Extensions (an STU Policy)
•
•
•
•
•
All assignments are due on the date specified in the course syllabus.
If an assignment cannot be completed on time, it is the responsibility of the student, before the date
on which the assignment is due, to request an extension.
If an extension within the term is granted by the instructor, terms for handing in the assignment
(for example, the new due date, any penalty for handing in assignment late) may be in writing at
the request of either the student or instructor.
Two options are available for extensions beyond the final day of a semester. For either option
students must submit a completed “Post-Term Extension Request Form” (available from the
Registrar’ Office) normally no later than one week prior to the last day of classes.
The request may be:
o
For up to four weeks in which case the student will hand in the form to the class
instructor(s). The course instructor(s) may grant such an extension at her/his discretion. If the
extension is granted, then the instructor will forward the form to the designated committee
and/or Registrar of the College of enrolment.
OR
o
For an extension of more than four weeks the student will submit the request to the
instructor(s) who will forward it to the Registrar of the College where the course is being taught
(or in cases of team taught courses, to the Registrar designated by the course instructors), and to
the Registrar of the College of enrolment. The College of enrolment may accept or deny the
request. If approved, the College of instruction will determine the date by which the material
34
•
•
•
must be submitted. Extensions will not be permitted beyond four months. (eg: April 30 for
material due in December, September 1 for material due in April). Extensions are not available
beyond the exam period in April for Winter semester classes required for ministry residency or
graduation.
If a student requests more than one extension in a semester, the Faculty may encourage or require
that student to have a lightened course load the next semester.
No further extension on extensions will be granted.
In situations of emergency or compassionate need, the decision to grant an extension will rest with
the Principal/ President.
16. Reading Courses and other Non-traditional Course Credits
Non-traditional course credits:
One "credit hour" may be given for each 36 hours of non-traditional work. The topic area must be
appropriate to the student's area of study; and the level of work should be appropriate to the student's
degree program. The usual tuition fee is to be paid to the College. (Note: a one semester course is three
credit hours.) An example of a possible non-traditional course is the annual Winter Refresher. Both a
one-credit hour and a three-credit hour course are possibilities.
Reading courses:
Faculty and curriculum considerations
•
•
•
•
•
Each St. Andrew’s College Faculty member may choose to supervise up to four reading courses
and/or theses in an academic year.
Faculty members will normally offer courses only in their area of research/expertise, and no
Faculty member is required to offer a reading course.
Reading courses will not normally be offered in a topic which is being covered by a regular
course in the same term.
Reading courses may be offered to St. Andrew’s College students by Faculty from other STU
colleges. Such courses when offered during the regular academic year will be given a St.
Andrew’s College course number and are subject to the usual academic regulations and
procedures for St. Andrew’s College courses. When reading courses are taken outside the regular
academic year (i.e., between May and August) from members of other STU Colleges, the student
registers through the college of the Faculty member offering the course, and the course is subject
to that college’s regulations and tuition.
Reading courses may be offered by individuals who are not regular STU Faculty members (such
as adjunct faculty), with approval of the St. Andrew’s College Faculty. Such courses will be
given a St. Andrew’s College course number and will be subject to the usual academic
regulations and procedures for St. Andrew’s College courses.
Student considerations
•
•
•
A student may do a maximum of one Reading Course per term or during the summer. (This
limitation does not apply to the self-directed component of Phase Three.)
There is no limit on the number of reading courses a student may take in any department, other
than the normal departmental requirement/limits.
All work for which a student seeks academic credit must be relevant to the student’s learning
goals and overall program of study, and must be completed at a level appropriate to the degree
being sought.
Procedures for initiating a Reading Course during the Regular (Sept.-Apr.) session
(Note: the procedures for Reading courses offered by STU Faculty in the summer or as intensives will be
follow the procedures for the college offering the course.)
1. A student should first discuss with their Faculty Advisor the suitability of a reading course in the
student’s program. Once the Faculty Advisor has agreed to the general content and the student
35
and advisor have identified a potential instructor, the student and the Faculty Advisor should
complete Part I of the Reading Course Proposal form.
2. The student should then approach the proposed instructor with a request to offer a Reading
Course, and negotiate the course content and approach, including a bibliography of resources to
be consulted. The student and the instructor should together complete Part II of the Reading
Course Proposal form and return it to the Faculty Advisor, who will ensure that it is placed in the
student’s file.
3. Once an instructor has agreed to offer the course, the Faculty Advisor will report the arrangement
to Faculty.
Academic Requirement for Reading Courses
In general, the requirements are the same as those for a regular course, without the expectation of class
attendance:
• Each credit hour should entail at least 36-39 hours of work
• Students should expect to complete and have evaluated a minimum of 10 pages (2,500 words) of
written work for each credit hour. This may be based on research, reflection on a project or
workshop, or a form appropriate to the project.
Administrative Requirements
In addition to completing the course proposal, and once it has been approved, students must formally
register for a reading course, and pay the relevant tuition to the College. Such registration is done at the
student’s home College for regular term courses, and at the Faculty member’s home College for courses
outside the regular term. Normally, arrangements for a reading course should be completed well before
the term in which the course is to be taken begins.
The pass/fail option is available for reading courses taken during regular term on the same basis as for
regular courses offered at St. Andrew’s College.
Students are normally expected to complete the course within the regular term.
extension dates are on the same basis as for regular courses.
Withdrawal and
Reading Courses
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
A student may do a maximum of one Reading Course per term or during the summer.
All work must be relevant to the student’s overall program of study.
A student will discuss the possibility of a Reading Course with their Faculty Advisor.
Once the Faculty Advisor has agreed the student and Faculty Advisor complete Part I of the
Reading Course Proposal form.
A student will then approach the proposed instructor and negotiate the contents and structure of
the course.
Once the instructor has agreed, the student and the instructor will complete Part II of the
Reading Course Proposal form and the instructor will report the arrangement to Faculty.
Each credit hour should entail at least 36-39 hours of work
Students should expect to complete and have evaluated a minimum of 10 pages (2,500 words)
of written work for each credit hour.
Once the course has been approved, students must formally register for a reading course.
36
St. Andrew’s College
Reading Course Proposal
PART I
(to be completed jointly by the student and Faculty advisor)
Student name:
Student’s program of study:
Term in which course is to be taken:
Number of credit units:
Brief description of nature of course:
This course will fulfil the following requirement in the program of study:
Rationale for requesting this course, and student’s qualifications for undertaking the
course:
_____________________
Student
______________________________
Faculty Advisor
PART II
(to be completed by the course instructor)
Course title/number to be recorded on student transcript:
Grading scheme for course:
Credit hours:
Means of evaluation:
A brief course outline, including a proposed schedule of readings, meetings and assignments, as
well as a bibliography, should be attached.
I hereby agree to direct this course for the student named above.
__________________________
_____________________________
37
Instructor
Date
17. Honours Courses/Thesis (an STU policy)
A thesis option is available for students in MDiv and MTS programs.
Students must maintain an average of 75% and will have a second language or a research methods course
or some other special preparation for writing the thesis. Thesis proposals will be approved by the Faculty
of the student's home College. Thesis work will constitute two course credits (6 credit hours) of work in
the programs.
Thesis will normally be 50-60 pages (12,000 – 15,000 words) long. Students successfully completing the
thesis will be awarded an Honours Degree. If a student successfully completes all of the course credits
but does not successfully complete the thesis, the student may be given an MDiv or MTS without the
Honours designation.
Faculty considerations at St. Andrew’s College
When a student is approved for an Honours program, a St. Andrew’s College Faculty member with
expertise in the area of study will be assigned by the Faculty to direct the thesis course in the relevant
section.
If the thesis topic is outside the area of expertise of available St. Andrew’s College Faculty, a Faculty
member from the STU, or an adjunct Faculty member, may be approached by the Registrar and asked to
supervise the thesis.
Curricular requirements at St. Andrew’s College
The requirement for completion of the Honours programs is the same as that for the regular program,
except as follows:
• Honours students must maintain a grade average of 75% throughout the academic program.
• Honours students are required to demonstrate competence in either a second language (biblical or
modern) or special preparation in the area of the thesis research. Examples of special preparation
include demonstrated competence in relevant methodologies (such as qualitative or quantitative
analysis or computer languages). No additional credit is awarded for satisfying this requirement.
• In lieu of 6 credits of electives, Honours students will enrol in the *A 399 course in the relevant
section. The requirement of this 6-credit course is presentation of an acceptable thesis (50-60
pages, 12,000-15,000 words) with a 200 word abstract. The thesis course is graded on a P/F
basis.
Procedures for initiating an Honours requirement at St. Andrew’s College
1. Students wishing to follow an Honours program must declare their intention to their Faculty
Advisor on accumulation of thirty (30) credit hours for the MTS program, or forty-five (45) credit
hours for the MDiv program.
2. The student and the Faculty Advisor should complete Part I of the Honours/Thesis Course
Proposal form.
3. The Faculty Advisor will then seek approval from the Faculty for admission of the student to the
Honours program.
4. Once approval has been given, the student will be assigned a thesis supervisor.
5. The student and the instructor should together complete Part II of Honours/Thesis Course
Proposal form and return it to the Faculty Advisor, who will ensure that it is placed in the
student’s file. Students will be expected to submit the proposal for their thesis to the supervisor
by the time they have accumulated forty-five (45) credit hours for the MTS program, or seventyfive (75) credit hours for the MDiv program.
6. The student will formally register in the *A 399 course.
7. The supervisor will determine what the student needs to do to meet the language/methodology
38
requirement. Completion of this requirement must be proven by the end of the second week of
the term in which the thesis is to be presented.
8. The thesis will be read and evaluated by the Thesis Supervisor, who will report the grade to the
Registrar for approval by Faculty.
9. Two bound copies of the thesis are to be provided to the College Library at the student’s expense.
10. If a student successfully completes all of the course credits but does not successfully complete the
thesis and/or meet the grade requirement for Honours, the student may be given the degree
without the Honours designation. In such cases, the registration in the Thesis Course will be
converted to registration in a Reading Course (6 credits).
Administrative Requirements
In addition to completing the Honours/Thesis Course proposal, and once it has been approved, students
formally register for a Thesis Course, and pay the relevant tuition to the College. The tuition for the
Thesis Course is the same as for any other 6 credits.
The Thesis Course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Students are normally expected to complete the Thesis Course within the regular term. Withdrawal and
extension dates are on the same basis as for regular courses.
Honours/Thesis Course
1. A Thesis option is available to MDiv and MTS students who maintain a 75% average and
will have a second language or a research methods course or some other special preparation
for writing the thesis.
2. Thesis will normally be 50-60 pages (12,000-15,000 words).
3. Thesis work will constitute two course credits (6 credit hours) of work.
4. A student will discuss the possibility of a Thesis with their Faculty Advisor after earning 30
credit hours for the MTS program or 45 credit hours for the MDiv program.
5. The student and Faculty Advisor will complete Part I of the Honours/Thesis Course Proposal
form.
6. The Faculty Advisor will seek approval from the Faculty for the student to proceed.
7. The student will then be assigned a thesis supervisor.
8. The student and thesis supervisor will complete Part II of the Honours/Thesis Course
Proposal form.
9. Once the course has been approved, students must formally register for the Thesis Course
10. The Thesis Course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
11. Students successfully completing the thesis will be awarded an Honours Degree.
39
St. Andrew’s College
Honours/Thesis Course Proposal
PART I
(to be completed jointly by the student and Faculty advisor)
Student name:
Student’s program of study:
Term in which course is to be taken:
Number of credit units:
Brief description of nature of course:
This course will fulfil the following requirement in the program of study:
Rationale for requesting this course, and student’s qualifications for undertaking the
course:
_____________________
Student
______________________________
Faculty Advisor
PART II
(to be completed by the thesis supervisor)
Working title of thesis:
Expected term of completion:
For the thesis course, a one-page thesis proposal, draft outline and bibliography should be attached.
I hereby agree to direct this course/thesis for the student named above.
__________________________
Instructor
_____________________________
Date
40
18. Course Evaluations
At the end of each term, students are required to evaluate their courses. Course Evaluation Forms are to be
signed and handed in at the General Office. They will not be given to the instructors until course grades have
been submitted. Evaluations which are unsigned will not be considered.
19. Transcripts
Official transcripts of a student’s academic record are issued by the Registrar upon written request of the
student. Each student paying a program fee may receive unlimited unofficial transcripts during that year.
Official transcript fee is $10.00 plus GST (currently 5%) for each requested copy. Unofficial transcripts
may be issued directly to the student; official transcripts bearing the signature of the Registrar or designate
and the official seal of the College may be issued to any third party designated by the student. Students
should allow at least two weeks from the time of request to the time the transcript is required.
20. Degrees and Convocation
Convocation ceremonies are normally in early to mid May, and are held jointly with the other STU
Colleges. Students who intend to graduate are required to complete the Graduation Application and pay
the fee to the General Office before February 1.
BTh degrees: Holders of the BTh degree from St. Andrew’s College may apply to the Registrar to have
their BTh re-issued as an MDiv. A new diploma will be issued upon surrender of the BTh diploma and
payment of a processing fee.
41
B. Non-course Community Activities and
Resources
It is expected that the time that our students spend pursuing the on-campus component of their program
will be enriched by their being part of a community of face-to-face learners, engaged in integration of
academic disciplines, vocational and denominational formation, and community-building opportunities.
Students in their residential semesters are expected to participate in the worship life of the College and
the STU as part of their United Church and ecumenical formation. There are a number of opportunities
for this.
1. Orientation and Entry Colloquium
All students registering for a degree or diploma program at St. Andrew’s College for the first time are to
participate in the Entry Colloquium. The Entry Colloquium is offered in conjunction with an Orientation
event for students beginning their residential experience. Orientation and Entry Colloquium address such
subjects as
• What is theological education?
• What is St. Andrew’s College and what is its ethos?
• What do the programs look like?
• Who are the participants (Faculty, staff, students, etc.)?
• Orientation to library and its use for distance and intramural students.
• Study skills for various course models.
• Candidacy issues and relationships of programs to the church.
• Experiences of community building and worship.
The College may assess a small fee to cover the cost of meals and refreshment breaks; students are
responsible for arrangement and payment of their own travel and accommodation. Students participating in
the Colloquium may apply for bursary assistance to help defray costs.
2. College Committees
Much of the life of the College revolves around work done by committees of College Council. To
acknowledge the necessity and the value of committee work in the life and functioning of St. Andrew's, there
is no chapel worship on Tuesdays so that Core Groups and committees may meet. Committees meet once a
month; see the 2015-2016 calendar of dates in this handbook. Participation by students in the committee
work will be considered a non-credit program requirement on the same basis as core group.
3. Core Group
The purpose of Core Group is to provide a setting where students may have opportunities to: learn
how to support each other, to experience the grace of God, to form collegial relationships, to give
and receive hospitality, and to explore and enhance faith and identity.
Core Group is a non-credit program requirement for all students; it is required for graduation, and
attendance is mandatory. Each MDiv student requires at least two semesters of on-campus Core Group
participation (during Year Two), and is required to participate for four semesters if Year One is taken in
Saskatoon. Each MTS student is required to participate in on-campus Core Group during every semester
of course work in Saskatoon for up to four semesters. Each BTh student is required to participate in oncampus Core Group every semester of enrolment. A student’s participation in Core Group will be
recorded on the transcript. Core Group facilitators are usually retired clergy and/or the Pastor-inResidence. All work within Core Group remains confidential, unless all parties agree that an issue needs
to be brought to Faculty or the Principal.
For 2015-2016, on-campus Core Group will consist of three (3) group meetings per semester. The group
42
meetings will be held once a month in the Tuesday 11:40 a.m.-1:00 p.m. time slot set aside for Core
Group. The purpose of the Core Group with the Pastor-in-Residence (or other designated retired clergy) is
for the students to interact and connect with one another as a group of diverse individuals.
MTS students working entirely at a distance complete the Core Group requirement through a separate
process as outlined in the MTS program requirements.
4. Pastor in Residence
The College attempts to provide pastoral care services within the College each year. Students are required to
have an individual meeting with the Pastor-in-Residence once each semester. These meetings are arranged
between the student and the Pastor-in-Residence for a mutually agreed upon time at the beginning of the
semester. The purpose of these meetings with the Pastor-in-Residence is to allow students to meet and
connect with the Pastor-in-Residence, who is also available to students needing pastoral care or guidance in
addition to these meetings. The Pastor-in-Residence usually works from the Vestry behind the Chapel, and
posts hours of availability on its door.
The Pastor-in-Residence for the 2015-2016 academic year is Faye Ford. All concerns raised with the Pastorin-Residence are held in confidence, and are not shared with Faculty without the student’s permission.
5. Chapel
Worship is an important part of life at St. Andrew’s College. Chapel services are held in our own chapel on
Thursdays (communion) at 11:40 a.m., and jointly with the STU Colleges on Wednesdays at 11:40 a.m., as
well as special services throughout the academic year. Students and Faculty have opportunities and
obligations to participate in planning and facilitating worship.
6. Retreat
During most fall terms, students, staff, faculty attend a Retreat and Community-Building day or weekend;
often this event is held in conjunction with the other STU Colleges. Costs are partially subsidized by the
College; students may be responsible for the remainder of the costs. Attendance at this event is expected as
part of students’ commitment to an intramural year.
7. Winter Refresher
All classes under St. Andrew's jurisdiction are cancelled during the annual Winter Refresher program.
Faculty may negotiate alternative meeting times around the scheduled times of lectures and workshops.
Students taking classes at other Colleges need to make their own arrangements with those instructors. It is
anticipated that this will enable all students to fully participate in the Winter Refresher Program. All
program students are required to attend Winter Refresher as part of their Program-Based Credit
Requirements. Students are responsible for registration and payment for Winter Refresher through the
General Office.
Mark your calendars now for February 29 – March 2, 2016 for Winter Refresher 2016. Performing Church:
Theme Speaker: Rev. Dr. Shannon Craigo-Snel.
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8. Saskatoon Theological Union Libraries
Mission Statement
The purpose of Saskatoon Theological Union Libraries is to provide and promote library and
information resources in support of the missions and goals of the colleges which are part of the
STU library system. Saskatoon Theological Union Libraries confirm their commitment to the
importance of information literacy in all library plans, policies, and activities.
Introduction
This policy governs the circulation of material from Saskatoon Theological Union Libraries. Its
intention is to provide a balance of consistent and equal access to library materials for all users,
facilitation of research, and efficient use of library resources including staff time.
General Lending Policies
• STU Libraries lend on-site to current students, faculty/ instructors/ facilitators, staff, and
alumni of member Colleges of the Saskatoon Theological Union (the College of Emmanuel & St
Chad, Lutheran Theological Seminary, and St Andrew’s College), as well as Horizon College &
Seminary, and to ministers/priests, lay personnel, and administration, as well as to members of
the public.
• Distance borrowing is available to distance education faculty and students, students of St.
Stephen’s College, Edmonton, and ministry personnel, and other users as may from time to time
be identified, within Canada.
• Borrowing and return policies are established according to type of material and user. These
are described in the following sections under Policies and Loan Periods.
Borrowers’ Cards
• To receive a borrower’s card, applicants must present a current student card or driver’s
license/other identification with current address,
• Borrower’s cards are non-transferable. By presenting a borrower's card, the user is accepting
full responsibility for all library materials signed out to that card.
• Borrowers should register at the library of the College with which they are associated.
Borrowing
• Registered borrowers may borrow materials from or return them to any STU library.
Exception: Reserve materials must be returned to the library from which they are borrowed. To
facilitate processing, overdue materials should be returned to the library from which items were
borrowed.
44
Overdues
• Overdue notices will be sent by email when items are 7 - 10 days overdue.
• Borrowers who have one or more overdue recalled books, one or more overdue reserve items,
and/or $30 or more owing in outstanding accounts will not be permitted further loans until items
are returned and fines paid.
• Grades, diplomas, tuition refunds, and further course registrations will be withheld for STU
borrowers who owe any amount of money on their library account.
• If students have unreturned books at the end of their program, they must be returned before
they can graduate.
• Refunds for lost items will be issued if a borrower returns the item before a replacement copy
has been ordered. When a refund is issued, the overdue fine will be imposed. Lost items will be
replaced and the full price of the new item, plus a $20 processing fee, will be invoiced to the
patron.
Privacy
• STU Libraries do not release information about library users to any person, institution, agency
or association except for reporting financial information regarding materials to the offices of the
Registrar and Finance at individual Colleges as necessary; and except where a court order has
been served.
POLICIES AND LOAN PERIODS
On-site STU and U of S students , alumni, ministry personnel,
and members of the public
1. Borrowing requirements
2. Loan
a) Regular loan period
Period
b) Number of items permitted
(Books,
at one time
videos,
c) Number of renewals
DVDs,
permitted
cassettes
d) Telephone online renewal of
CDs)
items
e) Extended loan
f) Reserve items
3. Holds
4. Reference items, journals, and
microforms
5. Lost and Damaged Library Materials
Current STU Libraries card
3 weeks
No limit
3; must be requested before due date. Items
with holds may not be renewed.
Yes
May be available upon request
Available for loan only to students currently
enrolled in the course.
Loan period as indicated on the reserve item’s
circulation card.
Holds may be placed.
No, unless signed out to photocopy.
Materials more than 28 days overdue are
considered to be lost.
Replacement costs are charged as follows:
a) For all materials in print, the cost listed in
45
the catalogue of one of the Library’s usual
suppliers, converted to Canadian dollars, plus
a $20 processing fee to cover acquisition,
cataloguing and physical preparation.
b) For materials no longer in print a flat rate of
$50 per item plus a $20 processing fee
The following types of material are subject to overdue fines.
Fine maximum is $10.00 per item.
Items from the main collection
$0.25 per day per item
Reserve items
$1.00 per day per item
Distance Patrons (students and alumni, ministry personnel)
1. Borrowing requirements
2. Loan
a) Regular loan period
Period
b) Number of items permitted
(Books,
at one time
videos,
c) Number of renewals
DVDs, CDs, permitted
cassettes)
d) Telephone online renewal
of items
e) Extended loan
f) Reserve items
3. Holds
4. Reference items, journals and
microforms,
5. Lost and Damaged Library Materials
Current STU Libraries Card
8 weeks
No limit
2; must be requested before due date
Items with holds may not be renewed.
Yes
May be available upon request
No
Holds may be placed. Items with holds may not
be renewed.
Photocopies only.
Materials more than 28 days overdue are
considered to be lost.
Replacement costs are charged as follows:
a) For all materials in print, the cost listed in
the catalogue of one of the Library’s usual
suppliers, converted to Canadian dollars, plus a
$20 processing fee to cover acquisition,
cataloguing and physical preparation.
b) For materials no longer in print a flat rate of
$50 per item plus a $20 processing fee
The following types of material are subject to overdue fines.
Fine maximum is $10.00 per item.
Items from the main collection
$.25 per day per item
Periodicals, Reference items
$1.00 per day per item
46
Library Hours
(Spring/Summer hours will be posted)
St. Andrew’s College Library
Emmanuel and St. Chad - H. E. Sellers Library is housed in St. Andrew’s library
Beginning Monday, September 14, 2015
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Library Closures:
Monday September 7, 2015
Monday October 13, 2015
October 19 -23, 2015 – no evening hours due to reading week
Wednesday November 11, 2015
Monday December 14, 2015 – evening hours stop and will resume on January, 2016
Thursday December 24, 2015 - College closed for Christmas, reopens January 4, 2016
Monday February 15, 2016
February 16-19, 2016 – no evening hours due to midterm break
Friday March 25, 2016
May 2, 2016 – evening hours stop and will resume in September
Lutheran Theological Seminary Library
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed for statutory holidays and over the Christmas break.
No evening hours after Christmas until classes begin in January.
Evening hours will continue during midterm breaks.
All hours are subject to change, and will be posted.
Please ask library staff if you need any assistance. We’re here to help!
47
C. Student Fees and Finances
1. Tuition and Other Fees
Students of St. Andrew’s College are assessed tuition fees on a course-by-course basis, program fees based
on their program of study, and student fees. Tuition fees for a given course are assessed according to the
student's program of study (rather than the level of the course taken). In May 2015, the Board of St.
Andrew’s College approved the tuition fees for 2015-2016. They are outlined on the following chart (please
note, these fees are subject to change by decision of the Board).
Program
Application
fee (non
refundable)
Tuition
fees
(per 3credit
course)
Program fee
(invoiced July 1 each
academic
year)
Program fee
includes
Program fee does
not include
Populi fee Graduation fee
Diploma
Theology
$75
$675
$50
1. Course tuition
2. Student fees
3. Fines, penalties
4. Official transcripts
Per term of
registration
$50
MDiv
MTS
BThMDiv
$75
$675
$50
1.Hold student’s place
in program
2. Faculty advising
3. Unofficial
transcripts
1.Hold student’s place
in program
2. Faculty advising
3. Unofficial
transcripts
Per term of
registration
$50
STM
$75
$950
$50
1.Hold student’s place
in program
2. Faculty advising
3. Unofficial
transcripts
1. Course tuition
2. Student fees
3. Fines, penalties
4. Official transcripts
5. Bound copies of
thesis
1. Course tuition
2. Student fees
3. Fines, penalties
4. Official transcripts
5. Bound copies of
thesis
Per term of
registration
$50
DMin
$75
$1,025
$1,000
(for first 3
years)
1. Holds student’s
place in program
2. Faculty advising
3. Thesis supervision
and defense
Per term of
registration
$100
Admission $75
to the
UCC
Occasional N/A
$675
N/A
1. Faculty advising
2. Unofficial
transcripts
1. Course tuition
2. Student fees
3. Fines, penalties
4. Official transcripts
5. Bound copies of
thesis
1. Course tuition
2. Fines, penalties
3. Official transcripts
Per term of
registration
N/A
$675
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Audit
$337.50 N/A
N/A
N/A
Per term of
registration
Per term of
registration
N/A
N/A
Program Fees are assessed annually, per academic year in July. All program students are required to pay
this fee every year in order to hold their spot in the program and to receive faculty advising and unofficial
transcripts. If this fee is not paid prior to the fall term, students will not be allowed to register or attend
courses.
Populi Fee is assessed per term when a student is enrolled in a course. The fee is $7 per month of the given
term. This fee will be automatically assessed upon registration in a course.
48
Graduation Fee is due upon receipt of graduation application.
Official Transcript Fee is $10 plus GST per transcript.
Program Based Requirement Fee - PBR (MTS) is assessed once a program student registers for their first
course. This fee is equivalent to a 2 credit course.
Program Requirements – PA 100 (MDiv, BTh-MDiv, MTS-31 credit) is assessed once a program student
registers for their first course. This fee is equivalent to a 3 credit course.
Integration Seminar Fee is an extra fee; equivalent to five percent (5%) of tuition is applied to cover any
additional costs required by placement agencies.
2. Student (non-tuition) Fees: Theological Students’ Union Fees
The Theological Students’ Union is an autonomous organization that set its own membership fees and
conditions. See the Student Union Executive for details.
3. Refund Policies, Late Fees
Students choosing to withdraw from courses must notify the Registrar before the end dates specified below
to be eligible for refunds. If a course is cancelled due to insufficient registration, course payment is refunded
in full. This policy also applies for students wishing to withdraw from one course and enrol in a different
course.
Intensive courses (week-long): refundable up to the end of the first day of course ($150 withdrawal fee)
Learning Circles (10-day): refundable up to the end of the second day ($150 withdrawal fee)
Internet courses and face-to-face courses that take place over a period longer than a week:
• up to the end of the second week of the course – full refund
• up to the end of the third week of the course – 75% refund
• up to the end of the fifth week of the course – 50% refund
• up to end of the sixth week of the course – 25% refund
• after the sixth week of the course – no refund
Audit courses: Non-refundable after the second week
Switching from credit to audit:
• up to the end of the second week of the course – 50% refund
• up to the end of the sixth week of the course – 25% refund
• after the sixth week – no refund
Program students must obtain the approval of their Faculty Advisor in order to drop a class. (Occasional
students should contact the Registrar’s Office at St. Andrew’s College directly.)
Late payment:
A student will not be permitted to register for a new semester until all fees for the previous semester have
been paid. Degrees will not be conferred and transcripts will not be released until all outstanding fees have
been paid to the College. There is a late payment charge of 10% of the outstanding balance.
4. Tuition Tax Credit
Tuition tax credit (T2202A) forms will be issued and posted on the student’s Populi account or mailed by
the last week of February for the previous calendar year. Please notify the Accounting Office of any
address change for mailing tax receipts.
5. Financial Assistance Information
All program students are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Please see the Bursary section of this
handbook.
Financial Aid Officers:
Linda and Neil Westcott
170 Mount Allison Crescent, Saskatoon, SK S7H 4A5
stafa@shaw.ca
373-3880
49
Government Student Loans
Students may apply for Canadian Government Student Loans which are interest free while you are
undertaking your studies. There are two main categories of government student loan programs:
1. The federal program, called the Canada Student Loans Program (for full-time and part-time
students)
2. Provincial and territorial programs (for full-time students)
You are eligible to apply for a government student loan if you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
and enrolled as a full-time student (unless you plan to apply for a loan as a part-time student).
Make sure that you apply through your province of residence – where you have lived for at least 12
consecutive months. For information about eligibility, applying, preparing to receive your loan, maintaining
your loan and repaying your loan please see the St. Andrew’s College website and the government site:
www.students-loans.sk.ca
To access your new or existing loan account register at: www.Canlearn.ca
There are computers provided for your use in the library to access financial aid on-line.
50
SECTION THREE:
RESOURCES
51
1. Useful contacts at St. Andrew’s College
General Office
Melanie Schwanbeck, College Secretary
melanie.schwanbeck@usask.ca
306-966-8973
Margret Hernik, Accounting and Administration Clerk
malgorzata.hernik@usask.ca
306-966-8972
Faculty
Dr. Sandra Beardsall, Professor of Church History and Ecumenics
sandra.beardsall@usask.ca
306-966-8968
Dr. Lynn Caldwell, Professor of Church and Society
lynn.caldwell@usask.ca
306-966-8979
The Rev. Lorne Calvert, Principal
lorne.calvert@usask.ca
306-966-8975
Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Professor of Pastoral Studies
hyeran.kimcragg@usask.ca
306-966-6941
Dr. Christine Mitchell, Professor of Hebrew Scriptures – on sabbatical
christine.mitchell@usask.ca
306-966-8985
Dr. Don Schweitzer, McDougald Professor of Theology
don.schweitzer@usask.ca
306-966-8964
Designated Lay Ministry (DLM) Program Coordinator
Dr. Jennifer Janzen-Ball
306-966-8943
jennifer.janzen.ball@usask.ca
Registrars
Colleen Walker
Leslie Schweitzer (DLM program and International students)
standrews.registrar@usask.ca
306-966-5244
Ministry Residency Coordinator
Lynn Bayne
standrews.internship@usask.ca
Library
Alison Jantz, STU Librarian
alison.jantz@usask.ca
Mallory Wiebe, Library Technician
standrews.library@usask.ca
306-966-8974
306-966-8983
306-966-8983
Chief Administrative Officer
Leslee Harden: Chief Administrative Officer
leslee.harden@usask.ca
306-966-8980
52
Property Manager & Residence Coordinator
Carolina Castro
carolina.castro@usask.ca
306-966-8969
Financial Aid Officers
Linda and Neil Westcott, 170 Mount Allison Crescent, Saskatoon, SK S7H 4A5
stafa@shaw.ca
306-373-3880
Pastor in Residence
Faye Ford
f.ford@shaw.ca
306-374-8614
2. Some acronyms and abbreviations commonly used at St. Andrew’s
ANW – Alberta and Northwest Conference of the UCC
ATS -Association of Theological Schools in Canada and the US (our accrediting body)
CCS – Centre for Christian Studies (national field based program for diaconal ministry, Winnipeg)
CIES – Conference Ministry residency and Educational Supervision Committee
CPE/SPE – Clinical Pastoral Education or Supervised Pastoral Education
DE – Distance Education
DLM – Designated Lay Ministry
E&S – Education and Students Committees of the Church (can be of Presbytery and of Conference)
FFE – Faith Formation and Education Unit, a Division of General Council
GC – General Council of the United Church of Canada
GSC – Graduate Studies Council of the STU
LPM/LPMiT – Lay Pastoral Minister or Lay Pastoral Minister in Training
MNWO – Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Conference of the UCC
PLAR – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PRC – Pastoral Relations Committees (normally of Presbytery; could also be of Conference)
SAC – St. Andrew’s College
SSSC – Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, an aboriginal training centre for UCC ministries in
Beausejour, Manitoba
STU – Saskatoon Theological Union (includes St. Andrew’s College - SAC, the Lutheran
Theological Seminary - LTS, the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad - ESC)
UCC – The United Church of Canada
U of A – University of Alberta
U of S – University of Saskatchewan
U of W – University of Winnipeg
53
SECTION FOUR:
College Policies
54
St. Andrew’s Policy on Justice, the Code of Student Conduct and Policy on Student Discipline, the
Policy Regarding Sexual Harassment, and Bursary information are included in this section. All
students should be familiar with these policies.
St. Andrew’s College has adopted a number of other formal policies that students should know
about. Copies of these can be obtained from the General Office:
1. Procedures Regarding Sexual Harassment
2. Policy on Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
3. Memorandum of Agreement between St. Andrew’s Theological College and the College of
Graduate Studies and Research, University of Saskatchewan, and Request Form.
1. St. Andrew’s Policy on Justice
At St. Andrew’s College we encourage attention and commitment to issues of justice in church and
society, with particular concern for the ways individuals and groups are oppressed and marginalized.
St. Andrew’s gives leadership to this process in the following ways:
We expect students to take seriously the issue of justice for women in church and society. Teaching
and resources are provided to enable an informed study of the position of women in biblical,
historical and theological contexts.
We are also are committed to raising consciousness about the experience in church and society of
persons who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, and to eliminating discrimination based on
sexual orientation or gender identity at St. Andrew’s College.
As part of our attempt to do justice for all people regardless of gender and sexual orientation, the
practice of the College is to use inclusive and appropriate language in course work, at worship, in
publications of the College, and in our community life.
2. St. Andrew’s College Code of Student Conduct
and Policy on Student Discipline
PREFACE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
St. Andrew's College is a community of teaching staff, administrative staff and students, involved in teaching,
research, learning and other activities. Students are members of St. Andrew's College while registered in programs
or courses of St. Andrew's College intramurally or at a distance.
In order to be admitted or to continue as a student at St. Andrew's College, persons must demonstrate academic,
vocational and psychological fitness, and adequate financial means.
St. Andrew's College seeks to offer a learning environment based on mutual respect and courtesy, as well as
upholding high standards of scholarly activity. Conduct of students shall uphold the good order and functioning of
academic and non-academic programs and activities of the College, and shall not endanger the health, safety and
well-being of other members of the St. Andrew's College Community nor damage or destroy property of St.
Andrew's College or property use in the conduct of St. Andrew's classes.
St. Andrew's has a policy of justice for women and for gay, lesbian and bisexual people which members of the
College are expected to uphold.
Behaviour exhibiting respect for others is expected.
St. Andrew's College sponsors, encourages or tolerates many non-academic activities of its members, both on and
off campus. These activities, although generally separate from the defined requirements of students' academic
program are a valuable part of the life of the college and of its students. Appropriate conduct is assumed at these
55
events and occasions.
St. Andrew's College students are not, as such, immune from the criminal and civil laws of the wider political units
to which they belong. Normally breaches of civil or criminal law will be dealt with by the courts. Such action does
not preclude internal actions by St. Andrew's College.
8. This code applies to conduct of students of St. Andrew's College. Cases of sexual harassment are covered by the St.
Andrew's College policies and procedures related to sexual harassment. Procedures outlined in the "Guidelines" for
the ministry residency program offered jointly by the Conference Committees on Ministry residency & Educational
Supervision, National United Church and St. Andrew's College are to be followed in situations related to ministry
residency.
9. Computing facilities at the College are to be used in the conduct of duties and responsibilities associated with
working and studying at the College. Other uses, such as conducting commerce not authorized by the College,
are not permitted. All faculty, staff and students shall abide by the security measures in place.
10. Students will familiarize themselves with College policies referenced in this document and abide by them.
7.
OFFENSES
1.
2.
3.
Offenses against persons
a) No person shall assault, threaten or otherwise harm any other person, nor shall anyone create a condition that
unnecessarily endangers the health, safety or well being of other persons.
b) No person shall disrupt or obstruct any activity organized by St. Andrew's College nor of its members to carry
on their legitimate activities, to speak or to associate with others.
c) No person shall engage in behaviour that violates either St. Andrew's policy of justice for women and for gay,
lesbian and bisexual people, or federal or provincial Human Rights Codes in effect.
d) No person shall knowingly engage in activities to intimidate other students, staff or Faculty.
Academic offenses
a) No student shall give false information to gain admission or credits. No student shall forge or falsify
educational records or use false documents.
b) No student shall engage in academic dishonesty, that is, misrepresentation with intent to deceive or without
regard to the accuracy of statements or findings. It includes such things as: thefts of notes, research or materials
prepared by another student or instructor; using or possessing unauthorized aids in tests or examinations;
unauthorized assistance in any academic work; concocting research results or distorting research reports;
plagiarism or submission as one’s own work of the work of others; submission without the approval of the
instructor of any work for which credit has already been obtained or is being sought in another course;
knowingly aiding another student’s dishonesty, including by providing or making available material that may
enable a student at any educational institution to engage in academic dishonesty; or any other form of dishonest
conduct.
c) No student shall engage in behaviour that is lacking in due respect or is disruptive of the learning in any class.
d) No person shall violate the rules and regulations established by the Saskatoon Theological Union Libraries.
Offenses involving property
a) No person shall knowingly take, destroy, damage or deface premises or property of St. Andrew's College or
property used in the conduct of St. Andrew's College classes.
b) No person shall knowingly take, destroy or damage any physical property that is not their own.
c) No person shall knowingly destroy or damage information or intellectual property belonging to St. Andrew's
College.
d) No person shall use facilities, equipment or services of St. Andrew's College contrary to the express instructions
of a person or persons authorized to give such instruction, or without just cause.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Procedural Assumptions:
1. When one or more members of the College community finds the behaviour of a student to be unacceptable it will
usually be possible for the two parties to meet in safety and with mutual respect to identify the problem and agree
upon ways to resolve it.
2. Presumption of the existence of a problem does not mean presumption of guilt.
3. Prompt and informal resolution of differences is desirable, but endless informality without change or action serves
no purpose.
4. The Faculty, acting as a whole at a duly called meeting, have the right and the responsibility to take such action as
will uphold the values and goals of the College. This includes the right to discipline a student whose behaviour is
56
5.
not consistent with the code of student conduct.
An individual Faculty member or Local Instructor may require that a student leave a class meeting if that student's
behaviour is unduly lacking in respect or disruptive to the learning of the class.
Procedures
(to be followed when one-to-one conversation is not feasible or has not resolved the problem)
1. COMPLAINANT'S ACTION
(a) A Faculty member will address a complaint to the student's Faculty Advisor.
(b) A student will address a complaint to their own Faculty Advisor, or to the Local Instructor if they are an
occasional student in a Distance Education course.
(c) A staff member will address a complaint to the Principal.
(d) In any case, any complaint may go, by choice or preference for whatever reason, to the Principal.
2.
DISCRETION REGARDING ACTION
When a Faculty Advisor or the Principal receives a complaint they will use discretion and consultation with the
complainant, as to whether further action is required. If the complainant wants to proceed they will prepare a written
incident report.
3.
COMPLAINTS AS WRITTEN INCIDENT REPORT
The complaint will be written and signed by the person(s) initiating the complaint. It will include the name(s) of the
person(s) involved, a brief description of the objectionable behaviour, and an indication of how the behaviour has an
undesirable impact on persons, learning, and/or property.
Normally the complainant will have or be assigned a Faculty Advisor at this stage.
4.
WITHDRAWAL OF COMPLAINT
The complainant may withdraw the complaint including the written incident report at any time up to the end of
procedures outline in #9 below. If the complaint is withdrawn, the respondent will be notified of the withdrawal.
5.
FACULTY ADVISOR
For students in diploma or degree programs the respondent's Faculty Advisor will be informed of a complaint and
given the incident report. For occasional or Distance Education students not in degree or diploma programs, a
Faculty Advisor will be appointed as quickly as possible. They will seek to meet with or telephone the student as
soon as possible (within 7 working days unless there are unusual extenuating circumstances) to inform the
respondent of the complaint, hear the student's response, clarify the situation and seek ways to resolve or redress the
problem. A brief written record of this meeting written by the respondent's Faculty Advisor will identify the issue,
the student's response, and any plans for resolution including time frame. The absence of resolution plans shall also
be noted. This written note will be given to the complaint and the respondent and copied to their student files. The
original complaint will also be kept in both files.
6.
The respondent will not confront, threaten nor intimidate the complainant as a result of the complaint. Retaliation of
any kind will be treated as a separate offense.
7.
SEEKING RESOLUTION
(a) If there are plans for resolution they will be implemented.
(b) If there is no agreement on the situation or on plans for resolution then the incident report and student's response
will be shared and discussed at a duly called Faculty meeting.
(c) Following discussion the Faculty may require that the respondent's Faculty Advisor again meet with the student
as in #5 above. This cycle of meeting with student and consultation with Faculty may be repeated for as often
as Faculty deem advisable and effective. Either complainant or respondent may request or be invited to address
a Faculty meeting in this cycle of meetings, normally in person if the student is local or in writing or by
conference call if at a distance.
(d) Either a Faculty member or the student respondent may request that a Faculty member who is not the
respondent's Faculty Advisor act in place of the Faculty Advisor in the resolution meetings. Faculty will make
the decision to grant or deny this request.
8.
ALTERNATIVES
57
(a) If at any point personal safety is at risk, Faculty may take immediate action including suspension and/or denial
of access to services of the College to minimize the risk.
(b) If the behaviour of the student is such that it would give rise to civil or criminal proceedings, the matter may be
referred to the appropriate court. A student may be suspended and/or denied access to services of the College
pending outcome of court procedures.
9.
WHEN INTRA-COLLEGE RESOLUTION IS UNSUCCESSFUL
(a) If steps 5 & 7 above result in no satisfactory progress towards resolution the Principal will appoint an outside
conflict resolution facilitator and will set a date by which they will report. In appointing the conflict resolution
facilitator, the President will make every attempt to choose a person acceptable to the complainant, respondent,
and other parties involved. The conflict resolution facilitator will normally be a volunteer from the community
or church.
(b) The conflict resolution facilitator will determine procedures to follow using either the procedures referred to in
section 074 (Manual 1998) or other commonly accepted conflict resolution procedures.
(c) If this leads to agreement of parties concerned then implementation follows.
10. PROCEDURES WHEN RESOLUTION IS UNSUCCESSFUL
When the preceding attempts at resolution are unsuccessful then Faculty has the right and responsibility to make a
decision including to take disciplinary action which is consistent with the aims and ethos of the College.
(a) Faculty will meet, propose a decision, name reasons for it and propose disciplinary action if it is seen to be
warranted.
(b) The student respondent will be informed by the Principal in writing with personal or assured delivery of the
proposed decision, the reasons for it, and any proposed disciplinary action. The student has the right to petition
the Faculty in response (in person or in writing from local students; in writing or by conference call for distance
students). The student will give notice of intent to appear to the President within 3 working days of being
informed of the proposed decision and disciplinary action. The Principal will call a meeting of the Faculty to
hear the student's response within 7 working days of informing the student of the proposed decision and
disciplinary action.
(c) The student appearing in person is entitled to bring a friend or other person with them to the Faculty meeting.
(d) After hearing or reading the response of the student or after the time for student response has elapsed, the
Faculty will make a decision.
(e) The student will be informed by the Principal in writing of the decision (by personal or assured mail delivery),
including any disciplinary action and the date on which it takes effect.
11. EDUCATION & STUDENTS COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT
When the student has entered the Discernment or Candidacy process, the respondent's Presbytery E&S committee
may at any time be consulted if, in the opinion of the Faculty, the student's behaviour affects suitability for ministry
or may jeopardize the student's successful completion of the program. If disciplinary decisions have been made,
E&S will be informed in writing with assured delivery of the decisions and the reasons for them, with a copy to the
student, and a copy retained in the student file.
12. PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS NOT REGISTERED THROUGH ST. ANDREW'S COLLEGE
The policies in effect are normally the policies of the school at which the student is registered.
Saskatoon Theological Union students
(a) When behaviour of a student registered through one of the other Saskatoon Theological Union Colleges is
problematic, the St. Andrew's Faculty member most directly concerned will initiate contact with the student
involved and then, as appropriate, with the Faculty Advisor at the other STU college.
(b) Informal Faculty to Faculty conversation is to be preferred, but in some cases communication may be Principal
to President/Principal.
(c) If resolution does not occur, a written incident report will be given to the student and the President/Principal of
the school in which the student is registered.
(d) If resolution is still not forthcoming, and after consultation with the Faculty of the home college, the St.
Andrew's Faculty may make decisions and implement disciplinary action.
University of Saskatchewan students
Procedures of University of Saskatchewan will be in effect for cross-listed courses in which the student registers
through University of Saskatchewan
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13. DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS
Under Sections 10 and 12, the Faculty may assign one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
(a) Assign a grade of 0 (or Fail in a Pass/Fail class) on an assignment
(b) Assign a grade of 0 (of Fail in a Pass/Fail class) in a course*
(c) Withhold grades in a course*
(d) Withhold diploma, degree, and/or testamur*
(e) Require an apology from the student
(f) Issue a written letter of reprimand to the student
(g) Specify a period of probation for the student, with specified conditions
(h) Suspend the student for up to one full academic year*
(i) Suspend the student from access to specified services and activities
(j) Expel the student*
(k) Require restitution, which may include community service and/or a fine
*these actions are entered on the student's transcript (see Section 14)
14. STUDENT RECORD
For those disciplinary actions with academic consequences, the permanent student record (transcript) will reflect the
action taken as follows:
- When grades in a course, or a diploma, degree, and/or testamur are withheld for disciplinary reasons, the
permanent student record (the transcript) will show that these are "withheld for disciplinary reasons". If the
grade, diploma, degree, and/or testamur are subsequently awarded, the notation will be removed.
- If a student is placed on probation for a period of time for disciplinary reasons, the record will show the
following: <date> Placed on probation for <period> for disciplinary reasons.
- If a student is suspended for a period of time for disciplinary reasons, the record will show the following:
<date> Suspended for <period> for disciplinary reasons.
- If a student is expelled for disciplinary reasons, the record will show the following:
<date> Expelled for disciplinary reasons
15. APPEALS
(a) When a student is informed of a decision to implement disciplinary action the complainant or respondent will
have up to 1 week to launch an appeal.
(b) Appeals will be addressed to the chair of the Academic Committee who will establish a committee to consider
the appeal. The Appeal Committee will have at least one student member.
(c) Appeals will be in writing and will outline the gist of the reason for the appeal.
(d) The Appeal Committee will determine if there are grounds for appeal (using the grounds as per, The United
Church Manual, J.13.2, J.13.9.1, 2013).
(e) The appeal which will follow appeal procedures as determined by the Board of Regents or its Executive will be
heard within 3 weeks of the receipt of the request for the Appeal.
(f) Costs will be apportioned by the Appeal Committee (as per Manual).
3. St. Andrew’s Harassment Prevention Policy
1. Theological Statement and Statement of Commitment
We believe that all human beings are equal before God and in creation, and that Jesus emphasized mutuality and respect
in relationships. Harassment is usually based on unequal power relationships. It therefore violates the integrity of
persons, degrades them, and interferes with their gifts of creativity and wholeness. Harassment misuses power and
distorts relationships. It leads to alienation and distrust. Harassment is sin.
St. Andrew's College is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for study, work, residence, and worship,
where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. That commitment may be seen in the College’s commitment to being
an Affirming Ministry of The United Church of Canada, and in the College’s Policy on Justice.
St. Andrew's College will not tolerate any behaviour which constitutes harassment perpetrated by any member of the
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College community against any other member of the College community and will take all reasonable steps to prevent
harassment and stop it if it occurs.
This policy should be read in conjunction with other policies on employment, student conduct, and resident conduct and
is intended to complement and not supersede these other policies.
2. Definition of Harassment
This harassment prevention policy covers the following:
Harassment Based on Prohibited Grounds
This includes any inappropriate conduct, comment, display, action or gesture by a person that:
•
•
is made on the basis of race (or perceived race), creed, religion, colour, sex (including gender expression, gender
identity and two spirit identity), sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, physical size or weight,
age, nationality, ancestry or place of origin; and,
constitutes a threat to the health or safety of the employee, student, or resident. *
This type of harassment is prohibited in the Saskatchewan Employment Act and The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
It also extends to sexual harassment, which is conduct, comment, gesture or contact of a sexual nature that is offensive,
unsolicited or unwelcome.
Sexual harassment may include:
• A direct or implied threat of reprisal for refusing to comply with a sexually oriented request
• Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendos, propositions or taunting about a person’s body, attire, sex or sexual orientation
• Displaying pornographic materials
• Unwelcome physical contact
• Unwelcome invitations or requests, direct or indirect, to engage in behavior of a sexual nature
• Refusing to work with or have contact with employees, students, or residents because of their sex (including
gender expression, gender identity, and two spirit identity), gender or sexual orientation
Personal Harassment
This includes any inappropriate conduct, comment, display, action or gesture by a person that:
• adversely affects an employee’s, student’s, or resident’s psychological or physical well-being; and
• the perpetrator knows or ought to reasonably know would cause the employee, student, or resident to be humiliated or
intimidated.
Personal harassment involves repeated conduct or a single, serious incident that causes a lasting harmful effect on the
employee, student, or resident. All incidents of inappropriate conduct should be appropriately addressed to ensure that
the workplace, learning space, and living space remain respectful and free of harassment.
Personal harassment may include:
• Verbal or written abuse or threats
• Insulting, derogatory or degrading comments, jokes or gestures
• Personal ridicule or malicious gossip
• Unjustifiable interference with another’s work or work sabotage
• Refusing to work or co-operate with others
• Interference with or vandalizing personal property
What is Not Harassment
This harassment policy does not extend or apply to day-to-day management or supervisory decisions involving work
*
The term “employee” is used throughout this policy to refer to both paid employees, unpaid volunteers, contractors
and visitors to St. Andrew’s College; the term “resident” is used to refer to a tenant of the residence.
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assignments, job assessment and evaluation, workplace inspections, implementation of appropriate dress codes and
disciplinary action. This policy also does not extend to demands for academic excellence or a reasonable quality of
academic work; nor to the reasonable expression of opinions, debate, or critique of an individual’s ideas or work. These
actions are not harassment, even if they sometimes involve unpleasant consequences. Note that managerial and
instructional actions must be carried out in a manner that is reasonable and not abusive.
The policy also does not extend to harassment that arises out of matters or circumstances unrelated to employment, study,
residence, or volunteer activity with the College. For example, harassment that occurs during a social gathering of coworkers that is not sponsored by the College is not covered. However, harassment that occurs while attending a
conference or training session or volunteer meeting at the request of the College is covered within this policy.
Other situations that do not constitute harassment include:
• Physical contact necessary for the performance of the work using accepted industry standards
• Conduct which all parties agree is inoffensive or welcome
• Conflict or disagreements in the workplace, learning space, or living space, where the conflict or disagreement is not
based on one of the prohibited grounds
Harassment can exist even where there is no intention to harass or offend another. Every person must take care to ensure
his or her conduct is not offensive to another.
The College’s harassment prevention policy is not meant to stop free speech, appropriate learning experiences, or to
interfere with everyday interactions.
However, what one person finds offensive, others may not. Generally, harassment is considered to have taken place if the
person knows, or should know, that the behaviour is unwelcome. Usually, harassment can be distinguished from normal,
mutually acceptable socializing. It is important to remember it is the perception of the receiver of the potentially
offensive message be it spoken, a gesture, a picture or some other form of communication which may be deemed
objectionable or unwelcome that determines whether something is acceptable or not.
3. College’s Commitment
Complaints of harassment will be taken seriously and dealt with fairly, with a view to preventing further harassment. The
College is committed to implementing this policy and to ensuring it is effective in preventing and stopping harassment, as
well as creating a productive and respectful place of work, study, residence, service and worship. Any attempt to
penalize a Complainant for initiating a complaint or any form of retaliation is prohibited and may be treated as a separate
incident which calls for investigation.
Appropriate action, sufficient to ensure the harassment stops and does not happen again, will be taken against persons
who are or were engaged or participated in harassment.
Communication:
A copy of this policy will be provided to all staff, faculty, students, and residents through inclusion in the respective
Handbooks and to the Board through inclusion in the Board Orientation manual.
A copy of this policy will be posted on the College bulletin board that is visible to all employees, students, residents, and
public, and on the website.
An information meeting will be held with employees to explain and answer questions about the new policy. Supervisors
will review the policy with new employees as part of their orientation. Senior Administration will review the policy with
new Board members as part of their orientation.
Confidentiality:
Harassment complaints and investigations will be held in the strictest of confidence except where the disclosure is
necessary for the purposes of investigating the complaint, taking corrective action with respect to the complaint or as
required by law.
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Action will be taken to prevent reprisal against persons who make a harassment complaint in good faith, which may
mean informing complainants and respondents of this commitment.
4. Jurisdiction
This policy applies to College students and employees, College contractors, volunteers, residents and visitors to the
College. It covers alleged violations that occur on or off campus where there is a substantive connection with the
College.
Visitors, contractors or their workers, customers, and others invited to the College could potentially engage or participate
in the harassment of an employee or student. St. Andrew’s College may have limited ability to investigate or control
their conduct. However, the College shall take reasonably practicable action to stop or reduce the risk to its employees,
students, and residents of being harassed by third parties. When necessary, contractors, customers, or other visitors to
the College will be informed that certain conduct directed towards employees, students, and residents will not be
tolerated or allowed to continue; in such a situation employees are authorized to end telephone conversations, politely
decline service and to ask the visitor or customer to leave the College.
If it is determined by the College that any employee has been involved in harassment, immediate disciplinary action can
be taken. Such disciplinary action may involve counselling, a formal warning and could result in immediate dismissal
without further notice.
If it is determined by the College that any student or resident has been involved in harassment, disciplinary action may
involve counselling, a formal warning, suspension or expulsion.
Other Options for Complainants
Nothing in this policy prevents or discourages an employee from referring a harassment complaint to Occupational
Health and Safety (OHS) under the Saskatchewan Employment Act & Regulations. An employee, student, or resident
may also file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission under The Saskatchewan Human Rights
Code.
An employee, student, or resident also retains the right to exercise any other legal avenues available.
Malicious Complaints
It is uncommon for someone to make a false claim deliberately, but it can happen. Making a false complaint or
providing false information about a complaint is prohibited and a violation of this Harassment Prevention Policy.
Individuals who violate this Policy are subject to disciplinary and/or corrective action, up to and including termination of
employment, study, or residence.
5. Complaint Procedures
Responsibilities
College Officials. College officials have a legal responsibility to take prompt, effective action to prevent and address
known or apparent incidents of harassment, whether or not they receive a complaint. They are also responsible for:
• Taking action to promote a positive, productive environment for working and learning and to correct behaviour
that interferes with this goal;
• Seeking advice regarding a potential violation of this policy from the Coordinator or the Chief Administrative
Officer.
Senior Administrators. Under this policy, Senior Administrators include: the Principal (when a respondent is a
student, faculty member or the Chief Administrative Officer); the Chief Administrative Officer (when a respondent is a
staff member, resident, volunteer or visitor to the College); the Board (when the respondent is the Principal).
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These individuals (or their designates) are responsible for:
• Determining when a formal investigation will occur;
• Directing and overseeing formal investigations.
• Promoting this Policy and ensuring it is communicated to employees, students, and residents.
The Coordinator. The Coordinator is designated by the College to act as a central resource that will provide all
members of the College community with consultation, advice and assistance in resolving or investigating issues of
harassment. The Coordinator will be chosen by the College, and will be one of the Conference Personnel Ministers of
Saskatchewan Conference, Alberta and Northwest Conference, or Conference of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario of
The United Church of Canada. If the Personnel Minister is unavailable, an alternate will be appointed by the Personnel
Committee of the Board.
The Coordinator will report to the Chief Administrative Officer regarding employee complaints or issues, and to the
Principal when issues involve students. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, assessing complaints and
incidents, providing advice regarding an appropriate course of action, informal resolution and conducting formal
investigations, as requested by an authorized College Official.
The role of the Coordinator does not involve adjudicating cases or assigning discipline.
6. Prevention and Seeking Help
Everyone can take action to help prevent harassment.
•
•
•
•
•
Treat others with respect, even if you don’t agree with their values or opinions.
Take action to resolve problems as early as possible.
If you find someone’s behaviour problematic, let the person know how you feel and ask him or her to stop the
behaviour.
Be sensitive to the impact that your words and actions have on others and be willing to modify your behaviour.
Consider apologizing if your words or actions have had a negative impact on someone.
If you feel that you are being harassed
•
•
•
SAY NO: whenever possible, tell the offending party that his or her behavior is unwelcome and that you want it to
stop.
KEEP A RECORD: Write down the details of incidents and how they were handled.
Seek Help: Contact the appropriate College Official or the Coordinator for a confidential consultation.
Reporting Complaints
Reports and complaints of harassment can be resolved using informal and/or formal procedures.
Informal approaches: focus on resolving the problem as opposed to determining right or wrong or taking disciplinary
action. This type of resolution may include consultation, raising the matter directly with the offending party or
mediation.
Formal approaches: focus on establishing the facts and implementing appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.
These approaches, which include formal investigations, grievances and procedures for resolving student complaints and
appeals, are typically used to address incidents that involve reports or allegations of serious misconduct, ongoing patterns
of inappropriate behaviour or situations where the facts for a case are not clear.
When reported, the College Official will provide a confidential consultation to assess complaints or incidents, determine
whether they fall under this policy and outline options for resolution. Generally, the options for resolution are:
1. not to pursue the complaint;
2. to ask the Coordinator to facilitate a resolution or resolve the matter informally;
3. to request a formal investigation under this Policy;
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4. to take action to resolve the issue directly or address it using another process or any other remedy available at
law.
Time Limits for Reporting and Addressing Complaints. Barring exceptional circumstances, to be considered under
this Policy, a report or complaint must be made within two years of the occurrence of the alleged incident(s). Complaints
of harassment will be given a high priority, and every reasonable effort will be made to address them in a timely manner.
Timelines in this policy are intended to serve as guidelines and will be followed to the extent possible.
Informal Resolution or Mediation Sought
Step 1
An individual reports an incident or concern to the Coordinator or College Official. The complaint should be recorded in
writing in a form consistent with the harassment complaint form attached to this policy.
Where an informal resolution is sought, the complainant should indicate the type of resolution and resolution process
sought. Examples include an apology, supervisory counselling, a facilitated meeting with the respondent, workshops or
training sessions and mediation.
Step 2
The person receiving the complaint reviews the complaint procedures with the complainant and informs the appropriate
College Official. The College Official will meet privately with the respondent to review the complaint and determine
whether there is an agreement on a resolution or a resolution process.
Step 3
Where there is agreement between the complainant and respondent on the resolution or resolution process to be used, the
College Official facilitates the agreed upon resolution or resolution process.
Step 4
The complainant is informed that a formal complaint procedure is possible if the complainant, the respondent or the
College Official do not agree on a resolution process, or if the resolution process does not resolve the matter to the
complainant’s satisfaction.
Step 5
Where the complainant and respondent agree to a resolution, the College Official follows up with the complainant to
ensure the agreed upon resolution was effective in stopping and preventing further harassment. Where the complainant
indicates that the harassment has not ended, the College Official counsels the complainant to pursue an alternate
resolution process, including a formal investigation.
Formal Investigation Required
Step 1
An individual reports an incident or concern to the Coordinator or College Official. The complaint should be in writing,
dated and contain:
• Name and job title/position/nature of involvement with St. Andrew’s College of the complainant and contact
information
• Name and job title/position/nature of involvement with St. Andrew’s College of the respondent and available contact
information
• Description of the conduct, display or events considered objectionable, including dates and location of events
• Names and available contact information of any possible witnesses
• Description of the basis of the alleged harassment, such as the prohibited grounds
• Remedy sought
• Other information or material the complainant considers relevant
• Signature of the complainant
A copy of the complaint must be filed with the Chief Administrative Officer responsible for human resources, unless the
CAO is the alleged respondent, in which case it is to be filed with the Principal.
Step 2
The College Official or Coordinator who receives the complaint reviews the complaint procedures with the complainant
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and provides a written copy of the complaint to the respondent and reviews the complaint procedures with the
respondent.
Step 3
The College Official or Coordinator who receives the complaint will review the complaint and determine whether
conduct of the respondent falls within the harassment prevent policy and whether there are appropriate resolution options
other than investigation acceptable to the complainant and the respondent. Should a formal investigation be required, the
relevant Senior Administrator shall direct and oversee the investigation and may assign a person or persons to assist in
carrying it out.
Step 4
Investigators must act in accordance with the following guidelines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
The investigation commences and concludes as soon as reasonably possible
Witnesses are interviewed separately and written witness statements are prepared
Witnesses are asked to review and sign their written statements
Witnesses are advised to keep the investigation and the identity of the complainant and respondent in confidence,
unless they are required to disclose them by law
The complainant and respondent are entitled to be accompanied by legal counsel during the interview and
investigation process
During the investigation process, both the complainant and the respondent are entitled to be informed of all the
allegations made against them and allowed the opportunity to make full answer and defense. This does not mean
that either party is entitled to see or receive copies of the complete statements. However, both are entitled to see or
receive an adequate summary of the evidence to make a full answer and defense.
Step 5
Once the investigation is complete, investigators will prepare a written report setting out a summary of the evidence, a
description of any conflict in the evidence, the conclusions on the facts and reasons for reaching those conclusions, as
well as the recommended corrective action where harassment has been found to have occurred.
The investigators’ report will be delivered to the appropriate Senior Administrator and Coordinator, the complainant and
the respondent. The report is marked as confidential and delivered with the notation that it should be kept in confidence
unless disclosure is required by law or is necessary to implement corrective action or other legal remedies.
The investigation, including the investigation report, will be completed within 60 working days of the time that the
respondent was notified that an investigation would be conducted.
Step 6
The College Official will then:
•
•
•
provide the complainant and respondent with a written summary of the findings and offer them ten working days to
submit a written response. Any responses that are received will be considered in making the final decision.
within 15 working days after the period for providing additional submissions has elapsed, prepare a written decision,
determining whether or not, on the balance of probabilities, a violation of the College’s policy has occurred and any
disciplinary or remedial action to be taken.
Inform the complainant, the respondent and Coordinator of the written decision.
Step 7
After the corrective action has been taken, the College Official follows up with the complainant to ensure that the
corrective action was effective in stopping and preventing harassment. If the complainant indicates that harassment has
not ended, or suffers reprisal as a result of making the complaint, the College Official should take additional or
alternative corrective action to resolve the complaint. Further investigation may be necessary.
7. Special Circumstances
All records of harassment, and subsequent investigations, are considered confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone
except to the extent required by law.
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In cases where criminal proceedings are forthcoming, St. Andrew’s College will assist police agencies, lawyers,
insurance companies, and courts to the fullest extent.
8. Appeals
There is no appeal procedure under this policy.
Complainants have the right to file a complaint with OHS or The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or take legal
action.
5. St. Andrew’s College Bursary Fund
St. Andrew’s College provides student financial aid through a variety of bursary and other funds. Some
support is provided by interest on designated bursary endowments and some by donations from individuals,
pastoral charges, and units of United Church Women (UCW). Other funds are funds administered by the
United Church's Faith Formation and Education Unit, and still others by bequests administered elsewhere.
Funds for counselling for Candidates and their families are available through the Employee Assistance
Program (EAP).
In addition, the College provides money that is allocated on the basis of student financial need. Students
should apply to the College's Financial Aid Officers at the beginning of the fall semester for any anticipated
financial aid required for the following academic year. Students are also encouraged to contact their home
pastoral charges, Presbytery Education and Students Committees, Conference Bursary Fund Committees,
and service organizations for supplemental financial assistance.
Once awarded, all College bursaries will be applied directly to a student’s account.
Master of Divinity Tuition Bursary
One full year of tuition will be provided to all full time students seeking ordination in The United Church of
Canada and accepted into the MDiv program (beginning September 2011). Students may opt to utilize the
tuition benefit in their first year, in their second year or extended for learning circle tuition during their
residency. Tuition Relief forms for this bursary are available on the St. Andrew’s College web-site or from
the Registrar’s Office.
Book Bursary
Each student enrolled in a degree program may claim a matching grant up to $200.00 per semester to assist
in the purchase of books that are essential tools for ministry and theological study. Eligibility for the book
bursary is for up to eight semesters for students in the MDiv, BTh-MDiv program, four semesters for those
in the MTS program, and two semesters for the Diploma in Theology and the STM programs. This bursary
is given on a 50/50 shared basis for books purchased for use in theological education. Each claim will show
receipts marked paid and be approved by the student’s Faculty Advisor. Forms are available on the St.
Andrew’s College web-site or from the Registrar’s Office.
Other Bursaries
A list of bursaries outside of the College bursaries is available on the St. Andrew’s College web-site or from
the Registrar’s Office.
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