Shaw University Divinity School

Dr. David C. Forbes, Sr., Interim Dean
Telephone: (919) 546-8574/546-8569
Fax: (919) 546-8571
Email: dforbes@shawu.edu

Introduction

The Shaw University Divinity School offers a professional degree, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and a graduate degree, the Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE). The course requirements for the MDiv can be completed in three years. The requirements for the MACE can be completed in two years.

Mission

Shaw University Divinity School provides theological education dedicated to the preparation of clergy and laity for clinical, pastoral and teaching/research ministry professions. The Divinity School is committed to the development of a research institute whose focus is leadership in the “practice of ministry” in the African American community, particularly in the African American Church.

History

The history of the Divinity School traces back to the very beginning of Shaw University in 1865. Between 1865 and 1919, three pivotal periods marked the development of the Divinity School. In 1880, the theological course produced its first graduates and in 1889, the theological course was extended to four years. In 1900, the first Bachelor of Theology degrees were awarded. In 1919, following a reorganization of Shaw University, a Missionary Training School was established to prepare home and foreign missionaries, social service workers, clergy and lay church leaders. The Theological Department, as it was then called, also continued to provide basic ministerial training through a Bachelor of Theology Program until 1933. On April 15, 1933, the Board of Trustees of Shaw University established the School of Religion.

In 1961, the School of Religion became Shaw Divinity School, offering the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree. In 1969, the Office of the Secretary of the State of North Carolina chartered the Shaw Divinity School as a non-stock, non-profit corporation. The BD degree was discontinued and the Master of Divinity degree was offered. The three-year MDiv program offered a degree focused on training students for ministry primarily in African American communities.

In February, 1988, the Shaw Divinity School moved from the campus of Shaw University to a new three and a half acre site located at 509 Hilltop Drive in southeast Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hilltop campus became the central location for the Divinity School, providing space for administrative offices, the library and classrooms. G. Franklin Wiggins, an alumnus of Shaw University and Shaw Divinity School and a trustee of the Divinity School, along with his wife, Ida Wiggins of Peekskill, New York, purchased the Hilltop campus and leased it to Shaw Divinity School with first option to buy. The Hilltop campus was eventually named “The Shaw-Wiggins Campus.”

Between 1998 and 2002, several significant events occurred in the history of the Shaw Divinity School. In the summer of 1998, Shaw Divinity School remerged with Shaw University. Under the merger, Shaw Divinity School became Shaw University Divinity School which was accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

In 1999, Shaw University Divinity School (SUDS) relocated to the campus of Shaw University. The Divinity School was housed in the historic Estey Hall Building. In November 2000, the Shaw University Divinity School relocated to the historic and restored Leonard Building. In 2002, a second degree, the Master of Arts in Christian Education degree, was approved by both SACS and ATS and was offered beginning in the fall of 2002.

Shaw University Divinity School has emerged as a leader in theological education for the African American community. Building on a tradition of quality, excellence and relevance in theological education, Shaw University Divinity School moves proudly into the twenty-first century.

Location

The Shaw University Divinity School is located in the historic restored Leonard Building on the campus of Shaw University, 118 East South Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. An ongoing course offering site is currently located at the Shaw University High Point Center for Alternative Programs in Education (CAPE). The address is 1301 Lincoln Drive, High Point, NC 27260. The telephone numbers are (336) 886-7613 and 886-4974. The fax number is (336) 886-2223.

Libraries

Shaw University Divinity School (SUDS) operates two libraries to provide information services to support the preparation of clergy and laity for clinical, pastoral and teaching/research ministry professions, particularly in the African-American community.

The G. Franklin Wiggins Library houses a collection of professional, reference, and general books for the Shaw Divinity School. The collection also includes periodicals, microfilm, audio tapes of sermons, videos and newspapers. Access to a full range of electronic periodicals and resources is provided through the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) database and the Cheek main campus library databases and resources. Through cooperative agreements, Shaw University graduate students and faculty are provided with access to additional reference and specialized program resources at Duke University Divinity School Library. The Shaw Divinity School also has a satellite or additional library located at the High Point CAPE site. This site houses approximately 2,000 books and provides computer access to all Shaw University resources.

For more information about the Shaw University libraries, visit www.shawuniversity.edu/libraries.htm.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress

At the end of each semester, the records of all matriculating graduate/professional students are reviewed to determine satisfactory academic progress. A graduate student’s academic standing at Shaw University is classified in one of four official standings: Good Standing, Academic Warning, Academic Suspension, or Academic Dismissal. A student will remain in good academic standing if he/she demonstrates satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the standards listed below. Standards by which a student will be evaluated include progress in increments of hours completed (quantitative) and cumulative grade point average earned (qualitative).

Quantitative Standards:

• Students must successfully earn 67% of the credit hours attempted. Attempted hours include all hours attempted at the University. [Example: If a student has attempted (enrolled in) in a total of 18 credit hours, he/she must earn a minimum of 12 credit hours (18 credit hours x 0.67 = 12 credit hours) in order to maintain satisfactory academic progress.]
• The maximum time frame allowed for a student to complete degree requirements and remain eligible to receive financial aid is 150% of the total credit hours required to receive a degree in a particular course of study. Hours accepted for transfer will count toward the maximum number of attempted hours. This means that graduate programs requiring 42 hours for graduation will be eligible for financial aid during the first 63 attempted hours. Programs requiring 90 hours will be eligible for financial aid during the first 135 attempted hours, and programs requiring 66 hours will be eligible for financial aid during the first 99 attempted hours.

Quality Standard:

• Graduate students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to retain financial aid eligibility.

Graduate Program	Cumulative GPA
College of Graduate & Professional Studies Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction	3.0
Divinity School Master of Divinity Master of Arts in Christian Education	2.0 2.0

Academic Warning

A student is placed on academic warning when the student’s semester grade point average and credit hours are below the minimum requirements according to the table above. If a student fails to remove the sanction by the end of the following semester, the student will be placed on academic suspension.

Students who have an academic warning, or who have been readmitted after an academic suspension or dismissal must adhere to the following:

1. Enroll in no more than 9 semester hours each semester.
2. Repeat all required courses (when offered) for which at least the grade of “B” has not been achieved.
3. Provide written documentation to the Department Chairperson (for College of Graduate and Professional Studies students) or Dean (for Divinity School students) regarding meeting with their academic advisor to review their status and steps needed for correction.

Academic Suspension and Academic Dismissal

Academic suspension occurs automatically at the end of the semester when a student fails to remove the academic warning sanction. Letters of academic suspension will be mailed to the student and the Dean from the Registrar’s Office. Students may submit an appeal to the Graduate Academic Standards Committee and be readmitted upon their recommendation.

Academic dismissal occurs automatically at the end of the semester when a student fails to remove the academic suspension. A student who has been academically dismissed will be required to leave the university for one semester. The student may appeal the dismissal in writing to the Graduate Academic Standards Committee.

The appeal process for Academic Suspension and Academic Dismissal is as follows:

Any student who is on Academic Suspension may appeal the suspension in writing to the Graduate Academic Standards Committee. This is done with the assistance of the Program Coordinator.

• Students receive a letter of suspension or dismissal and respond by the specified date on the letter to their faculty advisor with a letter of appeal.
• Students work with their academic advisors on an individualized Recovery Plan then submit this plan, any supporting documentation, and letter of appeal to the Program Coordinator.
• Program Coordinators will submit student appeals to the Graduate Academic Standards Committee for review.
• Faculty advisors will inform students of the Committee’s acceptance or denial of the appeal.

If the appeal is approved, the readmitted student will be allowed to resume attending classes. If the appeal is denied, the Academic Suspension/Academic Dismissal will stand and the student will be required to comply with the conditions based on the decision of the Graduate Academic Standards Committee. Students will be informed of the committee’s decision in a formal letter from the Dean.

The Graduate Academic Standards Committee will review a students’ progress following readmission to the University when considering a subsequent appeal. It is required that students attending on appeal successfully complete all attempted hours.

Appeal approval by the Graduate Academic Standards Committee does not automatically qualify a student to receive federal aid. The conditions for re-enrollment may require that students attend and pay in cash only.

Academic Regulations

The Grading System

Grades are based on a four-point scale as follows: A = 4; B= 3; C = 2; D = 1.

A =	90-100 (Accomplished)
B =	80-89 (Proficient)
C =	70-79 (Developing)
D =	60-69 (Not Demonstrated)
F =	Below 60 (Not Demonstrated)
I =	Incomplete
Z =	Unofficially Withdrawn
(punitive, that is, 0 grade points computed in the grade point average)

Assessment Rubrics

Common rubrics to assess student performance on assignments are used. Performance at target, acceptable, and unacceptable levels are assessed for such assignments as abstracts, research papers, essay examinations, demonstration teaching, microteaching, unit plans, reflective papers, oral reports, electronic portfolios, lesson plans, the internship, case studies, and the use of technology in instruction. These rubrics are included as part of course syllabi, but may be issued under separate cover.

Incompletes

The “I” grade (Incomplete) is assigned when the student, as a result of illness, an unusual or mitigating situation, or some other acceptable circumstance beyond the student’s control has not completed the work of the course, provided the student is otherwise passing. In addition, students who have an outstanding balance with the university will be assigned a grade of “I” for courses until payment is made. The student has full responsibility for documenting the extenuating circumstance. The “I” grade is not to be used to help a student pass a course.

All “I” grades shall be removed within six weeks of the next semester in which the student is enrolled - except by approved extension of time. If the “I” grade is not removed within the specified time frame, the un-removed “I” converts to a grade of “F”.

The “I” grade is a non-punitive grade that is not included in the computation of semester and cumulative averages. A special form for the removal of “Incomplete” grades is available to faculty members in the Office of Records and Registration.

All changes of “I” grades must be signed by the faculty and Department Chair and be accompanied by record book evidence of completion of incomplete class work. Once approved by the Department Chair and Dean, this information is to be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs. All Department Chairs must document and file copies of grade changes for each instructor.

Z Grade - Unofficially Withdrawn

The failing grade of “Z” is given to those students who initially attended a class but, at some point during the semester, stopped attending and that was the basis for their failure. The grade of “Z” is calculated in the grade point average in the same manner as the grade of “F”, which is zero grade points earned. Additionally, the grade of “Z” may impact a student’s future eligibility for financial aid.

Academic Advising

At the outset, the advisor for students in the Master of Science degree program in Curriculum and Instruction will be the Graduate Program Coordinator. As the program grows, students will be assigned to graduate faculty advisors according to their research interest to assure a relatively even advisee load and quality of student advisement. The Graduate Program Coordinator/advisors will monitor students’ academic progress through a program checklist, advisement at registration periods, professional disposition assessments and a review of students’ transcripts each semester. Graduate faculty will be appointed by the Chair to serve on students’ graduate/thesis committees.

Repeating a Course

A student cannot receive credit twice for the same course that is repeated. If a course is repeated in which credit hours are earned, the student’s permanent record will be adjusted by subtracting the hours of the lower grade from the total hours earned. Credit hours will then be recorded only for the higher grade. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of the Registrar, via the appropriate space on the registration form, regarding which course is being repeated. Only the new grade/quality points will be used to factor the resulting cumulative GPA. The previous grade, e.g., “F” (0), will be deleted as a factor and the new grade, e.g., “B” (3), will be used-thus increasing the cumulative GPA.

Withdrawal from Courses

Any changes in a student’s registration must have the official approval of the Office of the Registrar and the student’s advisor. Changes in registration can normally occur only within the prescribed dates shown in the academic calendar. Exceptions must receive special permission from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A student may drop/add a course electronically during the prescribed period; however, after the drop/add period, a student cannot change his/her schedule electronically. To change a schedule after the drop/add period, a student must obtain written approval through use of a Registration Transaction Form. A student can only withdraw from a course after the drop/add period; they cannot add a course. If a student withdraws from a course, they will receive a grade of “W.” A student cannot withdraw from all courses using this procedure. To withdraw from all courses, a student must withdraw from the University using that procedure.

Withdrawal Policy from the University

Students at the graduate school level must request withdrawal from the University through the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Student fees are adjusted for any withdrawal, based on the University’s policy governing refunds. (See Total Withdrawal Refund Calculation Table in the Financial Aid Office.)

Academic Policies and Regulations

Admissions Policies

SUDS accepts students as graduate degree candidates and non-matriculating graduate students (Special Students). Applicants must provide an official transcript from the school where they earned their bachelor’s degree. Students who are participating in continuing education programs may be asked to provide transcripts. Persons seeking information regarding admissions for Shaw University’s undergraduate programs may see the Shaw University Undergraduate Catalog  for that particular program, or request information from the Shaw University Office of Admissions and Recruitment. A Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body is required for admission to both the M.Div. and the MACE degree programs. Students with degrees from foreign institutions should consult the section on “Application & Transcripts for International Students” below.

Application Process

Students are admitted into the Divinity School during Fall and Spring semesters. Students are not admitted during the Summer Session. Students desiring to enroll for the fall semester should apply by July 1st and students desiring to enroll for the spring semester should apply by November 1st.

Send requests for admissions applications to the following address:

The Shaw University Divinity School
118 E. South Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
Telephone (919) 546-8569 or 8570

Please mail completed Graduate Application for admission to Shaw University Divinity School to the address above along with a $50.00 application fee (check or money order only).

Applicants may also apply online at the University’s website, www.shawu.edu.

Applicants are responsible for the following items to complete the application:

1. Official transcript(s) from all colleges or institutions attended
2. Two-page essay in response to the following two questions:

• Why did you choose Shaw to do your theological education?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?

3. Two letters of reference
4. Health form completed by their physician (necessary for resident students only)

Applicants are required to have a pre-admission interview. Ordinarily, this will be a face-to-face interview.

Categories of Admission

The two categories for admission to Shaw University Divinity School are:

1. Matriculation - Persons admitted into a degree program.
2. Non-matriculation - Persons admitted as special students. These persons are not seeking a degree but intend to take one or two courses only.

Application & Transcripts for International Students

All prospective international students must submit a Shaw University International Application Package to the Admissions Office. Contact the Admissions Office for an International Application to be mailed to you.

The following forms must be returned in a timely manner:

1. Notarized International Student Application;
2. Certified official high school and/or college transcripts;

*College transcript: at the expense of the applicant, an official evaluation of transcripts should be submitted to:

World Educational Services
PO Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
www.wes.org

3. SAT, ACT, or TOEFL Scores
4. Complete a notarized affidavit of support (including original bank statements to confirm affidavit of support);
5. Non refundable $40 application fee.

International students must be approved for admission before an I20 form is issued. An I20 form will not be issued until all financial documentation is received and approved.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received their education at an English-speaking university must submit TOEFL scores. Test scores more than two years old are not accepted. The required minimum total score (subject to change) on the TOEFL test is 500 for the paper-based test or 173 for the computer-based test.

Since four to six weeks are required for scores to reach the University, applicants should take the test no later than the middle of January (for fall admission), June (for spring admission) in order for scores to arrive by the deadline(s).

When applicants register for the test, they should request that their scores be sent to Shaw University (R5612). If this is not done initially, send a written request to the address given below. Address inquiries and requests for applications to TOEFL, CB6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151. In addition to the TOEFL, the Graduate Record Examination is required of all international applicants.

Document Identification

Applicants must make certain that their name appears the same on the application and on all supporting documents.

Readmission Policy

Any student who has not been enrolled for at least one semester for any reason including but not limited to voluntary withdrawal and academic suspension (excluding summer school) and desires to be readmitted to the university must submit a readmission application to the Dean of the Divinity School. If a student does not meet the academic requirements, the student must submit an appeal letter for readmission consideration. A student who has been readmitted twice on an appeal is no longer eligible to be readmitted to the University. Please note that students who are readmitted will receive credit for courses that they have previously completed towards their degree, so long as those credits are no more than ten years old at the time the student is readmitted. Credits that are more than ten years old will have to be repeated, even if the student is readmitted to the same degree program.

Course Credit

Shaw University uses the Federal Definition and the Carnegie Unit to determine semester credit hours awarded to students for coursework. The University awards a Carnegie Unit of credit to students for satisfactory completion of one (1) fifty (50) minute session of classroom instruction or direct faculty instruction. A unit of credit equates to three hours of student work per week (1) hour lecture plus two (2) hours of homework or three (3) hours of lab for not less that 16 weeks or the equivalent time in non-traditional terms.

For distance education courses, the same process and criteria are used to determine credit hours. Shaw University does not award credit for coursework taken on a noncredit basis.

Transfer of Credits

Shaw University Divinity School accepts transfer credit for course work completed towards the MDiv or MACE degrees from other institutions accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). No more than one-half of the credits required for the MDiv (39 semester hours) or the MACE degree (25 semester hours) may be approved for transfer credit.

The Divinity School may accept transfer credit for graduate courses completed towards non-theological degree graduate degree programs. The courses to be transferred must substantially correspond to the content of a course in the current Divinity School catalog. Ordinarily, no more than 6 graduate semester hours will be transferred from a non-theological graduate degree program.

All requests for transfer credit require faculty approval. No credits more than ten (10) years old at a time of transfer will be accepted.

All courses transferred towards the MDiv and MACE degrees will appear on the student’s transcript as a Pass (“P”). Transfer credits are not counted in the student’s GPA.

Shared Credits

A student who has already completed and MDiv or an MACE at Shaw University or another regionally accredited theological seminary and desires to pursue another degree at Shaw University may use some of the credits from the first degree towards the requirement for the second degree. At least 1/2 of the credits for the second degree must be earned at Shaw University.

Students who wish to receive shared credit should make the request in writing to their academic advisor during their first semester at Shaw University Divinity School. Official transcripts are required for completion of the process. The academic advisor will submit a written request to the Divinity School Admissions, Registration and Graduation Committee. The Committee will make a recommendation to the faculty for action.

Advanced Standing in the M.Div. Degree Program

Students who have an earned research doctorate (Ph.D., Th.D., Ed.D, or equivalent) from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body in an field related to one of the disciplines of theological education such as Education, Psychology, Social Work, Philosophy, Ethics, and who have worked in a field directly related to their degree may apply for advanced standing in the Master of Divinity Degree program. Students may be granted up to 18 hours of credit (six courses). As long as the student has worked and continues to work in a field directly related to the degree, the age limit on transfer credit will not apply. Students who wish to apply for advanced standing should consult their advisor upon admission to the M.Div. degree program. The advisor will submit a request to the Admissions, Registration, and Graduation Committee which will consider and act on the request. If the Committee approves the request, the request will be forwarded to the full faculty for final approval.

Special Students

A student may enroll at Shaw University with no intention of earning a degree. Such applicants seek admission as special students and are so classified once enrolled. Special students are not eligible to receive federal financial assistance.

Veterans as Students

Shaw University is on the list of approved institutions that can provide education under the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Program. Shaw University offers VA programs to qualifying applicants attending the main campus in Raleigh, as well as all the CAPE sites. These students must adhere to the same admission policies for the University.

Veterans Certificate of Eligibility

Shaw University welcomes veteran applicants. Those who desire to enroll and use their educational benefits at the Shaw University Divinity School should initiate procedures with the Veterans Administration. The Shaw University Veteran Affairs coordinator located in the office of the Registrar, will certify those who have earned this entitlement.

General Academic Policies and Information

Completion of the Degree Programs

The maximum length of time to complete the degree programs is six years for the MACE and nine years for the MDiv. If a student withdraws from a degree program and is later readmitted to that same degree program, the time the student was out of the program does not count towards this time limit. Please note, however, that if a student withdraws and later is readmitted and resumes her/his degree program, only credits that are ten years old or less can be counted towards the degree. Credits that are older than ten years at the time the student resumes the degree will not be counted.

Distance Education Courses and Courses at the High Point Site

Shaw University currently offers Distance Education courses in the form of online course, hybrid courses (less than 50% face-to-face), and video teleconference courses.

All students, including transfer students, will be expected to take one full semester of courses in face-to-face format prior to taking any Distance Education courses. The purpose of this is to build community and to offer an opportunity for faculty to assess student abilities.

Prior to taking any Distance Education course, students will be certified as ready by attending training offered by the University’s Office of Educational Technology. Ordinarily this training will be offered during Fall and Spring New Student Orientation.

Divinity School policy requires students to make a “C” or better in any required course, or the course must be repeated. A student who does not make a “C” or better in an online course will have to complete a form, Action Plan for Academic Success, with her/his advisor to state actions she/he will take to remedy the situation. The student will have to repeat the course in a face-to-face format if it is a required course.

The maximum portion of courses any student may take by Distance Education is one-third of the degree requirements, that is, six courses for the MACE or eight for the M.Div.

Students may take less than one-half of the courses required for the degree program at the High Point Course Offering Site. This means students must take at least 39 hours in Raleigh for the MDiv and at least 27 hours in Raleigh for the MACE.

Withdrawal (W) Grade

Any student desiring to withdraw from the Divinity School must adhere to the University policy by completing a withdrawal form, obtaining appropriate signatures and returning it to the Dean’s Office. If the student fails to comply with this policy, the student forfeits the right to any tuition refund. Students are to abide by the time frame specified for withdrawal according to the University calendar. Withdrawal forms are available at the Counseling Center. In order to receive credit for a course from which he/she has withdrawn, the student must retake the course.

Absences

Divinity School students are required to attend classes regularly and on time. Students are expected to arrange planned absences from class with the professor. Each professor is responsible for informing students of the absence policy for his/her course and enforcing the policy.

Tardiness

Students are expected to be on time for all classes and required activities. Penalties for tardiness are imposed at the discretion of the professor, subject to the Dean’s approval when appropriate.

Dismissals

Any Divinity School student whose behavior is deemed negative to the point that he/she can no longer benefit from the educational programs and services provided by Shaw University Divinity School is subject to dismissal. Dismissal may also result if a determination is made that the student poses too great a threat to the learning experiences of other students or to the well being of the institution. Readmission will not be considered until at least one full semester has passed and the student gives adequate evidence of having made changes in his/her situation so as to justify readmission.

The Grading System

Scale 4.0 Grade Symbols

A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1.

A -	90-100
B -	80-89
C -	70-79
D -	60-69
F -	Fail
W -	Withdraw
I -	Incomplete
Z -	Unofficially Withdrawn
	(punitive, that is, 0 grade points computed in the grade point average)

Elaboration on Grading Symbols

D Grade

The letter grade D is passing, but reflects below average work and is not acceptable at the graduate level. However, as each D grade is the result of course work attempted, it is computed in the cumulative hour and grade point average. Students receiving a grade of D in a required course must repeat the course. Students receiving a D in a required course offered online must repeat the course in face-to-face format.

F Grade

The letter grade F denotes failure in a course and no credit is earned. However, as each F grade is the result of course work attempted, it is computed in the cumulative hour and grade point average. If an F grade is received in a required course, the course must be repeated until a passing grade of A, B or C is achieved. Students receiving an F in a required course offered online must repeat the course in face-to-face format.

“I” Grade - Incomplete

The letter “I” is awarded at the discretion of the instructor when a student is unable to complete required work because of an unavoidable circumstance such as illness. The “I” must be removed within six weeks of the beginning of the following semester. If the “I” grade is not removed, it will automatically become a failing grade of (F) and the student will need to repeat the course.

Z Grade - Unofficially Withdrawn

The failing grade of “Z” is given to those students who initially attended a class but stopped attending and that was the basis for their failure. The grade of “Z” is calculated in the grade point average in the same manner as the grade of “F”, which is zero (0) grade points earned. Additionally, the grade of “Z” may impact a student’s future eligibility for financial aid.

Repeating Courses

A student who does not successfully complete a course (that is, who receives a permanent grade of D, F, or Z in a required course or a grade of F or Z in an elective course) must repeat the course. If the student does not successfully complete the course a second time the student will be required to meet with her/his advisor and the Dean or Assistant Dean to complete an action plan for successfully completing the course. Any student who does not successfully complete the course on the third attempt will not be able to repeat the course at Shaw.

Records

Records of a graduate student’s academic progress are maintained in the Registrar’s Office and are furnished to the student upon request. There is a fee of $4.00 for an official transcript with regular processing. Transcripts may also be ordered online through www.getmytranscript.com. Ordering them online includes a small additional convenience fee.

Records of a continuing education student’s academic progress are located in the Shaw University Divinity School’s Office of Continuing Education.

Student Advisement and Counseling

Upon admission, advisors are assigned to guide students through their degree programs. Students are encouraged to seek advisement regarding their programs, class schedules and other needs from their assigned advisors. Students are required to obtain approval from their advisor at registration.

Continuing Christian Education

As a part of our mission, Shaw University Divinity School maintains an Office of Continuing Christian Education. This office offers continuing education programs such as conferences, special offering workshops, leadership training and an in-service program for ministers and church leaders.

The In-Service Program for Ministers and Church Leaders

The In-Service Program is designed for persons who are engaged in church leadership roles and others interested in enriching their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the work and witness of the Christian Church. It is based on the belief that all Christians should involve themselves in a lifelong systematic study of the Word and work of the Christian Faith. The In-Service Program is open to any interested Christians who wish to commit their focus to fulfilling the ministry and mission of the church.

The In-Service Program for Ministers provides annual study opportunities in the basic disciplines of theological education for ministers and laypersons on Tuesday evenings during the fall and spring semesters. The In-Service Program seeks to address the needs and aspirations of persons with a high school diploma or less formal education. The basic focus of the program is on introduction to the Bible and Preaching.

Persons attending six consecutive semesters of the program will be awarded the Basic In-Service Certificate of Completion. Persons attending ten consecutive semesters will be awarded the Advanced In-Service Certificate of Completion.

The current cost of the program is $125 per semester. This cost is subject to change.

Conferences

The Shaw University Divinity School conducts four annual conferences. They are the Health Enhancements through Medicine and Spirituality Conference, the Alexander/Pegues Annual Ministers’ Conference, the Church Leaders’ Conference and the Women’s Conference.

The Health Enhancement through Medicine and Spirituality Conference

The Health Enhancement through Medicine and Spirituality (HEMS) Conference focuses on the elimination of health disparities in the African American community through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and health advocacy. Each year, one or several of the factors that contribute to health disparities are examined. These factors include issues related to education, economics, mental health, family and community. The conference consistently emphasizes the critical relationship between faith and health. HEMS is sponsored through a partnership between Shaw University Divinity School (SUDS) and the Old North State Medical Society (ONSMS). Founded in 1886, the ONSMS is the nation’s oldest state association of Black physicians. The society directs its energies toward the objectives of equity in health care, equal opportunity for African American professionals and equal care for African American patients.

The Alexander/Pegues Annual Ministers’ Conference

The Alexander/Pegues Annual Ministers’ Conference is a national convocation for ministers held annually in March. It addresses themes of contemporary and abiding relevance to ministers and seeks to foster intellectual stimulation and spiritual renewal in an atmosphere conducive to ministerial fellowship. Resource personnel of national and international repute are secured. Lodging is made available in the vicinity of the conference. The registration fee may vary from year to year.

The Annual Church Leaders’ Conference

The Annual Church Leaders’ Conference is a one-day conference held annually. Its purpose is to provide an intensive educational and inspirational experience for church leaders. It is specifically designed for ministers, missionaries, Church School and vacation church Bible school leaders and workers, Baptist Training Union leaders, ushers, deacons, trustees, church clerks and other laity of the church. Lectures, seminars and workshops are conducted on an assigned theme. The registration fee may vary from year to year.

The Annual Women’s Conference

The Annual Women’s Conference is a one-day conference held annually in September. On occasion the opening event may be a gala involving the larger community. The primary objective of the conference is to provide a context for education, support and inspiration for the women of God and insight for the men in their congregations and lives. The conference is inclusive of all women and men - ordained clergy, ministers and laity. Lectures, workshops and preaching are provided with emphasis on a chosen theme by the conference planning committee. The registration fee and venue may vary from year to year.

Special Offering Workshops

In addition to the above continuing education programs, Shaw University Divinity School conducts Special Offering Workshops of one-to-three days on demand.

Some of the Special Offering Workshops are as follows:

Worship
Church Music
Visionary Leadership
Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention
HIV/AIDS Awareness
Technology and Christian Education
Basic Bible
Conflict Resolution
Teacher Training for Church Teachers
Church Administration
Pastoral Care
Polity and Doctrine
Preaching Clinic
The Church and the Law
Spiritual Formation

Persons interested in these workshops should contact the Shaw University Divinity School.

Special Programs

Shaw University Divinity School Alumni Association

Shaw University Divinity School Alumni Association is responsible for coordinating all matters relating to alumni activities through the Shaw University Office of Alumni Affairs. This organization maintains a roster of all current and former students including such information as current address, a record of achievements and biographical synopsis. The Shaw University Divinity School Alumni Association often researches this biographical information.

All those who matriculated at Shaw University Divinity School, those who received degrees and those honored by the Divinity School (honorary doctorate and similar honors) are considered alumni. As members of the Shaw University Divinity School Alumni Association, they receive The Seminarian, annual calendars of events and other alumni publications.

The Alumni Association holds its annual meeting on campus on the second day of the Annual Alexander/Pegues Ministers’ Conference. Several SUDS alumni chapters have been organized in various geographical areas where alumni reside. These chapters assist the Divinity School by recruiting students, raising fund, providing a network system for alumni relocation and supporting the needs of the Divinity School.

Women’s Studies Program (WSP)

The Women’s Studies Program works to have an interdisciplinary, holistic program that can serve the total student body as well as faculty and staff regarding women’s studies in general and matters regarding women and religion in particular, towards creative and intellectual leadership and community engagement. WSP seeks to help diminish the isolation and insensitivity accorded the gifts and graces of women in general and deals with special challenges and sensitivities of women students and advocates gender inclusiveness in all aspects of university campus life and at Shaw University Divinity School.

WSP provides resources on women’s concerns and helps to integrate the spirit of gender equality throughout the region and state. Through partnerships with collaborating institutions, we are engaging in developing new models for working between the academy and the church amid cross-fertilizing research, scholarship and female ministerial service, preparing women to live in an increasingly complex world and helping men engage with women in partnerships of mutuality and not dominance.

Shaw University Divinity School recognizes the changing trends in seminaries across the country and the unique sensitivities and gifts that women bring to the ministry. WSPS has an environment for building a program that will allow students an opportunity to choose their own paths and refine their talents and ambitions. Shaw University Divinity School recognizes the changing trends in seminaries across the country and the unique sensitivities and gifts that women bring to the ministry.

Course Descriptions

  

Programs

Master of Divinity

• •  Divinity, MDiv

Master of Arts in Christian Education

• •  Christian Education, MACE

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