2022-23 Academic Calendar
The seminary has made some changes to the academic calendar and requirements regarding RFS and full course intensives. There are no mid-semester RFS sessions, which allows the 10 weeks of the term to flow more smoothly and provides a longer break between terms. In addition, Residential Focus Session (RFS) and full course (five-day) intensives have returned to in-person only. Please see the announcements linked to in this notice to learn more.
Winter Term 2022 (January Intensives) Frequently Asked Questions
Please see this document for Winter Term 2022 Frequently Asked Questions that was emailed to all students.
Fall 2021 RFS Frequently Asked Questions
Please see this document for the Fall 2021 RFS Frequently Asked Questions that was emailed to all students.
CARES Act Emergency Funds for Students
Through the CARES Act, Luther Seminary has been allocated emergency funds for students affected by the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Students can check on their eligibility through our CARES Act Emergency Funds for Students page.
Dining Services
This past academic year, our pandemic response team, together with the enterprise leadership team and our student affairs staff, determined that we didn’t have enough demand—even among residential students—to provide dining services that were affordable. In addition, most of our residential students preferred to cook their own meals. We are still evaluating when and how dining services will resume.
There are vending machines on the second floor of OCC. The machines include the following options: food, frozen food, beverages (two machines), and snacks (two machines). All sales are credit, debit, or iPhone only; no cash. You can also download the Connect and Pay App to access mobile and touchless payment options.
Food Shelf
In an effort to cut food waste, the food shelf has switched to direct ordering. The great news? You’ll be able to order exactly what you want! Would you rather have fresh produce, meat, or a chocolate bar? We’ll order it for you (up to $20/week)! Here’s the process:
1) Fill out this form by Wednesday each week. You’ll notice that you’re able to order anything that’s available at Aldi! If you need to see their list, look at their products page. You’re welcome to order anything up to $20.
2) You can pick up your items in the basement kitchen of Bockman anytime between 1-6 p.m. Friday afternoons. They will be bagged and labeled with your name. We hope that time period will work for everyone! But, if you have an emergency and are unable to come at that time, please communicate with Community Life (communitylife@luthersem.edu) to set up a time for pickup.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) continues to monitor developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). International students at Luther Seminary will now be required to take courses fully in-person while in the United States. International students are expected to be registered as full-time students each semester. Participation in online classes is restricted to Federal immigration regulations prohibiting online classes to one course per term or semester 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G). International students outside of the United States may engage in up to full-time study online.
Questions should be directed to International Student and Scholar Affairs.
Library
The library is open for in-person use during the following hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Social distancing measures remain in place. Please remember to bring your Luther Seminary ID, as you need it to check out books and may need it to access the building.
The no-contact holds pick up service has been discontinued. You can still put books on hold to be picked up during the library’s open hours.
Please visit our Resource Guide to learn more.
Residency Requirements
Luther Seminary has the highest level of endorsement to deliver distance education from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and comprehensive distance education approval from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Currently, ATS only requires residency for Ph.D./Th.D programs. Certain denominations may have additional residency expectations, so students are encouraged to clarify requirements with their endorsement bodies.
Distance learning for UMC students
Effective Summer 2022 term, the United Methodist Church has returned to its pre-pandemic distance education policy. Candidates pursuing ordained ministry in the UMC may only take distance education courses at the 13 official United Methodist schools and Asbury Theological Seminary.