Office of Community Life & Lifelong Learning
Office of Community Life & Lifelong Learning
Room 110
617-353-3050
Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey ( ronnice@bu.edu ) 617-353-3050
Associate Dean of Community Life & Lifelong Learning
Clinical Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology & Practice
Valentina Pride ( vp@bu.edu ) 617-353-3051
Admin. Coordinator
The Office of Community Life & Lifelong Learning is open to students Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the year. The Dean of Community Life and staff members are committed to helping learners succeed in growing at the School of Theology. Through a combination of guidance, resources and community-building events, the Dean and her staff has as their goal to offer resources for the well-being of all members of the STH community.
The Office of Community Life & Lifelong Learning also collects various resources including informative materials regarding community groups, organizations, and relevant issues that may impact STH students. For detailed information about student conduct policies, please consult the STH Policies and Procedures Manual. The office also handles grievance procedures and establishes protocol for the formal filing of complaints by students and faculty in regard to violations of the Community Principals.
The Office of Community Life & Lifelong Learning offers a number of programs and services for School of Theology students.
PROGRAMS
Mentor Program
Pairs incoming STH students with currently enrolled STH students who act as mentors and hospitality guides for the first month of the semester. For more information please contact the Administrative Coordinator in room 110.
Community Lunch Program
Serves as a gathering place for faculty, staff, and students. The lunch which offers a time for fellowship and conversation is held on Wednesdays in the Oxnam Room (B-24) from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Each month students organizations under the auspices of the School of Theology Student Association (STHSA) and the School of Theology centers, such as the Center for Practical Theology and the Anna Shaw Center, offer lunch and conversation. Lunches are catered through University food services and meet the needs of vegans and vegetarians. The Office of Student Affairs and the Community Life Office occasionally hosts special events such as community celebrations.
Pastoral Educational Program
This program addresses important socio-political issues and their impact on religious communities through guest speakers and programmatic efforts such as community efforts for reaching out to those in need. In the past this program has raised funds for relief efforts in Haiti.
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 Round-Table 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.
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.
STH Writing Works
Is a helpful free service offered to all STH students. Writing Works Fellows work with STH students to improve their academic writing skills by helping students to find the best writing strategy for writing theological papers. The Writing Works Office is located in STH room B-27. Office hours are posted at the start of each semester.
Denominational Liaison Program
Invites STH faculty and staff to network with students who belong to their particular religious denominations.
Dean’s Council against Discrimination
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
Successful Entry Training (SET) Program
Through this program the Dean of Students monitors students who have gained 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 SET students discuss strategies for successful completion of degree programs with the Dean of Students. The SET program also helps students who demonstrate poor academic progress.
Spiritual and Community Life
If students 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). 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 in room 110 or calling 617-353-3051.
Mail Services
The STH Mail room distributes incoming and outgoing mail and packages and is located in the basement of the STH building (room B-29).
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.