MLS School Catalog

GENERAL INFORMATION

Access

Saginaw is easily reached by Interstate 75 and its urban spur I-675, or by way of the MBS International Airport which is located twelve miles northwest of MLS. There are three additional international airports within reasonable driving distance located in Flint, Lansing, and Detroit. MLS can be reached from any part of the U.S. by plane, train, bus, or private car.

Rev 08/2021

Administration

Michigan Lutheran Seminary is one of four schools that the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) operates and supports in its ministerial education system.

School policy is established by a governing board, eight men elected by the synod and its districts. The MLS president administers the school. MLS coordinates its work with the other three synod schools through the WELS Board for Ministerial Education (BME). The presidents of MLS, of the Michigan District, and of the synod at large, together with the administrator of the BME, serve as advisory members of the MLS board.

Rev 06/2017

Accreditation

Michigan Lutheran Seminary is accredited by two organizations. One is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation program (WELSSA) in conjunction with the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). The second is the Middle States AssociationCommissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). The school is licensed by the Michigan Department of Education to operate as a

boarding school and participates in an annual Boarding School licensure review.

Campus

The MLS campus occupies a triangle of land bordered by Bay Street on the east, Hardin Street on the north, and Court Street which runs diagonally from northwest to southeast. Six main units comprise the Seminary complex. The units are interconnected by corridors so students do not need to venture outside in inclement weather.

The school’s main entrance at 2777 Hardin Street enters upon a sky-lit, vaulted foyer that displays the hand-carved seals of Martin Luther and of the Wisconsin Synod at either end. On the east wall of the foyer is a brick mural featuring the MLS seal and the words of the Seminary hymn, “God's Word Is Our Great Heritage.” Facing the mural is the student commons, a general gathering area that also serves as a lunch area for commuting students and home to the “Bird Feeder”, our school’s concession stand.

Beyond the mural wall lies a 750 seat gymnasium, along with locker rooms, weight room, trainer’s room, and a mezzanine area for practice or additional seating. South of the gymnasium and nearly at the heart of the Seminary complex is the 400-seat chapel/auditorium. This space is used for campus worship each school day. Its seating is reconfigured to face the adjoining stage for special programs, dramatic productions, and smaller concerts.

Two classroom wings flank Court Street. Four floors are arranged around the chapel/auditorium. To the east are rooms for the sciences, languages, math, technology, and the humanities. To the south and west are rooms for piano, band, and choral work. The lower level houses the library, girls' locker rooms, technology office, and the Board Room.

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Inside the Court Street entrance between the two classroom wings are the offices of the MLS Foundation which supports the mission of MLS.

At the corner of Court and Hardin Streets a five-level T-shaped dormitory has residency capacity for over 250 students in separate residence halls for boys and girls. Students and dorm supervisors live chiefly on the top three floors. The ground floor entrances open into a lobby and an interdorm office (IDO) shared by both residence halls. Also on the ground floor are rooms for supervised study, game rooms, lounges, a fitness room, laundry facilities, and the school nurse’s office. Meals are served in the dining hall on the lowest level. Space is also set aside on that level for the Admissions Counselor and a movie theater.

Completing the circuit of the campus are the business and administrative offices and a faculty lounge area.

Tucked inside the circle of buildings is the sunken garden, an attractively landscaped outdoor gathering place for students. North of Hardin Street, the maintenance shop stands beside the main parking lot. The football field and softball diamond lie south of Hardin, east of the gymnasium.

MLS Cardinal Field is located 1.2 miles northwest of the main campus at 4300 N. Mackinaw. The MLS baseball diamond, track, and athletic practice area are found there.

The members of the Wisconsin Synod have provided MLS with outstanding facilities to carry out the school’s purpose. We thank God for his grace that inspires the generosity of his people as we seek to be faithful in the use of all that God’s goodness supplies. Rev

Michigan Lutheran Seminary began in 1885 when one teacher and six students assembled in Manchester, Michigan. Lutherans in Michigan felt a need to train pastors to serve a growing number of immigrant congregations. In 1887 Pastor Christoph Eberhardt of St. Paul's congregation in Saginaw donated two near-by acres of land on Court Street. This led the Michigan Lutheran Synod to move MLS to its present location on the corner of Court and Hardin streets and to dedicate Old Main, the school's first building, later that year.

When the Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota Synods federated in 1892, the new confederation decided to convert MLS into a preparatory school. Disagreement over this change split the Michigan Synod. MLS continued as a pastor-training seminary until dwindling enrollments forced it to close its doors in 1907. Pastors Lange, Huber, Hoyer, Linsemann, and Beer led the school from 1887-1907.

By 1910, the Michigan Synod had re-established its ties with Wisconsin and Minnesota. The confederation called Pastor Otto J. R. Hoenecke to open MLS as a preparatory school. Five students enrolled on September 13, 1910. In 1913, the school added a dormitory to house fifty students. By the end of the 1920s, four teachers served an enrollment of seventy-five. The MLS Club, a forerunner of today's Booster Club, appeared. The campus added two professors' homes in 1920 and 1924 and a dining hall in 1925.

Growth slowed during the 1930s but picked up after World War II. Pastor Conrad Frey succeeded Director Hoenecke in 1950. To accommodate the growing student body, MLS built a combination classroom building/gymnasium next to Old Main. The dining area was expanded twice, in 1948 and 1954. In 1963 Old Main was finally torn down and a science/music wing with a student union was added.

In 1966, Pastor Martin Toepel succeeded President Frey. Ten years later a dormitory structure made it possible for all students to live on campus. Previously, some girls lived in off-campus dormitories and some upper-class boys and girls lived in nearby private homes.

In 1978, Pastor John Lawrenz succeeded President Toepel. Two years later, MLS added an expanded cafeteria on the lower level of the dormitory. In 1985 the three existing campus buildings were melded into a single unit. New construction provided a gymnasium large enough for girls' and boys' athletics, a student commons off the main entrance, additional office space, a computer classroom, expanded parking, and a new maintenance building. On a new section of property a mile and a quarter from its main campus MLS developed a ball diamond, a 400-meter oval track, and athletic practice space at what is now named Cardinal Field.

In 1994, Pastor Paul Prange succeeded President Lawrenz. Shortly after the campus population reached its largest enrollment in the school's history, just over 380 students. MLS continued to upgrade its facilities by reconfiguring all dormitory study space, refurbishing most of its dormitory rooms, equipping its library and all classrooms and offices with infrastructure to allow ready access to developing technologies, and installing in its chapel a 22-rank pipe organ. A new two-story science wing, new music rooms, and a renovated commons and dining hall were dedicated to the glory of God in 2003.

In 2009 President Paul Prange became the administrator for the synod’s Board for Ministerial Education. He was succeeded by Pastor Aaron Frey in February of 2010.

In connection with the 100th Anniversary of MLS in 2010, the chapel was remodeled and refurbished including the re-upholstering of the chapel seating.

After the resignation of President Frey, North Atlantic District President, Rev. Joel Petermann was installed in 2012.

The summer of 2014 brought more changes and upgrades to the MLS campus. Thanks to the efforts of the MLS Foundation, the MLS dormitories received an overhaul at the cost of about $600,000. This included new paint in all the rooms and hallways, new furniture built and installed by RT London

of Grand Rapids, MI, new carpet squares, new electric heaters, and new window treatments. Additionally, WiFi was installed in the dormitories to make the whole campus WiFi accessible. Finally, MLS became a 1:1 computing school as each student received his/her own laptop computers on Registration Day eliminating the need for some textbooks and the computer lab.

In the summer of 2016 a new landmark was added to the MLS campus. A gift from a group of donors, a statue of Martin Luther on a granite base now greets alumni, friends, and visitors as they enter the campus from Hardin Street. This statue is a reminder that this school exists to train those who, like Martin Luther, are servants of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the summer of 2017 MLS embarked on a remodeling project that would consolidate administration personnel in one area in the school. New offices were created in the area on the Hardin street side of the school that once served as a computer lab. In this area a room was also developed for the Cardinal’s Nest, the campus store. In the area that used to be the faculty room, additional offices for support personnel were also created as well as a faculty workroom, restrooms, and a lounge for faculty and staff. This project therefore also included the creation of a faculty lounge in the academic wing (50’s building) and moving the faculty meeting room to the area in the lower level of the 60’s addition. The MLS Foundation offices were then moved to the previous Business Office location. It has proven to greatly streamline the administration of MLS through better communication and use of support personnel.

In 2018, Pastor Mark Luetzow of Bethel Lutheran Church in Bay City, MI accepted the call to succeed President Petermann as the 8th President of MLS.

2021 saw the completion of a multi-year project underwritten by the MLS Foundation to make upgrades to the MLS athletic fields. New home and visitor side bleachers were installed along the football field providing a safer

fan experience. A press box and concession stand with indoor restroom facilities was also constructed in the same location as the previous pressbox.

New bleachers were installed in the gymnasium in the summer of 2022 replacing the original 1985 bleachers. While outward changes must continue in order to meet the needs of a growing Seminary Family, what is most important at MLS our great heritage of God’s Word and the vital work of preparing young people to proclaim that Word to others remains unchanged.

Rev 07/2022

Important Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures are set up for the good of all. They guide us in our expression of Christian love and concern for each other and for our Savior. Sensible regulations are also to keep our sinful nature in check. When in doubt, ask. When unable to ask, do what is God-pleasing and courteous. Should you believe that a policy needs review or modification, speak with the president or a member of the governing board. Students who have difficulty keeping the rules of the Seminary family may be suspended or expelled. Suspension means that a student's continued enrollment at MLS is "under review" until the matter can be resolved by parents, the student, and the president. Suspended students do not participate in any school functions or classes. Expelled students must go through the admission process to be considered for readmission.

Rev. 04/2021

Location

The Seminary campus is located in a pleasant residential neighborhood on the west side of Saginaw, Michigan. The city’s population is 45,000 (2020) and is part of a larger metropolitan area with a population of approximately 190,000 (2020). Saginaw is a regional center for Michigan’s automotive industry. The region offers opportunities for employment as well as for

cultural and recreational activities. Its hospitals and clinics serve all of northern Michigan. The Saginaw area is served by four WELS churches and one ELS congregation, as well as by two WELS elementary schools and one pre-school.

Mission and Purpose

The special purpose of Michigan Lutheran Seminary is to prepare high school students for the public ministry of the gospel, encouraging them to enroll in the WELS College of Ministry, Martin Luther College.

Philosophy

Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS) serves the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) as it

● Sustains a campus life centered in the Word of God as it is professed in the Lutheran Confessions.

● Uses the means of grace so that the Holy Spirit encourages all students to consider full-time service in the public ministry.

● Promotes the high calling of the public ministry of the gospel through the recruitment and retention of qualified students and through positive modeling of the ministry by faculty members.

● Prepares students for admission to MLC through a balanced and challenging curriculum in religion, languages, sciences, mathematics, social studies, and the arts, with special emphasis on vocal and instrumental music skills.

● Deals evangelically with every member of the campus family as a redeemed child of God, using law and gospel while offering counseling, encouragement, and loving Christian discipline.

● Assists international students in developing skills to continue the pursuit of gospel ministry in the United States and in their country of origin.

● Encourages all students to use their God-given talents in the areas of academics, performance, competition, social life, and Christian service.

● Regards seriously the great trust that parents and guardians place in MLS, dealing with students in a manner reflecting our role as caretakers and parental representatives.

Objectives

● To nurture the Christian faith through regular and varied worship opportunities.

● To provide age-appropriate ministry experiences for students.

● To offer students guided extracurricular activities as an important supplement to the academic program.

● To give students experience with various forms of modern technology.

● To help international students adjust to the cultural and spiritual realities of living on an American campus.

● To maintain a faculty and staff dedicated to the school’s purpose.

● To promote and facilitate the professional development of the faculty.

● To provide a quality facility that meets the needs of MLS.

● To practice faithful stewardship of financial resources.

● To provide and administer adequate sources of financial aid.

Vision

● To be a solid voice for Lutheran doctrine and practice.

● To adopt best practices in education that keep methodology in tune with the times, while maintaining the school’s purpose.

● To strive for a greater percentage of graduates who enroll at MLC.

● To strive for a greater percentage of student enrollment from outside the Michigan District.

● To proactively monitor and address the adequacy, maintenance, and safety of the facilities.

● To be aware of opportunities to expand the footprint of the campus.

Enrollment A Shared Cost

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod pays about one third of the educational costs for each student at MLS. The members of the WELS do this as an investment in the future ministry of the church. The balance of costs for tuition, room and board, and other services are borne by the student's parents or guardians. In this way, the expense of attending MLS is truly a shared cost.

Rev 07/2018

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are to be baptized and confirmed members of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod or of churches within its fellowship. Exceptions are made when an applicant's membership is pending.

Incoming freshmen must have completed the eighth grade with acceptable marks and have the recommendation of their pastor and their most recent supervising teacher. A pre-admission test is administered at MLS, or individually by special arrangement. Students wishing to transfer into the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades are to submit a transcript of their previous high school work with their application.

We require all students, both new and returning, to receive a physical before every school year. Students who participate in athletics must receive a physical after April 15 to qualify for the next year of competition. Students must also show proof of up-to-date required immunizations. MLS requests that the school be notified as soon as possible if a student who has applied for admission elects to attend high school elsewhere.

Rev 06/2022

Admitting and Dismissing

The president of MLS admits and dismisses students. An admissions committee advises him on admissions. The president may seek advice regarding dismissals from his colleagues, as well as from a student's parents and pastor. Decisions regarding admissions and dismissals may be appealed to the president alone.

Application for Admission

Application for enrollment at MLS may be made at any time during the year preceding the start of school. It is best if applications can be submitted by the month of April prior to the new school year. There is no application fee. A student need only apply for enrollment when coming to MLS as a new student; returning students need not reapply. Students may apply online at www.mlsem.org. If students need assistance in completing an application, they may contact the MLS Administration Office at 989-793-1010.

Rev 06/2022

Delinquent Accounts

It is the policy of MLS that accounts are to be paid in full and on time. Families with financial difficulties are to contact the Business Manager before a financial obligation falls past due. The Business Manager and President may consider arrangements for special circumstances. Personal financial information is kept confidential.

A student with a delinquent account who has not made special arrangements with the Business Office is subject to suspension and/or termination of enrollment by the President. That student may not be readmitted for a new semester if an account is delinquent and satisfactory arrangements with the school have not been made. In addition, students with delinquent accounts

who have not made arrangements with the Business Office may not be allowed to participate in any preseason athletic camps.

Student accounts must be in good standing in order to charge extracurricular or incidental items to that account. When incidental or extracurricular charges are applicable, the MLS faculty or staff member supervising the activity will advise students and/or parents with delinquent accounts that charges must be paid in advance of participation.

Past due accounts may be assigned to an outside agency for collection. The cost and fees associated with any collections or legal processes will be added to the student’s account balance due.

No transcript of credits may be sent, and no diploma may be released to another school until a student’s account is paid in full.

Rev. 02/2021

Financial Aid

In support of its mission, MLS has determined that financial aid is an important tool that allows students the opportunity to pursue and benefit from the training MLS offers.

Financial aid grants are available to students who qualify. Awards are determined based on demonstrated financial need. Other factors considered may include the occurrence of siblings also enrolled at MLS, Martin Luther College, or Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary; travel distance from school; and the student’s ministry intent.

Financial aid is offered toward the payment of tuition. Credits covering room and board expenses may be made in cases of extreme need, but the recipient’s parents must report such credits as taxable income.

Applications for financial aid will be completed online via a web address that will be provided to applicants and enrolled students. The application deadline is April 30. Award amounts will be announced by early June. Late applications for student aid will be considered only if funds are available, and the awarded amounts for late applications may be reduced. A committee composed of the President, Business Manager, Admissions Director, Dean of Students, Financial Aid Coordinator, and an MLS Governing Board member administers the financial aid program at MLS. Financial aid is distributed according to each student’s selected payment plan.

Additional information may be found in the MLS Financial Aid Policy. Questions regarding financial aid may be directed to the MLS Business Manager.

Rev 06/2022

Financial Matters in Detail

Each year the MLS Business Office publishes “MLS Financial Policies,” a brochure detailing financial practices and explaining current fees at MLS. MLS, WELS, and their responsible boards reserve the right to amend fees and policies at any time.

Rev 06/2020

Good Standing

Continued enrollment assumes that a student maintains good academic standing. Students are expected to have at least a C- average (1.66 GPA) each academic term. College admission usually requires a cumulative B- average (2.5 GPA), therefore students will be counseled and encouraged to work toward that goal if their term or cumulative grade averages do not meet this mark.

Good standing also includes good campus citizenship. We expect students to lead an active Christian life under the rule of God's Word and the guidance of

God's representatives. Under God, such a life grows in faith, learns from mistakes, and avoids public offense.

The final requirement for good standing is support for the school's purpose. Students are to welcome the efforts of MLS to recruit them for the public ministry. Enrolled students are expected to take part in activities which the school offers to promote public ministry. Each student is to actively consider such a ministry for himself or herself and encourage fellow students toward that end. At the same time MLS recognizes that the Holy Spirit will lead some, not all, on the path to the public ministry of the church. MLS will respect those who pursue careers other than public ministry.

Rev 09/2020

Graduation Grants

Each year, grants and/or scholarships are awarded to deserving MLS graduates who have enrolled at Martin Luther College. Distributions of the grants and scholarships are made directly to Martin Luther College to be applied to the student accounts. Grants and scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need. These awards must be applied for by those students who are interested in being considered.

Questions regarding graduation grants and scholarships may be directed to the Business Office.

Rev. 02/2021

High School Placement Test

Students entering the 9th grade take a nationally normed placement test that measures verbal and quantitative ability, plus skill in language, reading, and mathematics. The results give the MLS Admissions Committee a single standard by which to measure all students. When great distance makes attendance for testing impossible, MLS arranges for individual pre-admission testing with a student's pastor or teacher.

International Students

MLS is authorized under federal law to issue the I-20 F-1 visa document which enables foreign nationals to study in the United States. The U.S. government requires proof that international students have resources to cover the costs of schooling and travel to and from their home countries.

International students are to be recommended by a church in our fellowship. A transcript (with English translation, if necessary) of a student's most recent schooling should accompany an application.

If English is not an international student's first language, MLS will supply an English proficiency exam to determine the applicant's English-speaking ability. To be admitted, a student's competency should be at the advanced level. Special tutoring, including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, may be required as a condition of admission.

Rev. 08/2018

Non-Discriminatory Policy

Michigan Lutheran Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial assistance, athletics, or other programs. MLS holds to this policy because it is the purpose of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people of the world.

Rev 09/2020

Payment

Like any substantial financial obligation, payment of tuition and fees at MLS requires planning and sacrifice on the part of families and students. Please

be prepared to make payments beginning in August as the first tuition payment is due no later than registration day. The remaining payments are to be paid according to the terms of your tuition agreement. Incidental fees are to be paid promptly during the year, as incurred.

MLS uses a tuition management service (TADS) to manage and collect tuition payments. Each family will have the opportunity to select and manage payment options and schedules. Payments may be made on an annual, semester, or 10-month schedule; with the balance to be paid in full by the end of the school year. Statements will be distributed by TADS, sufficiently in advance, to allow payment by the selected due date.

Online payments to MLS can be made via TADS from checking/savings accounts or credit/debit cards. Payments can be made directly to MLS by cash, check, or credit/debit cards. Service charges and fees associated with credit card payments are the responsibility of the payer. There is a 3% surcharge for credit or debit card payments.

A discount is given for the annual and semester payment schedules. The annual (1 payment) discount is 3% and the semester (2 payments) discount is 2%. Discounts will be calculated after financial aid has been applied. Credit card service charges and fees still apply.

Rev 02/2021

Pre-registration

In the second semester of each school year, returning MLS students are presented with course options for the following school year. MLS asks parents to discuss these courses with their students before students make their selections, since scheduling conflicts may not permit students to add or drop courses when they return to school in the fall. Questions regarding course options and schedules may be addressed to the Academic Dean.

Rev 08/2021

Tuition and Room and Board Fees

The MLS Governing Board annually sets tuition and room and board fees. Amounts for the current year are as follows:

Travel Grants

Travel grants are available for students who live more than 250 miles from the MLS campus. Travel grants are distributed after tuition agreements have been created and will be applied as a credit to the student’s account according to their selected payment plan. Generally, travel grants are applied during the September billing period. Please contact the Business Office for questions related to travel grants.

Academic Program

Academic Counseling

Students having difficulty with school work are expected to seek immediate help from their teachers. Accountability for academic performance begins with the student. A number of tools to help parents, guardians and faculty

monitor student grades are available, however. Parents/guardians and students have round-the-clock access to course grades through PowerSchool, the MLS student information system.

Each year, students are also assigned one faculty member who serves as their academic adviser. Advisers typically serve 15 to 20 students. Each Day 5, the Academic Dean will send a report to all MLS student advisers with below a C- average in any class. Advisers then contact the student to discuss what may be done to improve their performance. Parents with questions about their student’s academic work do well to seek out the student’s adviser first. Student adviser assignments can be found on a student’s class schedule.

At the end of each term, all academic performance is reviewed first by the Academic Dean, grade level advisers, and then by the Academic Committee. Grade level advisers and/or MLS administrators will send formal letters to the student’s home address notifying parents of excessive absences, serious academic performance deficiencies, or extracurricular eligibility issues. The Academic Committee (composed of head grade level advisers, deans, president, vice-president, and the Academic Success Center [ASC] coordinator) reviews the progress of each struggling student and discusses how best to help him/her. Students with poor study or time management skills are often referred to the ASC coordinator for additional help. The ASC coordinator then schedules regular after school meetings to help them improve their performance.

Lastly, the entire faculty reviews academic work at the end of each semester. These reviews help MLS to offer added support and guidance to students who may need it and to provide a clear and complete picture of each student’s performance for families.

**For more information on the MLS 6 Day Cycle, please refer to Academic Schedule elsewhere in this catalog.

Academic Schedule

The academic day begins at 7:50 A.M. and closes at 3:05 or 3:40 P.M. depending upon whether a student is scheduled for counseling. There are nine 45-minute periods with three minutes passing between periods. The midday periods, 5th and 6th, overlap and are used for both lunch and a class period.

Teachers are available for counseling at different times during the school day and occasionally after school. There are also counseling periods from 3:10-3:40 P.M. on Days 1 (with an academic adviser), 3 (math) and 6 (Latin). Period 10 is used for students to make up quizzes or tests from school absences (for more information, see Period 10 elsewhere in this catalog).

The normal academic week begins on Monday and ends on Friday. The daily schedule, however, is laid out on a 6-day repeating cycle. For example, the Monday of the first week is a Day 1; the following Monday is a Day 6 and Tuesday is Day 1. There are approximately twenty-seven cycles in the school year. Four days of exams close each semester.

Period 9 2:20-3:05

Advising 3:10-3:40 (Days 1, 3, 6)

Academic Standing

Rev 06/2021

An end of semester GPA of 3.50-3.74 places a student on the Honor Roll, a 3.75-3.99 places them on High Honor Roll, and a 4.00-4.33 places them on Highest Honor Roll. Those who finish four years with a 3.50 or better cumulative GPA are recognized at graduation.

All students maintain good academic standing with a 2.50 (B-) or better term grade point average. The term GPA for limited extracurricular eligibility is 1.70-1.89; students with limited extracurricular eligibility may practice but may not represent the school. Extracurricular ineligibility is 1.69 GPA or below for all grades. Ineligible students must drop extracurricular activities.

Students may improve their academic standing and eligibility upon completion of the Academic Committee’s assigned tasks (for more information, refer to Extracurricular Appeals Process elsewhere in this catalog). Students should attempt to keep each term and semester GPA above 2.50. Juniors and seniors will not receive positive college recommendations if their cumulative GPA is under 2.50.

Rev 02/2021

Academic Transcripts

Students may request their transcript for free following their graduation until August 1. Students who transfer out will be charged for each copy after their final MLS transcript transfers to their new school. Additional copies are issued for a fee currently set at $4.15 for electronic transfer or $6.90 for

printed copies. Transcripts are issued for graduates and students who withdraw from MLS only when their accounts are paid in full.

MLS has partnered with Parchment to order and send transcripts and other credentials securely. To request a copy of a transcript, click here for the Parchment link.

Rev 09/2020

Attendance Policy

Attendance/Absences

Class attendance is expected, except in the case of illness (including preventive medicine) or emergency. When your child is (will be) absent, you must do one of the following:

1. Email attendance@mlsem.org and include your name, your student’s name, the date of the absence, whether the absence will be for the whole day or part of the day, and the reason for the absence. OR

2. Call 989-793-1010 and when the auto attendant picks up, press the # key. Then, say your name, your student’s name, the date of the absence, whether the absence is for part of the day or the whole day, and the reason for the absence.

You may call or email at any time, day or night. This should be done by the time the student returns from an absence at home. When an excuse involves a visit to a doctor, a slip from the doctor’s office must also be submitted to the administration office or Inter Dorm Office (IDO). For dorm students ill at school, excuses are submitted by the dormitory staff. Students who are absent from any portion of the academic day because of illness may not participate in or attend extracurricular activities on that day. Rare exceptions to this policy may be granted by the administration at the request of an adviser, coach, or director. Sick students are expected to be at home or

in their dorm room recovering. Long-term illness may affect participation in an extracurricular activity. Commuting students who wish to leave school early because of illness are to notify the administration office or IDO before leaving campus.

Planned Absences

Requests for planned absences are to be submitted in writing to Vice President Prost at least two weeks in advance at prostmat@mlsem.org. Planned absences will result in the student being required to attend one Period 10 for every 4th class absence. This is not intended to be punitive but to allow the student adequate time to complete homework that may have been missed during the absence.

Excessive Absences

Rationale: In order to give full credit for a course during a semester, it is expected that a student would need to be in attendance when the course meets in order to understand and master the skills being taught. An excessive number of absences does not allow for such mastery and forfeits the credit for a course.

Policy:

For MLS, 25% of classes missed shall be considered excessive. A student who is absent for 25% of a course’s classes in a semester will be considered to not have attended enough classes to legitimately be given credit for the course. The following number of absences will elicit a NO CREDIT GIVEN designation for any course and an “F” grade for the semester in that course. School absences do not count against this number -- for example, recruitment trips, sports activities, etc. (Initial numbers indicate the number of times the course meets per six day cycle.)

1st Semester Courses

3/6 classes would be 10 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

4/6 classes would be 13 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

5/6 classes would be 16 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

6/6 classes would be 20 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

2nd Semester Courses

3/6 classes would be 11 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

4/6 classes would be 15 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

5/6 classes would be 19 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

6/6 classes would be 23 absences for the semester for any reason (excused or unexcused except for extended illness).

Exceptions: As indicated above, absences due to an extended illness will be considered an exception to the above policy when these absences are verified with a signed doctor’s excuse form. These types of situations will be worked out with the vice president.

Appeals: Appeals may be made to an Appeals Committee consisting of the Academic Dean, Vice President and the student’s professors. Appeals will normally only be granted for long-term illnesses and/or an extenuating circumstance. If an appeal is granted, the student will need to make up the missed learning with the professor in order to erase the absences and be given credit for the class.

Course Description - Freshman

ENG1001 English 9 - A review of English grammar, usage, and literature, emphasizing the strengthening of reading and writing skills

FOR1005 Latin 1 - Elements of Latin form and syntax, vocabulary building, and an introduction to sentence structure

MAT1002 Pre-Algebra - An introduction to modern algebra ; or

MAT1003 Algebra 1 - (Prerequisite: MAT1002 Pre-Algebra or test placement) The language, symbols, axioms, and fundamental operations of modern algebra; or

MAT1004 Algebra 2 (Prerequisite for Freshmen only: MAT1003 Algebra 1 or test placement or equivalent) - Advanced operations of modern algebra

MUS3006 152 Band (elective) - Instrumental performance in small and large groups

MUS3014 Music 1 - Sight singing and ear training; music history and theory; includes both sacred and secular choral work

MUS1008 Piano Lab (or MUS3034 Piano 9 or MUS3038 Organ 9)Elementary music theory and an introduction to keyboard music in a piano lab setting or private lessons

PHY3010 Physical Education 9 - Instruction in physical development, health, nutrition, and first aid, along with skills for participation in selected individual and team sports

REL1009 Religion 9 - A survey of the Bible from Creation to the age of King David

SCI1001 General Science - An introduction to sound laboratory practices and skills with emphasis on the scientific method

SOC1001 Ancient History - A survey of history from the beginning of time through the Lutheran Reformation

Course Description - Sophomore

ENG1006 Composition/ENG1005 Speech - English communication skills, including writing with word processing and public speaking

FOR1006 Latin 2 (Prerequisite: FOR1005 Latin 1 or equivalent required) - A review of Latin structure and vocabulary; readings from the works of Julius Caesar; and/or

FOR1001 Spanish 1 - Basic Spanish vocabulary and structure with an emphasis on speaking and comprehension; or

FOR1009 German 1 - Basic German grammar, vocabulary, and syntax with simple translation and the use of spoken German in the classroom

MAT1003 Algebra 1 - (Prerequisite: MAT1002 Pre-Algebra or test placement) The language, symbols, axioms, and fundamental operations of modern algebra; or

MAT1005 Geometry - (Prerequisite: MAT1003 Algebra 1) The theorems, postulates, and fundamentals of plane geometry; or

MAT1004 Algebra 2 (Prerequisite: MAT1005 Geometry or equivalent)Advanced operations of modern algebra

MUS3006 152 Band (elective) - Instrumental performance in small and large groups

MUS3035 Piano 10 or MUS3039 Organ 10 (required of all sophomores) - For more information please see Courses in Piano and Organ elsewhere in this catalog

MUS3015 Music 2 - Sight singing and ear training; music history and theory; includes both sacred and secular choral work

PHY3011 Physical Education 10 - Physical development, health, nutrition, and first aid with continued instruction in life sports

Return to the Table of Contents

REL1010 Religion 10 - A survey of the Bible from King Solomon to the ascension of Christ, including the Intertestamental Period

SCI1005 Biology - The study of living things and their relationship to man according to God's revelation in nature

SOC1010 World History - A survey of world history from the Lutheran Reformation through World War II. Rev.

Course Description - Junior

ENG1007 American Literature - A chronological overview of American fiction from the Colonial Period to the modern era; development of writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills

FOR1041 Latin Poetry or FOR1040 Latin Prose (these courses alternate every other year; Prerequisite: FOR1006 Latin 2 or equivalent required) - The works of Caesar and Cicero, or Virgil read and translated ; and/or

FOR1002 Spanish 2 (Prerequisite: FOR1001 Spanish 1 or equivalent required)

- Continued development of Spanish listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills ; or

FOR1010 German 2 (Prerequisite: FOR1009 German 1 or equivalent required) - A review of grammar, syntax and vocabulary; continued development of German listening, speaking, and reading skills ; or

FOR1006 Latin 2 (Prerequisite: FOR1005 Latin 1 or equivalent required) - A review of Latin structure and vocabulary; readings from the works of Julius Caesar; or

FOR1001 Spanish 1 - Basic Spanish vocabulary and structure with an emphasis on speaking and comprehension; or

FOR1009 German 1 - Basic German grammar, vocabulary, and syntax with simple translation and the use of spoken German in the classroom

MAT1005 Geometry - (Prerequisite: MAT1003 Algebra 1 or test placement) The theorems, postulates, and fundamentals of plane geometry; or MAT1004 Algebra 2 - (Prerequisite: MAT1005 Geometry or equivalent)Advanced operations of modern algebra; or

MAT1009 Pre-Calculus - (Prerequisite: MAT1004 Algebra 2 or equivalent) Trigonometry and advanced mathematics

MUS3028DSA Handbells - Sight playing and ear training; includes both sacred and secular works

MUS3008 Concert Choir or MUS3027 Chapel Choir - Sight singing and ear training; includes both sacred and secular choral works

REL1011 Religion 11 - A study of Acts, the NT Epistles, and the growth of the Christian Church following Jesus' Ascension. The course provides background information for each book - author, date, theme, and outline - and a major doctrine outlined in each book.

SCI1009 Chemistry - The study of the structure, composition, and transformation of matter including laboratory work

SOC1003 American History - A survey of American history from the Age of Discovery to World War II; American geography and economics

Junior electives can be found in Course Description- Junior-Senior Electives elsewhere in this catalog.

Course Description - Senior

ENG1008 British Literature - An overview of the writings of selected British authors; selective review of skills in English grammar, usage, and composition; introduction to literary theory

FOR1041 Latin Poetry or FOR1040 Latin Prose (these courses alternate every other year; Prerequisite: FOR1006 Latin 2 or equivalent required) - The works of Caesar and Cicero, or Virgil read and translated ; and/or

FOR1002 Spanish 2 (Prerequisite: FOR1001 Spanish 1 or equivalent required)

- Continued development of Spanish listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; or

FOR1010 German 2 (Prerequisite: FOR1009 German 1 or equivalent required) - A review of grammar, syntax and vocabulary; continued development of German listening, speaking, and reading skills ; or

FOR1006 Latin 2 (Prerequisite: FOR1005 Latin 1 or equivalent required) - A review of Latin structure and vocabulary; readings from the works of Julius Caesar; or

FOR1003 Spanish 3 (Prerequisite: FOR1002 Spanish 2 or equivalent required) Continued enhancement of all facets of language proficiency; exploration of Spanish literature; or

FOR1004 Spanish 4 (Prerequisite: FOR1003 Spanish 3 or equivalent required) Continued enhancement of all facets of language proficiency; exploration of Spanish literature; or

FOR1011 German 3 (Prerequisite: FOR1010 German 2 or equivalent required) Continued enhancement of all facets of language proficiency; exploration of German literature ; or

MAT1004 Algebra 2 - (Prerequisite: MAT1005 Geometry or equivalent)Advanced operations of modern algebra; or

MAT1009 Pre-Calculus - (Prerequisite: MAT1004 Algebra 2 or equivalent) Trigonometry and advanced mathematics; or

MAT2004475 AP® Calculus AB - (Prerequisites: MAT1009 Pre-Calculus or equivalent) Limits, derivatives, integrals and their applications

MUS3008 Concert Choir or MUS3027 Chapel Choir - Sight singing and ear training; includes both sacred and secular choral works

MUS3028DSA Handbells - Sight playing and ear training; includes both sacred and secular works

REL1005 Christian Doctrine - A survey of the chief doctrines of the Christian faith

SCI1008 Physics - The study of physical laws by which God operates his creation; includes laboratory work

SOC1004 American Government - An overview of the structure and workings of the American political system; personal citizenship

SOC1005 Economics - An overview of basic economic theory including supply and demand, micro and macro economics, the stock market, credit, debt, savings and taxation with personal finance and stewardship applications

Senior electives can be found in Course Description- Junior-Senior Electives elsewhere in this catalog.

Rev 06/2022

Course Description - Junior/Senior Electives

COM1006 Web Page Design Online – (Requires Curriculum Committee approval) Students will learn HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript programming languages so they can create effective and responsive web sites. Students will also study the principles of professional design to apply them to those sites. Offered through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty.

COM1019 Introduction to Digital Media and Design Online (Introduction to Multimedia) - (Requires Curriculum Committee approval) Introduction to Digital Media introduces theories, concepts, and techniques of audio and visual media. Students will be able to apply these skills to create a portfolio of projects demonstrating a variety of digital media types. Students will also apply ethical and legal responsibilities in creation of multimedia content.

Offered through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty. Return

ENG1019 Creative Writing Online - (Requires Curriculum Committee approval) This course explores the craft, process, and practicality of imaginative writing. Students will review the characteristics of a variety of genres and learn how to become aware of their own experiences as material for story, poem, or play. The course will provide a selection of professional and student-written writing samples, exercises, prompts, and discussion opportunities to introduce techniques and reinforce skills. Instruction will focus on demonstrating ways of expressing creativity within a structure needed to communicate to an audience. Students whose career goals require polished writing skills should take this course. Offered through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty.

ENG1053 Science Fiction/Fantasy (SF) Literature Online – (Requires Curriculum Committee approval) Time traveling aliens, robots, dragons, steampunk, and dystopian societies are all commonplace in science fiction and fantasy literature. Students in this course will identify various key characteristics of science fiction and fantasy as a genre and the subsequent sub-genres, survey the history & themes, explore SF as a platform for social expression and build an appreciation for the creative capacity of SF authors by delving into examples of SF literature from fan favorites like The Hunger Games trilogy to classics like Shelley’s Frankenstein. Offered through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty.

FIN1028 Art and Art History 1 - Historical survey of artists, their works, and art movements from Ancient Greece to the early Renaissance; theory and practice of visual arts

FIN1029 Art and Art History 2 - Historical survey of artists, their works, and art movements from middle Renaissance to modern times; theory and practice of visual arts

MAT1022 Personal Finance Online – (Requires Curriculum Committee approval) This practical course helps students learn how to glorify God by practicing principles of sound financial stewardship and prepares them for life after high school. Topics covered include saving, budgeting, debt, life after

high school, consumer awareness, bargain shopping, investing and retirement, insurance, money & relationships, careers, taxes, real estate & mortgages, and giving. Offered through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty.

MUS3006 152 Band - Instrumental performance in small and large groups.

SCI1013 Anatomy/Physiology - Advanced study of the human body in motion

SCI1026 STEM Science - This course is designed to educate students in four specific disciplines Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning model emphasized in project-based learning. A lesson or unit in a STEM class is typically based around finding a solution to a real-world problem and gaining a deeper understanding of current technologies.

SOC1035 U.S. History Modern Era- A study of American history that begins with World War II and examines the Korean conflict, Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War and other significant events.

SOC1014 Modern West (European History 1500-1945) Online - (Requires Curriculum Committee approval. Dual Credit - students receive credit both at MLS and Martin Luther College after successful completion of this course. Preferential enrollment in this course is given to seniors committed to attending MLC). Maturation and diffusion of Western civilization from the Italian Renaissance to the end of the Second World War. Offered only to seniors through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty.

SOC1016 Introduction to Psychology Online – (Requires Curriculum Committee approval) A high school level, one-semester introductory psychology course with an emphasis on providing a basic understanding of human behavior and how that behavior relates to others. The course covers approaches to psychology, human growth and development, personality,

mental disorders, nature of culture, conformity and deviance, and roles, relationships, and groups. (Note: Cannot take if already enrolled in AP Psychology Online, which is a college level course.) Offered through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty.

SOC2006 AP®Psychology Online - (Requires Curriculum Committee approval)

A college-level course designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Offered through Amazing Grace Virtual Academy and proctored by MLS faculty.

Course Description - Courses for International Students

ENG1009 English as a Second Language - Development of intermediate speaking, listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing for English language learners

ENG1022 English as a Second Language 2 - Development of more advanced speaking, listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing for English language learners.

Rev. 08/2019

Courses in Piano and Organ

To graduate from MLS, students must meet the piano or organ requirements set by the Music department for its graduates.

Individual piano or organ lessons may take the place of MUS1011 Piano Lab when a student is sufficiently advanced in music. All sophomores are required

to take piano or organ. Juniors and seniors may take piano or organ as an elective. Organ may only be substituted for piano when a student has achieved advanced proficiency in piano and has the approval of the Music Department Chair. Students may choose to arrange lessons off campus from a private teacher and request credit.

Piano lessons are a half period long (22 minutes) and organ lessons are 30 minutes long and are scheduled once every six school days. Students have three and a half practice periods (45 minutes) scheduled between lessons. Each year closes with an evaluation by a jury composed of members of the music department.

Rev. 01/2023

Curriculum Rationale

The uniquely single academic focus of MLS is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to succeed at Martin Luther College, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s ministerial education institution of higher learning. Each course in our curriculum is carefully chosen to prepare students for study there and for lives in the public ministry.

There are no secular subjects at MLS. Every course is taught in the light of God’s Word. Each class offers opportunities for teachers, ministers of the gospel, to apply both law and gospel to students in ways that will build up their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Though the purpose of MLS is clear, we recognize that not all students will be led by the Holy Spirit to pursue careers in our parishes or classrooms. These students can take comfort in the knowledge that expectations of MLS also exceed the standards set for admission to public colleges in the state of Michigan and many other states.

Rev 01/2023

Summary of Enrollment and Graduation Requirements

NOTE: To be enrolled at MLS, a student must satisfy the minimum requirements for each grade level as outlined on the MLS Curriculum Map. To be issued a diploma, a student must satisfy the State of Michigan Graduation requirements AND enrollment requirements for their entry grade and each grade level thereafter.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Students must be enrolled in at least one foreign language each semester they are enrolled at MLS. Students may begin taking two foreign languages

their sophomore year. Also, at least one foreign language must be taken to a terminal level (Latin Poetry or Prose, Spanish 3, or German 3).

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students must satisfy State of Michigan Graduation Requirements to be issued a diploma. Some credits from a previous school may not transfer and, consequently, the transfer student may be required to make up credits from earlier grade levels.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students follow the MLS Course Map with the following exceptions:

1) Depending upon the international student’s English proficiency, he/she may be exempted from the school’s foreign language requirements since they already speak a foreign language. This effectively lowers their enrollment requirement to 27.2 credits.

2) If deemed academically prudent, international students will be allowed to substitute ENG1009 English as a Second Language or ENG1022 English as a Second Language 2 for required English classes.

*RELIGION GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

All seniors must pass REL1005 Christian Doctrine in order to graduate from MLS. Rev 01/2023

Students must have a full schedule of at least 48 cycle days per semester.

Return to the Table of Contents

Students must have a full schedule of at least 47 cycle days per semester.

**To avoid scheduling conflicts, students who plan to take two foreign languages must take Latin 2 as one of them

Students must have a full schedule of at least 47 cycle days per semester.

*required

^elective

**To avoid scheduling conflicts, students who plan to take two foreign languages must take Latin 2 or Latin Poetry/Prose as one of them.

many as needed to have a full schedule)

Students must have a full schedule of at least 47 cycle days per semester.

**To avoid scheduling conflicts, students who plan to take two foreign languages must take Latin 2 or Latin Poetry/Prose as one of them

MLS Course Sequence

Department

TOTAL REQUIRED FOR ENROLLMENT

*required

^elective

***English as a Second Language and English as a Second Language 2 are intended for students whose second language is English and may be taken during any of their years at MLS, depending upon their placement testing.

Foreign Language Curriculum

**A second foreign language is encouraged during sophomore, junior, and senior years and Latin must be one of the two languages.

Mathematics Curriculum

Not required

Not required

Expulsion from Class

Students are to go directly to the administration office if expelled from a class. They will meet with the vice president, the president, the dean, or the academic dean. Students must apologize privately to the teacher of the class from which they were expelled and do so before the next meeting of that particular class. Failing to do so may result in further disciplinary action.

Focus on the Public Ministry

Every student at MLS is encouraged to consider a lifetime of public service in the church's ministry. Every effort is made to expose students to the work of the public ministry and to those who serve in it. Area pastors are invited to conduct morning chapel. Missionaries address the student body. Representatives from Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary talk with students individually and in groups. Career consultations are held in connection with pre-registration in spring. An MLS Admissions Counselor is especially available to counsel with the students concerning the public ministry.

Each year all MLS juniors take the MLS College Tour to visit the campuses of Martin Luther College, our synod’s college of ministry, and of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, our synod’s graduate school for pastors.

Each fall sophomores and their parents or family representatives spend an entertaining and enlightening evening at MLS Sophomore Night. The program for this evening focuses on ministry with speakers and entertainment provided by the WELS schools that train public ministers of the gospel.

Seniors are offered release time from classes to permit them to participate in a Taste of Ministry experience. Senior boys may discover what it is like to be a pastor by spending a three-day weekend with a host pastor. Activities are as varied and interesting as the hosting congregations are different. Both boys and girls may experience the teaching ministry in the classrooms of one of the WELS elementary schools in central or southern Michigan.

Students may also choose to participate in a variety of summer evangelism experiences offered through the programs of Project Titus.

At all times, MLS recognizes that the decision to prepare for the work of the public ministry is a fruit of faith worked by the Holy Spirit. MLS trusts that, as the Spirit works through the Word, programs like those mentioned above may serve to provide additional information and encouragement for students that will aid them in making God-pleasing career choices.

Rev. 01/2023

Grade Reports

Permanent grades are given only at the end of each semester. The semesters are divided into three terms for the purpose of monitoring academic progress. Live grades are available to parents via the PowerSchool Portal twenty four hours per day and seven days per week. Only semester grades become part of a student’s permanent record or transcript.

MLS uses letter grades and the standard 4-point system, as illustrated below:

Make-up Work

Quizzes and Tests

Every student at MLS must complete make-up quizzes and tests within four days of returning to school from an absence. The day of their return is counted as one of these four days. Students should coordinate the make-up of these assessments with their teachers and may choose one of the following methods:

● Email your professor or instructor to see if both of you have a mutual free period during the school day. Be sure to list several alternative periods within the four days in your email. Know that some professors or instructors won’t have any available free periods during the day due to other responsibilities.

● Arrange to take the quizzes or tests in Period Ten after school. For more information, see Period Ten elsewhere in this catalog.

Failure to complete make-up quizzes and tests within the four-day window will result in an academic detention. For more information, see Academic Detention elsewhere in this catalog.

Priority of Academic Detention, Period Ten, Counseling and Extracurriculars

Academic Detention: Other than counseling, academic detention supersedes or has priority over all other activities.

Overarching Expectations: Students will utilize Period Ten or mutual free periods during the school day whenever their professors/instructors are available to make up quizzes or tests. Therefore, it is critically important that students begin scheduling their make-up work the day that they return to school from an absence.

Exceptions:

● If students have scheduled counseling meetings with their academic advisers, Latin professor, or math professor, then they are always to go to these sessions. They are expected to make up work on one of the other three remaining days.

● If students have a scheduled extracurricular event (not practice or regular meeting) then they are expected to participate in the event. For example, if a student is an athlete and they have an away game that evening that would interfere with making up work in Period Ten, then they should attend the game and make up work on one of the other three days.

● In the rare instance that a student has no common free periods with their professors/instructors and had counseling meetings or extracurricular events that interfered with making up work during all four Period Ten sessions, then students may petition the attendance secretary who will work with the vice president to examine the student’s schedule and either approve the request

or place them in academic detention if the four allotted days have expired or the student failed to utilize available free periods.

Daily Assignments

Daily readings and assignments are due the day students return from absences unless they receive an extension from their teachers. It is a student’s responsibility to contact teachers about missed work. Many faculty members post their assignment lists online so students can know work they have missed.

Rev. 01/2023

Peer Tutoring

Peer Tutoring provides an opportunity for students to give and receive academic support. This program matches students in need of extra academic help with qualified junior and senior tutors who have been vetted by professors and the ASC coordinator. With parental approval, student financial accounts are billed by the MLS Business Office to remunerate peer tutors.

Rev. 02/2021

Period Ten

Period Ten offers students who were absent an opportunity to make up quizzes and tests in Room 21 from 3:15 to 4 p.m. each school day. When students return to class from an absence, they should make arrangements with their teachers to make up missing quizzes and tests within four school days from the date of their return (the day of their return is one of these days). Students should bring all necessary books and materials allowed for these quizzes and tests with them to Room 21. Once a student completes a quiz or test, they are free to leave.

Rev. 06/2021

Academic Detention

Students will be referred to academic detention if they fail to make up quizzes and tests within an allotted four day window from their return to school from an absence. Additionally, a student may be placed in academic detention for repeatedly failing to complete assignments on time. The attendance secretary will notify students that have been placed into academic detention. It is a student’s responsibility to make arrangements with parents for a delayed pickup from school, if applicable.

Academic detention is from 3:15 to 4 p.m. each school day in Room 21. Students will not be allowed to leave early and should bring all necessary books and materials with them to Room 21 and be prepared to work the entire forty-five minutes.

Impact on Extracurricular Participation

Students placed in academic detention forfeit their participation in extracurricular activities in all but the first occurrence in a semester. In other words, there is no impact on extracurricular participation the first time a student is placed in academic detention. All following instances of academic detention in a semester will then be served with forfeiture of extracurricular participation for the day and weekend, if academic detention is on a Friday.

Students placed in academic detention must make up missing quizzes, tests, or late assignments within the allotted forty-five minutes. Failure to do so will result in another day of academic detention and forfeiture of extracurricular participation for that second and subsequent days, if applicable. However, if a student has so many make up quizzes or tests that it is unreasonable to expect anyone to complete so many within this time, then students may petition the Attendance Secretary who will consult with the vice president for an additional day(s) of academic detention without impact on extracurriculars. This additional day(s) of grace do not extend to late or missing assignments since students would only be placed in academic detention for repeated negligence in completing assignments.

Consequences for Skipping Academic Detention

If a student skips academic detention then they will face consequences. For every day of detention missed in a semester the number of assigned detentions doubles.

Promptness

Students are expected to be seated at their desks before the bell rings. When more than a few minutes late, they are to present a readmission slip (pink) from the administration office to their teacher. Teachers then decide whether the tardy is excused or unexcused. The school nurse issues readmission slips for visits to her office during her hours. No class (including those giving tests or exams) may dismiss early. Students are expected to remain in the classroom until the bell rings signaling the end of class. Rev. 01/2023

Study Halls

Supervised study halls are scheduled for dormitory students in the late afternoon and evening. The number of study halls varies according to grade level and grade point average. Study halls may be taken in one of the

designated study areas in the dormitory or library. Students schedule their own study periods around such things as athletic practices, choir or drama rehearsals, group meetings, and social events.

It is not assumed that studying is done only in study halls. Students’ study time needs will differ. Opportunities are available both in and out of class for students to complete their work.

Rev 07/2018

Chromebook and Technology

Purpose

MLS supplies each student with a Chromebook. This device is property of MLS. The supplied Chromebooks will provide student access to required educational materials needed for classroom instruction. The Chromebook allows student access to Google Apps, educational web-based tools, as well as many other useful sites. The supplied device is an educational tool not intended for gaming, social networking, or high-end computing.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

MLS has been blessed with many computers for student, faculty, and staff use. These computers are a part of a network, which allows the sharing of many resources. Much time and money has been invested to make various technologies available to the students. A computer that is not usable because of some form of abuse hurts all students. For this reason, guidelines have been established to govern the proper use of this equipment and the programs that operate them.

The Internet gives students an opportunity to do research in support of their courses through web services throughout the world. The Internet provides many valuable resources, but can also provide challenges to our faith and ethical duties as Christians. In order to teach and guide our students in the proper use of this research tool, the following policy has been established by the MLS Governing Board and will be enforced by the faculty, staff, and administration.

Policy Statement

All computer/Internet use at MLS will be within the boundaries established by the Federal Electronics Communications Privacy Act (1986), the Child Internet Protection Act (2000), and their subsequent amendments, or boundaries established by Michigan Statutes and Administrative Codes. More importantly, our Christian stewardship of these valuable resources, out of love for Jesus our Savior, will lead to the proper use of these resources.

Students will receive a secured account on the MLS network for the purpose of learning computer applications and performing research through various tools available on the MLS network or through an Internet connection. The use of this account is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the loss of access to the system. All network activity is electronically monitored and can be viewed at any time by the network administrator.

The use of an account on the MLS computer network must be in support of the education and research objectives of MLS. Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state statute, code, or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected as a trade secret. Use of the MLS computer network for commercial activity or for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited. MLS maintains nightly backups of the entire network file system. However, MLS makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. Loss of data, accuracy, or quality of information is not the responsibility of the school. Users of the MLS network are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette and Christian behavior. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Use appropriate language. Do not curse, use vulgarities or any other abusive language.

● Do not reveal any personal information with anyone on the Internet. This includes your name, email address, phone number, home address, and even school address. Doing so may put you, your family, or your fellow schoolmates in danger.

● Do not share your password with others.

● Do not use another person's account.

● MLS encourages teachers to move towards a paperless environment which means printing is reserved for faculty and staff. If a student needs to print school related materials they should talk with their teacher, the dorm staff, or librarian.

● Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. Improper messages will be reported to the Dean of Students.

● Do not use the network in any way which will disrupt the use of the network by others, such as downloading excessively large files or sending bulk junk e-mail.

● Do not load or attempt to load any program, game, or virus onto the computer.

● Students with their own laptops connected to the MLS wireless network are expected to maintain their own virus protection.

● Do not touch, disassemble, or in any way alter the access points that are mounted in the dormitory or classroom building.

Violations of this policy will have consequences for the student. A student who fails to follow his or her responsibilities as listed in this agreement will be disciplined according to the Dean of Student’s discretion.

At any time, the option for disciplinary action to progress to a more serious consequence shall be reserved by the Administration. All discipline will be done in conjunction with the Vice-president, Dean of Students and/or the President.

Users must notify the technology director or network administrator of any security problems. Any user trying to login as an administrator or who is identified as a security risk will lose the privilege of using the network.

Vandalism will result in the loss of privileges and appropriate fines for restitution. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software, wiring, data of another user, server, or device, or the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Return

1. Receiving the Chromebook: Chromebooks and chargers will be distributed to new students during student orientation of each school year. This Chromebook Policy Handbook outlines the procedures and policies for families to protect the Chromebook investment for MLS. Students will keep their Chromebooks over the summer. All of the policies in the Chromebook Policy still apply while the device is in their possession during summer.

2. Returning the Chromebook: Students leaving MLS must either return the Chromebooks to the Administration Office or opt to purchase the equipment. The Chromebook must be returned in good working order along with its power adapter. The Chromebook will be inspected and any damage will be billed according to the costs listed in section 7 below. Any Chromebook not returned will be grounds for not releasing a transcript.

3. Taking Care of the Chromebook:

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the school. Chromebooks that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the Administration Office as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair. Do not take MLS owned Chromebooks to an outside computer service for any type of repairs or maintenance.

3a: General Precautions

● No food or drink is allowed next to your Chromebook while it is in use.

● Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted carefully into the Chromebook.

● Any markings or stickers added to the Chromebook which cannot be cleanly removed will be considered cosmetic damage and will result in a $25 repair if the Chromebook is not purchased when leaving MLS.

● Vents cannot be covered. Return to the Table of Contents

● Chromebook power adapters should be plugged into surge protectors.

3b: Carrying Chromebooks

● It is recommended that a protective case be purchased for the Chromebook.

● Chromebooks should be transported in a case at all times.

● Never transport your Chromebook with the power cord plugged in.

● Chromebook lids should always be closed when moving.

● Never lift a Chromebook using the screen.

● Always support a Chromebook from its bottom with the lid closed.

3c: Screen Care

The Chromebook screens can be easily damaged. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen.

● Do not lean or put pressure on the top of the Chromebook when it is closed.

● Do not store the Chromebook with the screen in the open position.

● Do not place anything near the Chromebook that could put pressure on the screen.

● Do not place anything in the carrying case that will press against the cover.

● Do not poke the screen with anything that will mark or scratch the screen surface.

● Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils).

● Clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth.

● Be cautious when using any cleaning solvents. Some solvents can damage the screen.

3d: Storing the Chromebook

● Never store your Chromebook in its case or backpack while it is plugged in.

● When students are not using their Chromebook, they should store them in their locker or locked dorm room.

● Nothing should be placed on top of the Chromebook when stored.

● Dorm students are encouraged to take their Chromebooks home on weekends, regardless of whether or not they are needed.

● Chromebooks should not be stored in a vehicle due to security and temperature control concerns.

3e: Chromebooks left in Unsupervised Areas

● Under no circumstances should Chromebooks be left in an unsupervised area including: school grounds and campus, the cafeteria, gymnasium, locker rooms, student commons, unlocked classrooms, and hallways.

● If an unsupervised Chromebook is found, notify a staff member immediately.

● Unsupervised Chromebooks may be confiscated by staff. Disciplinary action may be taken for leaving the Chromebook in an unsupervised location.

4. Using the Chromebook at School

In addition to individual faculty expectations for Chromebook use, school messages, announcements, calendars, and schedules may be accessed using the Chromebook. Therefore, students are responsible to bring their Chromebook to all classes unless specifically advised not to do so by their teacher.

4a: Chromebooks left at home

● If a Chromebook is left at home, the student will have the opportunity to use a rental Chromebook from the Administration Office, if one is available.

● The rental cost will be $5/day which will be billed to the student’s account.

● A student renting a Chromebook will be responsible for any damages incurred while it is in the possession of the student. The student will pay full replacement cost if it is lost or stolen.

4b: Chromebooks under repair

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● Loaner Chromebooks may be issued to students when they leave their Chromebook for repair at the Administration Office. There will be no daily rental charge for this type of loaner.

● A student using a loaner Chromebook will be responsible for any damages incurred while it is in the possession of the student. The student will pay full replacement cost if it is lost or stolen.

4c: Charging the Chromebook

● Chromebooks must be brought to school each day fully charged.

● If a student fails to charge their Chromebook, the student will have the opportunity to use a rental Chromebook from the Administration Office.

4d: Backgrounds and Password

● Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver or background.

● Pictures of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drugs, or gang related symbols are strictly prohibited.

● Take care to protect your login and password. Do not share your password.

4e: Sound

Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes.

5. Managing & Saving Digital Work With a Chromebook

Google Suite is a package of products which includes mail, calendars, word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, etc. that lets students create online documents, collaborate in real time with other people, and store documents and other files in Google Drive. With wifi, students can access their documents and files from anywhere, at any time. Prior to leaving MLS or graduating, students who want to save any work need to create a personal Google account and share their work with that account.

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6. Operating System on the Chromebook

6a: Updating the Chromebook

A Chromebook updates itself automatically when it starts up so it has the most recent version of the Chrome operating system. On occasion, students will have to restart the Chromebook rather than just close the lid.

6b:

Virus Protection

With defense-in-depth technology, the Chromebook is built with layers of protection against malware and security attacks. Files are stored on Google Drive so there is no need to worry about lost homework.

6c: Procedures for Restoring the Chromebook

If a Chromebook needs technical support for the operating system, all support will be handled by the Information Technology Office.

7. Repairing/Replacing the Chromebook

7a: Vendor Warranty:

The equipment vendor has a one year hardware warranty on the Chromebook. The vendor warrants the Chromebooks from defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty covers normal use, mechanical breakdown, or faulty construction. The vendor warranty does not warrant against damage caused by misuse, abuse, accidents, or Chromebook viruses. There is a deductible that will be charged for all needed repairs. All Chromebook problems should be reported to the Administration Office.

7b: Chromebook Repair or Replacement Costs

The devices will be insured by MLS. Students will have a deductible for each repair or replacement billed to their account.

● In the case of repairable damage or hardware failure not covered by the vendor warranty, the deductible will be $25 for each claim.

● In the case of loss, theft, irreparable damage, or hardware failure not covered by the vendor warranty, the replacement deductible will be

$100 for the first claim, $175 for the second claim, and $250 for all subsequent claims.

● Replacement of power adapters will be $25.

● MLS reserves the right to charge for the entire replacement cost if negligence (by either the owner or another party) is determined to be the cause for the damage.

● If the device is stolen, students are responsible for obtaining a police report.

8. Chromebook Technical Support

Technical Support will be available from the Information Technology Office. Services provided include the following:

● Hardware maintenance and repairs

● User account support

● Coordination and completion of warranty repairs

● Distribution of rental and loaner Chromebooks

● All repairs must be submitted to the Administration Office

9. Chromebook FAQ’s

Q. What is a Chromebook?

● “Chromebooks are mobile devices designed specifically for people who live on the web. With a comfortable, full-sized keyboard, large display and clickable trackpad, all-day battery life, lightweight and built-in ability to connect to wifi and mobile broadband networks, the Chromebook is ideal for anytime, anywhere access to the web. They provide a faster, safer, more secure online experience for people who live on the web, without all the time-consuming, often confusing, high level of maintenance required by typical computers.” (“Google”)

Q. What kind of software does a Chromebook run?

● “Chromebooks run millions of web-based applications, or web apps, that open right in the browser. You can access web apps by typing their URL into the address bar or by installing them instantly from the Chrome Web Store.” (“Google”)

Q. What devices can I connect to a Chromebook?

● Chromebooks can connect to:

○ USB storage, mice, and keyboards

○ SIM and SD cards

○ External monitors and projectors

○ Headsets, earsets, microphones

Q. Can the Chromebook be used anywhere at any time?

● Yes, as long as you have a wifi signal to access the web. Chrome offers the ability through Apps to work in an "offline" mode.

Q. Do Chromebooks come with Internet Filtering Software?

● While on campus, MLS Chromebooks will use the school’s wifi to access the internet which is filtered. While at home or off campus, the Chromebooks will not be filtered.

Q. Is there antivirus built into it?

● It is not necessary to have antivirus software on Chromebooks because there are no running programs for viruses to infect.

Q. Battery life?

● Chromebooks have a rated battery life of 10+ hours. However, we do expect that students will charge them each evening to ensure maximum performance during the school day.

Q. Do I need to buy a Chromebook for my student?

● All students will be given a Chromebook at the beginning of the school year. These Chromebooks will be owned by MLS and provided to the students for use during the school year.

Q. Will students be able to keep the Chromebook when they leave MLS?

● Yes*, there will be a buyout cost based on the amount of time that MLS has owned the Chromebook being purchased:

After 1 year - $150

After 2 years - $100

After 3 years - $50

After 4 years - $0

*MLS reserves the right to change this at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.

Q. Do I need to buy a case?

● Purchasing a protective Chromebook case is highly recommended. If a student wishes to buy a case, it should be one that fits a 12 inch Chromebook and has a pocket for the charger.

Q. Do I need to buy anything for use with the Chromebook?

● Chromebook power adapters should be plugged into a surge protector. Students will have to provide their own surge protectors in their dorm rooms and at home.

● If a student wishes to use a mouse instead of the Chromebook trackpad, they will have to provide their own USB wired or wireless mouse. The students will also have to provide their own earbuds to use with the Chromebook when listening to audio.

Q. Can I use my own laptop?

● A student may bring their own laptop to school, but only the Chromebook will be allowed for use in class. The Chromebook will be preconfigured to connect to the MLS wifi and be downloaded with the apps preselected by the faculty.

Q. Can I take the Chromebook home?

● They may take it home on weekends and breaks. However, if a student repeatedly loses or damages their Chromebook while at home, they may lose the privilege of taking the Chromebook off-campus for weekends or breaks. At the end of the school year, students may take home their chromebook for use during the summer. They need to bring it back in working order or it will need to be repaired upon their return.

Q. What happens if I break my Chromebook?

● Students will have a deductible for each repair or replacement billed to their account.

○ In the case of repairable damage or hardware failure not covered by the vendor warranty, the deductible will be $25 for each claim.

○ In the case of loss, theft, irreparable damage, or hardware failure not covered by the vendor warranty, the replacement deductible will be $100 for the first claim, $175 for the second claim, and $250 for all subsequent claims.

○ Replacement of power adapters will be $25.

○ MLS reserves the right to charge for the entire replacement cost if negligence is determined to be the cause for the damage.

○ If the device is stolen, students are responsible for obtaining a police report.

10. Internet Usage

10a: While at MLS

● MLS offers Wi-Fi throughout the campus.

● The network is available to students according to posted schedules.

● All internet activity is monitored by the network administrator.

● Students are to follow the guidelines in the Acceptable Use Policy.

10b: While not connected to the MLS network

● Parents are responsible for monitoring internet activity and device usage while the device is not connected to our network.

● A useful resource for proper internet usage is: http://www.connectsafely.org

11. Personal Electronic Devices

● Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to, the following: cell phones, smart phones, tablets, e-readers, laptops, netbooks, and MP3 players.

● Personal electronic devices may be used outside of classrooms.

● Each teacher or supervisor has the option to allow or not allow personal electronic devices in their classroom or area of responsibility. If the teacher or supervisor chooses not to allow these devices, students are to follow the directions that are given. Rev 02/2021

Textbooks

MLS provides textbooks for classes through its book rental program, thus sparing students the expense of purchasing books and the inconvenience of trying to resell them. The fee for this rental service is part of the tuition cost unless courses are taken through AGVA (Amazing Grace Virtual Academy). Students taking online courses must purchase their own textbooks at their expense. Texts are issued during the opening days of each school year or the beginning of the second semester. Students are expected to care for the books they are using. The cost of repairing or replacing damaged or lost books is charged to the student. Piano and organ music books are purchased by students as needed.

Some classes may be taught with e-texts. These electronic textbooks are also covered in the cost of tuition unless the course is online through AGVA. Students will need to follow the directions of their professors in regard to proper use of these e-texts both in and outside of the classroom. Directions on how to download and use these e-texts will be provided in the classes where this is applicable.

Religion classes will use the Bible as their textbook. Students may use any reliable version of the Bible that is available either through hard copy or online. However, all memorization will be done using the NIV 2011 text so that there is uniformity in what is memorized. Students will be provided the memory work in this version to use for their class memorization by their religion professors.

Rev 01/2023

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences are recorded for feigned illness, expulsion from class, being absent without an acceptable excuse, persistent skipping of required consultations, or for persistent tardiness. Three unexcused tardies equal one

unexcused absence. Students who are not practicing piano or organ as scheduled—including unauthorized use of cell phones, iPods, or other electronic devices--receive unexcused absences and may also be given additional practice during Academic Detention. Unexcused absences are reported to parents and may result in discipline. Students who are tardy or absent without an acceptable excuse may be required to attend Academic Detention. For more information see Academic Detention elsewhere in this Catalog.

Rev 08/2021

Extracurricular Appeals

Students who have been placed on ineligible or limited eligibility for extracurriculars should work to raise their grades and can petition to change their eligibility status provided that each of the following conditions are met:

1. Number of Appeals per Term: a student may appeal only once per term.

2. Timing of Appeal: A student may not appeal any sooner than the completion of two 6-Day cycles following the end of a term in which they became limited eligible or ineligible.

3. Written Petition: a student must write a letter arguing their case for eligibility. No letter is required if students wait to become eligible at the start of the next term following their term of limited or ineligibility.

4. Counseling: a student must attend all Academic Success Center counseling sessions as scheduled unless he/she is excused by the ASC Coordinator.

5. Academic Conference: a student must meet regularly with the professors/instructors of the classes in which they have below a 77% average. The timing and frequency of these meetings are at the discretion of the professor/instructor; however, it is the student's responsibility to initiate these meetings.

6. G.P.A.: a student must raise and maintain his/her rolling semester

G.P.A. to 1.7 (limited eligibility) or 1.9 (full eligibility).

Once a student has raised their overall grade percentage for all classes, then he/she will write an appeals letter making their case for eligibility. These letters are to be e-mailed to their academic adviser. The academic adviser will then contact professors/instructors, members of the Academic Committee, and the Academic Success Center Coordinator to let them know that an appeal has been filed. The chairman of the Academic Committee will then schedule an Appeals Hearing within 5 days of receipt of this letter. A decision will be given approving or denying the appeals request. The granting of an appeal is at the sole discretion of the Academic Committee.

Co-curricular Activities Athletic Competition

MLS carries on an active program of both intramural and interscholastic sports. Intramural teams are made up of students from within the MLS student body and compete against each other purely for enjoyment. Intramural competition occurs in sports of interest to the student body.

For interscholastic competition MLS is a member of the Tri-Valley Conference of eighteen schools. Seminary competes in the TVC-10 Division. Through membership in the Michigan High School Athletic Association, MLS competes against schools across the state in post-season tournament play.

Programs are offered for boys and girls in the following sports:

FALL

Boys Football, Cross Country

Girls Volleyball, Cross Country, Pom Pon*

WINTER

Boys Basketball, Wrestling, Hockey**

Girls Basketball, Pom Pon

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SPRING

Boys Baseball, Track

Girls Softball, Track

Broad-based Learning

At MLS, learning occurs in and out of the classroom. As students consider a life of service in the public ministry, they value the chance to let the light of God’s Word help them to see more clearly the world in which they live and the people who inhabit it. Co-Curricular activities at MLS support the same aims as classroom instruction, but allow lessons to take shape in non-traditional settings. Rev

Extracurricular Code

Students who participate in extracurriculars are ambassadors of Michigan Lutheran Seminary in a special way. By virtue of participation they are publicly identified with the school and everything for which it stands. The coaches, advisors, directors, and the administration of MLS give careful thought to that public identity as they make decisions guiding the conduct of all participants.

ACADEMICS Extracurricular participants are to achieve and maintain good academic standing as established by the school. Those with limited eligibility may practice but may not represent the school. In cases where "represent the school" is not clearly defined, the chairman of the Extracurricular Committee will decide how to apply limited eligibility status.

Those ineligible must drop practice as well. Any change in eligibility takes place after the Academic Committee completes its grade review after the first, second, fourth and fifth terms, or when a new semester begins.

Exceptions to eligibility may take place before the Academic Committee meets through the Extracurricular appeals process. Academic considerations take precedence over extracurricular considerations.

ATTENDANCE

Extracurricular participants attend all practices, meetings, and performances unless excused in advance by the person in charge of the activity, or unless detained for academic reasons, such as Period Ten.

CONDUCT

In general, the rules of the school that apply to all students enrolled at MLS are the rules that govern the conduct of students involved in extracurriculars. In addition, the following rules of conduct apply to participants in extracurriculars:

1) The status of students for practicing and performing in extracurriculars while they are under school discipline shall be determined by the Dean of Students in consultation with the adult in charge of that activity and the Extracurricular Chairman. It is possible for such discipline to carry over into the following school year.

2) The use of nicotine in any form, alcoholic beverages of any kind, non-prescribed controlled drugs including cannabis products of any kind, and illegal performance enhancing substances, will result in some degree of forfeiture of participation in an extracurricular activity. For example, in athletics, violation of these training rules will result in forfeiture of all participation for the remainder of that team's current season and for a minimum of one month's time. Two violations in one school year will result in forfeiture of participation for all athletics that year.

3) Other rules of conduct may include items such as curfew, dress, personal appearance, and the like.

NOTIFICATION

The extracurricular code will be distributed to all students and parents at registration time each school year. The adult in charge of each activity, under the guidance of the school's Extracurricular Committee, will share all rules of conduct with all participants at the beginning of each activity.

Performance Opportunities

Music

The voices of the MLS Concert Choir practice four times each week and sing in WELS congregations around Michigan as often as twice a month. Juniors and seniors audition for membership. In even-numbered years during spring break, a three to five day tour takes place. In odd-numbered years, the choir makes an extended tour outside Michigan.

The Shadows is a smaller group of student singers who are selected from the ranks of the Concert Choir to rehearse and perform at grade schools and other public relations functions to promote the purpose of MLS. They also represent MLS at the WELS Choral Fest in November.

The Bay Street Band practices three times weekly. There is a band concert each fall and spring, along with performances at the Christmas and Commencement concerts. The Pep Band, drawn from the band membership, plays at athletic events.

As time and talent permit, MLS also assembles small musical groups to perform at various school functions.

Drama

The MLS Court Street Players (CSP) present an annual major stage production in the fall, alternating musicals with non-musical plays. In the spring a Children’s Theater production is presented to entertain the youth of our congregations and schools.

An annual Talent Show offers all students a chance to perform before an appreciative audience.

Rev 02/2023

Project Titus

In Scripture, Titus was a student of the apostle Paul and accompanied him on several of his missionary journeys. Today Titus lends his name to a program that allows current MLS students to have similar mission experiences.

Since 1981, MLS students have traveled during the summer months to cities and countries both in the U.S. and abroad. These trips allow them to be exposed to cross-cultural outreach, to gain experience in the work of a mission, and to be encouraged to continue their training for the public Gospel ministry. In keeping with its purpose of ministry training, MLS, along with the WELS, covers the majority of a trip’s cost. Students pay a $250 fee which is applied to an account after the committee finalizes trip participants.

Beginning in 2014, our students also have new opportunities to serve their Lord right in the Saginaw area. This is due to a new program called Project Titus - Saginaw. Opportunities such as helping at nursing homes, serving at the local pregnancy counseling center, helping with a local congregation’s outreach might all be possible opportunities for students who want to let their light shine in Christian action.

Publications

A staff of students publishes The Red & White, our monthly publication of MLS news. Each month, articles are written by MLS students and shared with elementary students across the country and are shared with MLS students via the Cardinal App, an internet portal for members of the MLS family. Students also create and record a video news update each month, which is posted to the MLS YouTube page. Each year, student editors and staff also assemble the Cardinal, the MLS yearbook. Each student enrolled at MLS receives a copy of the yearbook, and the cost is included in their tuition.

Rev. 01/2023

Student Leadership

To encourage involvement and foster leadership skills, members of each class will be elected to the Student Council by their peers.

The chief work of the Student Council is to plan and carry out the various school-wide activities that occur throughout the year. These activities include MLS Homecoming, the Christmas Party, the Winter Carnival, and the MLS Talent Show, as well as blood drives. Rev. 09/2020

STUDENT LIFE Announcements

Announcements that are intended for students can be found on the Cardinal App home page for students and faculty to read. An email will also be distributed each day at 9:40 a.m. with all the daily announcements. Students are expected to read posted announcements on a daily basis. On special occasions, announcements will be made after chapel by a faculty member.

Faculty and group advisers can submit announcements either for campus wide notification or for individuals via the Cardinal App announcements form. Students who wish to make announcements should consult with the faculty adviser for their group. The faculty member will then submit the announcement via the Cardinal App.

Students and parents/guardians will be given the opportunity at the beginning of each school year to receive Short Message System (SMS) text messages from MLS Administration on their mobile device. These SMS messages will be used for timely announcements such as weather delays or safety drill notifications. Rev

Boy/Girl Relations

Displays of affection between boys and girls should be decent and God pleasing. Care should be taken to avoid offense to bystanders and passersby. Students who behave in poor taste will be disciplined. Counseling will be given to those who have caused offense.

Rev. 06/2022

Campus Life

In all areas of life at MLS, God's Word rules supreme. Rules and regulations are set up for the orderly operation of the school. When enrolled, students consent to place themselves under the policies of the school, whether they are on or off campus.

The Dean of Students is the campus pastor of the student body. He is assisted in his duties by the tutors (dormitory supervisors) and the Dean of Girls, and is supported by the President and faculty. The Dean endeavors to work in harmony with parents and with a student's home pastor. The Dean guides student life through encouragement and correction, law and gospel.

Rev 08/2019

Care of School Property

The repair or replacement cost of any damaged items provided by the school will be charged to any student whose use of the campus or its furnishings is reckless or whose conduct causes avoidable damage. When the responsibility for damage cannot be pinpointed, the cost of repair or replacement is distributed to all roommates, to all living on a particular floor, to all using a specific area, or even to the student body at large. Students are always given an opportunity to accept responsibility for accidental damage and step forward to make restitution.

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For reasons of campus security, students are not to prop open exterior doors and are forbidden the use of master keys. A student possessing an unauthorized master key may face automatic expulsion.

Rev 10/2020

Controlled Substances

Use of alcohol, cannabis products of any kind, or any type of regulated drug without a proper prescription is strictly forbidden. The consumption of such substances is considered a breach of the confidence established when a student enrolls. Offenders may be suspended and expelled.

Parents are expected to provide firm supervision of social gatherings that they or their children host for other MLS students. A student who hosts a party at which controlled substances are served may forfeit enrollment. Possession or use of tobacco or nicotine in any form is not permitted and will result in discipline.

Rev 06/2021

Dining Hall

The MLS Dining Hall provides meals for dormitory students, seven days a week. As a staff, the Food Service Department aims to provide diners with tasty, nutritious meals that enable them to reach their full potential in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in support of God’s ministry. The Dining Hall is designed as an all-you-care-to-eat experience with multiple entrées, seasonal fruits and vegetables, a 20+ item salad bar, scratch-made soups, as well as freshly-baked desserts.

With students from all over the globe, we continuously strive to prepare foods from various ethnicities to give these students a little taste of home, while also offering domestic students the chance to try some international flavor. We actively encourage students to try food items that they may not have seen or tasted before, in the hopes that they may find a new favorite.

Suggestions or recipes from home are always appreciated and have shown to help alleviate homesickness.

The past decade has seen a dramatic rise in food allergies and sensitivities among Americans. Please bring any medically-based food concerns to the attention of our Food Service Director, Rob DeVore, at rjd@mlsem.org. We will work with parents and our medical staff to provide meal alternatives when necessary, such as nut-free desserts, lactose-free milk, or gluten-free pastas and breads.

In addition to providing meals for the dormitory students, the MLS Dining Hall offers the option to purchase meals to commuting students, faculty, and staff members.

If you have any questions about the MLS Dining Hall or meal accounts, please contact our Food Service Director, Rob DeVore, at rjd@mlsem.org.

Rev. 02/2021

Dormitory Living

Each dormitory resident is supplied with a bed, a chest of drawers, a study desk and chair. Dormitory students most often will have their study halls in the library. However, scheduled study periods may be conducted in other rooms.

Each student is expected to provide a mattress pad, bed linens, towels, pillow, and blankets. If fitted sheets are preferred, all dormitory mattresses are twin extra long. Dorm students may have electronics (computers, game systems, televisions, etc.) in their rooms. However, freshmen may not have televisions in their rooms until the second semester. No additional furniture may be added to the room without the Dean of Students’ permission. Fire codes prohibit the use of microwaves, hot pots, and irons in dorm rooms. Microwaves are available for student use in the IDO and in the Commons. No

tape of any kind is to be used on the walls. The IDO will provide adhesives to dorm students free of charge.

Beds must be made daily and rooms kept in good order. Each residence hall has no-charge laundry equipment for use by students. Storage space is available for bicycles.

Dress Code

MLS students are expected to dress neatly and modestly for class and school activities. As students consider what to wear each day, they should give thought to how it will enable them to be good students, whether it is appropriate for the classroom setting, how this choice reflects their faith, how this choice can instill pride in the student body, and whether it is modest, neat, and in keeping with the important business of the day.

With the goal of encouraging students to exercise responsible Christian judgment, MLS has adopted some general guidelines about student dress:

● Clothing should be of a higher standard than what is used for lounging. Clothing should be clean and in good condition.

● Clothing that contains advertising or slogans referring to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, or with questionable innuendoes is not permitted at any time and may be confiscated.

● Dress or casual shorts of sufficient length may be worn in August, September, and May.

● Items primarily meant for sleepwear or athletic/recreational purposes are not allowed in class (ie. slippers, lounging pants, sweatpants, joggers, athletic shorts, etc.).

● No baggy, sagging, or low-hanging pants are allowed at any time.

● Pants with rips above the knees are not allowed for class attire.

● Undergarments should never be visible.

● Headgear, including baseball caps, hats, nets, bandanas, hoods, etc., is not to be worn during the school day.

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● No clothing that exposes the midriff or chest areas should be worn. Spaghetti strap dresses and tops should be worn with a wide-strap tank top underneath or covered with a sweater. Halter tops and strapless dresses are not acceptable attire for class.

● Skirts and dresses should be of a modest length and in good taste.

● Tight-fitting leggings, spandex, tights, yoga pants, or similar articles of clothing are not to be worn to class without a skirt or dress covering it.

If a dean, a tutor, a professor, or an instructor asks a student to change clothes, the student will need to do so immediately and may be marked tardy if he/she is late for class.

These guidelines have been adopted not to restrict students or to deprive them of freedom of expression. Instead, they are an attempt to remind students that they represent their Savior at all times, take their vocation as a student seriously, and want to make the best possible impression in the way they act and appear.

Rev 01/2023

Drills and Security

Periodic fire, tornado and security safety drills will be conducted. Please follow posted guidelines. Do not compromise the security of the school by propping open locked exterior doors.

Rev. 01/2023

Employment

The MLS Board discourages employment that erodes scholastic achievement or that lessens participation in the MLS extracurricular program. However, at the discretion of his/her parents and advisor some students are afforded opportunities as long as the student remains faithful and diligent in his/her academics. State of Michigan work permits are available in the administration office and need to be completed prior to beginning work.

Rev 06/2021

Free Time

Hallways are not for holding meetings or socializing. Students may use the locker hallways quietly to get or return books while classes are in session or students are practicing piano. Shouting and disorderly conduct inside the building is not permitted. Running indoors, except for the gymnasium, is forbidden because it is dangerous. Music is to be played at moderate volume on campus--especially in the Commons and dormitory. Commuting students are not to be in the upper three floors of the dormitory during the academic day except with the permission of the dorm staff.

Rev 07/2018

Guests

Guests include anyone who is not a current member of the MLS student body or its faculty and staff. Guests and alumni who wish to visit any part of the building at times other than public events must sign in at the school office during the day or the interdorm office at night. Approved guests will be given a badge to identify them as visitors or alumni so that current students and faculty will recognize them as having registered in either the Interdorm Office or the Administration Office. Guests are expected to leave the campus within an hour following a public event, after which permission for a longer stay is necessary. There is a fee for guests or commuting students to stay in the dormitory.

Rev. 01/2023

Health Services

A school nurse is on duty during morning hours each school day. She keeps each student's health history record. An athletic trainer is present at many interscholastic athletic events and morsest practices, and is available on a regular basis to assist any student, including non-athletes. The cost of visiting a physician or the hospital is billed directly to parents.

MLS Directory

Requests for directory information for individual faculty, staff and students may be sent to info@mlsem.org. Please allow the MLS staff 5 business days to process the request. Names of students, home addresses, and phone numbers are considered directory information. Families are able to indicate to MLS through the enrollment process if they wish to have any such information excluded from the campus directory. Please treat this information with great care.

Motor Vehicles

Car use assumes good habits and responsibility. All students are expected to follow school policies regarding the use of cars and other vehicles because car use is a privilege rather than a right. Dormitory students must have permission from the dorm staff to use their cars and to ride in the cars of others in accordance with the wishes of each student’s parents. Parents inform the dorm staff of their wishes during the enrollment process.

Both commuting and dormitory students who want to drive and park vehicles while at MLS must obtain an operating permit from the school. Cars brought to school are to be parked in the school parking lot in the assigned space. Drivers of cars parked in front of the gate face a fine. Students should never park in the dormitory staff parking area by the dumpster. Please drive slowly in the parking lot and on Hardin Street. Drinking and driving results in automatic termination of enrollment whether a student lives in the dorm or commutes. Rev

Taking Care

Since we are caretakers of the campus our synod has given us to use, please help to keep all areas neat and clean. Pick up after yourself and others, and use the trash containers. Food, beverages (except for water), and gum are not to be consumed in classrooms or piano rooms. Sports equipment is for outdoors only. Do not pass through the door leading from the bulletin board hallway to the music hallway when the light above the door is lit. For the security of all, do not prop the doors open. Walking on the roofs of the school is strictly forbidden. The City of Saginaw may charge a fee for false alarms that bring fire department vehicles to our campus. The full replacement cost of any vandalized item, the cost of repair for damage above normal wear, or the charges for a false fire alarm will be charged to those responsible. Please keep your personal items secure so that others are not tempted. Do not take anything that isn’t yours.

The Seminary Family

The expression Seminary Family is often heard on campus. It is used by students and faculty to describe the close and friendly bond that exists at MLS. Our common Christian faith ties people together in love and concern for one another. Students worship, study, practice, compete, and eat meals together. Friendships can grow so strong that classmates consider each other brothers and sisters for life.

Each year students review the “Seminary Family Code,” a document that emphasizes the positive relationships that exist between members of a Christian family.

Students are to observe the scriptural principles reflected in the MLS Family Code. New students are encouraged to look to responsible students in the upper classes for help and guidance and to respect their efforts to promote the policies and procedures of the school. Ordering students to run errands, clean, make beds, carry books or trays, give up food, money or other personal items, or do other tasks for the personal benefit of upperclass students breaks the Seminary Family Code.

MLS Family Code

As a student at MLS and child of God, I am committed to…

● Standing up for what is God-pleasing, and not let the school suffer because of peer pressure

● Holding a higher standard for myself than others, (i.e. not be a hypocrite)

● Treating others with dignity and not embarrass or humiliate others

● Earning respect, not demand it

● Showing respect, not creating disorder by undermining authority

● Dealing privately before publicly, neither run to authorities nor gossip as a first step

● Remembering that I, too, am a sinner loved by my Lord, not conforming to the ways of the world but seeking to apply guidance from God’s Word

As a student at MLS, I have a right to expect…

● Respect for my person, my possessions, and my feelings

● Discipline when I am wrong that is fair and for my good, and that is done in Christian love

● Full use of my time and opportunities for worship, study, meals, recreation, and sleep

● Nothing for myself that is not right for others

As an upperclassman at MLS I have a special responsibility to…

● Set a positive example as a leader on campus and not lead others astray

● Use authority only when other responsible people will support me and not go off on my own

● Discipline in Christian love and not intimidate or use physical force

● Be able to explain and defend my actions to anyone and not act before I think

Things Forbidden

The use of nicotine in any form, alcoholic beverages of any kind, non-prescribed controlled drugs including cannabis products of any kind, and illegal performance enhancing substances is forbidden. Violators face discipline up to expulsion and lose eligibility according to the provisions of the MLS Extracurricular Code. A student may not possess weapons on campus. Any knives, bows, or guns brought onto campus for hunting must be checked in immediately with a member of the dorm staff. The following offenses may result in immediate expulsion from school: driving under the influence, hosting a gathering of students at which the host permits controlled substances to be consumed, having an unauthorized school key, and being in the wrong dormitory without an acceptable reason.

Rev. 10/2020

Worship

Regular contact with God’s Word and the shared blessings of joint worship are central to life at MLS. Students are expected to be regular in their church attendance when at home and to attend services at a Saginaw area WELS or ELS congregation when at school on the weekends. All students are expected in morning chapel. All students on campus at the time are expected at evening chapel.

Morning Chapel

Because of the importance of this activity, please maintain a worshipful atmosphere at all times. Leave classroom materials at the door of your next class, not at the chapel doors. Enter the chapel immediately through the closest door and sit in your assigned seat. Remain quiet and prepare for

worship. Keep feet off the chapel chairs. Leave the chairs in formation. Exit chapel by your class door when directed by the student usher. Never schedule a meeting immediately after morning chapel.

Administration

Faculty and Instructors

Administration

President Mark T. Luetzow

Vice President Matthew J. Prost

Dean of Students David E. Koehler

Dean of Girls Melissa J. LaBair

Admissions Director (Domestic) Ross S. Chartrand

Admissions (International) Andrew T. Naumann

Athletic Director Karl M. Schmugge

Assistant Athletic Director Eric A. Scheuerlein

Music Director Joshua J. Wendt

Registrar Matthew J. Prost

Business Manager Chris M. Eubank

Permanent Faculty

Ash, Allen, B.A. (2018) Science, Mathematics

Boeder, Carl, B.A., B.S. (2022) Music

Chartrand, Ross, B.A., M.Div (2017) Admissions

Koehler, David, B.A., M.Div. (2010) Religion

LaBair, Melissa, B.S. (2012) English, Phy Ed

LaBair, Seth, B.S. (2013) Mathematics, Social Studies

Luetzow, Mark, B.A., M.Div. STM EDU (2018) President

Naumann, Andrew, B.A., M.Div., M.Ed. (2010) Latin

Prost, Brooke, B.S. (2023) English

Prost, Matthew, B.S., M. Ed. (2022) English

Scheuerlein, Eric, B.S., M.Ed. (2017) Mathematics

Schmiege, Dr. Andrew Spanish

Schmitzer, Jordan, B.S. (2018) Phy Ed, Science

Schmugge, Karl, B.A., M.Div (1999) Religion

Thiesfeldt, Steven (2022) Administration

Wendt, Joshua, B.S., M.Ed. (2021) Music

Westendorf, Daniel J. B.A., M.Div. (2022) German, Religion

Instructors

Arnold, Elisabeth, B.S. (2021) Social Studies, Art

Beyersdorf, Abby (2021) Piano

Boeder, Jennifer B.S. (2022) Piano

Luetzow, Bethel, B.S. (2018) Piano

Dormitory Supervisors

Buth, Megan, B.S. (2022) Mathematics

Holien, Aiden, B.S. (2022) Social Studies

Rothfuss, Emily, B.S. (2023) Physical Education

Governing Board

Rev. Greg Gibbons, Livonia, MI, Chairman (2025)

Rev. Adam Bode, Cleveland, WI - Northern Wisconsin District (2024)

Rev. Craig Engel, Wilmar, MN - Minnesota District (2024)

Mr. Mark Eubank, Saginaw, MI - Michigan District (2024)

Teacher Joshua Glowicki, Commerce City, CO - Nebraska District (2024)

Mr. Kevin Keller, Southeastern Wisconsin District (2026)

Teacher Steve Melso - Western Wisconsin District (2026)

Rev. Andrew Schroeder, Wildomar, CA - Arizona/California District (2024)

Advisory Members

Rev. Mark Schroeder, Milwaukee, WI

President of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Rev. Snowden Sims, Columbus, OH

President of the Michigan District

Rev. Paul Prange, Milwaukee, WI

Administrator for the WELS Board for Ministerial Education

Rev. Mark T. Luetzow, Saginaw, MI

President of Michigan Lutheran Seminary

The MLS Governing Board meets annually in the first and second semesters. Additional meetings and phone conferences are scheduled as needed. Board members may be contacted through the MLS Administration Office.

Professors Emeriti

Westphal, Steven C. (1992-2009)

Schroer, Robert M. (1973-2013)

Zeiger, Dr. William E. (1976-2014)

Vasold, Terrance R. (1981-2015)

Wooster, James K. (1996-2017)

Kohler, Joanne R. (1995-2018)

Weihrauch, Carl J. (2001-2018)

Proeber, Leonard A. (1997-2021)

Bode, Marcus R. (1981-2022) Rev.