Overview

At Bethel Seminary, we take seriously our goal to prepare whole and holy Christian leaders. Consequently, we are concerned not only with academic preparation, but also with spiritual and personal formation. All incoming seminary students agree to our community formation standards by signing the Covenant for Life Together. Students are evaluated in a variety of formal and informal ways, including developmental assessments and interpersonal communications both inside and outside the classroom. Students are also given an opportunity to report on their thinking and experience in relation to seminary academic work, participation in community life, supervised ministry, growth in life as servants of God, and progress toward their ultimate ministry goals. 

Non-Academic Probation

The Associate Dean of Formation and Professional Development and the seminary dean act upon recommendations from faculty and staff. Students who fail to make adequate progress in areas of development or formation may be placed on non-academic probation and are required to follow an individualized developmental plan to continue their degree program. Students will be notified if they are being placed on non-academic probation and/or if their continuance at Bethel Seminary is in question.  Appropriate action will be taken to teach, influence, discipline, or even dismiss those students who disregard these community expectations.

(See Academic Standing for policies pertaining to academic probation.)