Student Life
Spiritual formation
The academic schedule and internal codes of the seminary are organized so as to enhance the growth of the student's spiritual life. The daily schedule contains periods for academic development, prayer, and meditation. The weekly schedule provides the staff, students, and faculty with chapel and devotion time where they can cooperatively participate in worship.
The faculty and the Dean of Students are also willing to provide help and wise counsel in the various situations of spiritual growth.
Practical Christian Ministry
Each student is required to attend a local church and under the supervision of its leadership, carry out some form of ministry. Some of the students may volunteer to be sent by the seminary to new works in remote rural areas. The purpose of this ministry is to provide the student with an opportunity to use his\her knowledge, abilities and determine future ministry. This experience must be regularly recorded by the student and approved by the church leadership. This church ministry is supervised by Dean of Student.
During the summer break, students must continue to work in a practical ministry. Some return to their sending churches while others take advantage of summer mission trips that are coordinated by the seminary.
In addition to these regular ministry outlets, each year the seminary takes students on ministry trips to the various churches. These visits allow the students to see the needs of the churches, explore ways to solve problems, and discover ministry opportunities.
If a student fails to meet the practical Christian ministry requirements, actions will be taken which may end in their dismissal from the seminary.
Dormitory
The seminary provides all full- and part-time students with room and board during academic sessions at the seminary. Students in the full-time programs are housed in the main building. Rooms are furnished for two people and the building is equipped with all necessary facilities. Students have access to a cafeteria, recreation room, telephone, and laundry service. Part-time students are housed in rooms furnished for five, eight and ten people.
Married Students
Nearly 30% of our full time students are married. If a married student wants to live with his family he must rent an off-campus apartment. The seminary cannot provide financial assistance for off-campus housing. A married student may chose to live in the dormitory and travel home on the weekends. The seminary does give special attention to the off-campus families by organizing weekly fellowships for the wives and special events for the children.
Board
During the academic year the seminary provides all full- and part-time students with a breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays. On weekends and holidays the students are expected to prepare their own meals in the student cafeteria. Students are not permitted to take their meals in their dormitory rooms.
Medical Care
All full time students and their families are provided with medical care. There is a small clinic on campus that is staffed once a week by a Christian doctor. The clinic is open to staff and students. If more serious problems exist, students are referred to the various government clinics in the area.
Student Government
There is a self-ruling Student Government that consists of a committee of all the leaders of the various student groups. This committee has the responsibility to present the needs and requests of the student body to the administration of the seminary.Guests
Odessa Theological Seminary can accommodate overnight guests. Anyone interested in staying at the seminary must contact the seminary 2 weeks in advance. There is a minimal charge for room and board.
All full time students have the right to yearly invite immediate family members to campus for a three-day visit. When possible, the seminary will provide them with room and board free of charge. Relatives may stay longer then 3 days but they will be charged accordingly.
All overnight guest and meal guests must be approved by the administration.
All guests are expected to follow the seminary's Internal Code of Behavior while on campus.
Recreation
Students and staff have daily access to the seminary gym as well as the walking paths of the Kuljalnick sanatorium and estuary. This path is located near the seminary. Major Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, the beginning of academic year are celebrated with a seminary and students sponsored party.
At the end of each academic year, the staff, students, and their families gather for a family day and picnic at the seashore.Internal Code of Behavior
The Odessa Theological Seminary is a highly respected theological institution that trains ministers for the Kingdom of God. Our students and graduates are expected not only to be biblical in their academics and skillful in their ministry but to be Christ-like in their character. In an attempt to insure this, the seminary has created an Internal Code of Behavior. The school formally expects all students, from the time they enter studies at the seminary until they graduate, to adhere to the code of behavior.
If a student fails to meet the requirements of the Internal Code of Behavior, actions will be taken which may end in their dismissal from the seminary.
The Internal Code of Behavior can be found by contacting the Dean of Students.
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