Academic Accountability
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Residency Requirement
The seminary recognizes the value of encourages residential studies to students but also recognizes the value and convenience of distance learning courses and non-campus-based programs, such as conference-based pastoral training programs. In order to insure a quality seminary education, a minimum of one academic year with full-time enrollment (27 credit hours) is required on campus to earn a degree. And when deemed appropriate, residency course requirements can be met by face-to-face class experience with EMS professors in other locations. Transfer credit from non-traditional learning modes (e.g ., distance learning courses) is limited to one academic year (27 credit hours). EMS offers courses in a variety of formats, including on-campus and synchronously online. Students seeking ordination are encouraged to contact their ecclesial bodies for guidance regarding completing coursework at EMS through distance education. Since EMS is approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, Methodist students seeking ordination may attend virtually less than 50% of the class time of a course.
Student Authentication Policy
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Inclusive Language
Statement of Commitment
We recognize that all human beings are persons of infinite worth created equally in the image of God. Accordingly, we recognize that the language which we use to speak about each other is no negligible matter but one of crucial importance. The words by which we name and address each other are no less than the means by which we can recognize each other mutually as persons created in God’s image, and the means by which we can empower each other mutually to live out the potential God has given each of us.
Eastern Mennonite Seminary is an institution dedicated to the task of “equipping persons for ministries in the service of the kingdom of God.” As teaching faculty we recognize the centrality of language to our task. We are equipping persons to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to the churched and unchurched alike in our communities and around the world. And because our task is that of equipping communicators, we recognize the crucial importance of language, the words which we use, to proclaim the Good News which we wish to communicate.
We therefore commit ourselves:
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