While Southern Evangelical Seminary exists as an academic institution, there is more to producing competent leadership than academics. SES recognizes that development of competent Christian leadership does not end in the classroom. The Student Services Department and the Office of the Deans of Students operate in conjunction with the academic departments to provide a well-rounded experience for the students and their families while they are in seminary. The Departments' objective is to enhance and support the educational experience of the student by offering services which will encourage the student’s development in social, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and moral areas. We desire that all of our students fulfill their personal and professional goals as Christian leaders and as active citizens in the society in which they live. Students are encouraged to incorporate what they are learning in the classroom into their daily lives at home, in the church setting, and in the working world.
The Office of the Deans of Students and the Student Services Department oversee the following areas with regard to student life:
New and Incoming Students - Student Services assists incoming students with getting settled in the Charlotte area. Services include housing and employment assistance. The Deans of Students can assist any new student who feels that he or she would benefit from having a student mentor to help them transition into student life and to the Charlotte area.
Ministry Opportunities: Southern Evangelical Seminary recognizes that students will minister in a complex and changing world. SES endeavors to relate instruction to contemporary society. The Student Services Department has a supporting role in this endeavor. The Student Services Department keeps the students informed of opportunities for ministry, both short-term and long-term. Opportunities for ministry and community service are posted on the Student Servics bulletin board, written in News and Notes, and communicated to students in the weekly student e-news bulletin. The Deans of Students and the Director of Student Services also actively seek out and screen ministry, internship, and field experience opportunities for students. Student Services offers spiritual gift and personality assessments each Spring to assist students in identifying appropriate career/ministry opportunities.
The Deans of Students oversee TEAM (Tactical Evangelism & Apologetics Mission). TEAM does local, national, and international short-term missions with an apologetics and Christian world view focus. TEAM offers students an opportunity to get practical ministry experience as well as possible Field Experience credit. Visit the website for more information on TEAM.
Employment Opportunities: Employment opportunities are posted on the bulletin board of the Student Services Department and are posted in the weekly student e-news bulletin. Students are encouraged to check these listings regularly for updates.
Women’s Fellowships and Bible Studies: SES women (students and spouses) meet periodically to study the Bible and to fellowship. Each fall and spring, the Dean of Women hosts a women’s fellowship. Discipleship groups are also available to those who want to participate in small group Bible studies and mentoring. Day trips are planned from time to time for fun and fellowship.
Student Bible Studies - A weekly student Bible Study is conducted by the Deans of Students to facilitate the personal spiritual growth and wellbeing of the students.
Social Events: The Seminary sponsors several social events for the SES family during the academic year including the Fall and Spring picnics, the Christmas party, the President's Reception for New Students (at the beginning of each semester), the graduation reception, and others.
School Directory: A comprehensive Southern Evangelical Seminary and Bible College Directory is issued during the Fall semester. This directory is for the exclusive use of Southern Evangelical Seminary, Student Services its administration, faculty, staff, and students. It is not to be circulated to outside persons, organizations, or agencies.
Student Identification Cards: Student identification cards are automatically issued after the first two weeks of the semester to all resident students who are taking classes for credit. Other students may request student identification cards from the Director of Student Services.
Campus Mailboxes: Every active resident student must have a campus mailbox to receive graded work, payment receipts, library notices, the school newsletter, event flyers, etc. Mailbox keys are issued by the Director of Student Services.
Code of Conduct: The written code of conduct is included in the Student Handbook, which is provided to each student prior to his or her enrollment. Students sign the code of conduct agreement and a copy of this is placed in the student’s permanent record. The system of due process for appealing their status is covered in the Student Handbook.
Convocation and Chapel: Each semester begins with a Convocation at which the President addresses pertinent issues. Chapel is held weekly on rotating days of the week. All students in class on the night Chapel meets are expected to attend.
President's Reception for New Students: New students and their spouses are invited to meet with the faculty and administration at a reception hosted by the President of the Seminary at the beginning of each semester.
Counseling: Students are advised by a faculty member regarding their course of study. Spiritual guidance and counseling is available through the professors and the Deans of Students. Professional counseling or referrals are available to the students.
Student Government: There is an organized and functioning student government. The students hold elections at the end of the Spring semester for the upcoming school year. A student government representative is an ex officio attendee at the faculty meetings.
Library: The Southern Evangelical Seminary library supports the curriculum and purpose of the Seminary. More than 40,000 volumes of books, microfiche, CD-ROMs, videocassettes, and other resources are available in the rapidly growing collection. Services are augmented through interlibrary loans, Internet services, and more than 175,000 volumes in the Charlotte Theological Library Consortium.
Living Facilities and Healthcare: Southern Evangelical Seminary does not provide on-campus living facilities. However, housing opportunities are posted on the Student Services bulletin board. Students are encouraged to check this listing regularly for updates if interested. Because of the commuter nature of the institution, SES does not offer health care. Students are all expected to provide their own. Excellent health care facilities are available within a few miles of the Seminary.
SES Student Apologetics Journal: Students have the opportunity to submit articles for publication in the SES Student Apologetics Journal.