Summer 2009 Student Ministry Syllabus
Email: stm@tfc.edu
Phone Extension: 5208
Introduction: The purpose of the Student Ministry program is to challenge students toward spiritual and moral growth by involving them in practical Christian ministry.
Criteria for a ministry
To qualify for a Student Ministry credit, a ministry must meet the following criteria:
1. The duration of summer ministry is completed during summer session one and/or two.
2. Students must fulfill any ministry preparation requirements.
3. All ministries must be adequately mentored.
4. All mentors must provide an evaluation for students.
5. Students must have an opportunity for discipleship in ministries.
6. The ministry must benefit the intended recipients.
7. The ministry must contribute to the student’s personal development.
8. The ministry must provide an opportunity for practical application of classroom training.
9. The ministry must be consistent with the policies of the college.
School directors may specify certain ministries that students can choose from, to provide exposure to ministries more directly related to their course work and major. Students should make ministry selection decisions based on student preferences, catalog requirements, and the approval of the Director of Student Ministry.
An important note from the registrar!!
If you stay in Toccoa: This email is to remind all students registered for TFC Summer School of the Check-In dates and times. You must show up for Check-In to confirm your registration and retain your schedule (or fulfill one of the exceptions noted below). Summer I Check-In: Wednesday, May 20, 2009, from 9:00 am to 4 pm, in the Registrar’s Office
If you will not be in Toccoa: If your Student Ministry or Internship responsibilities are away from Toccoa and you will not be able to be here on the Check-In Days above, you must complete an Absentee Registration Form in the Registrar’s Office BEFORE leaving this semester. This will take the place of your presence on Check-In Day and will retain your schedule.
Email
Please email us your mentor’s email address as soon as you begin ministry. If you have more than one ministry you must send in both mentor’s emails! We have an important letter that we need to send them at the beginning of your ministry – so please send us their email address before you leave for the summer if possible. We also need to be in contact with them concerning the information for the mentor evaluation. If your mentor does not have email address you must come and pick up a packet from our office that contains hard copies of this information. If your MENTOR DOES HAVE EMAIL YOU WILL NOT NEED A SUMMER PACKET. You will need to refer to the student ministry website for the syllabus and other instructions as well as logging hours and evaluations. Again, because it is important for us to communicate with your mentor, SEND US THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Service Hours
A = 25+ hours; B = 20-24 hours; C = 17-19 hours. Failure to log a minimum of 17 hours will result in a failing grade for the ministry. Students must log attendance electronically using the Student Ministry website. All attendance must be logged online by August 17th. It can be done earlier also! If you have problems logging your hours you should call the IT department at ext. 5414. They will need your student #ID and the last four digits of your social security number to reset your account.
Evaluations
The two evaluations, Mentor and Self Evaluation, need to be completed and turned in to receive credit. Each evaluation is worth 10 points. The due date is August 17th. These evaluations are located on the STM website. Please submit them online. (If your mentor does not have internet access you may print it out and submit it to the STM office when you arrive back on campus. If you choose this option, you must notify us before the deadline on August 17th.) You can get these done earlier. You do not have to wait to hand them in!
Journaling
Students must write two reflective journal entries from 150 – 200 words via email to stmjournal@tfc.edu. The first journal entry is due after you have completed 5 - 6 hours of ministry. The other is due when you have completed 12-15 of your hours. Entries must include answers to the following questions: 1) How God is using you to touch people’s lives in this ministry; 2) something you’ve learned about yourself as you are involved in this ministry; 3) questions or concerns you have about this ministry.
Grading
Possible Points
Mentor email address 10
Service Hours 50
Self Evaluation 10
Mentor Evaluation 10
Journal 20
Total Points: 100
The Toccoa Falls College grading scale will apply for your final grade.
Dropping and Withdrawal: If your summer ministry doesn’t work out - you must call the registrar’s office at 706-886-6831 Ext 5442 or email registrar@tfc.edu and give them your name and the class you wish to drop. If you do not do this you will receive a failing grade on your student ministry course grade. The dates for dropping are the first two days of summer school session one which is May 21st and 22nd.
Office Hours
The Student Ministries office will be open for limited hours in the summer. The best way to reach us is to email us at stm@tfc.edu. This is the email will be checked on a weekly basis. If you need a question answered more quickly, you may call the office at 706-886-6381, ext. 5224 or 5208. If we are in, we would be happy to answer your question then.