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2024-2025 Student Handbook 17 Fitness for Ministry and Professional Disposition Along with the Community Values and Behavioral Commitments, two additional rubrics are utilized to gauge students' development and formation during their program as well as their readiness to receive a degree from Denver Seminary: 1) Fitness for Ministry, and 2) Professional Disposition. Although distinct categories, Fitness for Ministry and Professional Disposition work in tandem and share many qualities, as ministry work necessitates an appropriate level of professional acumen, and many professions are conduits through which students will fulfill their call to participate in kingdom work. Defining Fitness for Ministry and Professional Disposition The Community Values and Behavioral Commitments and policy on Academic Integrity constitute minimal behavioral expectations considering the Seminary's commitment to graduate individuals who are "fit for ministry." Professional Disposition is defined as the professional attitudes, values, and beliefs demonstrated through both verbal and non-verbal behaviors as students interact with others to achieve the objectives of their chosen field of study, including but not limited to the following attributes, many of which correspond with the expectations outlined in the Community Values and Behavioral Commitments: Positive Outlook The student demonstrates behaviors that reflect the traits and characteristics for work within a student's chosen field of study on a daily basis, including genuine enthusiasm and optimism for the profession and those working in it or serviced by it. Intellectual and Ethical Integrity The student demonstrates the ability to foster trust among and between peers, staff, faculty, clients, congregants, community members, and other seminary constituents by maintaining a high level of reliability and sound moral character. The student is truthful, honest, sincere, fair, and just, exhibiting sound moral and ethical decision-making processes in all professional situations. Respect The student is respectful to school staff and faculty, professors, and colleagues, respectfully self- advocating when necessary, and takes time and energy to show compassion and empathy for peers, staff, faculty, clients, congregants, community members, and other seminary constituents. Self-Awareness The student demonstrates an appreciation for differences among people and exhibits a strong ability to interact, work and be with people who have characteristics different from themself. The student continually seeks opportunities to learn more about others' perspectives while being open to considering the myriad of new attitudes, beliefs, ideas, and opinions that are encountered in the professional environment. Dedication The student does not become frustrated easily but chooses to stick to a professional task or directive until it is completed at a high level of competency. The student is independent and continually uses, develops, and adopts a wide range of personal and professional resources, consistently solving problems drawing on his or her own abilities and knowledge for solutions. Receiving Critical Feedback about Self and Abilities The student demonstrates the ability to hear, accept, integrate, and follow constructive feedback as it pertains to both assets and limitations of personality, temperament, and ability related to their professional functioning.