STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2023-2024
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2023-2024
Revised August 2023
Welcome to the 2023-2024 academic year!
As the year begins, we are thankful for the end of the federal COVID-19
public health emergency, while recognizing the toll that the last few years
have taken on all of us in so many ways. We are still finding our way as
we adjust to a new post-COVID way of living and working. CTS has been
evolving our course offerings in this light, and is currently delivering
courses in the following formats:
• Online – both asynchronous and synchronous sessions employing
Canvas and Zoom); course numbers end in “O”
• Online in real time, sometimes with an in-person option –
synchronous courses employing Canvas and Zoom; course numbers end
in “S”
• Hybrid – online courses with required face-to-face sessions; course
numbers end in “H”
• Flex – online with some optional face-to-face sessions; course
numbers end in “F”
See the course schedule (https://www.ctschicago.edu/course-schedule),
Campus Café, or the Registrar for specifics.
This is the second year that CTS is following a tri-term calendar. This
schedule is meant to help students find more opportunities to take
courses throughout the year and thus to complete their degrees more
efficiently. We are still living into this new calendar, and we welcome your
feedback.
After so much change over the last several years, we now speak of
“change fatigue” and we yearn for the peace we feel when the ground is
not constantly shifting beneath our feet. We hope you can find firm
grounding in CTS’s commitment to excellence in education, to building a
CARE-full community, and to helping you find success on your path to
graduation and to becoming a transformative leader.
Chicago Theological Seminary – 2023-2024 Student Handbook
Table of Contents
I. Overview of the Seminary .............................................................................. 1!
Statement'of'Mission'and'Commitments'...................................................................................'1!
II. CTS Organizational Structure ....................................................................... 2!
Board'of'Trustees'..............................................................................................................................'2!
The'Academic'Council'......................................................................................................................'3!
The'Administrative'Council'...........................................................................................................'3!
Leadership'Team'...............................................................................................................................'4!
Faculty'Caucus'....................................................................................................................................'4!
Recognized'Student'Organizations'..............................................................................................'4!
Town'Hall'Meetings'..........................................................................................................................'4!
III. Academic Information .................................................................................. 5!
Admission'–'General'.........................................................................................................................'5!
Admission'Requirements'...............................................................................................................'5!
Transfer'Students'..............................................................................................................................'9!
Policy'on'Advanced'Standing'........................................................................................................'9!
Class'Participation'Policy'...............................................................................................................'9!
Religious'Accommodation'............................................................................................................'10!
Non-Completion'of'a'Course'........................................................................................................'10!
Leave'of'Absence'..............................................................................................................................'10!
Inactive'Student'Status'..................................................................................................................'10!
Financial'Aid'.....................................................................................................................................'10!
Registration'.......................................................................................................................................'11!
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Coursework'.......................................................................................................................................'14!
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Academic'Records'...........................................................................................................................'16!
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Unsatisfactory'Academic'Performance'....................................................................................'18!
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Graduation'and'Placement'...........................................................................................................'18!
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Degree'Programs'.............................................................................................................................'19!
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Certificates'.........................................................................................................................................'22!
Academic'Review'.............................................................................................................................'23!
Candidacy'...........................................................................................................................................'23!
Level'of'Performance'Required'..................................................................................................'23!
Statute'of'Limitations'.....................................................................................................................'23!
Doctoral'Candidate'Status'............................................................................................................'23!
Seminary'Awards'............................................................................................................................'24!
IV. Plagiarism Complaint Procedure ............................................................... 24!
Definition'...........................................................................................................................................'24!
Procedure'...........................................................................................................................................'25!
V. Student Records Policies and Procedures ............................................... 26!
Definitions'.........................................................................................................................................'26!
Annual'Notification'.........................................................................................................................'26!
Procedure'To'Inspect'Student'Records'...................................................................................'26!
Right'of'CTS'To'Refuse'Access'.....................................................................................................'27!
Refusal'To'Provide'Copies'............................................................................................................'27!
Disclosure'of'Education'Records'................................................................................................'27!
Fee'For'Copies'of'Records'.............................................................................................................'28!
Types,'Locations,'and'Custodians'of'Education'Records'...................................................'28!
Record'of'Requests'for'Disclosure'.............................................................................................'28!
Directory'Information'...................................................................................................................'28!
Correction'of'Education'Records'...............................................................................................'29!
VI. Non-Academic Discipline Policy ............................................................... 30!
VII. Smoking Policy .......................................................................................... 31!
VIII. Accreditation and Student Complaint Procedures ................................ 31!
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IX. Academic Grievance Policy* ...................................................................... 32!
X. Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment ........................................ 34!
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Academic'Accommodations'Policy'............................................................................................'42!
XI. Robinson and Janet Lapp Learning Commons ....................................... 45!
Resources'available'for'all'CTS'students'.................................................................................'45!
Doing'Research'at'the'Lapp'Learning'Commons'..................................................................'45!
The'Learning'Commons’'Physical'Resources'.........................................................................'45!
The'Learning'Commons’'Electronic'Resources'.....................................................................'46!
Logging'into'your'CTS'Learning'Commons'Account'............................................................'46!
Research'Help'...................................................................................................................................'46!
Study'Carrels'.....................................................................................................................................'47!
Computers,'Printing,'Photocopying'and'Scanning'...............................................................'47!
Reference'Management'Tools'.....................................................................................................'47!
Other'Borrowing'Privileges'.........................................................................................................'47!
Interlibrary'Loan'(ILL)'..................................................................................................................'48!
XII. Facilities and Services ............................................................................... 48!
Security'...............................................................................................................................................'48!
Communications'with'Students'..................................................................................................'49!
IT'Help'Desk'......................................................................................................................................'49!
Mail'.......................................................................................................................................................'50!
Emergency'Closing'Procedure'....................................................................................................'50!
Parking'................................................................................................................................................'50!
Photocopying'and'Use'of'Seminary'Office'Equipment'........................................................'50!
Room'Reservations'.........................................................................................................................'50!
Transportation'.................................................................................................................................'50!
Weapons'.............................................................................................................................................'51!
XIII. Use of University of Chicago and ACTS Facilities ................................ 51!
ACTS'Facilities'..................................................................................................................................'51!
University'of'Chicago'Student'Privileges'.................................................................................'51!
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XIV. Student Worker Program ......................................................................... 53!
XV. 2023-2024 Schedule of Tuition and Fees ................................................. 55!
XVI. Academic Calendar ................................................................................... 56!
The Student Handbook is an announcement of the Seminary and is subject to change. The Seminary
reserves the right to change policies, requirements, or fees when necessary. Additional information on
these matters may be found elsewhere. Questions may be directed to the Office of the Academic Dean.
1
I. Overview of the Seminary
Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) was founded in 1855 by Congregationalist churches from
Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
1
The oldest continuing institution of higher learning in
Chicago, CTS is today an affiliated seminary of the United Church of Christ with an
ecumenical, interfaith faculty and student body. Throughout its history, CTS has been a
pioneer in educating religious leaders to address critical issues affecting diverse communities
in multiple contexts. Unafraid of issues simply because of the controversies they create, the
Seminary has a distinguished record of setting trends in religious life and leadership for more
than 150 years. Today it offers five accredited degree programs and various other educational
programs.
Statement of Mission and Commitments
Chicago Theological Seminary, a seminary affiliated with the United Church of Christ, serves
God, Christ’s Church, multiple faith communities, and the larger world by educating persons
theologically and cultivating the intellectual, pastoral, and spiritual capacities of lay and
ordained religious leaders, scholars, and activists who contribute to the increase of justice and
mercy.
Inspired by the ministry of Jesus, guided by the Spirit of the Divine, and nurtured by faith and
culture, we strive to create a sacred learning community that educates for public ministry,
based upon the following interwoven commitments:
Ø We are committed to a life of mutual teaching and learning, to academic excellence, to
open inquiry, and to critical engagement of texts, contexts, and practices in all of our
educational programs;
Ø We are committed, in a world suffering from spiritual impoverishment, which is
characterized by meaninglessness, lovelessness, and hopelessness, to proclaim a
message of divine purpose, compassion, and promise;
Ø We are committed, in a society structured by white supremacy and racism, to challenge
white privilege, to combat the forces of racial division and domination, and to equip
leaders who embrace and celebrate racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity; !
Ø We are committed, in a global context of religious conflicts and a society structured by
Christian privilege, to joyous embrace of religious diversity, expanding our ground-
breaking work in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Studies to advance understanding and
collaboration among the rich multiplicity of spiritual traditions and lifestances; !
Ø We are committed, in a world governed by sex and gender binaries, to advocate gender
justice, to nurture movements for women’s equality, and to liberate humanity from
restrictive gender norms; !
1
For an account of the Seminary’s history up to the mid-1960s, see No Ivory Tower by Arthur Cushman
McGiffert, Jr. For an account of the Seminary’s history from 1960 to 1980, see Challenge and Response
by Perry LeFevre.
2
Ø We are committed, in world governed by the presumption of heterosexual expression,
to challenge homophobia, to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other
individuals within the spectrum of human sex and sexuality, and to develop leadership
to encourage faith communities to become more open and affirming; !
Ø We are committed, in a world stratified by economic and social class, to challenge the
structures that sustain poverty and economic disenfranchisement, and to join the
struggle, as companions with the poor, for liberation of all from want, homelessness,
hunger, and disease; !
Ø We are committed, on a fragile planet threatened by pollution and exploitation, to
interrogate ecological policies, theologies, and practices, and to challenge materialism
and the devaluation of creation; and, !
Ø We are committed, in recognition that social divisions are local, national, and global, to
international collaboration among individuals and institutions with similar commitments
to our own.
In all these ways, we embrace not only the rhetoric but the reality of diversity, and recognize
the vital intersectionality of our commitments, working together to do justice, love mercy, and
walk humbly with our God. We invite others to join us. !
II. CTS Organizational Structure
Board of Trustees
The Board meets three times a year. The Board is responsible for the total well-being of the
institution. It acts upon recommendations of the President, Academic Dean, and Faculty
concerning faculty appointments and promotions, awarding of degrees, and curriculum.
The Board functions through the following committees:
1. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee is responsible for recommendations on
policies affecting curriculum and student life. Each year two students chosen by the
President and Dean from among the student representatives to the Academic Council
will serve as student representatives to the committee and, by extension, to the Board
of Trustees. Student representatives have voice but not vote.
2 The Business Affairs Committee is responsible for recommending the budget and
policies regarding business and accounting records and systems, financial aid,
buildings and grounds, business planning, legal functions, auxiliary enterprises, and
non-academic personnel.
3. The Advancement Committee is responsible for recommendations or policies
concerning the Seminary’s development programs and public relations efforts.
3
4. The Committee on Board Affairs, is responsible for nomination of Trustees and for
evaluation of individual Trustees’ performance, Board structures, and committee
performance.
5. Executive Committee
a. Membership: The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairperson, the
President, and other members as determined by the Board.
b. Duties: The Executive Committee may exercise the authority of the Board of
Trustees in management of the Corporation during the intervals between meetings
of the Board of Trustees, subject at all times to the bylaws of the Corporation, and
the prior rules, regulations, and directives issued, adopted, or promulgated by the
Board of Trustees. The Executive Committee shall annually evaluate the
performance of the President and report its findings to the full Board.
Two students, chosen each year by the President and Academic Dean from the six elected
student representatives to Academic Council, represent students to the Board.
The Academic Council
The Academic Council meets monthly, with the Academic Dean presiding. It exercises
oversight of all academic matters such as curriculum, admissions, awarding of degrees, and
student fellowships. Certain matters approved by Academic Council must go to the Board for
final action. Final decisions concerning fellowship awards are made by the faculty, normally
working through the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee or the PhD Committee.
The following shall be regular members of the Academic Council:
1. All full-time teaching faculty, the President, and the Librarian with voice and vote.
2. The Registrar and the Dean of Students with voice but no vote. Members of the
Administrative Council will receive minutes of meetings and are welcome to attend
the meetings.
3. Six student representatives, to be selected in a manner decided by the student body,
each with voice and a collective maximum of two votes. No single student
representative, however, may cast more than one vote.
4. Other members of the Seminary community may be invited to meetings of the
Academic Council, on a regular or occasional basis, at the discretion of the Academic
Dean or the President.
Much of the work of the Academic Council is carried on through committees, many of
which have student members. Committee assignments are made by the Academic Dean in
consultation with the President and the faculty.
The Administrative Council
This body (comprised of the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice
President for Finance and Administration, the Manager of Student Formation & Community
4
Engagement, the Manager of Financial Aid, and a faculty member appointed by the Academic
Dean) provides a central location for institutional planning and problem-solving, with particular
attention to issues that affect student life (including student fees). Its activities may include
setting and implementing administrative and financial policies, gathering and analyzing
institutional data, coordinating school-wide planning (pre- and post-project/event), approving
recognized student groups, and functioning within a culture of ongoing assessment regarding
administrative matters. The council normally meets monthly and is chaired by the President.
Leadership Team
The Seminary’s Leadership Team is chaired by the President and meets regularly throughout
the year. Members of the Leadership Team include the Academic Dean, Vice-President for
Finance and Administration, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives, Vice-President of Student
Services, Vice-President for Advancement and Philanthropic Giving, and other members
appointed by the President. Responsibilities include strategic planning; oversight of the
seminary’s budget, administrative and financial policies, and major events; regular
communication with the Board; coordination and communication across multiple seminary
offices; and ongoing evaluation of the seminary’s activities.
Faculty Caucus
Meeting at least monthly during the academic year, the Faculty Caucus addresses a range of
educational issues, advancing our efforts to live into CTS’s Statement of Mission and
Commitments.
Recognized Student Organizations
Student organizations at Chicago Theological Seminary focus on a shared interest or concern.
These organizations foster connections throughout the student body that complement
academic life, support spiritual formation, enable networking and professional development,
and increase community thriving.
The following policies apply to all student organizations:
1. Student organizations must receive recognition from the Administrative Council as
organizations that are eligible for CTS funds. Both new and continuing student
organizations must apply to the Administrative Council for this recognition. Questions
about application for recognition should be directed to the Manager of Student
Formation & Community Engagement.
2. The organizations receive equal budgets from Seminary funds each academic year. The
Administrative Council determines this amount yearly. Any unspent funds in a given
year are not available in subsequent years.
3. Recognized student organizations may seek an unpaid faculty or staff advisor.
4. Each organization must have requisitions for funds approved by the Manager of
Student Formation & Community Engagement, within approved budgets.
Town Hall Meetings
Town Hall Meetings are held to provide opportunity for discussion of issues important to the
CTS community. They may be convened to consider policies, aspects of Seminary life, events
5
of concern, and other issues. These meetings are not intended for determining formal action,
but for encouraging better communication among students, faculty, staff, and administration.
Town Halls are normally called and organized by elected student representatives, the
President, the Academic Dean, or a member of the Office of the Academic Dean.
III. Academic Information
Admission – General
Students are admitted to one of five general degree programs at CTS: two professional
degrees (MDiv or DMin) and three academic degrees (MA, STM, or PhD). Admission to study in
one of these degree programs is not equivalent to admission to candidacy for the degree (see
“Candidacy” below or MDiv and PhD degree program handbooks). They may also be admitted
to the Certificate program, as a Student at Large, or as a Distance Scholar.
Coursework taken at CTS but applied to a degree received at another educational institution
may be applied to a CTS degree subsequently if a petition for transfer credit is approved.
When a student who has previously earned a Master’s degree in theological or religious studies
is accepted in the MDiv Program, up to one year of coursework (or, 8 courses/24 credits)
applied to the previous degree may be transferred into the MDiv program.
Admission Requirements
Each degree program has its own unique application, requirements, and recommended
preparation. Please see the specifics for your desired degree below.
For more information about degree programs, see https://www.ctschicago.edu/degree-
programs/, and for admissions requirements, see https://www.ctschicago.edu/admissions-
requirements/.
Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts (MA)
Applicants must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
or university. Though a variety of college programs provide adequate preparation, it is to the
applicant’s advantage to have well developed written and oral communication skills, strong
academic references, good critical thinking skills, and coursework in the area of humanities.
GRE scores are not required.
Admission to the MDiv and MA programs requires:
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; coursework in theology or
religious studies is a plus.
• A superior academic record in previous undergraduate education.
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended, whether or not a degree was
earned.
• Four letters of reference – at least two must be academic, one may come from a pastor
or other religious professional, and one may come from a supervisor or friend.
• Completed application which includes a copy of current resume and an essay
(additional statement of focus for MA program).
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of applicants for
whom English is not a first language. The exam must be completed no more than two
6
years prior to application. The TOEFL may only be waived if the applicant has
completed another degree, in English, in the US.
• $50 application fee.
Master of Sacred Theology (STM)
Applicants to the STM Program must have earned a Master of Divinity Degree (or first graduate
theological degree providing equivalent theological background) and demonstrate aptitude for
advanced theological study.
Admission to the STM program requires:
• A master’s degree or equivalent in theology or religious studies from an accredited
college, university, seminary, or professional school.
• A superior academic record in previous undergraduate and graduate education.
• Four letters of reference and recommendation from relevant referees, e.g., faculty
and/or clinical supervisors.
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning, whether or not a degree was
earned.
• Completed application which includes a copy of current resume, an essay, and a
statement of focus.
• TOEFL scores for international students for whom English is not their first language.
• $50 application fee.
ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching (DMinPr)
Applicants must have a Master of Divinity Degree or equivalent from an accredited seminary or
divinity school with a GPA of 3.0 or greater (4.0 scale.) Applicants must also have a minimum of
three years pastoral experience serving in a ministry context subsequent to completing the
MDiv, and currently serve in a context that involves sustained preaching to a community.
Additional information regarding criteria for admission and application materials can be
received by contacting the program coordinator at the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching
Program Office: (773) 896-2400 - fax: (773) 643-1284, www.actsdminpreaching.com
Doctor of Ministry in Public Ministry
The online DMin in Public Ministry program is a three-year, thirty-credit advanced program
focusing on public ministry. The DMin curriculum will equip leaders for serious engagement
with significant public issues from the perspective of diverse religious, spiritual, and ethical
traditions. This fully online degree is organized around CTS’s Mission and Commitments of
Interreligious Engagement, the Study of Black Faith and Life, LGBTQ Religious Studies, and
Chaplaincy Studies. The partnership with the Bayan Islamic Graduate School will allow
students to pursue a degree at CTS that prepares them for Islamic Religious Leadership. A
faculty advisor will work closely with each student to identify appropriate advanced courses
and research questions that bring the school’s distinctive emphases to bear on specific issues
in religious leadership. Such issues might involve traditional practices of ministry such as
preaching, worship, pastoral care or more specialized ministries such as those associated with
social service agencies, community activism, or specific types of chaplaincy.
Admission to the DMin program requires:
• A Master of Divinity degree, or equivalent, in theology, religious studies, or related field,
from an accredited college, university, seminary, or professional school.
7
• A minimum of three years of professional ministry/religious leadership, or its equivalent.
• An autobiographical essay and a programmatic essay.
• A superior academic record in previous undergraduate and graduate education.
• Four letters of reference and recommendation from relevant referees.
• TOEFL scores for international students for whom English is not their first language.
• $50 application fee.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD applicants should have earned a master’s degree (or equivalent) in theology or religion
from an accredited college, university, seminary, or divinity school, and have a superior
academic record in previous undergraduate and graduate education. Applicants should be
able to articulate a clear sense of intention regarding goals for advanced study. Students in the
program have multiple areas of inquiry to focus their studies. These areas of inquiry include:
Sacred Texts and Hermeneutical Strategies, America as an African Diaspora, Womanist
Religious Studies, World Feminisms, Interreligious Studies, LGBTQ Studies, and Theology and
Cultural Criticism.
Admission to the PhD program requires:
• A master’s degree or equivalent in theology or religious studies from an accredited
college, university, seminary, or professional school.
• A superior academic record in previous undergraduate and graduate education.
• Four letters of reference and recommendation from relevant referees, e.g., faculty
and/or clinical supervisors.
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning, whether or not a degree was
earned.
• Completed application which includes a copy of current resume or CV, a personal
essay, and sample academic/research paper.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and/or Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT) scores,
or their equivalent (Code: 1120). Waived for applicants applying during the 2023-24
academic year.
• TOEFL scores for international students for whom English is not their first language.
• $50 application fee.
Certificate Program
Applicants to the Certificate program must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an
accredited college or university. Under certain conditions, persons who do not possess an
undergraduate degree may apply to study under the non-degree status of Student at Large
with hopes of achieving a certificate at a later date. Though a wide variety of academic and life
experience provide adequate preparation from which to pursue a Certificate in Theological
Study, it is to the applicant’s advantage to have background in the humanities, strong written
and oral communication skills, mature intellectual abilities, and the capacity to think critically.
GRE scores are not required.
The application process requires:
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended.
• An autobiographical statement (250 words or less) describing your interest in
theological study.
• A current resume or a brief description of your recent work experience, participation in
volunteer and community service, and religious or church involvement.
8
• Two letters of recommendation as described within the Certificate application
instructions.
• $50 application fee.
Student at Large (SAL)
Student at Large (non-degree) status allows an individual to take a course or courses without
participating in a degree program. A bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred, but students who
do not possess a completed bachelor’s degree may also apply following consultation with
the CTS Office of Admissions.
Applicants should demonstrate aptitude for graduate level scholarship. College level
coursework, background in the humanities, relevant work and life experience, strong written
and oral communication skills, mature intellectual abilities, and the capacity to think critically
are advantageous. Applicants with a completed bachelor’s degree must complete a simplified
application.
Admission to the SAL program requires:
• A bachelor’s degree is recommended.
• Two letters of reference and recommendation from relevant referees, e.g., faculty
and/or clinical supervisors (four required for individuals without a bachelor’s degree).
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning, whether or not a degree was
earned.
• Completed application which includes a copy of current resume and an essay.
• TOEFL scores for international students for whom English is not their first language.
• $50 application fee.
Enrollment as a Student-at-Large is contingent on completion of an application for admission
(according to the instructions for SAL applicants) and acceptance by the Admissions
Committee. While there is no obligation on the Seminary’s part to admit a student into a
degree program, applicants may pursue full admission to degree status after successfully
completing four courses.
Students in the SAL category can take courses for academic credit without pursuing a formal
course of study. They can also choose to earn a certificate of theological studies after the
completion of at least six courses.
Some students are admitted to SAL status on a probationary basis. A few may not possess a
baccalaureate degree but otherwise can be shown by objective criteria to possess
knowledge, academic skill, and ability that prepares them for theological study at the graduate
level. Note: Consideration is given to unique life experience, age, and potential for religious
leadership.
Students-at-Large can choose to apply for admission to a degree program after successfully
completing at least four courses. Students may take no more than eight courses as a
probationary SAL, after which time they must be admitted to a degree program to continue
their studies. Students should contact the Registrar for information about this process.
9
Distance Scholar (DS)
Students interested in taking a specific online course for academic credit may apply to study
as a Distance Scholar with a succinct online application. Applicants must confirm access to a
computer that meets the minimum requirements for online education at CTS. Criteria for
admission varies by course selected and are determined by the instructor. A bachelor’s degree
is strongly preferred; however, exceptions may be made for applicants with relevant life
experience and at least two years of exemplary undergraduate education. Some classes may
require prerequisites. Courses taken as a Distance Scholar may later be applied to an admitted
student’s degree program.
Transfer Students
Because Seminary requirements and coursework vary considerably from institution to
institution, each transfer student is evaluated individually by the Academic Dean and the
Registrar. Courses transferred to CTS must be at the graduate level and from accredited
institutions, and students must have received a grade of B or better in these courses.
Generally, only elective credits are transferred. A request to have transfer credits satisfy core
courses must demonstrate substantial comparability between the courses, and it requires
approval from the Academic Dean and Registrar. For PhD students, the final determination of
transfer credits is made in connection with a student’s program of study proposal. Transfer of
field education credit is determined by the Director of Theological Field Education in
consultation with the MDiv Director, the Registrar, and the Academic Dean.
• In order to graduate, students must complete at least one year of full-time study at CTS
or the equivalent (8 courses/24 credits).
• Normally, transfer course credits applied toward degree requirements should be earned
within ten years of the awarding of the degree.
• Up to one third of the course requirements for the CTS degree can be transferred from
a previous master’s program (8 courses for the MDiv, and 6 for the MA; no courses may
be transferred in for the STM or for a Certificate). Students may petition for an
exception to this policy.
Policy on Advanced Standing
All petitions for advanced standing for previous degree work must be evaluated by the
Academic Dean, the Registrar, and the Director of the degree program in which a student
seeks advanced standing. Degrees received prior to seven years before entering CTS may not
be given full credit toward advanced standing. The amount of advanced standing granted
depends on the relevancy of the previous degrees received to the CTS degree program in
which the student is enrolled, the accreditation of the institutions where the degrees were
received, and the academic performance of the student. Specific policies may be set for
particular degree programs. In no case will more than one (1) year’s advanced standing be
granted. Advanced standing is not the same as credit hours, which cannot apply to more than
one degree.
Class Participation Policy
The class participation policy is determined by each individual instructor. Please refer to course
syllabi for details on what constitutes acceptable class attendance and participation.
10
Religious Accommodation
As a religiously inclusive institution, CTS works to accommodate the practices of all its
members, embracing the diversity of our spiritual lifestances. Faculty, whenever feasible, will
strive not to schedule class sessions, examinations, and assignment deadlines on major
holidays that affect students in their courses. When conflicts do arise, students may:
• absent themselves from class without penalty in order to fulfill their religious obligations
• schedule alternative dates for examinations or assignments that conflict with religious
observance, without penalty
Note: Students are expected to communicate with their professors in advance regarding
accommodation.
No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student for religious observances. If an
issue arises that cannot be worked out with the professor, students may consult with the
Academic Dean. If students believe that there has been a substantial violation of the principles
of this policy, they may bring a complaint to the Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Task
Force.
Non-Completion of a Course
There are times when students may need to cease participating in their classes, even if only for
a moment, or when they are not able to complete their courses. CTS has attempted to put in
place measures around attendance, leave of absence, and inactive status to help students as
they encounter unexpected vicissitudes that impact their studies. It is critical that students (or
a family member) communicate early and often with their professors, academic advisor, and
the Registrar as soon as possible if a crisis should arise. Timely and reliable contact with said
persons can assist in discerning a path forward that is suitable to the student’s unanticipated
circumstances.
Leave of Absence
Students may arrange to pause their course of study for a period of time (be it one semester or
longer) without jeopardizing readmission if the intent to return is clearly stated in writing before
a leave of absence is taken. Students on leave of absence pay a fee for each semester they are
on leave (see Schedule of Fees). Normally a student may not take a leave of absence for more
than one academic year. However, a student may request a second year of leave prior to the
end of the second semester of the first leave of absence. Under certain circumstances, the
seminary may take the initiative to put a student on leave of absence.
Inactive Student Status
Students who have not registered for courses for credit in a Fall or Spring semester without
requesting a leave of absence (and who did not receive an appropriate continuation, pre-
candidacy, or candidacy status) will be placed on inactive status. There is no fee but, after two
consecutive terms on this status, the inactive student may be separated from the seminary.
Students who have been separated can reapply for admission after a lapse of one year.
Financial Aid
CTS offers financial assistance to students in the form of merit-based scholarships and need-
based institutional grants. These funds are not available for all academic programs. For details
concerning eligibility requirements, the application process, and deadlines, students should
11
contact the Manager of Financial Aid. Students who have concerns about financing their
education are encouraged to arrange a meeting with the Manager of Financial Aid to explore all
avenues of assistance, including congregational and foundation grants, fellowships, and the
federal Direct Loan program.
In order to retain eligibility for federal student loans, masters-level students must enroll in at
least four courses over the academic year and in no semester may they take fewer than two.
Students who are receiving loans will have their Satisfactory Academic Progress evaluated
each semester to ensure their eligibility. For more details, see the Manager of Financial Aid or
the Registrar. The full Satisfactory Academic Progress policy is available on the CTS website at
https://www.ctschicago.edu/admissions/costs-and-financial-aid.
Registration
Advising
The Registrar generally advises students on course registration for their first semester. Faculty
Advisors are assigned shortly after the semester begins.
MA, MDiv, and STM students will be assigned a faculty advisor for vocational and academic
advising, but can continue to meet with the Registrar to discuss course registration, if needed.
SAL/Certificate students receive advising from the Registrar.
PhD students must meet with their faculty advisors in advance of course registration. At the
conclusion of an advising conversation, the Registrar or advisor will approve registration for
enrollment. Students can then self-enroll in classes via the student web portal.
DMin Students also must meet with their faculty advisors in advance of course registration. At
the conclusion of an advising conversation, the Registrar or advisor will approve registration for
enrollment. Students can then self-enroll in classes via the student web portal.
During faculty sabbaticals, interim advisors for all students other than PhD and DMin students
will be appointed by the Registrar. Students will be notified of the interim arrangements in
advance of the term. PhD and DMin students normally retain their regular advisor during a
sabbatical.
Students may request a change in advisor, but there is no guarantee that a specific faculty
member will be available as a new advisor. Changes in advising assignments must be
approved by the Registrar in consultation with the current and potential advisors.
See individual degree program handbooks for additional information about advising for each
degree program.
Registration and Pre-registration
The pre-registration process occurs two times a year:
• Middle of Fall term for J-term and Spring term registration;
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• Middle of Spring term for May term and Summer term registration and pre-
registration for the next Fall term.
Registration remains open after the pre-registration period but courses do fill and we
encourage early registration.
1. New students will receive registration information from the seminary as part of their
orientation process. Once enrolled, those students who intend to re-enroll the following
term must register for the next semester during a designated registration time, along
with other continuing students.
2. In order to register, all accounts (tuition, fees) must be up to date (no balance due), or
students with a balance must be current on their approved payment plan. GI Bill
Ò
* and
VR&E beneficiaries will be allowed to register and attend classes with an outstanding
balance if they have submitted a valid certificate of eligibility but the VA has not yet
provided payment.
3. If tuition and fees are not paid by the second week of the term, late fees will be
assessed (see Schedule of Fees for amount of fee). Late fees will not be assessed to GI
Bill
Ò
* and VR&E beneficiaries who have submitted a valid certificate of eligibility.
4. For continuation fees, accounts must be fully paid in order to proceed with formal
advisement, scheduling of consultation or examinations, etc.
5. Exceptions to the above policies must be approved by the Administrative Council.
6. At the time of all registrations, students may sign up for health insurance coverage.
Major medical health insurance coverage is strongly recommended for all degree
students.
7. Students who experience difficulty registering through the Web Portal, students taking
ACTS courses, and students taking Directed Readings should contact the Registrar.
8. Students with three incompletes or long-standing incompletes may be prevented from
registering for additional courses by the faculty.
9. Students may take a maximum of 12 credits per term. Students may petition for an
exception to this policy.
*GI Bill
Ò
is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about
education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site
at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Program Changes (Add/Drop and Course Withdrawals)
Adding/dropping courses is normally done only during the first two weeks of a term. Adding a
course after the term has begun is subject to the approval of the instructor. Full refunds of
tuition are available for dropped courses as long as the changes are made by the add/drop
deadline.
After the first two weeks of the term, students are not permitted simply to drop courses.
Instead, students can seek approval to withdraw from a course. Students who wish to
13
withdraw from a course after the add/drop date has passed must contact the Registrar. The
withdrawal process is as follows:
• Students must fill out a withdrawal form, which they can get from the Registrar. The
date that this form is submitted marks the formal date of withdrawal.
• Withdrawal requires approval by the course instructor, the Registrar, the Academic
Dean, and the Financial Aid Coordinator.
• If the student has federal loans, the Financial Aid Coordinator will review the student’s
case and discuss the student’s responsibilities for tuition payment and loan repayment
as necessary.
• Following a course withdrawal, a grade of “W” will be recorded for the course on the
student’s transcript. The “W” grade carries no grade points and will not impact the
student’s GPA.
Students will be responsible for tuition for withdrawn courses according to the following
schedule:
• Up to 60% of the length of the term, students will be responsible for paying the
portion of tuition and fees that correlates to the percentage of the term they have
completed. The percentage of tuition and fees correlating to the uncompleted
percentage of the term can be applied to a future term.
• The percentage of the term will be calculated by the percentage of calendar days
that have passed in the term. This calculation excludes the seven days the seminary
is closed for reading week.
• After 60% of the term, no refund of tuition or fees will be given.
• In cases where a withdrawal decreases the student’s loan eligibility for the term, the
student will be responsible to return any overpayment of loan funds. The Seminary
will first draw on any surplus of funds in a student’s account due to course
withdrawal to resolve the overpayment. The student will have 30 days following
notification of overpayment by the Seminary to return any remaining overpayment
directly to the Seminary. After 30 days, the Seminary will report overpayment to the
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and the student will be responsible for
repayment directly to the Department of Education. This will also render the student
ineligible for further federal student loans and in-school loan deferment until the
overpayment has been resolved.
If a student does not follow the withdrawal process outlined above and ceases to participate in
one or more courses, potential consequences include:
• Course failure
• Requirement to repay student loan funds either to the Seminary or directly to the
Department of Education.
If the student is withdrawing from all courses in a given term and wishes to remain in their
Seminary program, they will be considered inactive for that term. The normal inactive student
policy will apply. If the student is entirely withdrawing from the Seminary, this must be
conveyed in writing to the Registrar.
Withdrawals During Intensive Courses
Students may drop an intensive course up through the end of the first day of the course, then
will follow the regular withdrawal policy.
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Audit
Students paying tuition for credit courses who wish to audit courses in any given term and
have AU recorded on their transcript may do so with no additional cost. PhD students may
audit classes for no cost if they are registered for courses, in pre-candidacy status, or in
candidacy status the previous term, and if they have received the permission of the instructor
to audit. All others wishing to have a recorded audit will be charged a fee (see Schedule of
Fees for amount of fee). At the conclusion of the term, the instructor must verify to the
Registrar that the student did, in fact, audit the course. Requirements for auditors are set
individually by each instructor. There is no fee for an unrecorded audit. The instructor’s
permission is required to audit whether it is recorded or unrecorded.
Coursework
Numbering
Introductory courses are usually numbered at the 300 level. Advanced courses are numbered
in the 400s. The most advanced seminars are numbered in the 500s and 600s. First degree
students are not excluded from advanced courses, but should check with the instructor
regarding their readiness for a particular course prior to pre-registration.
Required Courses
Courses required for CTS degree programs are generally taken with CTS faculty. If students
wish to substitute a required course, they should submit a written request to the Registrar, who
will route it to the appropriate decision-making body.
The suggested sequence of required coursework found in the degree program handbooks is
not binding. Obviously there is value in the suggested course sequence, but individuals may
have good reasons to adjust the order. Required courses are generally taught in the same
term(s) each year.
Electives
Although many courses are available at CTS, not all courses are offered on a regular basis.
Individual faculty members have regular required course offerings, but rotate the electives they
offer. A course listing is available on the CTS website and the Registrar can provide a tentative
schedule for upcoming terms. Course offerings from all ACTS seminaries can be accessed on
the ACTS website (http://www.actschicago.org/).
Expiration of Course Credits
CTS courses must be taken within the previous 12 years, and transfer courses within the
previous 10 years, to count towards a degree. Students may petition for an exception to this
policy.
Directed Study for Advanced Students
Directed Study courses are normally reserved for PhD students. STM students and other
master’s students in the final year of their program are sometimes permitted to enroll in
directed study courses with professors in topics not covered by available coursework.
Required courses may not be taken in directed study form. Students wishing to enroll in a
directed study course should contact the instructor with whom they wish to work in advance of
registration. In all cases, permission of the instructor is required. Normally, directed study
15
courses are focused on advanced topics. Faculty members are limited to a maximum number
of directed study courses per year, and priority will be given to the needs of PhD students
rather than masters-level students in determining which directed study courses can be offered.
Online Communication
CTS uses multiple technology tools for communication. Among these, CTS uses a platform
called Canvas for online learning (see https://ctschicago.instructure.com/). All online courses
have a course website on Canvas, and many face-to-face courses use Canvas’s discussion
forum feature to enhance the temporal nature of the in-class discussion. CTS Connect is a
social and academic networking tool with a particular emphasis on fostering the sense of
community among students (see https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctsconnect/). CTS email
is an essential communication tool among faculty, students, and staff.
Because electronic communication is an integral part of the student experience in all of the
above platforms, students need to be clear, polite, and compassionate in what they say in
order to avoid misunderstandings. The CTS Netiquette (etiquette on the Internet) statement,
which can be found on every course’s Canvas page, should be used as a guiding principle in
all online communications. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this
document and to abide by its principles.
Grades seen on Canvas do not always reflect the grades in the Student Portal. Please rely on
your Student Portal grades posted in Camus Café as a reflection of your official record.
Theological Field Education Units
Students starting in the MDiv program should confer with the Director of Theological Field
Education about requirements in Theological Field Education. See the MDiv program
handbook for more information regarding these requirements.
The Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS)
ACTS includes the following seminaries in the Chicago metropolitan area: Chicago Theological
Seminary, Bexley Seabury Seminary, Catholic Theological Union, Garrett-Evangelical
Theological Seminary, Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies, Lutheran School of Theology at
Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary, Meadville/Lombard Theological School, Mundelein
Seminary, North Park Theological Seminary, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Trinity
Evangelical Divinity School.
ACTS Courses
Students are encouraged to select elective coursework from offerings of the Chicago area
seminaries by enrolling in electives offered at other ACTS institutions. Registration for
coursework taken in any of these schools requires no special procedure or fee other than filling
out one form at the time of registration. However, some ACTS schools do not accept cross-
registration by doctoral students. Doctoral students who wish to take an ACTS course should
consult their advisor and the Registrar. Most ACTS courses can be accessed at
http://www.actschicago.org/. Students pay standard CTS tuition rates to CTS for courses
taken through ACTS, and both CTS scholarships and federal loans can apply to these courses.
Because of our early graduation date and early date of the last faculty meeting of the spring
term, students are normally not permitted to take an ACTS class during the last semester
before their graduation. Students may petition for an exception to this policy if merited.
16
University of Chicago Courses
All degree students may enroll in University of Chicago courses with the approval of the
student’s advisor or the Registrar. All students are required to pay full bi-registration tuition and
fees. Students should consult with the CTS Registrar about bi-registration procedures. CTS
scholarships cannot be applied to the University of Chicago courses, but students who qualify
for federal loans can apply their loans to University of Chicago courses. University of Chicago
tuition is typically higher than CTS tuition.
Hartford Seminary Courses
Degree students may also enroll in courses at Hartford Seminary with the approval of the
student’s advisor or the Registrar. Students will pay the standard CTS tuition rate to CTS. CTS
scholarships cannot apply to Hartford courses, but students who qualify for federal loans can
apply their loans to these courses.
Bayan at Chicago Courses
All CTS students can choose to take electives offered by Bayan at Chicago with the approval
of the students’ academic advisors. Students will pay the standard CTS tuition rate to CTS,
and CTS scholarships will apply.
CTS Courses
Although CTS allows students to enroll in ACTS seminaries and the University of Chicago,
students are normally expected to take a majority of their courses, especially those required,
for any degree program with CTS faculty (full-time, affiliated, or adjunct). It is appropriate for
the institution awarding a degree to be the primary focus of a student’s education.
Course Evaluations
Course evaluations are an important part of the process of curricular assessment at CTS and
are considered course requirements. Course evaluations are normally completed online at the
end of each term. Instructions about how to complete course evaluations are provided by
email.
Academic Records
Grading Symbols
The standard grading evaluation will be A (excellent), B (above average), C (average), D (below
average), F (failure), I (incomplete), PI (permanent incomplete), and W (withdrawn). With
permission of the instructor, a student may elect to take a course pass/fail. Please be sure to
check with each professor about what is required to pass their course.
Grade Reports
Student grades will be available on the Student Portal after the conclusion of each term.
Grades will normally be posted no later than three weeks after the end of the term.
Grade Point Average
For purposes of computing the GPA (grade point average), the following values will be used:
A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. Plus and minus grades may be assigned and have a value of +.3
and -.3 respectively. Students will not receive credit for a PI, and the PI will not be assigned a
17
numerical value for the purposes of computing GPA. Withdrawing from a course does not
count towards the GPA.
Retaking Courses
Courses for which a student receives a poor or failing grade can be retaken. Students normally
must pay tuition when they retake a course. Once the course has been successfully
completed, the grade will show for the new course but the original PI will remain on the
transcript. Only the new grade will impact the student’s cumulative grade point average.
Transcripts
Transcripts can be ordered and paid for online at parchment.com (type in “Chicago Theological
Seminary” and the system will guide you through the process). No transcripts from other
institutions will be sent out by CTS and all degrees/course work will be present on the
transcript.
Transfer of Credits
Students taking accredited seminary work elsewhere who wish to have that work officially
transferred to CTS must make that request in writing to the Registrar. Courses must be
graduate level (doctoral level for doctoral students), and not counted toward another degree.
Up to one third of the course requirements for the CTS degree can be transferred from a
previous master’s program (8 courses/24 credits for the MDiv, and 6 courses/18credits for the
MA; no courses may be transferred in for the STM or for a Certificate). Students may petition
for an exception to this policy. Courses with a grade below a B will not transfer in. Advanced
standing without credit may exempt students from required courses, permitting the
substitution of electives to fulfill CTS degree requirements. Transfer credits do not apply to a
student’s cumulative GPA, and the grades of transferred courses are not listed on a student’s
CTS transcript. Any questions about what is an acceptable transfer credit should be referred to
the Registrar, who will consult with the Academic Dean or other faculty members. Also, work
done prior to ten years before entering CTS may not be considered for transfer credits.
Incomplete Policy
All students requesting to take an incomplete in any given course must check with their
instructor in advance. It is strongly recommended that students contact instructors in advance
of the end of the term because not all instructors allow incompletes. The instructor may require
the student to complete an Incomplete Form, which is to be filled out by the student and
professor and filed with the Registrar. In some cases, instructors will choose to give a student
an incomplete grade at the end of the term without being previously contacted by the student.
This is at the discretion of the instructor.
Incomplete work from Fall and J-Term will be due by August 15, and incomplete work from
Spring, May term, and summer will be due by January 15. All incomplete work should be
turned in to the Registrar, or the Registrar should be copied when the student sends work by
email to the instructor.
If work is not turned in to the Registrar by August 15, the student will automatically receive a
grade Permanent Incomplete (PI), except in cases where faculty and students have agreed on
a variation to the above policy (a different due date, a different default grade, etc.), using the
Incomplete Form.
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Students with excessive or long-standing incompletes may be prevented from registering for
additional courses by the faculty.
Student Records
Student records will be kept on a secure server for five (5) years, except for official transcripts
which will be kept indefinitely. See Section V, “Student Records Policies and Procedures,” for
information regarding access to student records. Only the Registrar’s Office has access to
student files.
Unsatisfactory Academic Performance
Warning
A warning will be issued to students whose previous term’s academic performance was low,
but whose cumulative record is not below the minimum graduation level.
Probation
Students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below the minimum standard for
graduation (3.0) will be placed on academic probation at the beginning of the following
semester. Students can get off probation by raising their GPA above 3.0. Students are granted
two semesters on academic probation before being subject to possible separation from the
Seminary. Students should connect with their academic advisor and the registrar to determine
necessary steps related to academic advancement and getting off academic probation.
Separation
Students who, during two successive semesters on probation, do not raise their GPA to
minimum graduation standards, may be separated from the Seminary. Students who are
inactive for two successive semesters may be separated from the Seminary. Students may
also be subject to separation from the Seminary for non-academic reasons such as those
outlined in but not limited to Section VI. Separated students cease to have student status.
Readmission
Students who have been separated due to academic reasons may re-apply for admission after
the lapse of one year from the time of separation. An application for readmission must show
due cause why the Seminary should reconsider the student. All students readmitted after
separation return with probationary status; their previous credits remain intact.
Graduation and Placement
Graduation
Degrees are regularly awarded at Commencement at the end of Spring term. Graduation
without ceremony is also possible at the beginning of the Fall term, and a conferral of degrees
may take place at Fall Convocation if a significant number of students are receiving degrees.
Students planning to graduate must file a declaration of intent with the Registrar six weeks
prior to graduation. A graduation fee is charged to help cover expenses (see Schedule of Fees).
Graduation announcements are available to students approximately a month before
Commencement. No student with outstanding debts to the Seminary will be allowed to
19
graduate or participate in the graduation ceremony. Students with a GPA below the minimum
3.0 will not be allowed to graduate.
Degree Programs
**Note: All students should consult the appropriate degree program handbook for more
information about the requirements of the degree in which they enroll.
Courses Required
The various degree programs at CTS require the following number of satisfactorily completed
courses:
Master of Arts (MA) 16 courses/48 credits
Master of Divinity (MDiv) 25 courses/75 credits
Master of Sacred Theology (STM) 8 courses/24 credits
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 12 courses/36 credits
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) 10 courses/30 credits
Most courses give one academic credit (3 semester hours). Exceptions to this policy will be
noted on the course offering schedule.
Master of Arts in Religious Studies (MA)
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies (MA) is a two-year program (16 courses/48 credits) that
allows students to focus theological study in a particular area of interest, culminating in a
master’s thesis. There are three tracks available within the MA degree program: Religious
Studies (with an emphasis on Christian tradition), Islamic Studies, and Interreligious Studies.
The requirements are listed in the table below.
Religious Studies
Islamic Studies
Interreligious Studies
Religious Heritage (RH)
Interpreting the Hebrew Bible
The Qur’an: Collection,
Composition and Teachings
Sacred Text 1: Interpreting
the Hebrew Bible, Gospels,
or Qur’an
Interpreting the Gospels
Islamic Law and Legal Theory
Sacred Text 2: Hebrew Bible,
Gospels or Qur’an
History of Christian Thought
Islamic History
Jewish Thought, History of
Christian Thought or Islamic
History
RH Area Requirement 1
RH Area Requirement 1
RH Area Requirement 1
RH Area Requirement 2
RH Area Requirement 2
RH Area Requirement 2
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Theology, Ethics, and
Culture (TEC)
Systematic Theology
Islamic Theology and
Philosophy
Core or Comparative
Theology course
Christian Ethics OR Global
Sensitivity in Ministry
Islamic Ethics OR Islamic
Leadership and Spirituality
Interreligious Engagement
TEC Area Requirement 1
Interreligious Engagement
TEC Area Requirement 1
(Interreligious or
Comparative)
TEC Area Requirement 2
Sunni-Shia Relations and
Intra-Faith issues
TEC Area Requirement 2
Capstone
MA/STM Thesis
MA/STM Thesis
MA/STM Thesis
Electives
6 free electives
2 CTS electives
6 free electives
4 free electives
Students already possessing a first theological degree may petition the MA committee to
design a program of study that includes advanced standing. Consult the Registrar or the
Academic Dean for further information.
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a three-year program (25 courses/75 credits) designed to
prepare students to serve as transformative religious leaders in positions of religious leadership
and society.
There are two tracks available within the MDiv degree program: Master of Divinity (with an
emphasis on the Christian tradition) and Master of Divinity in Islamic Chaplaincy. The
requirements are listed in the table below.
Master of Divinity
MDiv in Islamic Chaplaincy
Religious Heritage (RH)
Interpreting the Hebrew Bible
The Qur’an: Composition, Collection, and
Teachings
Interpreting the Gospels
Islamic Law and Legal Theory
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Two of the following three:
• Interpreting the Epistles
• Interpreting the Hebrew Bible II
• Bible Elective
Arabic 2A
Arabic 2B
History of Christian Thought
Islamic History
Religion in North America
RH Area Elective
Theology, Ethics, and Culture (TEC)
Living into our Commitments and Effecting
Social Change
Living into our Commitments and Effecting
Social Change (CTS)
Systematic Theology
Islamic Theology and Philosophy
Christian Ethics
Islamic Ethics
Constructive Theology
TEC area requirement
Theology elective
Leadership and Ministry
Introduction to Pastoral Care OR
Introduction to Pastoral Theology
Theories and Practices of Spiritual Care OR
Introduction to Pastoral Theology
Leadership and Ministry in Context
plus Field Placement
Leadership and Ministry in Context (CTS)
plus Field Placement
Global Sensitivity in Ministry
Islamic Leadership and Spirituality
Preaching or Worship area requirement
Preaching or Worship area requirement
Ministry elective
Facilitating Islamic Life Cycle Rituals
Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education
Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies (CTS)
Self-Development and Self-Care
Electives
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An elective course focusing on a religious
tradition other than your own
An elective course focusing on a religious
tradition other than your own (CTS)
A course in interreligious studies
6 free electives
4 free electives
Consult the MDiv Program Handbook for further information, or direct questions to the MDiv
Director, the Registrar, or the Academic Dean.
Master of Sacred Theology (STM)
The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) is a post-MDiv one-year (8 courses/24 credits) degree
primarily for students who wish to focus their study in a particular aspect of the theological
curriculum. A flexible program, its focus is designed by each student in tandem with their
advisor or the STM Director. Students must complete seven electives and participate in the
Master’s Writing Seminar.
Consult the STM Program Handbook for further information, or direct questions to the
Registrar or the Academic Dean.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary degree
emphasizing cultural criticism and textual hermeneutics oriented toward social justice.
Students in the program have multiple areas of inquiry around which they can focus their
studies.
The course of study includes 12 courses, 2 language exams, 4 qualifying exams, a dissertation
proposal, and a dissertation.
Consult the PhD Program Handbook for further information, or direct questions to the PhD
Program Director, the Registrar, or the Academic Dean.
Concentrations
Students in the MDiv and STM programs may elect a concentration as part of their degree
program. Concentrations include the Study of Black Faith and Life, Interreligious Engagement,
LGBTQ Religious Studies, Chaplaincy Studies, and Muslim Studies. For more information
about these concentrations, consult individual degree program handbooks. MDiv and STM
students planning to pursue a concentration should inform both the Registrar and their faculty
advisor of this intention.
Certificates
SAL students can pursue a Certificate of Theological Studies, which can be awarded at the
student’s request after the successful completion of six courses. Students who later go on to
pursue a further degree at Chicago Theological Seminary and who wish to apply courses used
for the Certificate to that program of study can do so only by rescinding the Certificate to the
Seminary.
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Students can complete a general Certificate, which includes any six elective courses, or they
may pursue one of five concentrations in the Certificate.
The Ministry Preparation Concentration requires that students take at least the following:
1. 1 Bible course (from the Hebrew Bible or New Testament sections of the Course
Listing)*
2. 1 Theology course (from the Theology section of the Course Listing)*
3. 1 Ministry course (any course designated LM)*
4. UCC History and Polity or an alternate Polity or Church History course as appropriate
5. 2 electives
* Generally an introductory level course.
Other Certificate Concentrations each require that the student take four elective courses in the
Concentration area and two additional electives in any area of study. For the Certificate in the
Study of Black Faith and Life, these courses must include Introduction to the Study of Black
Faith and Life. For the Certificate in Interreligious Engagement, these courses must include
Interreligious Engagement. For the Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies, these courses must
include Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies, and, if the student has not already taken the
equivalent, Introduction to Pastoral Theology.
Academic Review
The faculty will undertake an academic review of MA and MDiv students who have completed
at least four courses but no more than eight. If a student’s academic performance is
substandard or there are substantial non-academic performance concerns regarding the
student’s ability to complete their degree program successfully, that student may be separated
from the Seminary.
Candidacy
Admission to study at CTS is not admission to candidacy. See the MDiv or PhD degree
program handbooks for details on the candidacy process.
Level of Performance Required
All programs require a cumulative B average (3.0) or higher for graduation.
Statute of Limitations
Below are CTS guidelines for maximum time to completion of the degree programs. Students
should check with financial aid staff about loan compliance.
MA five years
MDiv six years
STM four years
PhD nine years
DMin three years
Doctoral Candidate Status
Students in the PhD program who have completed coursework but have not yet been admitted
to candidacy pay a pre-candidacy continuation fee each semester to maintain student status
(see Schedule of Fees). Those who have been admitted into candidacy and work on their
dissertations under faculty supervision must pay a candidacy fee each semester to retain
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candidate status (see Schedule of Fees). Students beyond coursework who are not maintaining
either a pre-candidacy or candidacy status will be considered to be inactive, will lose student
privileges, and may be separated by the faculty (see Inactive Student Status, above).
Seminary Awards
C. Shelby Rooks Award
This award honors the first African American president of CTS and the first African American to
serve as president at a predominately white theological school, Dr. C. Shelby Rooks, who was
president of CTS from 1974-1984. The scholarship is awarded to an African American student
each year in October.
Sanderson Award for Women in Leadership
This award was established in 2006 in memory of Judith Parks Sanderson. Sanderson had an
outstanding career as an educational development manager with leadership roles at William &
Mary College, Princeton University, and University of Chicago. The woman selected to receive
the award demonstrates leadership qualities in her chosen field and is committed to assisting
others in their personal development in the fields of education and community well-being. The
scholarship is awarded to a faculty member, staff member, or student each April.
G. Campbell Morgan Preaching Award
This award honors Rev. Dr. G. Campbell Morgan, who was one of the most noted preachers of
the twentieth century. The legacy of Dr. Morgan’s preaching is its emphasis on the great
themes of Christian theology – creation, providence, and redemption – directed toward the
great social and spiritual crises of the day with prophetic pastoral precision. The scholarship is
awarded to a student each April.
Castañeda-Jennings Scholarship
The award, established in 1994, honors the memory of Gilberto Castañeda, an adopted son of
CTS Professor Emeritus Ted Jennings and Ronna Case. This is the first scholarship in a
mainline seminary directed to LGBTQ+ students. The scholarship is awarded to a student each
year in May.
IV. Plagiarism Complaint Procedure
Definition
Plagiarism is commonly defined as the use of others’ ideas or words without acknowledgement
or attribution.
2
Examples include, but are not limited to the following:
1. copying the words of others (whether published or unpublished) without proper
indication (quotation marks, for example) or citation (sources, footnotes, etc.)
2
This discussion draws upon material published by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab
(https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/). For writing examples and links, see this site.
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2. submitting the work of others in one’s own name (buying a paper, downloading or
copying from the internet, having another person write for you)
3. failure to acknowledge the source of ideas you are using in your own work
4. paraphrasing the words of others with only minimal alteration and without attribution
Plagiarism is unacceptable at Chicago Theological Seminary. It is grounds for disciplinary
action, including separation from the school.
Procedure
The following procedure represents a specification and codification of the practice of Chicago
Theological Seminary.
1. A professor who believes that plagiarism has taken place shall notify the Academic
Dean, specifying the terms of the complaint and the evidence. The student shall meet
with the Dean to discuss the complaint, the evidence, and the applicable policies.
2. Depending upon the nature and severity of the complaint, and with the concurrence of
the Dean, the professor may choose to resolve the issue directly with the student. This
could be appropriate where the plagiarism is both minor and reasonably construed as
unintentional or accidental. Examples of such resolution include (but are not limited to)
failure for the particular assignment and resubmission of the work, additional work,
research on standards for academic writing, ethical reflection, etc.
3. If, due to the nature and severity of the complaint, direct resolution is not deemed
appropriate or possible, either the professor or the Dean may choose to bring a formal
charge of plagiarism against the student. This charge shall be provided to the student in
writing, with an explanation of the cause of the charge and the reasons for bringing the
charge, based upon the definition of plagiarism contained within this policy. The Dean
will invite the student to submit a written statement concerning the complaint within two
weeks of receiving the charge, including any exculpatory evidence the student desires
to be included in faculty deliberations. The student may invite another student or staff
person to accompany them for clarification throughout this process. All participants will
respect confidentiality. The complaint and evidence will be considered by an executive
session of the Academic Council (faculty only). Other persons may be invited to this
session by the Dean for cause.
4. The complaint may be either dismissed or upheld. Upon a finding that plagiarism has
taken place, the faculty can apply such academic penalties as it sees fit. Such penalties
may include, but are not limited to, failure for the course in question at that point
(recorded as “Withdrawn/Failure” on the transcript), requirement to repeat the course
for graduation (in the case of a required course), leave of absence from the Seminary for
a stated period, or permanent separation from the institution. A student may be
required to show evidence of changed behavior in order to continue or return to
studies. Students permitted to continue studies will be maintained on academic
probation until graduation. Appeals follow the procedures described in non-academic
discipline.
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5. The Dean will provide to the student in writing the rationale for the penalty determined
regarding the complaint. Subsequently, the Registrar will be available to the student to
seek and provide clarification regarding specific actions required of the student where
they affect their program of study.
V. Student Records Policies and Procedures
A college, university, or any institution of higher learning is required by Section 99.7 of the
FERPA (Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations to provide students annual
notification of their FERPA rights.
Definitions
For the purpose of this policy, Chicago Theological Seminary (hereafter CTS) has used the
following definitions of terms:
1. Student: Any person who attends or has attended CTS.
2. Education records: Any record (in handwriting, print, tapes, films, or other medium)
maintained by CTS or an agent of the Seminary which is directly related to a
student, except:
a. A personal record kept by a staff member if it is kept in the sole possession of
the maker of the record and is not accessible or revealed to any other person
except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record.
b. An employment record of an individual whose employment is not contingent on
the fact that he or she is a student, provided the record is used only in relation
to the individual’s employment.
c. Records made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other
recognized professional or paraprofessional if the records are used only for
treatment of a student and made available only to those persons providing the
treatment.
d. Alumni records which contain information about a student after he or she is no
longer in attendance at CTS and which do not relate to the person as a student.
Annual Notification
Students will be notified of their FERPA rights annually by publication in the handbook.
Entering students will receive a copy of the FERPA rights in their registration materials.
Procedure To Inspect Student Records
Students may inspect and review their education records upon request to the Registrar.
Students should submit to the Registrar a written request which identifies as precisely as
possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect.
1. The Registrar will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible
and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
Access must be given in 45 days or less from the receipt of the request.
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2. When a record contains information about more than one student, the student may
inspect and review only the records which relate to him or her.
Right of CTS To Refuse Access
CTS reserves the right to refuse to permit a student to inspect the following records:
1. Letters and statements of recommendation for which the student has waived his or her
right of access, or which were placed in their file before January 1, 1975.
2. Records connected with an application to attend CTS if that application was denied.
3. Those records which are excluded from FERPA definitions of education records.
Refusal To Provide Copies
CTS reserves the right to deny transcripts or copies of record not required to be made
available by FERPA in any of the following situations:
1. The student lives within commuting distance of CTS.
2. The student has an unpaid financial obligation to CTS.
3. There is an unresolved disciplinary action against the student.
Disclosure of Education Records
CTS will disclose information from a student’s education records only with written consent of
the student except:
1. To school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
a. A school official is:
i. A person employed by the Seminary in an administrative, supervisory, academic
or research, or support staff position.
ii. A person elected to the Board of Trustees.
iii. A person employed by or under contract to the Seminary to perform a special
task, such as the attorney or auditor.
iv. A student serving a designated official role on the Admissions Committee
(Admissions records only).
b. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:
i.. Performing a task that is specified in his or her position description or by a
contract agreement.
ii. Performing a task related to a student’s education.
iii. Performing a task related to the discipline of a student.
iv. Providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such as
health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid.
2. To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to
enroll. (CTS will make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the transfer.)
3. To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, and
state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally
supported education programs.
4. In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid as necessary to
determine the eligibility, amount, or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the
terms and conditions of the aid.
5. If required by a state law requiring disclosure that was adopted before November 19,
1974.
6. To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the Seminary.
7. To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
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8. To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
9. To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
10. Directory information so designated by the Seminary.
11. The results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by CTS against an alleged
perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime.
Fee For Copies of Records
1. There is a fee charged per transcript issued (see Schedule of Fees for amount of fee).
2. There is a per page fee for copies of other documents in a student’s file (see Schedule
of Fees).
Types, Locations, and Custodians of Education Records
The following is a list of the types of records that CTS maintains, their location, and their
custodians.
Types
Location
Custodians
Admissions Records
(including immunization forms
where applicable)
Registrar’s Office
Registrar
Cumulative Academic Records
(current students and 5 years after
graduation or withdrawal)
Registrar’s Office
Registrar
Cumulative Academic Records
(former students; over 5 years after
graduation or withdrawal)
CTS Storage
Registrar
Financial Records
CTS Finance Office
General Accountant
Disciplinary Records
Registrar’s Office
Academic Dean’s Office
Registrar
Academic Dean
Record of Requests for Disclosure
CTS will maintain a record of all requests for or disclosure of information from a student’s
education records. The record will indicate the name of the party making the request, any
additional party to whom it may be disclosed, and the legitimate interest the party had in
requesting or obtaining the information. The record may be reviewed by eligible students.
Directory Information
CTS designates the following items as Directory Information:
1. Student name
2. Address
3. Telephone number
4. Email address
5. Degree program
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6. Student photograph
Directories may be published at the beginning of the Fall term and become available to the
CTS community. Students will be asked at their initial registration for classes to fill out a
“Directory Information Permission Form” and to either grant or deny permission to publish their
directory information for the duration of their course(s) of study at CTS. A student desiring to
change the status of permission previously granted/denied should notify the Registrar’s Office
in writing before the end of the first week of any Fall term.
Correction of Education Records
Students have the right to ask to have records corrected that they believe are inaccurate,
misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. Following are the procedures for the correction
of records:
1. A student must ask the appropriate official of CTS to amend a record. In so doing, the
student should identify the part of the record they want to change and specify why they
believe it is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his or her privacy or other rights.
2. CTS may comply with the request or it may decide not to comply. If it decided not to
comply, the Seminary will notify the student of the decision and advise them of their
right to appeal the decision.
3. If the student decides to appeal, the student presents a request to the Academic Dean.
The Dean will review the information and respond to the student’s request in writing.
4. If the student wishes to continue the appeal, the student may petition the Academic
Council. The council will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence
presented. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the
reasons for the decision.
5. If CTS decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in
violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will notify the student that he or she has a
right to place in the record a statement commenting on the challenged information
and/or a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision.
6. The statement will be maintained as part of the student’s education records as long as
the contested portion is maintained. If CTS discloses the contested portion of the
record, it must also disclose the statement.
7. If the Academic Council decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or in
violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will amend the record and notify the student,
in writing, that the record has been amended.
8. The decision of the Academic Council is final.
**NOTICE** As of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA regulations
expand the circumstances under which your education records and personally identifiable
information (PII) contained in such records — including your Social Security Number, grades,
or other private information — may be accessed without your consent. First, the U.S.
30
Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and
local education authorities (“Federal and State Authorities”) may allow access to your records
and PII without your consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to
evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any
program that is “principally engaged in the provision of education,” such as early childhood
education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education
agency or institution. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to your
education records and PII without your consent to researchers performing certain types of
studies, in certain cases even when we object to or do not request such research. Federal and
State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the
entities that they authorize to receive your PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct
control over such entities. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems,
State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without your consent PII
from your education records, and they may track your participation in education and other
programs by linking such PII to other personal information about you that they obtain from
other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment
insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.
VI. Non-Academic Discipline Policy
The issues of non-academic discipline or potential dismissal for non-academic reasons
include, but are not limited to, actions that are disruptive to the educational process and/or
violate Seminary policies or procedures. The intention of the following procedure is to resolve
such issues while providing immediate assistance to those persons so involved while
maintaining confidentiality regarding this procedure.
1. Faculty members have the authority to dismiss a student from a class session for
disruptive behavior.
2. Referrals from members of the Seminary community can be made to the Academic
Dean regarding any student’s alleged misconduct, including disruptive actions that may
result from the use of alcohol and/or chemical substances.
3. All concerns and complaints and documentary evidence should be forwarded to the
Academic Dean for an initial assessment. The Academic Dean may then consult with
outside professional resources including legal counsel in specific cases if necessary,
but otherwise, the concern or complaint will be kept confidential within that office.
4. If possible, the Academic Dean will arrange an informal discussion with the student who
is the subject of concern. This student may wish to bring a supportive person to this
meeting. The Academic Dean may wish to include the student’s faculty advisor and/or
the director of the student’s program. The focus of an initial meeting will be the
student’s actions and a discussion of the specifics of any concern or complaint lodged
against him or her and to attempt to facilitate a resolution. The person who brought the
concern may or may not be present at this initial meeting.
5. In all cases, the Academic Dean will exercise confidentiality at this stage, holding
participants to such confidentiality. A series of such meetings may then occur.
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6. In case the concern or complaint is not resolved, the Academic Dean will report and
make recommendations regarding issues of non-academic discipline to the President
of the Seminary. A copy of the report will also be sent to the student.
7. The student may be subject to probation, suspension, or dismissal, as decided by the
President.
8. If dismissal is warranted, the student may elect to voluntarily withdraw from the
Seminary. If they do not do so then they may appeal a dismissal decision to the
Administrative Council of the Seminary. The Administrative Council, with the President
of the Seminary participating without vote, except in the case of a tie vote, will decide
on cases of dismissal after a hearing. A student ombudsperson elected by the student
may participate during the hearing but with no vote. The student facing dismissal shall
have the right to be represented by counsel, to present evidence and to confront
adverse witnesses during this hearing. Neither the ombudsperson nor the legal counsel
will be present during the taking of the deciding vote; said vote will occur during
executive session of the Administrative Council. A written report of the proceedings and
the decision of the Administrative Council will be made available to the student.
9. Decisions of the Administrative Council may be appealed to the Academic and Student
Affairs Committee of the board of Trustees. Appeal is made by filing a written petition to
appeal with the Academic Dean who will forward the petition to the Committee. The
decision of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee shall be final.
Appeals to the anti-discrimination policy will follow the same appeals process as the non-
academic discipline policy.
VII. Smoking Policy
Students are required to follow Illinois state law with regard to smoking in public places. The
law states, “Smoking in public places, places of employment, and governmental vehicles is
prohibited. No person shall smoke in a public place or in any place of employment or within 15
feet of any entrance to a public place or place of employment.” Therefore, smoking in CTS
classrooms, offices, or other indoor spaces is prohibited, as is smoking within 15 feet of any
CTS building entrance. This policy covers cigarettes, pipes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and
comparable devices.
VIII. Accreditation and Student Complaint Procedures
The Seminary is accredited by two agencies:
1. The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the
United States and Canada has approved the following degree programs:
MDiv – Master of Divinity
MA – Master of Arts (Religious Studies)
STM – Master of Sacred Theology
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PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
DMin – Doctor of Ministry
In addition, the Association of Theological Schools has approved a Comprehensive
Distance Education Program.
Contact:
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United
States and Canada, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275, USA
Telephone: 412-788-6505, Fax: 412-788-6510, Website: www.ats.edu
2. The Higher Learning Commission has approved the following degree programs:
MDiv – Master of Divinity
MA – Master of Arts (Religious Studies)
STM – Master of Sacred Theology
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
DMin – Doctor of Ministry
Contact:
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle
Street, Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Telephone: 800.621.7440, Website: www.ncahlc.org
Students wishing to make complaints related to the failure of the Seminary to comply with the
accrediting standards of the Association of Theological Schools or the Higher Learning
Commission may address their concerns to the office of the President. Records of such
complaints are kept in the office of the President. Students who believe they have an
unresolved complaint against the Seminary that may fall within the purview of our accrediting
agencies can address such complaints directly to those agencies.
Copies of the accreditation standards and procedures are available from the office of the
Seminary President.
Veteran Benefits, GI Bill
Ò
Chicago Theological Seminary works with veterans, members of the US Armed Forces, and
their dependents to assist them in taking full advantage of their educational benefits. However,
Chicago Theological Seminary does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. For
information about accessing these educational benefits as a student at Chicago Theological
Seminary, contact the Registrar.
IX. Academic Grievance Policy*
The following procedures for academic grievance are intended to ensure fair treatment of
students in regard to educational or related concerns. A starting assumption for the use of
these procedures is that faculty members have ultimate responsibility for the evaluation of
student progress and the assigning of grades in their courses. A student’s unhappiness with a
33
grade normally does not rise to the level of academic grievance, though disagreements about
grades may be involved in academic grievance under exceptional circumstances.
Complaints regarding discrimination or harassment are handled under the Seminary’s Policy
Against Discrimination and Harassment. Complaints about the fitness of a faculty member are
handled under Faculty Discipline procedures as found in the Faculty Manual.
A. First Level:
In a matter where there is disagreement between a student and a member of the faculty, or
between a member of the faculty and other members of the Seminary community, the parties
involved with one another should first speak with one another, clarifying the nature of the
problem, the issues involved, and possible responses or solutions to the conflict, with the goal
of coming to a mutually agreed upon resolution of the matter among themselves without
additional participation from other members of the community.
B. Second Level:
If a conflict is of a nature or intensity that the procedure outlined in the First Level is not
adequate or appropriate, any of the parties involved may request that the Academic Dean join
them in a conversation where the following process will be followed:
1. The persons involved in the conflict will attempt to state the nature of the conflict and
describe their understanding of what is at stake in the disagreement. Each party will
also describe their involvement thus far in the situation.
2. The persons involved will then have the opportunity to suggest ways in which they
believe the conflict might be resolved.
3. With the third-party involvement of the Academic Dean, the persons involved will work
in a collaborative effort to explore and then choose a satisfactory response and
resolution to the conflict. Such collaboration may involve a single meeting or several
meetings.
4. If the Academic Dean is one of the subjects of a conflict, the President will fill the role of
Academic Dean described above.
5. The Academic Dean may make a written recommendation to the parties at the
conclusion of this process.
C. Third Level:
In a dispute where a resolution satisfactory to both parties is not achieved at the first or second
level within 30 days, the Academic Dean will meet again with both parties as well as a senior
faculty member (holding the rank of Full Professor), with each party involved in the conflict
having the opportunity to describe:
1. the nature of the problem as s/he/they perceive it;
2. the intellectual, theological, communal, personal, or emotional issues involved; and
3. the significance of the issues and what is at stake for each person involved.
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Either the student or the faculty member may choose to bring to this meeting a supportive
student or faculty colleague. In cases where the Academic Dean is one of the subjects of a
conflict, the President will fill the role of Academic Dean described above.
At such time, in a spirit of collaboration, each person in this group will suggest various
responses and resolutions to this conflict. Where such collaboration is not possible because of
the dimensions or intensity of the conflict, the Academic Dean and the senior faculty member
will determine what measures will be taken in an effort to resolve the dispute. At this stage,
possible remedies range from further mediation (informal or formal) to referrals to the policy on
Student Non-Academic Discipline (described in the Student Handbook) or the policy on
Faculty Discipline Procedures (described in the Faculty Manual).
*The Academic Grievance Policy is modeled on, and incorporates some material from, Grievance
Procedures developed by Luther Seminary.
X. Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment
General Policy Statement and Notice of Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment
Chicago Theological Seminary is committed to fostering the full humanity of all its members.
All forms of discrimination and harassment impugn the full humanity of any human being and
for this reason are not tolerated in this Seminary. Chicago Theological Seminary does not
discriminate, or tolerate discrimination or harassment, against any member of its community on
the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, age, religion, disability,
pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by
applicable federal, state, or local law in matters of employment or admissions or in any aspect
of the educational programs or activities it offers.
In furtherance of Chicago Theological Seminary’s commitment to the principles of equality and
equal opportunity for students, staff, and faculty this policy and the associated procedures are
established to provide a means to address complaints of discrimination or harassment based
on the protected categories described herein.
The policy has been written with the express goal of protecting the rights and concerns of both
complainant and respondent. The Seminary will make every effort to assure and protect these
rights, and shall undertake no action that threatens or compromises them. Those entrusted
with administering this policy are advised to look at the individual situation, the totality of the
circumstances, and the nature of the acts involved and to use this policy as a guide on a case-
by-case basis.
Overview of Prohibited Acts
Discrimination
No Chicago Theological Seminary student, faculty, or staff member shall be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in connection with
any Chicago Theological Seminary service, program or activity on the basis of any of the
following projected categories: race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, age, religion,
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disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status
protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Note on Title IX: This policy also addresses the requirements of Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in
federally funded education programs and activities. Title IX states as follows:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination
under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Discrimination on the basis of sex (i.e., sex discrimination) includes sexual harassment, sexual
assault, and sexual violence. Sexual harassment of employees or other types of sex
discrimination in employment may also be a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Harassment
Harassment, including sexual harassment, is a form of discrimination. Chicago Theological
Seminary does not tolerate any form of harassment and considers such behavior – whether
physical or verbal – to be a breach of standards of conduct. Harassment is unwelcome
conduct that is based on: race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, age, religion,
disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status
protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Harassment becomes unlawful when the
conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work or learning environment that a
reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Sexual Harassment
Prohibited conduct includes all forms of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, as well as
sexual assault and sexual violence. Sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault and
sexual violence, may take many forms. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to
unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other written or verbal abuse of a
sexual nature when:
o submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of
an individual’s employment or academic advancement;
o submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis of
employment decisions or academic decisions affecting such individual; or
o such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s
work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working,
academic, or social environment.
Examples may include, but are not limited: to verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic
commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess, or sexual deficiencies; derogatory or
demeaning comments of a sexual nature about a woman or a man; leering at, fondling,
pinching, or brushing against another body; offensive sexual language; displaying objects or
pictures without clear pedagogical context which are sexual in nature in ways that create
hostile or offensive environments. When such conduct is coercive and threatening, it creates
an atmosphere that is not conducive to teaching, learning, or working. Sexual harassment may
occur between persons in different Seminary status or between persons in the same Seminary
status.
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Sexual assault/sexual violence is a particular type of sexual harassment that includes physical
sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving
consent due to the victim’s use of drugs or alcohol. This includes, but is not necessarily limited
to inappropriate touching, sexual intercourse of any kind without consent, rape, and attempted
rape.
Consensual Relationships
All members of the community are cautioned against the possible costs of even an apparently
consenting sexual relationship in which power differentials exist. For example, a faculty
member who enters into a sexual relationship with a student (or a supervisor with an employee)
where a professional power differential exists, should realize that if a charge of sexual
harassment is subsequently lodged, it may be difficult to maintain innocence on grounds of
mutual consent. Codes of ethics for most professional associations forbid professional-client
sexual relationships. In the view of the Seminary, the professor-student relationship may often
be comparable to the relationship of a professional and client.
The Seminary cautions its community for the following reasons:
i. The real power exercised by persons in supervisory positions (administration,
professor, and staff) in regard to evaluations, recommendations, scholarships and
awards, etc., greatly diminishes the supervisee’s actual freedom in regard to
consent, should sexual favors be included alongside legitimate demands.
ii. As with a therapist or clergy person, the problem of transference or counter-
transference can occur. In this example, the person in “authority” is an
inappropriate object of sexual desire, advances, or relationship.
iii. Power differentials exist in many forms. The theological education community is
composed of administrators, professors, staff, students, therapists, case
conference leaders, adjunct faculty, field education supervisors, judicatory officials,
home church pastors, youth, and children (while not inclusive, this list is meant to
suggest that power differentials exist in many situations in which the Seminary
shares or has responsibility). In each relationship, the individual in the position of
greater power should be responsible for setting appropriate boundaries.
Retaliation
The Seminary prohibits any form of retaliation against any person for bringing good faith
complaint of discrimination or harassment or providing good faith information about
discrimination or harassment, even if evidence is not found to substantiate the complaint.
Retaliation exists when action is taken against a complainant or participant in the complaint
process that (i) adversely affects the individual’s opportunity to benefit from the Seminary’s
programs or activities; and (ii) is motivated in whole or in part by the individual’s participation in
the complaint resolution process. Any person who is found to have engaged in retaliation in
violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action possibly including dismissal from the
Seminary. Any act of retaliation should be reported in the same manner as acts of
discrimination or harassment and will be investigated using the procedures described below.
Procedures for Addressing Discrimination and Harassment
Steps in Reporting and Inquiry
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1. Any person wishing to report an instance of suspected or alleged discrimination or
harassment should do so by contacting any Title IX Coordinator, any member of the
Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Task Force, the Academic Dean, or the President,
in person, by telephone, by email, or in writing.
Although there is no specific time limit for reporting a suspected violation of this policy,
an individual who believes that he or she has been subjected to conduct that violates
this policy is encouraged to contact an appropriate official as soon as possible after the
alleged act of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to discuss the available options
for proceeding.
2. The Seminary will promptly and equitably investigate and resolve all suspected or
alleged violations of this policy. Alledged or suspected violations of this policy will be
investigated by either an Informal Resolution process, or by a Formal Resolution
process as outlined below.
3. The Seminary will attempt to complete investigations within 60 days of the filing of a
complaint or the date on which the Seminary becomes aware of a suspected violation
of this policy, unless the Seminary determines in its discretion that more time is
required to complete the investigation.
Chicago Theological Seminary is committed to the prompt and equitable resolution of
all alleged or suspected violations of this policy, regardless of whether a complaint
alleging a violation of this policy has been filed and regardless of where the conduct at
issue occurred.
The Seminary’s ability to investigate in a particular situation, or the extent of the
investigation in any given situation, may be affected by any number of factors, including
whether the complainant is willing to file a complaint or to consent to an investigation,
the location where the alleged conduct occurred, and the Seminary’s access to
information relevant to the alleged or suspected violation of this policy. The Seminary is
nonetheless committed to investigating all alleged and suspected violations of this
policy to the fullest extent possible under the circumstances.
4. To the extent permitted by law, the confidentiality of all parties involved in the resolution
of alleged or suspected violations of this policy will be observed, provided that it does
not interfere with the Seminary’s ability to conduct an investigation and take any
corrective action deemed appropriate by the Seminary.
Persons should be aware that, under certain circumstances, once an instance of
suspected or alleged discriminiation or harassment is reported to any of the persons
listed above, the Seminary may choose to initiate an investigation, even if the person
making the report does not wish to proceed with an investigation.
5. The Seminary reserves the right to suspend any member of the Seminary community
suspected or accused of violating this policy or to take any other interim measures the
Seminary deems appropriate, pending the outcome of the investigation or grievance.
Such interim measures can include, but are not limited to, modifying course schedules
and issuing a “no contact” order.
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6. The Seminary also reserves the right to take steps to protect the complainant as
deemed necessary during the pendency of the investigation and resolution process
(e.g., allowing for a change in academic or work situation, issuing a “no contact” order
to the accused, etc.). Any such interim steps will be taken in a manner that minimizes
the burden on the complainant to the extent possible.
Informal Resolution
An informal resolution is a confidential intervention that does not trigger the formal complaint
process and does not become part of official record. In cases in which an informal resolution
is desired by the complainant and the accused and deemed appropriate by the Title IX
Coordinator(s), in consultation with the President, the Title IX Coordinator(s) will name an
impartial Informal Resolution Facilitator or Informal Resolution Facilitation Team. This Informal
Resolution Facilitator or Informal Resolution Facilitation Team will seek informal resolution of
the issues that implicate this policy.
The informal resolution process is as follows:
1. The Title IX Coordinator(s), in consultation with the President, will appoint an Informal
Resolution Facilitator or Informal Resolution Facilitation Team.
2. The Informal Resolution Facilitator/Informal Resolution Facilitation Team will speak
with the involved parties, first separately, to gather pertinent information about the
situation needing resolution.
3. The Informal Resolution Facilitator/Informal Resolution Facilitation Team may then
contact both the complainant and the accused, to arrange a time for both to meet
together with the Informal Resolution Facilitator/Informal Resolution Facilitation Team,
for the purpose of seeking informal resolution to the complaint.
4. If informal resolution is met, to the satisfaction of the complainant and the accused,
the Informal Resolution Facilitator/Informal Resolution Facilitation Team will report
back to the Title IX Coordinator(s), and no further action will be necessary.
5. If resolution is not achieved, the formal resolution process may be invoked, via written
complaint by the complainant or the Title IX Coordinator(s) on her/his behalf. Informal
resolution is considered not to have been achieved if:
a. The complainant reports that her/his complaint has not successfully been
resolved via mediation; or
b. The accused is dissatisfied with the proposed resolution.
N.B.: Allegations of physical assault or violence may not be resolved using the informal
resolution process. An allegation of physical assault or violence will automatically invoke the
formal investigation process outlined below.
Formal Resolution
The formal resolution process applies (i) to all matters involving alleged or suspected assault or
violence; (ii) when any party so requests in writing; or (iii) when the Seminary elects to use the
formal resolution process in any matter when the Seminary deems doing so appropriate.
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When the formal resolution process is invoked, the President shall appoint an Investigation
Team from among the members of the Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Task Force. If
members of the Task Force are accused of a violation of this policy, the President will appoint
a replacement to the Task Force; if the President is the accused or the complainant, the Chair
of The Board of Trustees will take charge of this appointment process.
The function of the Investigation Team is to gather information, make a preliminary
determination regarding whether a violation of this policy has or has not occurred, and if, in
their judgment, sufficient evidence exists to move to disciplinary procedures, recommend to
the appropriate Seminary disciplinary body (as described below) for adjudication and final
determination of appropriate sanctions or other corrective action.
The following procedures shall apply in all cases in which the formal resolution process is
used.
1. The Seminary shall provide any individual suspected or accused of violating this policy
with a written explanation of the suspected or alleged violations of this policy.
Complainants and accused parties shall both be provided with the following in
connection with the resolution of suspected or alleged violations of this policy.
• The opportunity to speak on their own behalf.
• The opportunity to identify witnesses who can provide information about the
alleged conduct at issue.
• The opportunity to submit other evidence on their behalf.
• The opportunity to review any information that will be offered by the other party
in support of the other party’s position (to the greatest extent possible and
consistent with FERPA or other applicable law).
• The right to be informed of the outcome of the process (to the greatest extent
possible and consistent with FERPA or other applicable law).
• The opportunity to appeal the outcome of the process.
2. To help ensure a prompt and thorough investigation, complainants are asked to provide
as much information as possible, such as:
• A description of any relevant incident(s), including the date(s), location(s), and
the presence of any witnesses.
• The alleged effect of the incident(s) on the complainant’s opportunity to benefit
from the Seminary’s programs or activities.
• The names of other individuals who might have been subject to the same or
similar acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Although it is not required, any steps the complainant has taken to try to stop
the discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Any other information the complainant believes to be relevant to the alleged
discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
3. Oral and written statements shall be gathered from the parties involved in the alleged
policy violation, and from others who may have pertinent information.
4. The standard used to determine whether the policy has been violated is whether it is
more likely than not that the accused violated this policy. This is often referred to as a
“preponderance of the evidence” standard.
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5. In a timely manner, both the complaining and the accused party will be informed in
writing of the outcome of the investigation, including whether there has been a
determination that this policy has been violated. This written notice will be issued
concurrently to the complaining and accused parties unless the Seminary determines in
its discretion that concurrent notification would not be appropriate. If there is a finding
that this policy has been violated, the Seminary will take such action as it deems
necessary to elminate the policy violation, prevent the recurrence of the violation, and
address the effects of the violation.
6. The Investigation Team must deliver written opinion to the appropriate Seminary body
(see description below) that:
o in their view no violation of this policy occurred or that the evidence is
insufficient to determine whether or not it occurred;
o in their view a violation of this policy occurred and that disciplinary procedures
should be invoked.
The standard used to determine whether the policy has been violated is whether it is
more likely than not that the accused violated this policy. This is often referred to as a
“preponderance of the evidence” standard.
If there is a finding that this policy has been violated, the Seminary shall take such
action as it deems necessary to eliminate the policy violation, prevent the recurrence of
the violation, and address the effects of the violation. In addition to its written opinion to
the appropriate Seminary body, the Investigation Team shall make a recommendation
to the President as to what actions the Seminary should take to eliminate the policy
violation, prevent the recurrence of the violation, and address the effects of the
violation.
a. The appropriate Seminary bodies are defined as follows:
i. Reports regarding students are submitted to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs and are addressed according to the Non-Academic
Disciplinary Policy as found in the Student Handbook;
ii. Reports regarding staff members are submitted to the Vice President for
Finance and Administration and are addressed according to the
Disciplinary Policy as found in the Staff Manual;
iii. Reports regarding faculty members are submitted to the Vice President
for Academic Affairs and are addressed according to the Faculty
Disciplinary Policy as found in the Faculty Manual;
iv. As the Seminary deems appropriate, any of these reports may go to
judicatory officials and/or supervisors.
b. If there is a finding that this policy has been violated, these bodies will take
action that may include, but is not limited to:
i. Formal reprimand, with defined expectations for changed behavior;
ii. Recommending or requiring psychological assessment and/or
counseling;
iii. Mandatory psychiatric assessment and/or treatment;
iv. Probationary standing, with the terms of such probation clearly defined;
v. Dismissal from the Seminary.
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7. Appeals: Normal appeals procedure as outlined in student, staff, administrative and
faculty manuals and handbooks of Chicago Theological Seminary will be followed. In
matters involving allegations of discrimination or harassment (including sexual assault
and sexual violence), both the complaining party and the accused party will be afforded
the right to appeal as provided in the applicable manual or handbook.
Title IX Coordinators
The Title IX Coordinators are responsible for implementing and monitoring Title IX compliance
on behalf of the Seminary. This includes coordination of training, education, communications,
and administration of the complaint and grievance procedures for the handling of suspected or
alleged violations of Title IX.
Title IX Deputy Coordinator
José Morales Torres
Asst. Prof. of Latinx Studies & Religion
Office #138
773-896-2493
jose.morales@ctschicago.edu
Please review information posted throughout the school for details on other Title IX
Coordinators.
Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Task Force
An Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Task Force is established at the President’s initiation
at the beginning of each calendar year, and runs from January to January. The Task Force is
reappointed each year by November 1 and members are trained and ready to function by
January 1.
The Task Force consists of the following members:
• Title IX Coordinators and Deputy Coordinator
• One member of the Leadership Team of the Seminary, selected for two years, by the
President;
• One faculty member, nominated by the President and approved by majority vote of the
Academic Council for two years;
• One staff member nominated by staff and appointed by the President for two years;
• Two students; the two students will each serve two years, but be appointed by the
President on alternate years from among the student representatives to Academic
Council.
The two main functions of the Task Force are to be available to adjudicate formal charges (by
appointment to the Investigation Team) and to develop an educational program for the
community around these issues in conjunction with the Title IX Coordinators. As part of the
educational program, all students, staff, and faculty receive a training from an outside party
each fall.
The names of the members of the Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Task Force will be
made available publicly by January 1
each year.
Seminary Discretion
The Seminary reserves the right to interpret this policy and modify it as appropriate in the
circumstances of particular case, in its discretion.
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Academic Accommodations Policy
Requests for Accommodations
3
When a verified physical, psychological, attentional, or learning disability impacts a student’s
academic progress, accommodations may be available to assist the student in meeting
academic goals.
If you need accommodations, please fill out the form and contact Rachel Payden,
Manager of Student Formation & Community Engagement ([email protected]), to
schedule a conversation about the accommodation process and possible study plans.
Diagnostic paperwork or other documentation should be sent to the Registrar, Tina
Shelton, along with a copy of your form. All records will be handled in confidence. Once the
Dean has approved the accommodations, the Registrar will provide a letter that you should
give to professors at the start of every term. This letter will last throughout your program unless
your disability is temporary.
Students who believe they may have a learning difficulty that has not been identified can make
an appointment to discuss their academic history in order to determine what may be hindering
academic progress. Confidential advising with Rachel is available.
Disability Documentation
When determining what accommodations are appropriate for students, it’s important to
understand how their disabilities will likely impact their academic progress at Chicago
Theological Seminary. We request a self-report from students (see below) and support
documentation from external sources.
Helpful 3
rd
-party information includes records of past accommodations and services from
college and/or other graduate programs, formal psychological or medical evaluations, and
letters from past health or service providers. Students do not need to share everything—just
those records that are most helpful in documenting the disability/disabilities that prompt the
request for accommodations.
3
Language adapted from Trinity Christian College.
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Request for Accommodations
Student’s Name
Home Address
City State Zip
Email
Diagnosed disability/disabilities relevant to accommodations request:
Please share information that will be useful in thinking about appropriate accommodations to
help you succeed in your learning:
• What tools or strategies facilitate your learning? !
• What potential barriers can you anticipate? !
• How does your disability interact with communication, classroom learning, reading and
writing, technology, and the physical environment? !
Accommodation(s) I am requesting from the Seminary (permanent and temporary):
I’ve had the following accommodations at other educational institutions:
Please identify the documentation attached to this request:
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I authorize the Seminary to arrange for reasonable accommodation(s), to share limited
information with others as necessary, and to obtain additional information from the individual(s)
listed below if needed.
Student’s Signature: Date:
Name of Diagnostician:
Address:
Phone#:
Name of Diagnostician:
Address:
Phone#:
Name of Diagnostician:
Address:
Phone#:
45
XI. Robinson and Janet Lapp Learning Commons
Resources available for all CTS students
The Learning Commons is a key partner in your education here at CTS. We’re located on the
third floor of the Seminary building. The Learning Commons’ website can be accessed at
https://commons.ctschicago.edu. From this website, you will be able to access the Learning
Commons’ online catalog, research assistance resources, a complete copy of the Learning
Commons’ policy manual, and online journals, databases, and ebooks. Learning Commons’
hours are posted on that website as well.
Doing Research at the Lapp Learning Commons
Most research materials can be found on the homepage and under the “Find” tab on the main
web page. Each sub-group is named after what you’d be looking for.
“Search Everything” This is exactly what it sounds like. CTS subscribes to EBSCO Discovery
Service, a platform that allows users to search in one place all the content the Learning
Commons either owns or subscribes to. You can search for books, articles, streaming
media and more across our catalog and all of our databases (e.g. ATLA, EBSCO, JSTOR,
Project Muse, etc.).
“CTS Catalog takes you to the local book catalog. Here you will find all of the owned print
books, print journals, ebooks, and A/V, including streaming videos. You can search by title,
author, or keyword. Please note that the catalog does not include all content available to
you. To search everthing, please use the “Search Everything” search bar on the Learning
Commons homepge.
“Find—Databases A to Z” is exactly what it sounds like. All databases the Learning Commons
subscribes to are listed alphabetically on this web page.
“Find—Online Journals” takes you to a search screen for ejournal titles. Please note that this is
not where you’d search for a topic. It’s only useful when you are searching for specific
journal you want to look at.
“Find – Research Guides” takes you to our research guides. These guides are a curated list
that provide two or three key “starting point” databases for a particular subject area, with a
long list of other related databases in the box(es) below it. Occasionally, other guides of
relevance are added (such as the Getting Started, Navigating Databases, and DMin guide
“Find – Course Reserves” takes you to the listing of course reserves. This listing is updated on
a semester-by-semester basis.
Find – Dissertations and Theses takes you to a listing of dissertaton and theses databases
The Learning Commons’ Physical Resources
COVID-19 changed much of the ways in which we interact with physical spaces and books in
the Learning Commons. This fall, the library stacks have reopened for students. Students will
again be able to browse the physical book stacks and check-out materials. The Learning
Commons includes study spaces, multiple group study rooms (these are now only available to
PhD student who have completed their course work), a quiet reading room, cheerful staff, a
multifunction photocopier/scanner and multiple computers for student use. Students are asked
to wear their mask in the Learning Commons at all times, and to clean their study space both
before and after use. Cleaning supplies are available at the circulation desks.
Course Reserves
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Course readings are kept on reserve for all students to use and will be again available for
students to check out for up to three hours. Where available, course reserves in ebook format,
will be purchased and listed under the Course Reserves section on the Learning Commons
website.
It is recommended that you bring your CTS ID with you to the Learning Commons, as it is the
only way to utilize the printing and photocopying services. Additionally, please memorize your
CTS email username and password as this is necessary to access the computers.
The Learning Commons’ Electronic Resources
Many electronic resources are made available to CTS students. Nearly all of them are
accessible from your home computer. Online access to databases, ebooks, and streaming
videos is available to all currently enrolled students. When accessing these resources from off
campus, students must use their email address to login. You’ll use the first part of your CTS
email address as your username and the password is your email password. For instance, if
your email is [email protected]. Your username for the Learning Commons would be
just “john.doe.” Please consult this guide on how to login to access information in the Learning
Commons.
(
Logging into your CTS Learning Commons Account
Your library account can help you keep track of the books you borrow. You can also renew
books, check fines, and place holds on books by logging into your account. To login to your
library account click on MY ACCOUNT located on the left-hand side of the navigation
bar on the Learning Commons Website.
If you're already searching in the CTS Catalog, you can find the login to your library account in
the upper-right hand corner of the webpage. Your CTS email username and password will
grant you access to your library account. Please consult this guide on how to login into your
library account. If you’re unable to access your library account, please email
Research Help
Research help is available through the following:
1. LiveChat – Reach out to library staff in real-time using the red LiveChat widget on the
Learning Commons website. Library staff are available during the following hours:
Monday-Friday from 10:00am to 5:00 pm. You can still submit your questions after-
hours via the LiveChat widget.
2. Email – Send your research request via email to [email protected].
3. A 1:1 reference consultation can be arranged by appointment via Zoom. You can
directly schedule a meeting with library staff through Calendly, our scheduling app.
Evening hours are available for meetings.
4. Call the Learning Commons during our office hours at 773-896-2450.
5. Online webinars – The Learning Commons offers regular workshops on various
research skills such as database navigation, using subject headings and controlled
vocabularies, citation management, biblical research, etc.
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Study Carrels
While the Learning Commons does not offer traditional study carrels, PhD and DMin students
can request a locker from the circulation desk and utilize the study spaces found in the learning
commons for their research needs. All materials in one's locker must be checked out.
Computers, Printing, Photocopying and Scanning
The Learning Commons has public workstations that are connected to a networked
printer/photocopier. Photocopying is free in the Learning Commons, while printing costs $0.10
per side of the page, i.e. a double-sided printout on a single sheet is still $0.20. Students will
have $25.00 deposited to their account for printing each semester. When students log into a
computer terminal in the Learning Commons, their printing deposit balance will be visible. The
Learning Commons also has a self-serve scan station. You can scan freely materials and send
via email or save to USB.
'
Reference Management Tools
Please consult the Citation and Format Guide for information and resources including Word
templates properly formatted for class papers and thesis/dissertation projects.
NoodleTools is a web-based student research service that helps you correctly cite sources in
MLA, APA, and Chicago/Turabian citation styles. Use NoodleTools throughout a research
project to track your sources, take notes, create outlines, collaborate with classmates, and
format and print your bibliography.
Zotero: A free bibliography tool, similar to NoodleTools, RefWorks, and Endnote. Autoback-up
online.
Chicago Manual of Style Online: An online version of the Chicago Manual of Style.
Turabian Quick Guide: A quick outline of how a citation should look in Turabian. Turabian is the
student version of The Chicago Manual of Style. The Chicago Manual of Style is aimed at
professional scholars and publishers. Think of Turabian as a lite version of Chicago.
Other Borrowing Privileges
ACTS Library System
As a CTS student, you are also entitled to use the library resources at other ACTS
schools. In order to use these resources, you will need an ACTS Library card. Take your
CTS ID to the Learning Commons at CTS and the staff will present you with your ACTS
card. These cards are valid for one year.
The ACTS libraries are:
Catholic Theological Union, 5401 South Cornell Ave., Chicago
Garrett-Evangelical’s United Library, 2121 N. Sheridan Rd., Evanston
Meadville Lombard Theological School, located at the Spertus Institute, 601 S.
Michigan Ave., Chicago
North Park Theological Seminary Library, 5125 N. Spaulding Ave., Chicago
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2045 Half Day Rd., Deerfield
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University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary Library, 100 E. Maple Ln.,
Mundelein
Northern Theological Seminary Library, 660 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard
Loyola University Libraries, 1032 W. Sheridan Rd. and 25 E. Pearson St., Chicago
Moody Bible Institute, 860 N. LaSalle Dr., Chicago
American Islamic College, 640 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago
University of Chicago / Regenstein Library
COVID-19 borrowing restrictions have been lifted, and CTS students are able to borrow
materials again from the Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago with a valid
CTS student ID. Visitors to the Regenstein Library are expected to follow the
current University of Chicago COVID-19 health requirements. For updates on borrowing
privileges, please consult this page. As a reminder, requests for materials from the
University of Chicago Library can also be made via interlibrary loan.
ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing Program
The ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing Program creates an arrangement between
participating North American seminaries to grant check-out privileges to each other’s
patrons/students. A patron/student walks into a participating seminary library, shows
proof of current enrollment at another participating seminary, and checks out materials
based on the library’s local lending policies. Here’s the list of participating seminaries in
the ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing Program.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
If you need a book or article that is not available at the Lapp Learning Commons, you
can place an Interlibrary Loan request for it in one of the following ways:
1. If you're searching in EBSCO Discovery Service, click on:
Request this item through interlibrary loan;
2. If you're searching in OCLC WorldCat, click on the button "Request item
through Interlibrary Loan";
3. Email [email protected] with your request.
Please keep in mind that receiving materials through Interlibrary Loan can take up to
four weeks. Patrons are responsible for keeping track of when their ILL materials are
due.
In addition, interlibrary loans of physical books can only be offered at the CTS campus.
Distance students are encouraged to place ILL requests through their local public
library.
XII. Facilities and Services
Security
Because security is a concern for all, please help keep our community a safe place. Our
building is keycard accessible, and you will need to bring your keycard (student ID) with you for
access. Doors should not be propped open, and we ask each person to swipe their keycard
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rather than holding open doors for others. Do not share your ID card with non-CTS students. If
your keycard is lost or stolen, please email the Finance office at [email protected].
Communications with Students
CTS has replaced paper communication with electronic communication wherever practical. All
CTS students have an email address. This email account will be available to you for the
duration of your studies at CTS and will be provided to you prior to the beginning of classes. If
you graduate or otherwise cease to be a CTS student, this account will normally be deleted by
the beginning of the next academic term.
You can access your CTS email by connecting to the CTS website, going to MyCTS, and
clicking on the “email” button. If you do not have access to the internet, many public libraries
have free internet services that will permit you to access to your CTS mailbox.
There are student mailboxes on the third floor near the Student Commons for those times
when something cannot be delivered by email. On-campus students should check their
mailbox regularly.
IT Help Desk
technical support of the following:
• CTS email
• Wi-Fi access
See https://ctschicago.libanswers.com/tech/faq/320788 for a complete list of contacts for
other areas of technical support.
The IT Department’s business hours and response times are as follows:
• Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Response time for a help desk ticket is within one business day
• During business hours, you will often receive a response within 2 hours
Best Practices
1. Backup your information to multiple locations including (but not limited to): a Flash
Drive, Dropbox, your personal laptop/desktop, or Google Drive.
2. Protect your personal Windows or Apple device with an anti-virus program. Note that
Macs get viruses too! Regardless of Apple’s built-in security features, it is highly
recommended that Mac users purchase anti-virus software.
3. Create a strong password for yourself with a minimum of 8 characters and a mix of
symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters, and numbers.
4. Public computer use at CTS can be found mainly in the 3rd Floor Lapp Learning
Commons. You will need to log in using your CTS email address and password.
Please note the IT Department cannot do the following:
1. Repair your personal device
2. Restore/recover your device’s operating system due to a ransomware/malware/virus
event
3. Recover data from portable storage devices
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4. Loan out laptops or other mobile devices
5. Be held responsible for the well-being of your personal laptop/desktop/mobile device
Mail
CTS cannot accept first-class mail deliveries or package deliveries on behalf of students.
Emergency Closing Procedure
In the event that CTS needs to be closed due to weather, information will be available at
www.emergencyclosings.com. To sign up for emergency text alerts, please contact Brendan
Diamond at [email protected].
Parking
Parking in the gated lot: CTS has a small 50-car parking lot that is shared by students, staff,
and faculty who pay for spots during normal business hours, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. The parking lot is open and available for guests and the CTS Community to
park for free after 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Current students can pay
to park in the lot by semester. During intensive weeks, CTS students can pay for a spot by the
week. During weeks when there are intensive courses, students can pay for parking by the
week. Please contact the finance office to purchase a pass.
Parking in the metered visitors’ spots: Students can park in the visitors’ spots during the
weekday by feeding the meter on an hourly basis. Please note that the meters only take
quarters, have a three-hour limit, and must be fed again after this time runs out. The visitors’
spots are first come, first served. If a car is parked at a meter and hasn’t paid, it is subject to
ticketing and towing.
Additional parting options: All of the street parking around the building is free and non-
permitted.
Photocopying and Use of Seminary Office Equipment
There is a copier in the Learning Commons for general student use, with payment due per
page copied. Students wishing to use any Seminary office equipment for Seminary class
presentations, committee work, or other CTS activities should check this equipment out by
inquiring at the Learning Commons’ front desk. Students should be aware of copyright
regulations when photocopying documents and abide by the law. The Learning Commons staff
can assist if there is any uncertainty about these regulations.
Room Reservations
Student groups wishing to reserve space for CTS-approved functions should email Director of
Facilities and Events at [email protected]. Students wishing to reserve space for
outside functions or private events should fill out the Space Inquiry Form, which can be found
on the CTS website at https://www.ctschicago.edu/about/facility-rental. For questions, please
email [email protected].
Transportation
CTA bus routes #6, #28, #15, #171, #172, and #192 provide frequent, scheduled service
throughout Hyde Park and north Woodlawn. See www.transitchicago.com for fares and
schedules for these and other CTA bus and train services, as well as maps and status updates.
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Using your CTS ID card, you can ride the free daytime or NightRide shuttles, which run into the
early morning every day, and are available for free (see https://safety-security.uchicago.edu).
Weapons
Chicago Theological Seminary prohibits all persons who enter Seminary property from carrying
a handgun, firearm, knife with a blade larger than that of a folding pocketknife, chemical,
explosive, or detonating device or other weapon of any kind, regardless of whether the person
is licensed to carry the weapon.
Pursuant to 430 ILCS 66/65, a State of Illinois concealed carry licensee shall not knowingly
carry a firearm on or into a higher education campus building. The only exception to this policy
will be police officers, security guards, or other persons who have been given written consent
by CTS to carry a weapon, and individuals who are required to carry a weapon pursuant to
state law.
XIII. Use of University of Chicago and ACTS Facilities
ACTS Facilities
CTS students with an ACTS Library Card (contact the CTS Learning Commons to obtain an
ACTS card) may use the facilities and libraries, including checkout privileges, of ACTS
institutions.
1. ACTS institutions in Hyde Park are:
a. Bexley Seabury Seminary (located in the CTS building)
b. Catholic Theological Union
c. Chicago Theological Seminary
d. Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
e. McCormick Theological Seminary
2. ACTS institutions outside of Hyde Park are:
a. Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston
b. Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies, Chicago
c. Meadville Lombard Theological School, Chicago
d. North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago
e. Northern Theological Seminary, Lombard
f. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield
g. University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein
Please note: The University of Chicago is not a member of ACTS, so the ACTS card does not
entitle you to the use of University of Chicago facilities such as libraries, gym, health service,
etc.
University of Chicago Student Privileges
University Health Service
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1. For a per-quarter fee, students living in Illinois may have access to the University of
Chicago Student Health Services if they carry major medical insurance through the
University (see Schedule of Fees for amount of fee). Those that take advantage of this
service are required to file a medical history form with the Student Health Clinic prior to
using it. This does not require a physical exam. Forms are available from the Student
Health Clinic. The University Student Health Clinic is located in the Wyler Pavilion at
5839 S. Maryland, Suite R-100. A brochure describing all aspects of the Student Health
Service is available in the Registrar’s Office.
2. Students may not use the Student Health Clinic prior to the first day of the academic
year, except for emergencies; in such cases, emergency out-patient care must be paid
for by the student. Students arriving on campus early for orientation and intensives
should note that they are not eligible to use the Student Health Service, except for
emergencies, until the first official day of the University’s Fall Quarter.
3. Students are entitled to one quarter of off-quarter Student Health Service privileges per
year, for a quarter of non-enrollment. To be eligible, the student must have been a
registered student the previous quarter and must be expected to be a registered
student the following quarter. Off-quarter coverage is handled through the CTS
Registrar. When the Student Health Service is closed, students in need of medical care
should go to the Emergency Room at Mitchell Hospital. The entrance to the Emergency
Room is on 58th and Maryland or through the hospital.
Student Health Insurance Plan
Chicago Theological Seminary students may purchase health insurance coverage from the
University of Chicago. Enrollment and payment in the Insurance Plan are done on a quarterly
basis at the time of registration. Coverage begins on September 1 and extends through interim
periods for students in continuous enrollment. Contact the Registrar for more information.
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XIV. Student Worker Program
Chicago Theological Seminary employs Student Workers for the following purposes:
1. To carry out responsibilities for which regular CTS staff and faculty do not have time
or, in some instances, expertise.
2. To provide students with a source of additional income.
3. When possible, to provide students with career development opportunities.
4. To enhance the quality and diversity of the CTS working environment.
The following principles shall guide the hiring and employment of Student Workers:
1. CTS staff will seek out students who are most qualified for the particular skills
needed.
2. CTS will ensure equal and open access to all students seeking to apply for
positions.
3. In order to ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity for
employment, each position must be reposted at least yearly, if not more frequently.
These purposes and principles are reflected in the following “Practices for the Hiring and
Employment of CTS Student Workers”:
1. Student Worker positions will have a specific term, normally September –
December, January – May, September – May, or the Summer. There may also be
occasional, short-term positions for particular events or projects.
2. All positions will be posted via email to all students and on the bulletin board
outside of the Lapp Learning Commons.
3. The filling of all positions will be by written application.
4. There will be a standard application form for all students.
5. All students will be eligible to apply for all positions.
6. Preference will be given, when possible and if qualifications are met, to students not
currently employed in any other student worker position.
7. Student workers must reapply for positions when the specified term of employment
is completed.
8. Rehiring a student is based on their availability, qualifications, and prior
performance.
The following institutional Policies for CTS Student Workers will apply to all Student
Workers:
1. Student Workers are considered “Occasional Employees” as defined by the CTS
Employee Manual. As such they are not entitled to employee benefits but are
subject to the protections and accountabilities pertaining to Occasional Workers as
outlined in the sections on “Employment Conditions, Performance Evaluations, Pay
Policies, and Employment Policies.”
2. As Occasional Employees, Student Workers will receive a copy of the Employee
Manual prior to beginning employment and must sign a “Receipt of Employee
Manual” form as part of onboarding.
3. Student Workers are not normally expected to attend CTS Staff meetings but may
be invited by the President for agenda items relevant to their work.
4. If requested, a member of the Leadership Team, designated by the President, may
convene a meeting for all Student Workers to hear concerns or suggestions that can
strengthen the Student Worker Program. This meeting shall not be a forum for
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individual concerns which should be addressed in the supervisory relationship or
through the grievance or internal complaint procedures above.
5. CTS will provide Student Worker supervisors with appropriate support and training.
The practices and policies in this document apply to all student workers with the exception
of Teaching Assistants.
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XV. 2023-2024 Schedule of Tuition and Fees
(All rates are subject to change without notice.)
A. Semester Tuition
1. MA, MDiv, SAL, per course. ........................................................................... $3,306
2. STM, per course. ............................................................................................ $3,804
3. DMin, per course ............................................................................................ $3,804
4. PhD, per course ............................................................................................. $5,361
5. Recorded Audit, per online course (if not registered for other courses) ........... $312
6. Recorded Audit, per online course, for alumni/ae ............................................. $312
B. Student Fees
1. Tuition Late Payment Fee ....................................................... 10% of amount owed
Fees are due by the one week following the last day of the drop/add period or
three weeks into the term.
2. Master’s Continuation Fee for Approved Leave of Absence (LOA) .................. $125
3. Doctoral Independent Research Status Fee (by approval) ............................... $200
4. PhD Not Registered Fee for Approved Leave of Absence (LOA) ...................... $125
5. PhD Pre-Candidacy Fee ................................................................................. $2,562
6. PhD Candidacy Fee. ...................................................................................... $3,451
C. Other Non-Refundable Fees and Deposits
1. Application Fee .................................................................................................... $50
2. Matriculation Fee ............................................................................................... $150
3. Graduation Fee .................................................................................................. $175
4. Transcript Fee ................................................................................ $10 per request
5. Photocopies of other documents from student’s file ................................. $2/page
6. Parking Pass (off-street, uncovered parking, subject to change) ...................... TBD
(contact the finance office for updated parking rates)
7. I.D. Card Replacement Fee ................................................................................. $20
8. Learning Commons (library) Fines – see Learning Commons website
D University of Chicago Fees (Fees subject to change)
The University of Chicago operates on a quarterly academic year. All fees are paid in
relation to their quarterly calendar.
1. Major Medical Insurance and Student Health
Basic Plan – student only. ............................................................................ $4,917/year
Spouse/Eligible partner ................................................................................ $4,917/year
2. Athletic Facilities (Ratner and Henry Crown) ..................... $115/quarter or $275/year
3. Athletic Facilities (Henry Crown only) .................................. $60/quarter or $190/year
4. Tuition and Fees*
a. One course .............................................................................................. $7,238
b. Two courses .......................................................................................... $14,476
c. Three courses ........................................................................................ $21,715
*Enrollment at the University of Chicago incurs a $466/quarter student life fee
regardless of number of classes taken.
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XVI. Academic Calendar
FALL TERM 2023
New Student Orientation
Online in August
CLASSES BEGIN
September 5
Last Day to Drop/Add
September 15
Last Day to Pay Tuition & Fees
September 22
*Late fee charged (10%)*
September 25
Reading Week
October 23-27
Registration for January & Spring Terms
November 13
Thanksgiving Recess
November 23-24
Fall Term Ends
December 15
WINTER (J-TERM) 2024
Term Begins
January 2 (Tue)
Term Ends
January 12
SPRING TERM 2024
CLASSES BEGIN
January 16
Last day to Drop/Add
January 26
Last Day to Pay Tuition & Fees
January 26
*Late fee charged (10%)*
February 29
Reading Week
March 4-8
Registration for May, Summer, Fall Terms
March 25-29
Spring Term Ends
April 26
Commencement
April 26
Spring Break
April 29-May10
MAY TERM 2024
Term Begins
May 13
Term Ends
May 24
SUMMER TERM 2024
CLASSES BEGIN (12 weeks)
May 28 (Tue)
Last Day to Drop/Add
June 7
Last Day to Pay Tuition & Fees
June 10
*Late fee charged (10%)*
June 12
Summer Term Ends
August 16
Twice Monthly
Wednesday Gatherings at noon, either on Zoom or in person, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.
Monthly
The PhD/MA/STM Committee normally meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on
Zoom.
Academic Council normally meets the 1st Thursday of month at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom.
Faculty Caucus normally meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Zoom.
The MDiv/DMin Committee normally meets the 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
on Zoom.
