Many networks of relationships and organizations, both formal and informal, shape community life at Columbia. The life of the seminary is as easily celebrated over a cup of coffee as it is in the ceremony of graduation. The following paragraphs briefly describe some of the structured events and organizations in which students participate during the academic year.
YEARLY SCHEDULE The academic year is composed of two long semesters of fourteen weeks each and a short January term. Fall semester runs from September to mid-December and Spring semester begins in late January or early February and ends in early May. The January term starts in few days into the new year. During the Summer Term, the seminary offers supervised ministry experiences, a limited number of basic degree courses, a six-week course in beginning Greek, and a four-week summer session designed primarily for advanced professional degree students and ministers interested in continuing education.
ORIENTATION All entering basic degree students and international students are required to attend an orientation program that occurs during the days preceding the regular opening of the seminary in the fall. It offers an opportunity for new students to become acquainted with each other, with student body leaders, and with members of the faculty and staff. Entering students receive notification of their faculty advisors at this time, and have an opportunity to meet and consult with them. All transfer students must come to the Office of Academic Affairs during orientation so that their previous course work is officially transferred in and a plan for their work at Columbia can be established. The Student Handbook is distributed to all entering basic degree students and international students. This handbook contains policies and practices that pertain to student life at the seminary. Returning basic degree students are also required to participate in orientation which includes activities such as placement assistance and procedures, preparation for ordination exams, orientation to the Candidacy Discernment Consultation process, and consultation on senior Chapel leadership procedures.
COMMUNITY WORSHIP AND CONVOCATIONS The seminary community gathers for worship four days each week to express its thanksgiving for and need of God’s grace, to hear God’s word, and to pray for the church and the world. Students, faculty, staff, and invited guests lead worship for the community. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated each Friday. Wednesday forums provide an alternative to the traditional worship service. Forums offer the Columbia community opportunities to consider significant issues for the church in the world, to be exposed to persons from other traditions and parts of the earth, or to be directed in spiritual formation. Several times during the year, the seminary community gathers for convocations and other special services. At opening convocation in the fall and at commencement each spring, students are recognized for outstanding academic work and for service to the church through the presentation of awards, prizes, and fellowships. Descriptions of these awards are on the following pages.
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