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Cannon Endowment Scholarship

Vika Zafrin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:16:28 +0000

Deadline: Not specified
Amount: Approximately $2,500

Description: The Cannon Endowment provides scholarship assistance to seminarians planning to become military chaplains. Seminarians who are of the following faith communities may apply: United Church of Christ, Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian USA, United Methodist, and Church of the Brethren. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and typically will be in the $2,500 range.

Application:

Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team
Grants, Scholarship and Resources
United Church of Christ
700 Prospect Avenue East
Cleveland, OH 44115-1100
(216) 736-3839
jeffersv@ucc.org
www.ucc.org/education/scholarships/index.html

STH Financial Aid Application

jandreau — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:43:14 +0000

This application is required each academic year for all students who desire financial assistance at Boston University School of Theology. This includes Merit Scholarships, Tuition Scholarships, Work-Study, Federal Loans, and other forms of aid.

In addition to the information requested here, all U.S. citizens/permanent residents requesting aid are required to submit the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA), which should be completed online via the FAFSA Express Web Site. The FAFSA is not required for international students.

It is highly recommended that the School of Theology Bulletin be thoroughly reviewed before submitting this application.

Personal Information
First Name:

Last Name:

BUID# (if unknown, enter N/A; do not enter Social Security Number)

Street 1:

Street 2:

City:

State/Province/Region:

Postal/Zip Code:

Country:

Phone:

Summer Street Address (if different from above)

Street 1:

Street 2:

City:

State/Province/Region:

Postal/Zip Code:

Country:

Phone:

BU email address:

Alternate email address:

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy):

Sex: Female

Married: Yes No

Denomination: (Please be specific: if you are United Methodist, please indicate "United Methodist Church." Similarly, if you are Baptist, please list the kind of Baptist you are–e.g. American Baptist Church, Southern Baptist Convention, Missionary Baptist, etc.)

Academic Information

Degree Sought at the School of Theology:
MDiv
MTS
MSM
STM
ThD
MDiv/MSM
MDiv/MSW
MTS/MSW

Month and Year you entered (or will enter) a degree program at the School of Theology:

Anticipated Graduation Date:

Registration Status: Full-time (International students must be full-time)Part-time

Intended number of courses in Fall
Anticipated number of credits in Fall
Intended number of courses in Spring
Anticipated number of credits in Spring

I will register as a continuing student.

Financial Aid for which I am applying (Check all that apply):

Tuition Scholarship (must be registered for at least 8 credits to qualify;international students must register for at least 12 credits)
Scholarship for Merit
ThD/PhD Fellowship
Graduate Assistantship

U.S. citizens/permanent residents only:

Work Study (availability very limited)
Perkins Loan (availability very limited)
Veterans Benefits
Social Security Benefits

Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
List the amount you wish to borrow in the upcoming academic year:
The maximum that can be borrowed from the Subsidized Federal Loan is $8,500. Final eligibility is determined by need according to the FAFSA.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
List the amount you wish to borrow in the upcoming academic year:
The maximum Unsubsidized Federal Loan is $12,000. Final eligibility is determined by need according to the FAFSA.

Outside Loan, Grant, or Scholarship:
List all awards from sources outside the School of Theology that you have applied for or intend to apply for, and their potential amounts, in the box below.

These awards will be recorded in and applied to your financial aid package for the academic year. These amounts may reduce your eligibility for federal financial aid.

Authorization Statement: Release of Data

Do you authorize the School of Theology Office of Registration and Financial Aid to release information from your file to other scholarship and loan agencies for the purpose of determining your eligibility for financial assistance from sources other than Boston University School of Theology?
Yes No

Applicant’s Signature

I need financial assistance to attend Boston University School of Theology. I will register for at least eight (8) credits each semester for which I am applying for assistance (international students must register for at least 12 credits), and will use my financial assistance only to pay expenses related to my education. The information I am submitting is complete and accurate. I will notify Boston University School of Theology Office of Registration and Financial Aid of any changes to this information and of changes in my registration status throughout the year. I fully understand Boston University School of Theology reserves the right to cancel or reduce financial assistance benefits should this information prove inaccurate, should misrepresentation occur, should I not register for at least eight (8) credits each semester for which I am applying for assistance, should I reduce my course load during the year, should I fail to make satisfactory academic progress, or should it be discovered that I am in default on a previous educational loan. I have read all financial aid information in this web site and/or in the Boston University School of Theology Bulletin, and I am aware of regulations concerning my financial aid. I understand that failure to comply with instructions and/or deadlines may result in the reduction or cancellation of my financial aid. By typing in my name and today’s date below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to these conditions.

Name Date

Be advised that an incomplete form cannot be processed, so make sure you have filled in all of the fields.Please print a copy of this page for your records before pressing the submit button.

Please press the submit button only once. Thank you.

University Chaplain in Indianola, IA

Vika Zafrin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:39:14 +0000

Simpson College, a selective liberal arts college affiliated with The United Methodist Church, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Chaplain. Simpson enjoys a vital, extensive religious life program including weekly worship services, discipleship groups, service outreach programs and pastoral counseling directed by the Chaplain.

The Chaplain provides leadership for all of the religious life programs of the College through guidance and support of more than 30 student-led groups. The chaplain works directly with a variety of student leaders including a group of student chapel interns, each of whom directs one of the program areas of the Religious Life community. The Chaplain advises the student presidents of the Christian Fellowship and Interfaith communities. The Chaplain also provides leadership for the college’s interaction with the United Methodist Church and may have opportunity to teach in the department of religion.

The successful candidate will have a deep personal faith; an energy level and enthusiasm for the work of the chapel that will be seen as welcoming and approachable by students; an inviting and supportive personality; the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff; an openness to and appreciation of a variety of theological and religious beliefs; effective oral and written communication skills; strong listening and counseling skills; both experience with and a commitment to helping students find their place in a faith community; and a proven record of innovative leadership in ministry.

The Chaplain must be an ordained member of The United Methodist Church. Preference will be given to persons with experience in campus ministry.

Applications and nomination should be submitted to Simpson College, 701 North C Street, Indianola, Iowa 50125. Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names of three references (including addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses).

Review of applications will begin in February and continue until an appointment is made. The anticipated start date is July 2009. More information about the religious life program is available at http://www.simpson.edu/religiouslife/index.html.

Simpson College is an equal opportunity employer.

Pastor Scholar Application

Vika Zafrin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:00:52 +0000

Fields with asterisks are required.
First Name:

Last Name:

Street Address:

City:
State/Province/Region:
Postal/Zip Code:

Country:
*Email:

Home Phone:

Office Phone:

Cell Phone:

How should we contact you?

phone

mail

*Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

*Course Number:

*Course Name:

*Professor:

*Semester:

Spring

Fall

Is this course intended to fulfill a requirement for ordination?

Yes

Highest Relevant Degree

School:

Degree:

Date of Graduation:

*Briefly state your reasons for seeking admission into the Pastor/Scholar program addressing your qualifications for participation and your specific hopes for how the Pastor/Scholar program will impact your faith and work.

Comments or Requests

Please print a copy of this page for your records before pressing the submit button.
Please press the submit button only once. Thank you.

Registrar’s Office Links

Vika Zafrin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:53:32 +0000

Boston University Office of the University Registrar

The BU University Registrar’s web page provides information pertaining to transcripts, diplomas, calendars, compliance and more.

BU Student Link

The Student Link is an essential tool and resource for all current and registered students. This site gives students access to their personal records at BU: semester course schedules, financial aid, work study, Quickie Jobs, MBTA passes, transcript/grade preview and so much more.

Online Course Schedules

This link provides access to the Boston University Course List for a given semester. In the first drop down box, select the semester you wish to peruse (Ex: Fall 2008 or Sprg 2009). In the second line, first drop box select “STH” from the list of colleges. If you leave the remaining boxes blank and click “GO” you will be taken to the beginning of the STH (School of Theology) course offerings for the semester you have selected.

Boston Theological Institute

The BTI is an ecumenical consortium of eight Boston Theological Schools and Seminaries. This link to the BTI homepage allows quick access to the BTI course schedule, as well as current BTI events, lectures, and certification programs.

Ordering Your BU Transcript

Transcripts can be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar. Please click on this link to request an order for your official or unofficial BU transcript.

Boston University International Students & Scholars Office

ISSO: This site is pertinent for our international students, scholars, and administrators. This web site is frequently updated with important information for our international students.

Boston University Student Accounting Services

This link provides important information regarding payment deadlines and late fees. STUDENTS: Please visit the Office of Student Accounting Services to make all payments towards one’s student account.

Boston University Office of Information Technology

Please visit this web site when you have questions about your email account, Kerberos password, or if you are in need of computer tutorial sessions. This link also offers directions to the student computer lab/printers.

AAUW Educational Foundation, Career Development Grants

Vika Zafrin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:02:32 +0000

Deadline: Dec.15
Amount: $2,000 – $12,000

Description:

The American Association of University Women Educational Foundation (AAUW Educational Foundation), Career Development Grants support women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Special consideration is given to women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields.

Grants provide support for course work beyond a bachelor’s degree, including a master’s degree, second bachelor’s degree, or specialized training in technical or professional fields. Funds are available for distance learning. Course work must be taken at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States, or at a technical school that is fully licensed or accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Funds are not available for PhD-level work.

Qualifications:

For eligibility details go to:

http://www.aauw.org/education/fga/fellowships_grants/career_development.cfm

Application:

For application go to: http://www.act.org/aauw/cdg/index.html

Contact:

AAUW Educational Foundation
Department 60
301 ACT Drive
Iowa City, IA 52243-4030
Phone: 319-337-1716
Webpage: http://www.aauw.org/education/fga/fellowships_grants/career_development.cfm

Related Faculty

Vika Zafrin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:15:50 +0000

Located at the center of Boston University, the School of Theology provides faculty and students with immediate access to leading scholars in related fields and disciplines. The following are illustrative of other faculty with whom students may register for graduate-level courses:

Robert S. Cohen	Director, Center for the Philosophy and History of Science, Graduate School; Professor of Physics and Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
Robert Hefner	Assistant Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences
Jonathan Klawans	Associate Professor of Religion Religion and Religious Literature of Judaism in Late Antiquity
Herbert Mason	University Professor Professor of History and Religion History and literature of Islam
Alan M. Olson	Professor of Religion Philosophy of religion
Stephen Prothero	Chairman, Department of Religion; Director, Division of Religious and Theological Studies Professor of Religion Religion and culture in the United States
Carl A. P. Ruck	Professor of Classical Studies, College of Arts and Sciences
Stephen P. Scully	Associate Professor of Classical Studies, College of Arts and Sciences
Merlin Swartz	Professor of Religion Religious and intellectual history of medieval Islam
Roye Elizabeth Wates	Chairman, Religion and the Arts; Associate Professor of Humanities and Art History, College of Arts and Sciences
Elie Wiesel	Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities; University Professor; Professor of Religion, College of Arts and Sciences (Judaic Studies)
Paul E. Zimansky	Assistant Professor of Archaeology, College of Arts and Sciences

Off Campus Housing

Vika Zafrin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:02:29 +0000

If on-campus living is not financially possible or desirable, there are many options for residing within commuting distance to Boston University. The School of Theology does not inspect, endorse, or recommend any specific units or vendors listed on these pages. However, many seminarians have taken advantage of these housing resources through the years.

If you are interested in sharing an apartment in the Boston area, but do not have a roommate in mind, the Admissions Office may know of another seminarian who is in the same situation. We keep a list of persons who would like a roommate from within the School of Theology community. This would be an appropriate resource for folks who plan to rent an apartment with extra spaces available, or for folks who are hoping to room with someone who already has an apartment with extra spaces available. If you would like to be placed on this list, which would mean that your contact information would be shared with potential roommates, please email Darrick (sthadmis@bu.edu) as soon as possible.

Boston University Office of Off-Campus Housing Listings

This Boston University Office lists rooms or apartments for rent in the Boston area. Several of these situations include students looking for roommates and families with rooms to rent in their homes. You can contact the Off-Campus Housing Office directly at 617-353-3523 during regular business hours. You can also search the listings by price and location at the following website: http://www.bu.edu/offcampus/index.html. There is a “temporary access” option on the webpage, which is what you should use to search the available listings. Contact Darrick at sthadmis@bu.edu or 617-353-3036 for login information. New listings are added to this site regularly.

Andover Newton Theological School Dormitory

Andover Newton Theological School is one of the member schools of the Boston Theological Institute. The seminary’s dormitories are located in a beautiful, quiet, secluded area of Newton, MA, about a half hour from Boston University School of Theology by train. Since it is a seminary campus, an interfaith Chapel and library will be readily available to ANTS residents. Housing is offered to BUSTH students after all Andover Newton Students are housed. There is a one time administrative fee of $200.00, along with the first month’s rent, necessary to secure a room. 2009-2010 rents are:

Dorms
A-C/Farwell: – $368.00
A-C with bath: – $443.00
Farwell Suite: – $520.00

Apartments
Kendall/Fuller, 1 room studio, incl. utilities:- $639.00
Fuller 1 BR incl. utilities: – $1080.00 (leave same)

Herrick House
1 BR, incl. utilities: – $1028
2 bedroom, 2 floors, incl utilities: – $1285.00
2 BR, 1 floor, incl utilities: – $1404.00

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Mason Terrace

127 Mason Terrace is a duplex home in a beautiful residential section of Brookline, near eclectic and global Coolidge Corner. It is also located a short subway ride away from the School of Theology on the MBTA Green Line branch “C”. There is a women’s apartment and a men’s apartment in the home. Each furnished apartment has three single bedrooms, a common living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. There is also a free washer and dryer in the house. Rent is $665.00 per month and includes all utilities except telephone and cable/internet.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Bayridge Residence and Cultural Center

A 15-minute walk from the School of Theology, the Bayridge Residence and Cultural Center is a lovely housing option for incoming single female students. Bayridge is located one block from “Theology House,” the on-campus housing for School of Theology students. Women living in Bayridge have found that their proximity to Theology House helps them feel a part of that community, while still enjoying being “off-campus” in the fashionable “Back Bay” neighborhood of Boston. The buildings that make up Bayridge are traditional Boston “row houses,” and boast beautiful Tiffany architecture and stained glass windows. It is a well-kept, safe space, and the women who live there are from many different cultures and backgrounds. Bayridge is not only a boarding house, but also a “Cultural Center,” sponsoring trips around New England for its residents, as well as hosting guest speakers and musicians throughout the year.

Bayridge has an on-site chapel, library/study room, common “recreation” room, laundry facilities, and kitchen run by professional chefs. (Women who have lived at Bayridge have complimented the food as both healthy and delicious!) The furnished individual rooms vary in size, with rental prices varying accordingly. Room rates run between $560 and $1185 per month depending on size of room and whether you share or prefer a single. An additional $375 per month covers two meals daily during the week, and three meals daily on weekends, maintenance service, weekly linen service, all utilities, and wireless internet access.

Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in Bayridge; spaces fill quickly during the summer because of Bayridge’s popularity and good price. The application process can be completed online: www.bayridgeresidence.org, and does include either a phone or in-person interview, depending on your proximity to Boston. The application fee is $35, and there is a refundable security deposit of $500. Applicants must also provide transcripts and letters of reference; the Admissions Office has arranged with Irene that your School of Theology materials can be used to fulfill this requirement. Please be in touch with Darrick in the Admissions Office if you are interested in living there and would like your transcript and letters of reference sent to them to expedite your Bayridge admissions process.

Contact:
Irene Porres
Director of Residence Life
housing@bayridgeresidence.org
617-536-2586 x100
www.bayridgeresidence.org

“At Home in Boston” Home-stay Program (for international students only)

Since 1973 this private program has helped the international graduate student community feel at home in Boston. Students may live for up to an academic year (9 months) in a private single room in the home of a suburban host family. The rooms are fully furnished, with bed and bath linens provided. Laundry, breakfast, and utilities are included in the monthly price, which ranges from $575-800/month. The program requires that students be extremely mature and respectful individuals, as they are sharing space with families at a very reasonable rate.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Roommate in Brighton needed

Small room available at the front of the house. Its roughly 9′X9′, plus a closet, and comes with a bed, dresser, and shelf. The rest of the apartment has a living room, dining room, kitchen with pantry, bathroom, front and back porches, and free laundry and storage. There’s also free on-street parking. The rent is $500, plus utilities, which comes to about an additional $100/month. It is right on the 57 bus line and about 20 minutes from BU, depending on the wait for the bus.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Brighton House

Completely redone 3 family house available for rent. There are two bedrooms in each unit. All units are de-leaded with new appliances, including dishwasher, washer and dryer. Kitchen has an island with stools. Porch in the front, deck in back. Non smoking, no pets. Street parking. Preference for couples or families. Elementary school down the street. Public transportation near by. Hardwood floors. Turret style living room. Rent is $2000/month plus utilities.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Nottinghill Road

This large house in the residential Nottinghill Road area of Brighton, MA, has housed School of Theology students for many years. The first floor is a two bedroom apartment, washer and dryer included. The second and third floors are a four- bedroom apartment with common kitchen and living areas, as well as two full baths. Each single room is very large, with the two top rooms rivaling the size of some studio apartments in the city! The house has a lovely, spacious backyard, is a short walk from public transportation (the Green “B” Line, which takes you to the front doors of STH within 15 minutes), and is located near a small public park. Parking is available on-street with a resident parking pass. The first floor apartment is available, as well as one room on the second and third floors. The other rooms have a BU law student living in them. The cost is $1400/month for the first floor apartment; $650/month for the 2nd floor bedroom and $725/month for the third floor room. These rates do not include utilities.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Roommate Needed Near BU

4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom (we have 1 bedroom available)
Quiet building–landlord lives in the building
Laundry in the building
3rd Floor
Heat and Hot water are included
All girls—2 working and 1 STH student
1.1 miles from STH building
Between Green B (Packard’s corner T stop) and Green C lines (Coolidge
Corner T stop)
$775/month + electric and cable/internet (around $30 total)

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

FURNISHED ROOM on BU CAMPUS

$725.00/mthly with security deposit of same amount. Sunny, private, furnished room w/hardwood floors and huge walk-in closed in privately owned quiet building on Buswell St. Very clean bathroom and fully equpped kitchen facilities. Walking distance wto the B,C&D streetcar lines with a free shuttle bus for students/employees at Harvard University w/a regular bus to Harvard Square. Located within walking distance to supermarkets, restaruants, post offices, churches, Coolidge Corner, Kenmore Square to name a few. One person only. No pets and a non-smoking building. Rent includes heat, hot water
and electricity. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY here for pictures.–>

Contact:

School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

APARTMENT ON BU CAMPUS

Basement apartment, fully furnished, heat, hot water. Tenant pays own electricity ($15-$20mth).
Available May 1, 2009. Rent: $1,400/mthly. with security deposit of same. here for pictures.–>

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

STUDIO ON BU CAMPUS

Available June 1 – August 31. This studio is fully furnished. Rent is $1,075/mthly. with security deposit of same. Lease required. Ideal for one person or married couple. No pets and non-smoking building. here for pictures.–>

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Brookline (Coolidge Corner)

Spectacular newer construction luxury 2BR/2BA 3rd floor unit with view in
elevator building in the heart of Coolidge Corner. Spacious and sunny open
floor plan with large living room, hardwood floors, granite counters, W/D in
Unit, master bath with shower, whirlpool tub, and walk in closet. Central
air, underground heated garage parking included.
$3200/mo.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Brookline (Coolidge Corner)

Recently renovated 2BR/1Bath in 1920’s Federal Revival Building. Newer
granite kitchen, windows and bath. W/D in Unit & assigned parking for 1 car.
Walk to T lines, shopping, schools, universities and medical facilities. In
the heart of Coolidge Corner..fabulous location.
$2550/mo.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Watertown (Newton Line)

Spacious 4BR/1.5 bath two level apartment with hardwood floors and natural
woodwork. Situated on a large landscaped lot with 2 car parking and garage.
Two enclosed heated porches. Direct basement access o basement with washer
and dryer. Convenient to public transportation & Mass Pike. $2500/mo. Looking for two people to fill vacated spaces.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Watertown (Newton Line)

Bright and sunny 2BR/1bath first floor apartment in 2 family home with 10
foot ceilings, hardwood floors, natural woodwork and french door off living
and dining room. Situated on an over 11,000 sf lot with 2 car parking and
garage. Also included is a study, and enclosed sunny porch overlooking
landscaped yard and garden. Direct basement access with washer/dryer.
Convenient to public transportation & Mass Pike.
$1900/mo.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Newton (Waverly Area)

Furnished single Family 4BR/2bath Arts & Crafts Colonial on quiet street in
highly sought after Newton Centre area. Fireplace living room with natural
woodwork. First floor family room. Fabulous eat-in granite w/cherry cabinet
kitchen. Landscaped level yard with 2 car garage.
$3500/mo.

Contact:
School of Theology Admissions Office
617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

Purchase a Condo

This option is not possible for every incoming student. However, for some students, purchasing an apartment near the School of Theology is the best option. Just as Boston rental prices are higher than in most parts of the country, so are Boston sales prices. Even so, a purchased condo provides students the opportunity to build equity during their degree programs, rather than simply renting. With a decent down payment, oftentimes the cost of a mortgage is comparable to the cost of renting an apartment, and the investment can typically be recouped upon sale at the end of a degree program. Persons with pets especially may want to consider this option. If purchasing is a possibility for you (that is, if you are financially able to make a down payment of at least 5% for a condo), please contact the realtor below, who has helped School of Theology students and staff successfully in the past.

Contact:
Bob Benson, JD, Realtor, CRS, GRI, ABR, CBR
RE/MAX First Realty
369 Boylston Street
Newton, MA 02459
617-549-2464 – Cell
617-244-4499 ext. 241 – Office
617-244-5387 – Fax

New Student Checklist

Vika Zafrin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:17:04 +0000

Wondering what to do next to prepare for your matriculation into the School of Theology and, at least for most entering students, your move to the Boston area? Below is a list that should be helpful to you. Items will be updated and adapted on a regular basis, so check back at least once a month to make sure you’re on track!

Complete medical history and physical report
Register for Fall
Confirm your admission!
Complete your FAFSA
Complete STH Financial Aid Application
Update your summer address
Secure housing in Boston
Decide what to do with your car
Learn about ZipCar
Get a public transportation, or “T” pass
Decide if you will need an on-campus parking sticker
Check your email for Early Bird Computing information
Decide your health insurance plan for the school year
Complete and submit a Health Insurance Waiver Form, if necessary
If in the “Bridge Program,” contact CELOP and take an English course
If necessary, begin working with the Office of Disability Services
If necessary, submit a complete transcript to the Admissions Office
Petition for advanced standing
Fill out Entering Student Questionnaire
International students: Take English placement exam

Complete medical history and physical report

When to do it

This Summer

How to do it

All students must complete the Medical History and Physical Report. This includes documentation of your immunizations. You can download the form here. Massachusetts law requires that students be immunized against a number of diseases in order to attend university in the Commonwealth. Boston University strictly enforced this policy. As an incoming student, your registration will be blocked if you do not submit the required shot information. There is a seven day grace period after the first day of classes to submit this information. This information must be submitted on the Boston University Medical History and Physical Report form and it must be signed by a Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. You can find a list of required immunizations here. Three hepatitis B injections are required to provide full protection. If you do not have sufficient time before your arrival on campus to have all three inoculations, please come to Student Health Services for those you have not yet had.

Required for all incoming international students for whom English is not a native language. This approximately one-hour written English placement exam will test each incoming international student in the subject of written academic English. The results of the test will determine whether or not the incoming student will need to take a course in written academic English during her/his first semester in the program. The University requires that all must attend regardless of previous score on the TOEFL exam.

Who to Contact with Questions

STH Admissions Office, sthadmis@bu.edu, 617-353-3036

The Master of Sacred Music Program in Organ

Vika Zafrin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:50:44 +0000

Overview

This program offers comprehensive graduate level study in organ performance. It is a professional degree with a strong academic basis, offered jointly through the School of Theology and School of Music at Boston University. At the end of the course it is expected that the student will be able to perform a wide variety of repertoire with stylistic integrity and to demonstrate fluency in a number of keyboard skills relevant to a career as an organist. It is also expected that the student will also be well-rounded in his or her knowledge of other aspects of the profession including the art of accompaniment, organ pedagogy, and organology. The program is offered as a component of the Master of Sacred Music degree, which offers the finest professional training to those interested in sacred music. For further information on the Master of Sacred Music program click here [add link]. Note: there is currently no MM or DMA in organ offered by Boston University.

Faculty

The outstanding faculty at Boston University includes:

Andrew Shenton, Director of the MSM program

Peter Sykes, Applied Organ

Full details of the faculty at the School of Theology, and School of Music, can be found at their respective web sites.

Questions about the Organ Program or the Master of Sacred Music Program should be directed to Dr. Shenton: Shenton@bu.edu

Admission

This degree is administered through the School of Theology and applications must be submitted to the School of Theology and not the School of Music. Applicants should read the admission requirements for the MSM program on its web site. Further details can be found on the STH admissions pages.

Audition requirements

It is recommended that applicants audition in person. Candidates are called for audition on the basis of their application materials which may or may not include a tape. Audition requirements include a major work by J. S. Bach or one his contemporaries, a major work from the Romantic repertoire and a piece of contemporary music. Candidates may also be asked to demonstrate other keyboard skills although it is understood that a candidate may not have had much experience in this area. A candidate may be admitted on the basis of a tape alone where distance preclude an on-site interview, however, in that case, the audition tape must be both audio and visual.

Repertoire

The student must demonstrate an awareness of the vast range of repertoire for the organ, and the performance practice and technical issues required to perform this repertoire. The recital requirement will test this skill by asking the student to perform, for example:

A piece/collection written prior to 1650
A major work by J. S. Bach
A major Romantic work
A major twentieth-century work
A work by a contemporary (living) composer
A concerted work

Recital requirements

There will be two degree recitals (length of each to be determined), one to be presented by the end of the first year and one by the end of the second. Each should concentrate on a certain repertoire and be performed on an organ suitable to that repertoire. A possible division may be music prior to 1750 and music after 1750. Boston University has relationships with several churches in the area, with notable instruments, which students may use for this purpose. The recitals will be free and open to the public. The usual School of Music requirements for faculty attendance will apply.

Performance practice

Students will be required to display knowledge of historically informed performance practice relevant to the repertoire they perform.

Technique

Students will be encouraged to strengthen and extend their technical facility through the repertoire they perform and by the addition of studies and exercises. Remedial work may be necessary for some students.

Masterclasses

Master classes will be offered on a periodic basis, allowing students direct contact with skilled and prominent members of the profession. This may be done in conjunction with the AGO or other organizations, including area schools and colleges.

Field trips to visit local organs

Field trips to area churches with important instruments and / or music programs will be offered on a periodic basis. This may be done as part of the Sacred Music Practicum.

Competitions

Where appropriate, students should be encouraged to enter for local and national competitions. This can be advantageous both to the student and the program.

Professional examinations

Where appropriate, students will be encouraged to take the Associate and Fellowship diplomas of the American Guild of Organists. Since the AGO is effectively the union for organists, their fee scales are based on members having these diplomas. Study for these exams can also provide a useful additional focus for work on repertoire and keyboard skills.

Liaison with AGO and other professional organizations

Boston University has good relationships with the National and Local chapter of the American Guild of Organists and other professional organizations and institutions of higher learning in order to expand the range of offerings available to our students, and to foster an environment of cooperation and mutual respect.

Professional Placement

The Director of the MSM program will facilitate placement of incoming students into professional positions in area churches. In addition to gaining valuable experience, it will provide practice facilities for the student, and money to help offset tuition and other student expenses. The Director will monitor each student and provide assistance as needed.

Second study organ

Second study organ is available to those with fundamental keyboard skills. Some of this teaching may be done in a group in the early stages of learning. The expectations for a second-study organist are similar to those for an organ major, but at a different level.

The AGO Organ Library

In addition to the resources of the University library system, students have full use of the AGO Organ Library which is housed at Boston University in the same building as the School of Theology. Established in 1981, the printed music, monograph, periodical, and archival collections of the Organ Library encompass the full historical range of music composed or transcribed for the organ. The Library’s holdings also include pedagogical materials, monographs about composers who have made notable contributions to the repertoire of the instrument, and archives documenting the careers of prominent organists. There are also many books and pamphlets about organs throughout the world. Since the Organ Library is exclusively a research library, materials do not circulate, nor are they available through Inter-Library Loan. Out-of-print material not protected by copyright will be photocopied and can be mailed anywhere in the world. For further information see: http://www.organlibrary.com/index.html

The Symphonic organ at Boston University

Boston University owns a large player organ that is housed in the Sherman Union building. In his web page, the curator Nelson Barden declares: “It is an unusual multi-purpose instrument designed to play a variety of music and serve many functions: classical organ concerts, symphonic realizations, silent film accompaniment, and background music for banquets and receptions.” For further information see: http://www.nbarden.com/buso/welcome.html.