Index Admission Application Personal Interviews Mid-year Admissions Regular Students Registered Auditors Special Students Unclassified Students Visiting Fellows International Students Entrance Examination Probationary Admission Changes of Classification Registration and Class Work Auditing Time Limits Discipline Residence Health Insurance Chapel and Choir Community Service Other Regulations Grading Satisfactory Academic Progress Faculty Evaluation Readmission after Dismissal Withdrawal and Readmission After Withdrawal Graduation Confidentiality Transcripts St Vladimir's Graduate Study Fellowship

Admission

The seminary will consider applications for admission to its programs from all qualified Orthodox students who wish to prepare themselves for priestly ministry in the Orthodox Church, missionary work, teaching or other forms of church service. Qualified non-Orthodox students may also be admitted and receive academic degrees and credit for their work.

In its admissions policy, as in the administration of its educational programs, scholarship and loan programs, student activities and all other programs, St Vladimir's Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, or national or ethnic origin. This policy complies with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Procedure 321-1, Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments as amended and enforced by the Department of Education.

Application

Application materials are furnished by the seminary upon request. In addition to the completed application form, the following materials must be submitted:

• a short essay in the applicant's own handwriting giving a brief autobiographical sketch and reasons for wishing to enter the seminary.
• a recent photograph (full face, 2 1/4" x 2 1/4").
• a copy of the record of the applicant's baptism or chrismation.
• official transcripts sent directly to St Vladimir's by all colleges, universities, and/or seminaries attended. If a final college transcript, showing receipt of the bachelor's degree, is not available when a student applies for admission to the MDiv or MA program, it must be supplied to the Office of Academic Affairs prior to registration. Analogous provisions apply to graduate transcripts of applicants to the MTh program. Applicants for the status of Registered Auditor must also submit transcripts of secondary studies showing receipt of a high school diploma.
• four letters of reference from persons who can write thoughtfully and specifically about the applicant's personal, academic, and vocational qualifications, to be sent directly to the seminary. Normally one of the references should be from the applicant's parish pastor and a second reference from his or her diocesan bishop, depending on jurisdictional requirements.
• a non-refundable application fee of $50.00, which may be credited toward an entering student's first semester registration fee.

Upon notification of acceptance, the following must be supplied:

• the completed health examination form.
• proof of protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. (Persons born prior to January 1, 1957 are exempt from this requirement.)

Most applicants are admitted to begin studies only in the fall semester (see "Mid-Year Admissions"). Their applications should be submitted during the preceding spring semester, by May 1. Applicants who have not submitted all the necessary materials by that point will not be eligible for consideration for financial aid from the seminary (see "Financial Information--Financial Aid). The Committee on Admissions cannot guarantee action on any application for fall admission received after August 1.

The personal and academic information supplied by applicants forms an essential part of the admissions process. Failure to make written disclosure of information solicited on the application form or misrepresentation of the information supplied constitutes a prima facie basis for denial of admission. Where omission or misrepresentations come to light after admission and are reasonably believed to cast doubt upon the student's suitability for seminary study, he or she is subject to dismissal.

Personal Interviews

In addition to the materials indicated above, the seminary requests a personal interview of all applicants with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, or another representative of the seminary if at all possible.

Applicants usually find it most convenient to arrange to be interviewed in connection with a visit to the seminary. The seminary regularly hosts open houses, which provide the opportunity for prospective students to spend several days on campus, attend classes, receive information, and be interviewed. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend an open house, though visits can also be arranged at other times. Arrangements for the visit and interview should be made with the Student Affairs Administrator.

For applicants who are unable to schedule a visit to the seminary, interviews often can be arranged with members of the seminary faculty, who travel widely on speaking engagements, or with specially designated seminary representatives. In the case of international applicants, interviews with representatives of the seminary also can usually be arranged. Prospective students should contact the Student Affairs Administrator early in the course of completing their application so that mutually convenient arrangements can be made.

Mid-year Admissions

Many courses at the MDiv/MA level at the seminary form part of a two-semester sequence that begins in the fall semester. In addition, only in the fall semester is there an orientation period for new students. For these reasons, only special and unclassified students, as well as MTh candidates, are normally permitted to begin studies in the spring semester. MDiv and MA candidates and registered auditors are normally permitted to begin studies only in the fall semester. Exceptions usually are limited to students with particularly strong backgrounds or who have previously been enrolled in another program at the seminary.

Regular Students

The term "regular student" is used for persons enrolled in a seminary degree program. The normal course load for a full-time regular student depends upon the program in which he or she is enrolled. For example, a student making normal progress toward completion of MDiv requirements takes an average of 16 credits or the equivalent per semester. Specific information on other programs may be found below under "Programs of Study."

A student may take a reduced course load (i.e., one which would not permit him or her to make normal progress toward completion of degree requirements) only with the permission of the Faculty Council, when special circumstances such as illness or employment so warrant. The maximum load a student may take without receiving special permission from the Faculty Council is 20 credits. Requests for exceptional course loads are directed to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who in turn submits them to the Faculty Council.

Registered Auditors

While the bachelor's degree or its equivalent is a prerequisite for admission to the seminary's MDiv and MA programs (see "Programs of Study"), a limited number of students who lack this in formal academic qualifications but who, through aptitude, maturity, experience and/or special training, demonstrate the capacity to work successfully at the seminary level, may be admitted to study in these programs as "registered auditors." They pursue the same course of studies as degree candidates; and they are evaluated and graded according to the same standards as degree candidates. On completion of their studies, however, they do not receive the degree.

A registered auditor who has completed all program requirements and who subsequently earns a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution may, after review and recommendation by the Faculty Council, be awarded the appropriate seminary degree.

Special Students

The seminary admits a limited number of qualified applicants -- usually persons already holding the MDiv or a similar advanced degree -- who desire to pursue full-time seminary study but who do not wish to enroll as candidates for a degree at St Vladimir's. These "special students" usually are admitted for a specific period of study -- usually one or two years -- and pursue a program of courses carefully formulated in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. In other respects, they are subject to the same regulations as regular students.

Prospective special students follow the same application procedure as prospective regular students, save that those contemplating ordained ministry in the Orthodox Church must have the explicit approval and recommendation of the appropriate ecclesiastical authorities.

Special students are responsible for their own expenses and are not normally eligible for financial aid from the seminary.

Unclassified Students

Qualified students from other recognized seminaries and graduate schools may be permitted to take one or more courses at St Vladimir's, whether for credit or audit, as "unclassified students." Grades for these courses are then transmitted to the school in which the student is primarily enrolled. Unless cross-registration arrangements exist with that school or special billing arrangements have been made, the student is expected to pay tuition fees directly to St Vladimir's at the time of registration. These fees are the same as for regular seminary students (see "Financial Information").

Unclassified students follow a simplified application and registration procedure. Requested are a completed application form indicating basic personal information (address, educational background, current degree program and the like) and a letter from an appropriate official of the institution in which the student is primarily enrolled attesting that he or she is currently in good standing and qualified to take the course(s) in question. No application fee is charged.

Also regarded as unclassified are persons taking courses, whether for credit or audit, in the seminary's Extension Program (see "Programs of Study"). Normally these persons register immediately before or after the first class meeting.

Unclassified students subsequently seeking admission into a seminary degree program or special student status must complete the regular application procedure described above.

Visiting Fellows

The seminary offers its facilities to a limited number of mature scholars who wish to engage in research. Such persons are listed as Visiting Fellows and are granted the use of the library. They may also attend classes, provided they have the permission of the instructors involved. Dormitory rooms and meals in the seminary refectory usually are available, at the rates currently in effect (see "Financial Information -- Fees") or appropriately prorated, depending upon the length of the visit. Prospective applicants should correspond with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

International Students

In addition to the materials required of all applicants, applicants from countries other than the United States and Canada must also submit a statement from the appropriate agency of their national church endorsing their educational plans and indicating when possible the service to the church which they are expected to render after the period of study at St Vladimir's.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to give evidence of proficiency in the English language before their application can be considered. The usual basis for evaluation is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of the Educational Testing Service, Box 955, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Substitution of an alternative instrument must be approved by the seminary. The fee for any such test must be borne by the applicant. After the student has undertaken a seminary program, he or she may be required to withdraw from it or to undertake remedial study if, in the judgment of the Faculty Council, he or she is found to be inadequately prepared in the English language.

Enrollment of foreign students not holding immigrant status is regulated by federal law. An international student must be able to demonstrate that sufficient funds are available to cover all travel expenses to and from the United States as well as educational and other expenses in the United States. Accordingly, international students must submit a complete statement of financial support, with appropriate documentation from his or her bank, family, financial guarantors in the United States and/or national or international church agencies. The appropriate form is included with application materials. Since the seminary is able to offer only limited financial assistance, prospective international students are urged to begin investigating possible outside sources of support well before they expect to enroll. Foreign students not holding immigrant status are also reminded that off-campus employment in the United States -- whether of student or spouse -- is strictly limited by federal law.

In the case of international applicants seeking financial aid from the seminary, the completed application and all supporting documents must be received no later than April 1 (see "Financial Information -- Financial Aid"). The seminary will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) form only after all the above materials have been received and found to be in order, and the Committee on Admissions has voted to accept the applicant.

Entrance Examination

Each entering regular or special student is required to take an appropriate entrance examination at the time of his or her initial registration; specific information on the content of these examinations can be found under "Programs of Study." The entrance examinations are above all diagnostic, intended to indicate strengths and weaknesses in the student's preparation for studies in his or her program. Students who fail to pass the examination may be placed on academic probation (see "Probationary Admission"). MDiv or MA candidates with deficiencies in a specific area may be required to do remedial work on a non-credit basis; MTh candidates may be required to do remedial work at the MDiv level. Those with distinct weaknesses will be informed of them and encouraged to seek special help from appropriate members of the faculty.

Probationary Admission

A student may be admitted to the seminary on academic probation in the following circumstances: if he or she has been admitted due to non-academic strengths in spite of a weak academic background as reflected in grades at other institutions; if he or she has completed the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in post-secondary studies but has not received the degree from an accredited college or university (or, in the case of MTh applicants, the equivalent of the MDiv degree from an accredited seminary); if he or she is admitted as a Registered Auditor; or if he or she has failed the entrance examination. The faculty monitors such students' progress closely and if necessary prescribes remedial instruction or adjustment of course work; faculty members are encouraged to offer them special assistance. If the faculty, in its review of students at the end of the student's first semester of studies, finds that his or her academic performance has been satisfactory, the probationary status is normally removed. On the other hand, two consecutive semesters on probation may result in the student's dismissal from the seminary.

Changes of Classification

A student seeking a change of classification or transfer from one program to another (e.g., a special student seeking to enter a degree program or an MDiv candidate in the last semester of studies seeking to enter the MTh program) does not have to repeat the full application procedure described above. Instead, he or she presents a written request to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who in turn submits it to the Faculty Council. It should be accompanied by a brief personal statement (100-200 words) indicating why the change or transfer is desired and what relationship this has to the student's vocational goals.

Registration and Class Work

During the registration period at the beginning of each semester, each student is registered for a specific number of courses. A late registration fee may be imposed after that period. Changes in courses or status (credit/audit, two credits/three credits) are permitted only with the official recorded permission of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. After the third Friday of the semester, no changes whatever are permitted. Class attendance is obligatory, and no more than one hour cut per credit hour is permitted.

All course work is to be completed within the semester, by the deadlines established by the course instructor. Within the semester an instructor may grant extensions, but only if he or she considers that the particular circumstances justify this. If no extension has been granted, the instructor may refuse to accept the work in question or lower the student's grade for it, thus also affecting the student's semester grade.

Extensions beyond the end of the semester are granted only for serious reasons, such as illness or death in the immediate family, and for a specified length of time. In such cases--and only in such cases--an "incomplete" (Fi or Fx) may be given (see "Grading and Evaluation"). All such "incompletes" must be made up and grades reported to the Office of Academic Affairs no later than the third Friday of the following semester. After that date "incompletes" automatically will be treated as failures. Forms for requesting incompletes are available from the receptionist's office. The completed form, indicating reasons for the request and bearing the course instructor's signature, must be submitted before the beginning of the last week of classes for the semester.

Auditing

Full-time seminary students are permitted to attend classes for which they are not registered on an informal basis, provided the permission of the instructor is secured and this does not interfere with other obligations.

The term "audit" is reserved for formal arrangements in which a student agrees to attend a course regularly and to be responsible for such obligations as may be arranged with the instructor, but without academic credit. A student must formally register for an audit with the Registrar, following normal registration procedures, and a record of the audit will appear on the student's academic transcript.

Courses with limited enrollment or those demanding full participation, like seminars and language courses, are normally not open to auditors, whether on a formal or on an informal basis. Other courses may be open to auditors only on a space-available basis.

Time Limits

Each degree has a time limit within which it must be completed. Specific information on each program may be found under "Programs of Study." The meaning of these time limits is that the seminary will honor the degree requirements in force at the time of entrance into the degree program for the length of time specified, after which the student may be required to fulfill any new requirements that may then be in force. A student exceeding the time limit for a degree should direct his requests and queries to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who in turn submits them to the Faculty Council.

Discipline

In the seminary's understanding of theology and of its own task -- the training of well-educated, responsible and dedicated priests, teachers, and other church leaders -- academic effort cannot be separated from spiritual effort and from active sharing in the life of the seminary community. Each student is also a seminarian and, as such, is subject to the ecclesiastical regulations, moral standards, and patterns of behavior traditionally expected by the Orthodox Church from those who prepare themselves for church service. Thus the word "discipline" here means the totality of academic requirements, moral norms, and regulations to which every student subscribes by the very fact of his or her application to the seminary and in obedience to which the student is expected to live throughout the time of his or her association with it. Any breach in discipline, moral lapse, crime, flagrant breach of academic honesty (such as plagiarism or cheating), insubordination to authority, or action contrary to the best interests of the seminary may lead, upon action by the Faculty Council, to disciplinary probation (probation for reasons of conduct) or, if serious enough, to immediate dismissal.

Further information on seminary discipline and details of student life is provided in the Student Handbook, which is supplied to all entering students by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Residence

All regular students, all registered auditors, and all special students, whether they live on or off the seminary campus, are considered as being in residence. This means that not only their academic work but also their participation in church life, ecclesiastical status, voluntary or paid activities and assignments as well as any change in condition (marriage, ordination, employment, enrollment in other institutions) are subject to seminary supervision.

Single students must live in seminary facilities unless, for medical reasons, they are unable to live in the dormitory and/or eat in the refectory. Dormitory rooms are assigned by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Students having special needs or preferences should contact him. Rooms are furnished with basic essentials: desk, chair, dresser and bed, and -- for international students -- a blanket and pillow. Students must supply linen, lamps, and any other furnishings that they desire. No pets are permitted in the seminary's dormitories.

Married students live in seminary apartments and are subject to seminary regulations concerning chapel and choir participation, community service, and all other requirements applicable to regular students. The seminary owns and operates thirty-two apartments on its campus for use by married students and their families. These vary in size from studio to three-bedroom; all include a kitchen or kitchenette with refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Seminary apartments are available to married students enrolled on a full-time basis in one of the seminary's programs of study. Applications for married student apartments must be submitted to the seminary Chief Financial Officer and Associate Dean for Student Affairs, noting such matters as program of study and size of family, by May 1 of the preceding academic year. Residents in seminary apartments may retain the apartments only for the length of time appropriate for their program of study; during this time they must remain enrolled on a full-time basis and remain active and responsible in all aspects of seminary life (see above under "Discipline"). Apartment rents (which are significantly lower than the prevailing local market rates) are determined by the seminary administration. Since the seminary's married student apartments are considered as dormitory space, rent for the semester is payable at the time of registration; any plans for deferred payment must be approved in advance by the Bursar. Apartment residents are also responsible for utilities, with bills payable monthly.

While every effort will be made to accommodate handicapped students, no special facilities or services are available for them at the present time. Study of how to improve access for the handicapped to seminary facilities is currently being undertaken.

Health Insurance

The seminary does not have health care facilities on campus. In the interest of its entire student population, however, the seminary requires that each full-time or degree-seeking student and dependents be covered by health insurance. Included in this category are Regular Students, Registered Auditors, and Special Students; not included are Unclassified Students and Visiting Fellows. Students not otherwise covered by health insurance may choose from several suitable plans arranged by the seminary. Specific information about these health insurance plans and their fee structure can be obtained by contacting the Student Affairs Administrator or the Recruitment Officer. Students who are otherwise covered by health insurance must demonstrate that they are enrolled in a plan providing comparable coverage. Premiums, which are borne by the student and paid directly to the insurance provider, depend upon a variety of factors, including the age of the student, the number of dependents, and the specific benefits provided. Applicants therefore are urged to give careful consideration to their health needs. Students will not be permitted to register for classes until they have provided proof of enrollment in an appropriate plan.

Chapel and Choir

Regular corporate worship in the chapel is the center of seminary life, and participation in the daily, weekly and annual cycles of services is the first spiritual obligation of every seminarian. Students take an active part in reading and serving according to assignments made by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or his designate.

To help ensure competent and confident participation in chapel and choir activities, appropriate liturgical orientation is provided for all entering students. A series of orientation sessions is arranged during the fall semester by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in cooperation with the Choir Director and others directly responsible for the seminary's liturgical life.

Students are also expected to participate as assigned in the activities of the seminary choirs. In addition to singing the responses at all regularly scheduled services at the seminary, the choirs occasionally accept invitations to sing outside the seminary, especially in Orthodox parishes, thus providing contact between the seminary and the parishes in which students one day may serve.

In addition, students in the MDiv program are assigned to preach in the chapel on a rotating basis, during their middler and senior years.

Every resident student is also expected to be under the spiritual guidance of one of the seminary clergy. Any exception to this rule is subject to the approval of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Each male student is required to provide himself with a cassock to be worn in the chapel and on other occasions as assigned.

In view of the importance of all aspects of worship within the seminary itself and in Orthodox life as a whole, each student's participation is regularly reviewed by the Faculty Council. Regular chapel attendance, competent fulfillment of reading and serving assignments, choir participation as assigned, and basic knowledge of Orthodox liturgical practice are all considered. Deficiencies in any of these areas may lead to disciplinary action.

Community Service

In the spirit of Christian obedience and as a service to the community, each student in residence is expected to give a portion of his time to work assignments at the seminary. These assignments are made at the beginning of each semester by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Negligence in fulfilling them to the satisfaction of the seminary administration may result in disciplinary probation.

Other Regulations

Additional rules and regulations governing student life at the seminary are found in the Student Handbook, which is distributed to all students by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

The seminary is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for study, work and play for all its students and their families as well as for faculty and staff. Specific information concerning campus security measures, safety, and emergency procedures is included in the Student Handbook as well as in materials provided for faculty and staff. Updates are provided as needed. This information is also reviewed by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs during general or dormitory meetings with students. In addition, in compliance with regulations of the Office of Postsecondary Education of the US Department of Education, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs distributes to current students and employees an annual security report containing relevant statistics, policies with regard to campus security, and a description of programs that promote campus safety. This report is also available to prospective students and employees upon request to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Grading

The following notations are used in the evaluation of student course work:

• A -- the highest grade given. It indicates outstanding work -- including exceptional accuracy in matters of fact, completeness in detail, independence of method and thought, a sound grasp of the subject as a whole, and clarity of expression -- and superior achievement of course objectives.
• B -- indicates fully acceptable work and successful achievement of course objectives.
• C -- indicates marginally acceptable work and limited achievement of course objectives.
• D -- indicates minimally acceptable work and minimal achievement of course objectives, which, while not altogether acceptable, still entitles the student to credit for the course.
• F -- indicates unacceptable, failing work for which no credit can be given. A student must repeat a failed course if it is required for the degree program in which he or she is enrolled; if it is elective, another course approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs may be substituted. The original grade of F is superseded in the student's grade point average by the grade earned in the repeated course, although the student's transcript will show both grades.

The following grade points are assigned for each semester hour of credit:

• A+, 4.0 points
• A, 4.0 points
• A-, 3.7 points
• B+, 3.3 points
• B, 3.0 points
• B-, 2.7 points
• C+, 2.3 points
• C, 2.0 points
• C-, 1.7 points
• D+, 1.3 points
• D, 1.0 points
• D-, 0.7 points
• F, 0.0 points

The grade P is recorded when a student successfully completes a course offered on a pass/fail basis. Such courses are credited toward graduation requirements but are not calculated in the cumulative grade point average.

The grade WP (withdrawn passing) is recorded when a student withdraws from a course after the deadline for registration changes because of illness or other reasons regarded as acceptable by the Faculty Council, if his or her work at the time of withdrawal is of passing quality.

The grade WF (withdrawn failing) is recorded when a student withdraws from a course after the deadline for registration changes for a reason regarded as unacceptable by the Faculty Council, or as a result of disciplinary action, or if his or her work at the time of withdrawal is not of passing quality.

The grade Fx (failure -- examination) is recorded when a student has not taken the final examination, and Fi (failure -- incomplete) when a student has not submitted required papers or other assignments. For the significance of these grades, see above under "Registration and Class Work."

AU indicates formal auditing of a course.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To be eligible for continued enrollment, a student must maintain, among other criteria, satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory progress here means (a) that the student's rate of progress will allow completion of his or her program of study within the normal length of time for that program unless special provisions for part-time study have been approved by the Faculty; and (b) that the student maintain a grade point average satisfactory for his or her program of study.

For example, the normal length for the Master of Divinity program (including course work, Theological Reflection/field education, and senior thesis) when pursued on a full-time basis is three years (six semesters). A full-time MDiv student must register for and successfully complete at least 12 credits in course work or the equivalent (MDiv seminar, thesis) per semester; he or she may register for no more that 20 credits or the equivalent per semester without special permission from the Faculty Council. Accordingly, a full-time MDiv student normally must successfully complete at least 24 credits in course work or the equivalent by the end of the first year of studies and at least 56 credits in course work or the equivalent by the end of the second year.

As indicated under "Regular Students," a student will be permitted to study on a part-time basis only with the permission of the Faculty Council, when special circumstances such as illness or employment so warrant. Among other things, study on a part-time basis will affect a student's eligibility for financial aid (see "Financial Information -- Financial Aid"). In addition, in order to be eligible for federal loan programs, a student must be enrolled for at least a half-time program of study. To be making satisfactory progress toward completion of the MDiv degree on a half-time basis, for example, a student must register for and successfully complete at least six credits in course work or the equivalent per semester, completing the entire program within six years (twelve semesters). Analogous provisions apply for the other degree programs: MA, at least six credits in course work or the equivalent per semester, completing the entire program within four years; MTh, at least six credits per semester while doing course work, completing all course work for the degree within two years and the MTh thesis -- and thus the entire program -- within the following two years (four years total).

To receive the MDiv or MA degree, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.3 (C+); to receive the MTh degree, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B). A student having a lower cumulative grade point average, or having a lower grade point average in a given semester, or receiving a F or WF in a given semester, ordinarily will be placed on academic probation for the following semester, though in exceptional circumstances simply a letter of warning from the Dean may be issued. If the student fails to show appropriate improvement during the following semester, by bringing both the cumulative and the semester grade point average to the requisite minimum, the student may be dismissed from the seminary for lack of satisfactory academic progress. Even if not dismissed, such a student normally becomes ineligible for financial assistance and work-study grants from the seminary. In addition, he or she becomes ineligible for loans from federal and state loan programs. If, however, that student subsequently raises his or her grade point average to the requisite minimum for his or her program, the student again becomes eligible for financial assistance and loan programs.

Faculty Evaluation

The seminary faculty takes very seriously its responsibility for evaluating not only the academic progress of its students but also their personal qualities and behavior both within and outside the seminary community. Accordingly, at the end of each semester, the Faculty Council reviews the grades of all students registered for the semester and hears reports or comments on them from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Director of Field Education and others in positions of authority or supervision.

As indicated under "Satisfactory Academic Progress," students may be placed on probation or dismissed for failure to show satisfactory academic progress. As indicated under "Discipline," students may also be placed on probation or dismissed for disciplinary reasons.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs has the responsibility of implementing whatever measures the faculty might recommend or mandate in order to improve the academic performance of a student placed on academic probation. These measures may include reduction of extracurricular activities and employment, special tutoring or remedial work, reduction of course work, or other provisions appropriate to the case at hand. The student remains under his supervision until the probation is lifted. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs has an analogous responsibility in the case of a student placed on disciplinary probation.

In the course of its review of students, the faculty may also authorize letters of commendation for students whose academic work during the semester has been outstanding. Normally these are reserved for students who have received no grades lower than A-.

At the end of each academic year, following the faculty's review of students, the Dean, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs complete a brief written evaluation of each student, noting such matters as imposition or lifting of probation, participation in community life, and general behavior and attitude. This evaluation, called the Dean's Report, then enters the student's record.

A student contesting a grade, evaluation or disciplinary decision is encouraged to speak first with the responsible instructor or official. If the issue cannot be resolved in this way, the student may address an appeal to the Dean of the seminary, who will then bring the matter before the Faculty Council for its final determination.

Readmission after Dismissal

Readmission after dismissal cannot be considered until two semesters have elapsed. When requesting readmission, the student must offer satisfactory evidence that the difficulty, academic or otherwise, which led to the dismissal has been overcome and that normal progress toward completion of the degree can be resumed. A personal interview also may be required. Normally such students are readmitted only on probation.

Withdrawal and Readmission After Withdrawal

A regular student who for any reason finds it necessary to withdraw or take a leave of absence from the seminary should notify the Dean, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Requests for withdrawal made in the course of the semester after its third Friday must be approved by the Faculty Council. Without this approval, a grade of WF will be recorded for all courses for which the student is registered.

A student who has voluntarily withdrawn from the seminary while in good standing may be readmitted without reapplication within a period of two years, provided the request for readmission is received and approved no later than one month before the beginning of the semester for which readmission is requested. A student who has voluntarily withdrawn from the seminary while on probation must also offer satisfactory evidence of progress toward resolution of the difficulty, academic or otherwise, which led to the probation. Normally such students are readmitted only on probation. A student who has withdrawn for medical or psychological reasons must also offer satisfactory evidence that the condition which led to the withdrawal no longer hinders normal progress toward the degree. After two years, readmission is considered only after the submission of an updated admissions application and, in most cases, a personal interview.

Students who withdraw from the seminary may qualify for a refund of certain fees on a prorated basis (see "Financial Information"). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Graduation

Degrees are awarded annually at the close of the spring semester. After a final review and vote of recommendation by the Faculty Council, the candidates' names are submitted to the Board of Trustees for their approval.

No degree will be awarded or final transcript issued unless all financial obligations to the seminary, library, and bookstore have been satisfied. In the case of outstanding loans or other obligations not then due and payable, appropriate agreements must have been drawn up and all payments must be current.

Confidentiality

Recognizing the need for confidentiality of student records, the seminary complies with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Accordingly, no one but authorized officers of the institution and the student may have access to a student's record, and no copy of a student's transcript, test scores, or other evaluation will be supplied to another person or agency without the student's express written consent.

At the same time, the seminary recognizes that appropriate ecclesiastical authorities (diocesan bishop, central church administration) have a legitimate interest in their students' work and behavior. Regular students, registered auditors, and special students from most Orthodox jurisdictions therefore are invited at their initial registration to request in writing that copies of their grades and Dean's Report be sent at regular intervals to the appropriate ecclesiastical authority. The student, of course, is under no obligation from the seminary to make this request and may rescind it at any time.

A student, present or former, may inspect his record, except for those letters of reference which he expressly waived his right to inspect, by application to the Registrar.

Transcripts

Students and graduates may receive unofficial copies of their academic transcript or have official transcripts sent upon written request to the Office of Academic Affairs and prepayment of the transcript fee. Official transcripts, bearing the seminary seal and the Registrar's signature, are not issued to individuals but are sent upon the student's request to other institutions or agencies as confidential information. All transcripts must include the entire academic record; no partial or incomplete statements of record will be issued as transcripts. Official transcripts will not be issued until the student has met all outstanding financial obligations to the seminary.

St Vladimir's Graduate Study Fellowship