Ficha familiar socioeconómica

A. Student Governance

The official representative of the student body of MTS is the Student Senate. The scope, member- ship, and powers of the Senate are outlined in the Student Senate Constitution, which may be obtained from any member of the Student Senate.

The Senate has responsibility to express and interpret student opinions to the faculty and adminis- tration, to be involved in achieving student goals, to be involved in the execution of those policies which the Senate has power to execute, to keep the student body informed on matters of student interest, and to participate in the provisions, coordination, and regulation of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs which benefit the Seminary community.

The Student Senate is composed of the Executive Committee (president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer) and three Junior Class representatives, two Middler representatives, and two Senior representatives. The faculty is also represented with a faculty advisor, who serves as a liaison between the faculty, administration, and the student body. Elections are held at the end of each aca- demic year for the next year.

The Student Senate meets monthly. Any student, faculty member, or member of the administrative staff may propose agenda items or gain the privilege of addressing an issue before the Senate by contacting a member of the Senate, who will bring the request to the next meeting for consideration.

B. Commuter Housing

The seminary owns a limited number of housing units. These renovated units, adjacent to the main campus, are utilized primarily for commuter residents. Commuter housing is available for students who live outside the metropolitan area, usually in excess of 75 miles. A limited number of spaces are available. Commuting students may rent a room for the same night(s) in each week for the whole semester. A new application is required each semester.

Commuter housing fees are $30 per night and are to be paid to the Business Office. Applications for commuter housing are available from the Housing Coordinator in the Facilities and Safety Department (also located on the website), and are to be returned to that office. The policies for Commuter Housing are listed on the application. For more detailed information, please contact the Housing Coordinator. .

C. Parking

Student parking, with the exception of handicapped students and students living in Campus Housing, is on the main parking lot on the west side of Lindenwood Christian Church. Lindenwood Church is located directly across Union Avenue from the seminary campus. Spaces for parking by handicapped students are reserved in the seminary’s parking lots. To occupy a handicapped park- ing space, the student must display an official handicap decal or license from the appropriate state. Cars not so identified will be towed.

Only students living in Campus Housing are permitted to park at student housing. These students must have appropriate housing decals. All cars are to be parked on paved areas only. Students found in violation of the parking arrangements shall be issued a warning ticket upon the first viola- tion, and a $25 fine thereafter. Students receiving 3 or more violations in a semester will be subject to a disciplinary hearing with the Director of Student Services and Director of Facilities.

Parking is available after 5:00pm behind Founders Hall and Cumberland Hall.

D. Placement

The Director of Student Services is available to consult with students and advise them with regard to placement, however students are encouraged to use such services as are available to them in their own denominational organization in finding work opportunities. Because of its relationship to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the seminary is able to give particular attention to the placement of Cumberland Presbyterian students, both during and after their matriculation. Inquiries about placement should be sent to the Director of Student Services.

E. Activities

Community Worship: The seminary community meets for worship Tuesday-Thursday at 11:10 a.m. in the P. F. Johnson Chapel of Founders’ Hall. The Seminary Chaplain plans and directs communi- ty worship.

Women’s Issues in Ministry: The Student Senate sponsors special activities each year in which par- ticular attention is given to issues that arise in the changing roles of women in culture, and particu- larly in the church. This program may include special lectures, forums, workshops, or displays by women who are prominent scholars, teachers, and ministerial leaders.

African American Celebration: Each year during February, Memphis Theological Seminary engages in a celebration of African American history, culture, and religion. Sponsored by the Student Senate, the program includes special lectures by prominent African American scholars, teachers, ministers, and other leaders. Particular attention is given to the African American experience in the Christian religion and the significance of that experience in theological education.

Fellowship Meals/Breaks: Fellowship meals are held at various times throughout the academic year. Students, faculty, staff and their families are invited.

Seminary Lectures: Lectures for the seminary and the wider community are offered annually in the fall and spring. Student attendance is a requirement for graduation. Students in the Master of Divinity pro- gram must have attended a minimum of 18 lecture sessions to graduate. Master of Arts in Religion stu- dents must have attended a minimum of 12 lecture sessions to graduate.

F. Care and Counseling

Support is always available at MTS for students, faculty, and staff who need assistance with per- sonal and familial concerns of a confidential nature. MTS employs a chaplain who is available for such concerns, or, when necessary, will help with referral to outside counselors for short and long- term counseling, crisis intervention, and psychological consultation. Those seeking such support may speak with the chaplain, the director of student services, or another member of the faculty or staff.