Archives for December 1, 2021

Join us for Ministry Matters at 7 p.m. Central December 7!

Ministry Matters Session 3 focuses on the Bible and the LGBTQIA+ community. David Scherer will moderate a discussion with Ashlei Cramer and Aubrey Thonvold of Reconciling Works about how issues within the Bible affect LGBTQIA+ people and the community.

Ministry Matters is a student led six-month series for Christian public leaders to learn about the LGBTQIA+ community, its unique spiritual past, and the amazing opportunities ministry holds for the community. Each session is 90 minutes and will focus on a key topic/issue.

Information on how to join us will be included in announcements closer to the date.

As our appreciation and gratitude for your presence, time, and grace during this chaotic time, there is a mask for all faculty and staff, including facilities management, to pick up at the OCC Information Desk. With God’s blessings – The Student Council

Congratulations to our colleagues celebrating work anniversaries in December!

Jeni Mullenix – 7 years – Advanced Theological Education
Bethany Riethmeier – 2 years – Seminary Relations
Catrina Ciccone – 3 years – Contextual Learning
Tess Pinkstaff – 3 years – Faith + Lead
Ashley Wheeler – 3 years – Contextual Learning
Katie Langston – 4 years – Faith + Lead
Jake Ratkovich – 10 years – Maintenance
Teri Temple – 10 years – Faith + Lead
Sarah Ludtke-Jones – 10 years – Student Affairs
Alison Roberts – 2 years – Seminary Relations

Advent greetings, Luther community!

As we move into a new year according to the Christian calendar, I begin more intentional communication from the Academic Affairs Office. Today’s communication is particularly timely as we prepare for winter and spring classes.

As we continue to navigate COVID-19 realities, we also maintain our commitments to providing robust in-person and online learning experiences with flexibility for the diverse needs (think “safety”) of students, staff, and faculty. With these commitments in mind, the Academic Dean in consultation with the Academic Leadership Committee has made the following decisions regarding the remainder of this academic year:

1. For all students graduating in May 2022, residential requirements will be waived.

2. All synchronous courses (in-person or online) in the upcoming winter, spring, and summer terms will count as residential courses. (United Methodist requirements are approved through spring.)

3. All required courses will be offered in two modalities, in-person and online. (For example, the worship course will be offered online in winter and as an RFS with a synchronous intensive in the spring.)

4. Please be attentive to the modality of the offered course as you register. At this time, students may have to shift registration to a different term for a course in the required modality if the online course is scheduled for another term than the in-person course. Faculty members are developing Hybrid courses, but not all courses are available in the hybrid option for the 2021-22 academic year.

I hope this information is helpful as you plan for the upcoming terms. As more courses are added in additional modalities, we will communicate this information.

With the gratitude of the season for the incredible flexibility and creativity of the faculty and staff as well as the commitment of the students, I remain thankful to serve you at this time of transition.

Grace and Peace,

Dr. Joy
Academic Dean

Each degree-seeking student may request reimbursement towards payment of a licensed counselor and/or spiritual director for up to $300 per academic year. Please see the Emotional Well Being Guide for more information. Please reach out (with confidentiality) to sempastor@luthersem.edu with any questions.

When you have receipts, please submit them in a timely manner through this form.