Office of Student Affairs
Office of Student Affairs
Room 110
617-353-3050
Rev. Imani-Sheila Newsome-Camara inewsome@bu.edu 617-353-3050
Assistant Professor of Church History
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs:
Valentina Pride vp@bu.edu 617-353-3051
Admin. Coordinator
The Office of Student Affairs is available to students from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the year. Students are encouraged to speak with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs should any problems arise. Appointments can be made by contacting the Administrative Assistant to the Dean for Student Affairs in room 110, Ext. 3-3051.
The Office of Student Affairs also collects various resources including informative materials regarding community groups, organizations, and relevant issues that may impact STH students. For detailed information about academic and student policy please consult the STH Policies and Procedures Manual. The Office of Student Affairs also handles grievance procedures and establishes protocol for the formal filing of complaints by students and faculty.
The Office of Student Affairs offers a number of programs and services for School of Theology students. Resources and services offered by the Office of Student Affairs are listed below.
PROGRAMS
The Community Lunch Program
of the Office of Student Affairs serves as a gathering place for faculty, staff, and students. Lunches are catered through University food services and meet the needs of vegans and vegetarians. Each month student organizations under the auspices of the Boston University Theological Student Association (BUTSA) and School of Theology centers, such as the Center for Congregational Development and the Shaw Center, offer lunch and conversation on Wednesdays in the Oxnam Room (B-24) from 12:00-1:30 p.m. for students, faculty, staff and guests. One lunch each month is program-free to allow for conversation and group meetings. Occasionally special events such as community celebrations of faculty retirements are hosted by the Office of Student Affairs and the Community Life Office.
The Mentor Program
pairs incoming STH students with currently enrolled STH students who act as mentors and guides. For more information please contact the Administrative Coordinator in room 110.
The Advising Program
provides academic, vocational and personal support for STH students. Each STH student is assigned an advisor in his/her first semester. The Dean of Student meets with any student who has a question about seminary life.
Pastoral Educational Program
addresses important socio-political issues and their impact on religious communities through faculty and guest speakers.
Research Forums. The Office of Student Affairs sponsors research presentations by students and faculty during Community Lunch, providing opportunities for dialogue about research outside the classroom. Each year advanced students present research papers developed with the help of a faculty member and/or advisor. Student presentations must be based on papers developed in seminary coursework or upon recommendation by the faculty. Presently there are four forums:
- Seminary Scholar Research Forum
- African Diaspora Research Forum
- Seminary Women’s Research Forum
- Korean Students Research Forum
Faculty Research Roundtable Program is another event sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs. This program hosts the faculty members for an informal tea where discussions about faculty research interests are shared with members of the STH community. Often such conversations lead students to new mentoring relationships with faculty.
The Student Leadership Program
This program was created to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication in supporting community life during their term of study at the School of Theology. Nominated students are inducted prior to Commencement.
Successful Entry Tutorial (S.E.T.) Program
Through this program the Dean of Students monitors students who have gained provisional admission to School of Theology master’s degree programs. These students often join the student body as special students, or maintain their status as part-time students. The S.E.T. students discuss strategies for successful completion of degree programs with the Dean of Students. The S.E.T. program also helps students who demonstrate poor academic progress. It likewise assists students who are identified by faculty members as being “at risk” and supports school personnel in developing intervention strategies for student success. STH Writing Works is a helpful service offered to all STH students. Writing Works Office is located in STH room B-27. Office hours are posted at the start of each semester.
The Denominational Liaison Program
invites STH faculty and staff to network with students who belong to their particular religious denominations.
Dean’s Council against Discrimination
This committee advocates and presents institutional strategies in an effort to eliminate many forms of discrimination that may arise in a theological setting. It also serves as a forum for issues raised by the School of Theology community related to issues of intragroup and intergroup relations.
SERVICES
Learning Disability Services
The Office of Student Affairs understands that entering seminary poses numerous academic, emotional, and spiritual challenges. However, students should be aware that it is their responsibility to seek help when they are having academic difficulties. Services are available through the Office of Disability Services at 617-353-3658. The Office of Student Affairs will help students contact this office.
Spiritual and Community Life
If you have a concern regarding the spiritual or community life of the School, please contact the Dean of Students (room 110) or the Community Life Coordinator (Room B-25).
Teaching Evaluation Process
is handled by the Office of Student Affairs each semester and all forms should be taken to room 110.
Mail Services
The STH Mailroom (room B-29) is located in the basement of the STH building, directly under room 110.
Room Reservation
The Oxnam Room (B-24) and the Hartman Room (B-23) are both located in the basement of STH. Many events are held in these rooms and students may reserve them for student events and student group meetings. To reserve one of these rooms, please see the Administrative Coordinator in room 110.