New Student Master's Orientation

Welcoming and orienting new master's students to Palmer Theological Seminary is central to the Office of Student Formation. The Office of Student Formation is interested in developing ways in which new students are familiarized with Palmer Seminary and supported as they begin their time as a seminarian.

Anyone interested in volunteering assistance during fall and spring orientation can contact the Office of Student Formation.

Master's students preparing to matriculate to Palmer Theological Seminary are to review the Pre-Orientation Activities and complete Activities 1-6 before New Student Master's Orientation.

ACTIVITY #1
Habituate yourself to develop time management skills, sustain your personal devotional life, personal health & boundaries. Visit Personal Success Strategies for Seminarians and complete the ï¿½Time Management Worksheetï¿½ to get you started with a ï¿½Semesterï¿½, ï¿½Weeklyï¿½ and ï¿½Dailyï¿½ Routine.

ACTIVITY #2
Connect with and understand that the advising relationship is key to developing a successful partnership for degree success. Visit the Academic Advising web page for Advisor contact information and to locate the Advisors' Office.

ACTIVITY # 3
Familiarize yourself with INT 510: Assessment I, a required course for incoming MDIV and MTS-CC students. Participation is required for M.Div & MTS-Christian Counseling students and is monitored by the Office of Student Formation.

ACTIVITY #4
Blackboard is an e-Education platform - designed to transform the Internet into a powerful environment for the educational experience. You will receive Blackboard and computer account information via e-mail. When you receive your username and password log onto Blackboard and complete technology, library, and writing skills assessments. (If you do not receive account information by the end of the add period of your first semester, contact Lorraine Williams, Blackboard Administrator, at lwillia3@eastern.edu ).

ACTIVITY #5
You will receive an e-mail with information regarding a technology survey for incoming students. This information will be e-mailed to you from the office of the Associate Dean to the eastern.edu e-mail account that you receive at orientation. Complete the Technology Survey within the first two weeks of classes.

ACTIVITY #6
Read ï¿½On Staying at the Tableï¿½ by Parker Palmer (a hard copy is included in this mailing, so that you can underline key thoughts and make notes on it). It is imperative that you read this article and give it some thought before orientation.

Remember to return all registration material, auxiliary service forms, and checklists to the office of Student Formation.