Denver Seminary
Student Handbook 2015-2016
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2015-2016 my.densem.edu handbook Student
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Student Handbook Front Cover 2015-16
Student Handbook 2015-16 April Update
Welcome!
Whether you are a new or returning student, we count it a privilege to serve you as part of the Denver Seminary community. Seminary is a unique and potentially transformative experience, in part because it involves more than the rigorous academic wor...
We seek to be a community of discovery, where you can explore the depths of God's riches in Jesus Christ along with how God wants to use you uniquely in his redemptive plan. We also seek to be a community of encouragement, where you enjoy the support...
This Student Handbook contains important and useful information for navigating your experience as a student in the Denver Seminary community. Please be familiar with it because your enrollment as a student here is your agreement to abide by its polic...
Again, welcome, or welcome back, to Denver Seminary. May this academic year deepen your faith in God, clarify your vision for ministry, and enrich your love for others, for your own joy and for the glory of God!
Very Sincerely,
Robert Jones
Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management
Denver Seminary
6399 South Santa Fe Drive ∙ Littleton, CO 80120
303-824-3094 ∙ 800-922-3040
The Student Handbook
Denver Seminary admits students of any race, gender, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, g...
The content of this handbook should not be construed as complete. It may be modified by action of the Faculty, Administration, or the Seminary Board of Trustees at any time. Denver Seminary reserves the right to change policies when necessary. All...
Accreditation and Affiliations
Denver Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413; telephone number 800-621-7440; website: www.ncacihe.org, to award master's and d...
Table of Content
Seminary Directory
General Information:
Mail: 6399 South Santa Fe Drive Phone: (303)761-2482
Littleton, CO 80120 Fax: (303)761-8060
Department Name: Phone: Email:
Admissions 303-762-6937 info@denverseminary.edu
Fax: 303-783-3122
Counseling Center (Shepherd's Gate) 303-762-6987 shepherdsgate@denverseminary.edu
Counseling Division 303-762-6954 sharon.gipe@denverseminary.edu
Dean of Students 303-357-5838 deanofstudents@denverseminary.edu
Financial Aid 303-762-6903 financialaid@denverseminary.edu
Helpdesk 303-762-6983 helpdesk@denverseminary.edu
Human Resources 303-762-6887 zandy.wennerstrom@denverseminary.edu
Hispanic Initiatives 303-783-3137 wilmer.ramirez@denverseminary.edu
Korean Initiatives 303-762-6979 sungwook.chung@denverseminary.edu
Library 303-762-6962 library@denverseminary.edu
Registrar 303-357-5809 registrar@denverseminary.edu
President's Office 303-762-6902 president@denverseminary.edu
Provost Office 303-762-6900 provost@denverseminary.edu
Security 303-783-3120 kent.quackenbush@denverseminary.edu
Student Life 303-762-6925 studentlife@denverseminary.edu
Urban Initiatives 303-357-5865 felix.gilbert@denverseminary.edu
Vernon Grounds Institute 303-762-6980 vgi@denverseminary.edu
Academic Calendar
* Dates specific to the D.Min. program are located in the D.Min. Academic Calendar on page 49
Fall 2015
New student orientation August 21
Classes begin August 24
Labor Day—no classes September 7
Convocation September 8
Last day to add a course September 5
Last day to drop a course with no transcript notation September 5
Day to Serve (Evening Classes held)……………………………………………………………………..….. September 15
M.Div. doctrinal paper due (fall graduates) September 18
MA comprehensive exams (fall graduates) September 26
Graduation application deadline (fall graduates) October 1
First draft of MA thesis due (fall graduates) October 12
Last day to drop a course with a "W" grade October 17
Last day to change a course from credit to audit October 17
Last day to drop a course with the possibility of a "WP" grade November 14
Automatic "WF" assigned for course drops November 17
Day Classes held (No evening classes)………………………………………………………………………..November 24
Thanksgiving break November 25-27
M.Div. oral exam completed (fall graduates) November 30
Final draft of MA thesis due (fall graduates) November 30
Fall graduates recognition December 7
Last day of classes December 11
Intersession 2016
Session dates January 4-22
Martin Luther King Day—no classes January 18
Spring 2016
New Student Orientation January 22
Classes begin January 25
Graduation application deadline (spring graduates) February 1
Graduation application for summer graduates participating in commencement ……………..February 1
Last day to add a course February 5
Last day to drop a course with no transcript notation February 6
M.Div. doctrinal paper due (spring graduates) February 19
MA comprehensive exam (spring graduates) February 27
First draft of MA thesis due (spring graduates) March 14
Last day to drop a course with a "W" grade March 20
Last day to change a course from credit to audit March 20
Spring break March 21-25
Last day to drop a course with the possibility of a "WP" grade April 17
Automatic "WF" assigned for course drops April 20
M.Div. oral exam completed (spring graduates) April 29
Final draft of MA thesis due (spring graduates) May 2
Last day of classes May 13
Commencement May 14
Summer 2016
Graduation application for summer graduates………………………………………………………………………May 2
Session dates May 16–August 26
Memorial Day—no classes May 30
Independence Day—no classes July 4
Foundational Commitments
Mission
Vision
Theological Foundations
Each year trustees, administration and faculty are required to affirm and sign the Seminary's doctrinal statement without mental reservation. Students and Seminary staff affirm and sign the National Association of Evangelicals' Statement of Faith.
Denver Seminary Doctrinal Statement
Denver Seminary is committed to the great truths and abiding fundamentals of the Christian faith as evidenced by its confessional platform:
The Word of God
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, inerrant in the original writings, complete as the revelation of God's will for salvation, and the supreme and final authority in all matters to which they speak.
The Trinity
We believe in one God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creatio...
God the Father
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men and women, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through...
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is God's eternal Son, and has precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections as God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He is not only true God, but true Man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mar...
Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit, His personality and His work in regeneration, sanctification, and preservation. His ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and implement Christ's work of redeeming the lost and empowering the believer for godly li...
Humanity
We believe God created humanity, male and female, in the image of God and free from sin. We further believe all persons are sinners by nature and choice and are, therefore, spiritually dead. We also believe that the Holy Spirit regenerates those who r...
Salvation
We believe in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This salvation is based upon the sovereign grace of God, and was purchased by Christ on the cross, and is received through faith apart from any human merit, works, or ritual. We believe ...
The Church
We believe that the church is the spiritual body of which Christ is the head and is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. This body expresses itself in local assemblies whose member...
Separation of Church and State
We believe that each local church must be free from interference by any political authority. We also believe all men and women are directly responsible to God in matters of faith and life, and that they should be free to worship God according to the d...
Christian Conduct
We believe that the supreme task of every believer is to glorify God in life and conduct and be blameless before the world. Each Christian should be a faithful steward of all possessions and seek to realize in every area of life the full stature of ma...
Last Things
National Association of Evangelicals' Statement of Faith
The National Association of Evangelicals takes its stand on the changeless Word of God as expressed in the following Statement of Faith:
Guidelines for a Christian Lifestyle
Personal and Relational Health
Redemptive relationships
Sexual integrity
Self-control
Respectful modesty
Controlled substances
Fitness for Ministry & Professional Disposition
Campus Facilities, Usage, and Operations
The Campus
Denver Seminary (map) has a 20.3 acre campus in Littleton, Colorado, a thriving community southwest of the city of Denver.
Anita I. Graber Administrative Building
The first floor of the Anita I. Graber Administration building houses Student Life and Enrollment Management, the Registrar, Financial Aid, the Campus Operations Group (COG, formerly the Business Office), the Doctor of Ministry program, and the Shephe...
Graber Administrative Building Hours:
Monday – Friday……………..7:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday ………….Closed
Shepherd's Gate Counseling Center Hours (subject to change by semester):
Monday – Thursday……….. 7:30am – 9:00pm
Friday……………………………..7:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday………………………… 7:30am – 1:30pm
Sunday…………………………… Closed
Harold and Virginia Simpson Leadership Center
The Simpson Leadership Center houses classrooms and the Hazel Harriet Simpson Chapel. Modern technology provides an excellent teaching environment in each room of the facility.
Simpson Leadership Center Hours (subject to change during the summer and intersession):
Monday –Thursday………… 7:00am – 10:00pm
Friday……………………………..7:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday………………………… Closed
Vernon and Ann Grounds Student Center
Named after the second and longest-tenured president and previously-appointed chancellor of Denver Seminary and his wife, the Vernon and Ann Grounds Student Center is a place where students can relax, eat, study, and engage in conversations.
Student Center Hours (subject to change during the summer and intersession):
Monday – Thursday ……….. 7:00am – 11:15pm
Friday……………………………..7:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday……………………….…9:00am – 5:30pm
Paul and Marjorie Lewan Learning Resource Center and the Carey S. Thomas Library
Named after the first president of the Seminary, the Carey S. Thomas library is located in the Paul and Marjorie Lewan Learning Resource Center. The library is comprised of volumes carefully selected to provide the best in theological and scholarly li...
Library hours:
On-Campus Apartments
Denver Seminary owns and operates a four-building apartment complex for both single and married students. For more information regarding on-campus and off-campus housing, please see the housing website.
Parking Permits, Locations, and Violations
Permits
Policies
Locations (map)
Enforcement
Safety, Security, and Emergencies
Safety and Security
Denver Seminary desires its campus to be a safe and secure environment. However, the Seminary cannot guarantee the safety/wellbeing of persons or property and therefore strongly recommends personal responsibility and vigilance on the part of all memb...
Important Phone Numbers
911
(9-911 from a seminary phone)
For fastest emergency response for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Denver Seminary Security for Non-Emergencies: 303-783-3120
(Extension 1001 from a campus phone)
Students, faculty and staff should call Denver Seminary security to report a crime, suspicious activity, or to request an escort from a building to their car, day or night.
Campus Emergency and Weather Closure Notification System
Denver Seminary utilizes the following means of communication in the event of an emergency or a school closure.
1. A notice on MyDenSem
2. A notice on the Seminary's main web site
3. Broadcast emails and text messages: notices will be emailed/and or texted to all staff and faculty to their Seminary accounts and to students via their DMail account through the Rave Emergency System. Students may manage their Rave account at Rave...
4. Television: CBS 4
5. Radio: 850 KOA
Usage and Operations
Bicycle Registration
All bicycles ridden to campus or stored on-campus need to be registered with the Bursar in the Campus Operations Group suite located in the Graber Administrative Building. Questions about bicycle registration should be directed to Kent Quackenbush.
Bookstore
Denver Seminary partners with the on-line bookstore Akademos.
Dress Code
With the diversity of backgrounds represented in the Denver Seminary community, the question of appropriate dress is occasionally raised. Generally, the seminary's expectations and standards are that of "good taste" and "appropriate dress for the app...
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located at the Circulation Desk in the Library (303-762-6962). Items will be held for two weeks. Containers holding food or beverages will be discarded.
Pets
Unless granted special permission, or in cases of special assistance or service, pets are not allowed inside buildings on-campus. Dogs are allowed on-campus but should be leashed at all times. If necessary, dogs may be tied outside a building and le...
Public Space Usage
Common areas on-campus, such as the Student Center, are not available for reservation. In order to meet the needs of the community, students using these areas should apply thoughtfulness and courtesy. This includes leaving these locations in as good...
Game Room
The Game Room, located in the Student Center, is open and available during normal Student Center hours, unless otherwise posted. Children under the age of 13 are required to be directly accompanied by an adult. Game Room users are expected to leave ...
Receptionist Desk
The Information Reception Desk in the Graber Administration Center front lobby provides the following services:
Directions and information for offices, classrooms and scheduled meetings.
Directions for off-campus businesses and organizations.
Requests for parking decals.
Notary services (by appointment).
Solicitation
Solicitation is prohibited on Seminary property. This pertains to both commercial agents and members of the Denver Seminary community. The Seminary will not assist commercial agents in contacting or connecting with students and will not provide acce...
Student Life
The Office of Student Life
The Student Life team, consisting of the Dean of Students, Community Life Coordinator, and numerous dedicated student volunteers, is committed to supporting student success by providing a variety of assistive and developmental resources and by curatin...
Communication and Marketing to Students
Student Life functions as the primary voice to the student body for communicating information about events, activities, resources and benefits. Students are encouraged to regularly check their Denver Seminary email account, as it is the official medi...
Along with Campus News, the seminary's weekly e-newsletter, other means of communication to the student body utilized by Student Life include digital display monitors, bulletin boards in the Student Center, advertising on entry/exit doors around campu...
Inquiries for utilizing any of the above methods for communicating to students should be submitted to Student Life.
Student Resources and Services
Student Life maintains a variety of assistive and developmental resources and services to help students succeed and complete their program. The entire portfolio of these resources and services can be found on the Student Life Resources website.
Career Services and Strengths Assessment
Student Life provides assistance and resources to students desiring to better equip themselves for gaining employment and assessing their strengths and/or personality type. For more information about these resources, contact Student Life.
Counseling with Professional Christian Counselors
The Department of Student Life has made arrangements with local Christian counselors to provide a limited number of counseling sessions for seminary students and/or their family members at a discounted rate. Student Life holds student privacy in th...
Employment
The online Job Board contains a variety of part-time and full-time job listings, as well as internship and volunteer opportunities. Students interested in Federal Work Student positions on-campus can find additional information in the Financial Aid S...
Food Closet
The Food Closet is intended to assist low-income students and families of Denver Seminary. Located in the northwest corner of apartment building #2, the Food Closet contains a variety of general items that are meant to supplement regular grocery shopp...
Bread Closet
Located at the bus stop in the parking lot on the south side of the apartment buildings, the Bread Closet consists of bakery products donated by local grocery stores, such as bread, pastries, and other similar items.
Hours of operation: Mondays………..9:30am – 4:00pm
Manna Ministry
Manna Ministry offers a food bank, clothing bank, medical services, and haircuts. First-time visitors must present their student ID card. Students utilizing these services are expected to lead a devotional once per semester or speak with Manna Minis...
Cherry Hills Community Church
3900 Grace Blvd
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
303-791-4100
Hours of operation:
Tuesdays………. ………………..10:00am – 11:00am (Food Bank only)
Tuesdays ……………………….. 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Food and Clothing, Medical Clinic, and Haircuts)
Health Insurance
*Health insurance is required for all international students and their dependents for the duration of their studies at Denver Seminary. Documentation that verifies enrollment in a health insurance plan must be provided to the Dean of Students.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership Board
The Student Leadership Board functions as a bidirectional voice between the student body and Seminary administration with the goal of enhancing the educational environment and overall student experience. Leadership Board members are selected by the D...
Residential Life
Community Advisors
Intentional efforts are made to foster relationships within the broad demographic of on-campus residents so neighbors can benefit from their shared life experiences. In order to help accomplish this, Community Advisors work under the supervision of t...
Group Connections
International Students
Partners in Ministry3 (PiM3)
PiM3 engages the wives of Denver Seminary students by encouraging them to recognize and embrace their call to serve Jesus Christ in partnership with their husbands, and by striving to equip them for effective, life-long ministry. Questions about PiM3...
Student Interest Groups and Meet-ups
From the mutual experience of their studies, students discover shared interests beyond the classroom and can initiate groups and/or "meet-ups" based on these shared interests. Previous and existing groups include Outdoor Adventure, Community Service,...
Student Groups
Student groups are distinguished from meet-ups by their structure, leadership, frequency and regularity of gatherings. Student Life offers advertising assistance and will consider requests for limited funding. Student groups must be in agreement wit...
Meet-ups
Student Life sponsored "meet-ups" are casual one-time gatherings that function as catalysts for students to make basic connections over shared interests or pursuits. Typically occurring over lunch or other brief window of time during the day, meet-up...
Cultural Immersion and Seminary Initiatives
Denver Seminary strives for an environment that celebrates Christian unity and values the diversity within the Body of Christ.
Vernon Grounds Institute of Public Ethics
The Vernon Grounds Institute of Public Ethics provides environments and resources to educate, facilitate, and train Seminary students, members of Christian leadership, and the Christian community as a whole in the area of social ethics.
Urban Initiatives
Hispanic Initiatives
Korean Initiatives
The Preaching Initiative
The Preaching Initiative trains current and future pastors, as well as lay people, to be better preachers. The initiative includes elective courses in homiletics for students, annual preaching conferences, and preaching cluster groups where students a...
Common Ground: The Chapel Gatherings of Denver Seminary
Common Ground chapel services are held weekly during the fall and spring semesters. These community gatherings focus on worship, but they also include lectures and special conferences, speakers from within the Denver Seminary community, the Denver ar...
Attendance Requirements
Each student pursuing an M.Div. or M.A. degree must attend chapel as part of their program; however, the requirement is different for these two programs, and students are responsible for understanding and fulfilling the expectation for their respectiv...
Although Student Life maintains records of attendance, each student is responsible to manage their own attendance and manage their time and schedule in order to fulfill their attendance requirement during the course of their program and prior to their...
M.Div. Chapel Requirement
Students in the Master of Divinity program are required to attend 5 semesters of Common Ground chapel services. (Attending 10 services during a semester fulfills the requirement for one semester.)
M.A. Chapel Requirement
Students in a Master of Arts program are required to attend 3 semesters of Common Ground chapel services. (Attending 10 services during a semester fulfills the requirement for one semester.)
Reporting Attendance
At the conclusion of a semester that a student would like to count toward their attendance requirement, they are required to complete the following attendance form.
Conferences/Lectureships
There is at least one conference or lectureship per semester intended to invite students to consider aspects of Christianity that otherwise might not be brought to their attention. These conferences and lectureships present evangelical leaders who, b...
Kent Mathews Endowed Lectureship in Christian Social Ethics
The annual Kent Mathews Lectureship addresses the Biblical, theological, and philosophical nature of the Christian's obligations, the personal character dimensions of social ethics, the values reflected in social justice, and the concrete responses to...
Informational Technology (IT)
Acceptable Use and Computer Services
IT Support Contact Information
Phone: 303-762-6398 or ext. 2020 from any campus phone.
Email: helpdesk@denverseminary.edu
The IT helpdesk provides support for the computer lab, Dmail, Moodle, MyDenSem, and wireless internet access.
Computer Lab, Copiers, and Scanners
The computer lab, located in the Library, is available for student use and is furnished with computers and printers. Copiers and scanners are also available with instructions located by each unit. Students may add money to their printing account at ...
Email
DMail is the Denver Seminary student email account through Gmail. All official correspondence from Denver Seminary is sent to students via this account.
To Login to your DMail account:
1. Go to: http://dmail.my.densem.edu
2. Enter your student ID in the "NetID" text box. Enter your password in the "NetID Password" text box
3. Click "Login"
4. For first-time student login, register with Google. Enter the characters seen in the picture on the screen. Click "I accept. Create my Account" to agree to the Google terms of service.
5. Google Gmail will load. Your email address is located at the top right of the screen.
Moodle
Moodle is Denver Seminary's online resource for locating information about classes, including assignments and faculty/instructor. It also serves as the environment where online classes are taught.
To Login to Moodle:
For instructions on how to login to Moodle, students can access the Moodle Student Tutorials at the top-left sidebar of Moodle or click here to view the short tutorial on how to login. (Select #3 from the menu on the left side of that webpage.)
For students to change their Moodle password and for instructions on how to make your password the same for Moodle, Dmail, and MyDenSem, select #5 from the tutorial menu.
Note: only students who have registered for classes and have a course using a Moodle site will have an active account. (See #9 in the tutorial player.) New students who cannot successfully login to Moodle should wait one week before the course start ...
MyDenSem
MyDenSem is students' online resource to access class schedules, syllabi, bills, academic information, grades, the academic catalog, the student handbook, inclement weather, emergency updates, and much more.
To Login to MyDenSem:
1. Go to: https://my.densem.edu.
2. Enter your Denver Seminary student ID number
3. Enter your password
4. Click "Login"
5. Students having trouble logging in should contact the Help Desk at 303-762-6983
Once logged in, please change the password by clicking on the "My Profile" menu then "Change Password". This new password will work for MyDenSem, DMail, and the computer lab. See the Moodle section on how to change your Moodle password.
Wireless Internet Access
The Denver Seminary wireless system, DSNet, is available for on-campus use. Internet access is granted after agreeing to the Acceptable Use Policy.
Library Services
Library – General Information
Library Hours of Operation
Library / I.D. Cards
Checking Out Books
Fines
Late fees for overdue general collection books are 25 cents per book per day, $1.00 per hour per Reserve item, and $5.00 per day for Kindle E-Readers. Fines will also be charged on items not properly checked-out. In most cases, a lost or damaged ite...
Reference Services
Reference Assistance
Online Catalog
Interlibrary Loan Services
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the process of requesting books, theses, dissertations, and periodical articles (subject to copyright laws) from another library. Since requested material may take two to three weeks to arrive, students are encouraged to fi...
Special Collections
Archives
EBooks/EReaders
Grounds Collection
M.A. Theses and D.Min. Projects
Oversize Books
Periodicals
Reference Books
Reserve Materials
Helpful Tips
Carrels with Lockers
Copyright
Food and Drink Policy
Loss or Damage
Other Large Seminary Library Collections in Denver
Study Environment
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
The goal of the Financial Aid Office is to remove financial barriers to help students pursue their calling. Additional information, including tuition and fees, can be found on the financial aid section of the Denver Seminary website.
Contact Information:
Phone: 303-762-6888, or 800-922-3040 ext. 1239
Email: financialaid@denverseminary.edu
Eligibility
Most students must meet the following criteria to become eligible for financial aid:
Students must be accepted into a degree program pursuing their first degree at Denver Seminary. Certificate students have limited eligibility for Scholarships. Only Graduate Certificate students are eligible for federal loans (Certificate of Comple...
Students need to be enrolled at least half-time each semester (5 semester hours master's level; 2 semester hour doctorate level). Most, but not all, scholarships require full-time status (9 semester credits master's level; 3 semester credit doctora...
Students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (2.75 for certain programs) and successful completion of two-thirds of all attempted courses. Students who do not maintain eligibility may be requi...
Eligibility for need-based awards is calculated using the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA and the estimated Cost of Attendance budget set by the Financial Aid Office.
All financial aid awards are subject to their terms and conditions, and every award recipient is required to read and accept each term and condition and is expected to understand the impact each one has on his or her situation. All Terms and Conditio...
Types of Financial Aid
Institutional Aid
Descriptions and application steps for all available grants and scholarships are published in the Scholarship Application Packet and the Academic Catalog.
Federal Student Loans
The Financial Aid Office is committed to helping students understand the various implications of student debt both in school and long-term. The Loan Management page is designed to help students consider all aspects of debt management, including but n...
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is the primary federal student loan program available to graduate students. Students who need additional assistance beyond the Direct Unsubsidized Loan are encouraged to consider the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program prio...
Federal Work Study
Students with high financial need are encouraged to apply for a variety of Federal Work Study positions available at Denver Seminary. Application steps include completing a FAFSA and applying for the position. All work study position are listed on t...
Veteran's Educational Benefits
Denver Seminary works with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that eligible recipients of veterans' educational benefits obtain available assistance, including the following programs: Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabil...
External Scholarships
External scholarship resources, including scholarship search engines, are posted on the Grants & Scholarships page of the website.
Application
Applying for financial aid begins with completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Scholarship Application Packet. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal loans, federal work study, seminary grants and need-based scholar...
Awarding and Disbursing Aid
Scholarship Committee
Beginning in April for fall-starts and November for spring-starts, the Scholarship Committee meets on a monthly basis leading up to the applicable semester to award grants and scholarships to applicants who completed their scholarship application by t...
Award Letters
All financial aid offers will be posted via an online Award Letter on the MyDenSem student portal. Award recipients are required to login to the student portal to view and accept all aid offers. Additionally, students are responsible for any follow-up...
Payment Deadline
All students must make payment arrangements for all tuition and fees by the Payment Arrangement Deadline each semester (Fall/Spring semesters: 10 calendar days prior to the start of the semester at 12:00pm; Intersession/Summer terms: 12:00pm on the Fr...
Students who need assistance with calculating a combination of financial aid, payment plan and/or direct payment(s) may find the Net Price Calculator to be a helpful tool.
Disbursements
Loans will be disbursed to student accounts no earlier than 10 calendar days prior to the start of the semester (per federal regulations). Refund checks for excess financial aid funds should not be expected prior to the start of any semester. Instit...
Cancellation
Students have the right to cancel any accepted awards at any time. The process to do so will depend on the timing of the request. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.
Financial Policies and Services
Account Information
Students can find their current account balance and information at any time on the "My Finances" section of the student portal (Login required) or by visiting the Student Accounts Desk located on the first floor of the Graber Administrative Building....
Tuition and Fees for 2015-2016
Tuition, fees, and other expenses can be found on the Tuition and Fees webpage, and in the 2015-2016 Academic Catalogue, beginning on page 30.
Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice and are due by the published payment deadline.
Payment Policies
Students must pay all outstanding charges before they will be cleared to attend classes for the upcoming semester. Miscellaneous fees and charges are due and payable when they are assessed.
Payments of Student Accounts
One or more of the following payment options must be met to complete registration each semester:
1. Pay in full online by electronic check or credit card. Credit card payments are assessed a 2.75% convenience fee.
2. Submit full payment by cash, check, or money order to the Student Accounts Office. Checks or money orders may be sent by mail to: Denver Seminary Student Accounts, 6399 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO 80120, but must arrive no later than the posted...
3. Enroll in a Denver Seminary tuition payment plan – details available online or contact the Student Accounts Office at 303-762-6891.
4. Obtain financial aid sufficient to cover the account balance (guaranteed student loan, grant, scholarship or other financial aid from the financial aid office). *
* Important: Students receiving financial aid that does not fully cover their charges due must either pay the remaining balance in full or enroll in a tuition payment plan by the posted payment due date.
Payment Plan
An in-house payment plan option for students who can afford to make monthly payments on at least a portion of the tuition/fee balance is available for the Fall, Spring and Summer terms.
Plan Details
Monthly payments per semester, due on the 15th of each month:
Fall semester: Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov
Spring semester: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Summer session: May, June, July
Enrollment Fees
Fall and Spring semester: $45
Summer session: $35
Payment Plan Enrollment
Plans are established and maintained by the Student Accounts Office.
Contact Information
Phone: Direct: 303-762-6891 or Toll free: 800-922-3040 ext. 1212
Email: Business.Office@DenverSeminary.edu
Nonpayment of Financial Obligation
Students who do not pay their tuition and fees by the payment deadline will be dropped from their classes and assessed applicable fees to re-register. Students with unpaid account balances will be denied access to grades, transcripts, and graduation ...
Academic Policies and Services
Student Learning Outcomes
Compelled by the biblical vision for love of God and others, and compelled by Christ's commission to make disciples of all nations, Denver Seminary graduates will be able to do the following:
Biblically and Theologically Grounded
Demonstrate integrated biblical and theological competence.
Contextually Sensitive
Serve all people effectively and faithfully, with cultural discernment and without prejudice or favoritism.
Spiritually Mature and Growing
Exhibit a mature and growing Christlikeness in their character.
Vocationally Fit
Discern and pursue personal vocation in a theologically integrated manner.
Academic Integrity
God is truth and has revealed truth through his Word; God's Son, Jesus, is the Truth; the Holy Spirit guides us into truth. Through Scripture we know that as God's children we are to be truthful and are to avoid all dishonesty, deception and lying.
Denver Seminary is committed to building each other up to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. As a community of believers, we are called to truthfulness in all areas of life. Academic integrity is built on the assumption that both faculty and stud...
The following kinds of behaviors violate academic integrity:
Dishonesty: Dishonesty is considered using notes or other materials not expressly permitted for an exam, quiz, or other assignment; copying from the examination of another or allowing one's own examination paper to be copied; reading, without the inst...
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is presenting another's work as though it is one's own academic achievement. The intellectual contributions of others may be utilized, but always with full credit given to the authors whose ideas are presented.
Requirements for acknowledging sources of academic work are:
Quotations must be placed in quotation marks (" ") or indented beyond the margin. The source of all quotations must be acknowledged in the text or in a footnote.
Paragraphs or summaries of ideas must be acknowledged in text or footnote.
Bibliography should include all sources used in preparation of a paper or report.
Process for Academic Integrity Violations
The faculty member in whose class or area of responsibility the violation occurred must provide a written report of the incident to the Provost/Academic Dean, the Registrar, and the Director of Training & Mentoring. Depending on the nature and serious...
A "memo for record" will be kept of all meetings with a student(s). These memos will document the details of the issue, the content of all conversations with students, all corrective actions to be taken, and all follow-up procedures to be implemented...
Appeals Processes for Academic Matters
Appeal of Academic Policy
Appeal of Academic Dismissal
Students have the right to appeal an academic dismissal. All appeals should be typed or written and mailed or hand delivered, rather than emailed. The appeal must be received by the Provost/Academic Dean within 30 days of the notice date for it to b...
The Provost/Academic Dean will refer the appeal to the Educational Policies Committee who will render a decision within 30 days of the referral, if that appeal is received before the last scheduled meeting of the academic year. Appeals received after...
If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the Educational Policies Committee, he/she may do so by sending a typed written letter of the request to the Provost/Academic Dean within three (3) business days of receipt of the decision, requesting a ...
The Administrative Committee will review the appeal and make a final decision. No further appeal is available.
Appeal of a Grade
If a student feels that his/her final semester grade in a course is not equitable, he or she should first discuss the issue with the professor of the course. If not satisfied with the decision, the student may set up a meeting to further discuss the ...
At any time during this process, the student may choose to submit a formal typed written letter of appeal to the Office of the Provost/Academic Dean that includes all specifics needed to evaluate the information. Formal appeals will be handled by the...
Course Taping Policy
Students must always request the instructor's permission to make audio or video recording of a course. Such recordings are to be used solely and exclusively for the purposes of that student's study for the course and are not to be distributed in any ...
Extensions of Course Work
Students are required to complete all course work during the semester or session (intersession or summer) in which courses are taken. In order to accomplish this, some students may need to reduce the number of classes taken each semester.
The Seminary does recognize that on occasion extenuating circumstances may warrant the granting of additional time to complete course work. Such situations require the approval of the professor.
Extenuating circumstances that may warrant an extension include:
Death in the family.
Serious illness or accident that required hospitalization and preventing the student from attending class or completing the work.
Events that would NOT be considered extenuating include:
Being too busy/overcommitting oneself/time management difficulties.
Travel plans.
Employment demands.
Ministry commitments.
Minor illnesses.
Extensions, when granted, are for a period of one week to no more than eight weeks beyond the final day of the semester or session in question. Failure on the part of the student to complete all the required course work in the allotted time will resu...
For the fall and spring semesters, course extension forms and proper medical documentation (if applicable) must be signed by the professor and then submitted to the Registrar before the last class meeting. For intersession or summer classes, course e...
*Extension requests cannot be granted for projects or thesis and are not available to graduating students unless the graduation date is postponed.
Writing Center
The Writing Center at Denver Seminary is open to all students and offers free tutorial assistance and discounted editing services. These services are designed to facilitate stronger academic writing practices. Additional information can be found on ...
The Writing Center is located in conference room 113 in the library. To schedule an appointment, sign-up on the clipboard outside the door or email the Writing Center at writing.center@denverseminary.edu.
Gender-Inclusive Language
Denver Seminary students are required to use gender-inclusive language in their writing except when referring to God or when using a direct quote from another source. Students needing more information about the use of gender inclusive language may c...
Military Service
Called to Active Duty
Students who report for active duty, either involuntarily or voluntarily, should notify the Registrar's Office as soon as possible.
Students who cannot complete their coursework will be withdrawn from the course(s) enrolled for that semester, and all tuition for the incomplete work will be refunded. In cases where it is appropriate and feasible for students to finish their course...
Students called to active duty will retain their student status for up to five years. Notification of intention to re-enroll in the next semester following deactivation must be given to the Seminary by students within 90 days following an honorable ...
Current Active Duty
Students who are taking courses while on active duty and experience military obligations (field assignment, etc.) that interfere with their ability to meet course requirements (attending class or taking an exam on a specific date) should discuss the m...
Transcript Request
Transcripts can be requested by following the instructions posted on the Transcript Request webpage.
Leave of Absence from Seminary
Students who need to temporarily put their academics at Denver Seminary on hold should complete a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form and submit it to the Registrar's Office. This form can be found in "Academic Forms" in the My Academics tab on MyDenSem...
Withdrawing from Seminary
Students who desire to withdraw from the Seminary should complete the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal form and submit it to the Registrar's Office. This form can be found in "Academic Forms" in the My Academics tab on MyDenSem (login required), or in the...
NOTE: Former students who wish to move their status from withdrawn to enrolled must re-apply for admission and are subject to current catalog requirements.
Student Educational Records
See the Educational Records section of this document.
Non-Academic Policies and Services
Confidentiality and Institutional Responsibility
Denver Seminary upholds all federal, state and local laws and desires to employ sound practices regarding managing student behavior and communicating students' rights.
Students should be aware that Faculty and Staff have an institutional responsibility and at times a legal obligation to report issues of concerning behavior to Seminary officials and/or the authorities. Therefore students should not assume and can ne...
FERPA
Denver Seminary complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This act was designated to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their records, and to provide ...
Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Denver Seminary collects and reports crime statistics. The Clery Act requires all public and private post-secondary educational institutions par...
Christian Civility, Human Dignity, and Mutual Respect
Denver Seminary believes treating one another with mutual respect and care lies at the heart of Christian community and is committed to providing and maintaining a learning and working environment for all students, staff and faculty members characteri...
Examples of behaviors that may constitute a violation include, but are not limited to, abusive comments or behavior, bullying, coercive and controlling behavior, demeaning or degrading comments, humiliation, intimidation, verbal, physical or sexual ha...
Students may consult the Dean of Students to discuss their specific situation or may choose to resolve the matter through the informal or formal grievance processes described below.
Remediation Process – Fitness for Ministry & Professional Disposition
Any student who has been referred to remediation and who does not believe the concern exists or believes it is being handled improperly may file a grievance with the Dean of Students or Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management.
Student Grievance Process
The student grievance process is intended to provide procedures for the resolution of disputes between students, as well as procedures for handling complaints alleging inappropriate application of any written rules or policies upon a student. Students...
These procedures are not intended to create a contract; rather their purpose is to establish a process. The Seminary reserves the right to alter or change these procedures as it deems appropriate while preserving due process and the integrity of the c...
Informal Grievance Resolution
Formal Grievance Resolution – Involving a Faculty Member:
1. Students who wish to file a grievance against a faculty member must submit a typed written complaint with any additional pertinent supporting material to the Provost/Academic Dean.
2. The Provost/Academic Dean will review the submitted material as quickly as is reasonably possible and, depending on the nature and seriousness of the grievance, may choose to adjudicate the matter himself/herself or submit it to the Faculty Concern...
3. If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the Provost/Academic Dean or FCC, he/she may do so by submitting a typed written letter of appeal to the Provost's Office within three (3) business days of being notified of the original decision requ...
4. The Administrative Committee will review the appeal at their next meeting and make a final ruling on the matter. The student will be notified accordingly within the next 1-2 business days.
Formal Grievance Resolution – Involving Staff or Another Student:
1. Students who wish to file a grievance against a staff member or fellow student must submit a typed written complaint with any additional pertinent supporting material to the Dean of Students.
2. The Dean of Students will review the submitted material as quickly as is reasonably possible and, depending on the nature and seriousness of the grievance, may choose to adjudicate the matter himself/herself, forward the matter to the Student Remed...
3. Students who wish to appeal the decision rendered by the Dean of Students or SCC may do so through the Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management within three (3) business days of being notified of the original decision. In the typed...
4. The Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management, designee, or an appointed committee will review the appeal as quickly as is reasonably possible and make a final ruling on the matter. The student will be notified accordingly within th...
Withdrawing During a Grievance Proceeding
Although withdrawing from the Seminary may resolve certain student grievances, the Seminary may elect to continue the grievance process outlined above even if a student withdraws.
Disciplinary Procedures for Non-Academic Concerns
At any point in time, any member of the Denver Seminary community, as well as external constituents such as a family member, pastor, supervisor, etc., may submit a report of concern to the Dean of Students, who may then be assisted by other administra...
1. Any student involved in the formal disciplinary process will be called upon to meet with the Dean of Students, designee, and/or SCC. The student will be notified of the date, time, and location of the meeting, and will be provided a written summar...
2. The student may invite one confidential advisor of their choosing as a silent supporter, but the supporter may not be someone outside the Denver Seminary community and may not be an attorney. No portions of the meeting may be electronically or dig...
3. The Dean of Students, designee, and/or the SCC will arrive at a decision of "Responsible," "Not Responsible" or "Inconclusive" for each alleged infraction based upon a preponderance of the information gathered. A determination regarding the studen...
*For information about decisions on matters related to sexual misconduct or Title IX, please refer to the Denver Seminary Sexual Misconduct Policy (Section IX).
4. Students who wish to appeal the decision rendered by the Dean of Students, designee, or SCC may do so through the Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management within three (3) business days from the time he/she was notified of the origi...
5. The Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management will review the appeal as quickly as is reasonably possible and may handle the appeal himself/herself or assemble a committee to adjudicate. The student will be notified as to whether or...
Students found responsible for violations are subject to administrative sanctions, including but not limited to: disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, suspension, or dismissal. Students may also be assigned educational-based sanctions designe...
Withdrawing During a Disciplinary Proceeding
Withdrawing from the Seminary will not resolve a disciplinary matter, nor will it interrupt the disciplinary processes outlined above. Disciplinary proceedings will continue even if a student withdraws from the Seminary.
Interim Suspension
In cases where the safety or wellbeing of Denver Seminary faculty, staff, students, or their families is determined to be potentially at-risk due to the actions/behavior of a student, the seminary may initiate an immediate interim suspension. A stude...
No Contact Orders (NCO)
The Seminary is authorized to issue institutional "no contact orders" (NCO) to students in situations where there are reasonable concerns about physical or psychological harm to students. In these cases, each student involved will receive notificatio...
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Weapons and Explosives Policy
Denver Seminary strictly prohibits the possession, storage, or use of all weapons, ammunition, or explosives on campus property including, but not limited to, firearms, bows and arrows, knives, swords, bludgeons, devices with the capability of being d...
Missing Student Notification
Gender Roles and Ministry Training in an Educational Setting
Denver Seminary is committed to training both men and women for all forms of Christian ministry. All who meet our admissions requirements and agree to a common, evangelical confession of faith as reflected in the National Association of Evangelicals ...
Within the parameters of our statement of faith, Denver Seminary celebrates the diversity of traditions and theological distinctives represented within our community by students, staff and faculty. The contributions of our different backgrounds provi...
Denver Seminary takes neither a "complementarian" nor an "egalitarian" stance on the issue of gender roles in ministry. Our faculty reflects a diversity of opinion on the particulars of this question while valuing a climate of charitable orthodoxy, i...
Recognizing the range of commitments on this issue, even among evangelical Christians with a strong commitment to biblical authority, Denver Seminary expects all students to demonstrate mutual respect for the rights of all other students to prepare fo...
Accepting a place in the student body of Denver Seminary is a statement of willingness to abide by this policy. We are committed to cultivating and protecting a community in which both men and women are free from derogation of any type and can thrive...
Students with Disabilities
Overview and Section 504 Notice
Denver Seminary strives to provide qualified students with disabilities opportunities to succeed in accordance with applicable law and the Seminary's resources, mission and principles.
Denver Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of applicable portions of the Rehabilitation Act and its implementing regulations, including 34 C.F.R. Sec. 104.1 et seq. The Seminary has designated the Dean of Students as ...
Because of its status as a religious institution, Denver Seminary is not subject to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act may not apply to all of its decisions or activities. Nonetheless, the Seminary recognizes ...
Student Requests for Accommodations
Medical diagnosis of disability and medical documentation from a qualified specialist that establishes the nature and extent of the disability, including (when applicable) the basis for the diagnosis along with dates of testing.
A description of how the disability affects the student's educational performance and/or performance in the classroom.
A description of the special accommodations the student and/or physician believes will assist the student in overcoming the need, problem or barrier caused by the disability along with any other information the student feels will assist the Dean of ...
In order for the Dean of Students to appropriately evaluate the need, problem or barrier, the student's circumstances, and the requested arrangements, students should submit such requests as early as possible. A student's failure to submit a request ...
In addition, in some situations, the Dean of Students or designee may need to communicate directly with the student's medical provider in order to review the student's needs and request, and to determine whether specific accommodations are appropriate...
Section 504 Complaint Procedure
Any student who has a complaint concerning the Seminary's compliance with Section 504 may either choose to seek an informal resolution by meeting with the Dean of Students or by submitting a formal complaint.
Procedures for filing a formal complaint are as follows:
1. The complaint must be filed with the Dean of Students' office no later than 15 calendar days after the decision or action that gave rise to the complaint.
2. The Dean of Students or designee will review the complaint and supporting material as soon as is reasonably possible and may have to conduct an investigation. This investigation may include requesting more information from the student or others, ...
3. The Dean of Students or designee will provide a written response to the student in a reasonably timely manner.
4. Students who wish to appeal the decision rendered by the Dean of Students or designee may do so through the Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management within three (3) business days from the time the original decision was presented to...
5. The Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment Management will review the appeal as quickly as is reasonably possible. The student will be notified as to whether or not the petition warrants an appeal meeting. The decision of the Vice Presiden...
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct
The Denver Seminary community has the right to be free from sexual violence and is committed to providing a non-discriminatory and harassment-free educational, living and working environment for all members of its community, including students, facult...
Denver Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission to its educational programs, activities and regulations, as they apply to programs and decisions. All members of the Denver Seminary community are expected to conduct themselves i...
The Seminary encourages prompt reporting of any incident of gender-based discrimination and/or sexual misconduct to Seminary officials and local law enforcement or civil rights enforcement agencies. The Seminary provides complaint procedures for stud...
What is Title IX?
Denver Seminary's Title IX Team
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures
The following information regarding Title IX is summative in nature for the purposes of this Handbook. Denver Seminary's policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct can be found in their entirety in the Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedur...
Sexual misconduct encompasses a broad range of actions commonly represented by unwanted sexual activity, touching, or behavior. More specifically, sexual misconduct refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person's will or where a person ...
Instructions for Victims of Sexual Violence
1. Go to a safe place and call someone. Call 911.
2. Do not shower, wash your hands or fingernails, change or remove clothing, or apply or take medication. Any of these actions could alter or destroy physical evidence.
3. Go to a hospital for medical attention.
4. Get help, like counseling or victim assistance.
On Campus: The Department of Student Life, specifically the Dean of Students, or Campus Security can connect you with these services and can also help you report the incident if you choose to do so.
Off Campus: If you cannot get to or contact anyone on campus, or if it is after-hours, the following resources are available:
The Blue Bench – Denver's rape crisis center; call their 24-hour hotline at 303-322-7273.
Littleton Police Department Victim Services Unit – 303-660-7535, or visit their website.
Women's Crisis Center of Douglas County – 303-688-8484
Denver Health Medical Center SANE – 303-602-3007
If you would like to speak to someone but not report the alleged violations, the Department of Student Life or the Dean of Students can provide you with counseling options.
Instructions for Victims of Sexual Misconduct
Denver Seminary encourages all individuals to seek assistance from a medical provider and/or law enforcement immediately after an incident of sexual violence. This is the best option to ensure preservation of evidence and to begin a timely investigat...
Reporting Title IX Violations
Making a report means telling someone in authority what happened – in person, by telephone, in writing or by email. At the time a report is made, a Complainant does not have to decide whether or not to request any particular course of action, nor doe...
Detailed information on reporting of sexual misconduct and violations of the sexual misconduct policy can be found in Section VII of the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Emergency and External Reporting Options:
Littleton Police Department (LPD)
For emergencies: 911
For non-emergencies: LPD non-emergency dispatch at 303-794-1551
Campus Reporting Options:
Title IX Deputy Coordinator (for students) – Rob Foley, Dean of Students
Rob.Foley@denverseminary.edu; 303-357-5838
Title IX Deputy Coordinator (for employees) – Zandy Wennerstrom, Director of HR
Zandy.Wennerstrom@denverseminary.edu; 303-762-6887
Title IX Coordinator – Debra Kellar, Vice President of Finance and Campus Operations
Debbie.Kellar@denverseminary; 303-762-6893
Campus Security: 303-783-3120 or dial 1001 from any campus phone.
Anonymous Reporting
Any individual may make an anonymous report concerning an act of sexual misconduct and/or sexual violence through Denver Seminary's Alert Line. An individual may report the incident without disclosing his/her name, identifying the Respondent or reque...
Interim Measures, Remedies and Accommodations
See Section VIII of the Sexual Misconduct Policy
Investigations and Options for Resolution
See Section IX of the Sexual Misconduct Policy
Doctor of Ministry Program
DMin 2015-2016 Academic Calendar
Fall 2015
Spring 2016
Summer 2016 Graduation
DMin Contacts
Introduction to Program
Doctoral Project Tuition and Fees
Inter-Library Loans for D.Min. Students
Orientation
In-Ministry Requirement
Time Limit for Total Program
Seminar Information
Textbooks
Graduation
Academic Failure
Addendum
*Reproduction of this document is prohibited without the expressed authorization of Denver Seminary. Please contact the Dean of Students for more information.
Student Handbook Back Cover 2015-16
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