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Wesley Theological Seminary

Buffalo, New York

Extension Course of Study School

Student Handbook 32 Landers Road Kenmore, NY 14221 www.unyumc.org/ministries/course-of-study-extension-school-buffalo-ny

http://www.unyumc.org/ministries/course-of-study-extension-school-buffalo-ny

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Table of Contents Welcome .................................................................................................. 3

Course of Study ....................................................................................... 4

Purpose ..................................................................................................... 4

Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 5

Application and Registration .................................................................... 5

Process for Registering……………………………………………………….6

Mailing Address ........................................................................................ 6

Location ..................................................................................................... 6

Basic Five Year Curriculum ....................................................................... 7

Exchange Credits ...................................................................................... 8

Course Descriptions

First Year .............................................................................................. 9

Second Year ..................................................................................... 11

Third Year .......................................................................................... 13

Fourth Year ........................................................................................ 15

Fifth Year ............................................................................................ 17

Course Planning ...................................................................................... 19

Course Load ............................................................................................ 19

Grading System....................................................................................... 20

Transcripts ............................................................................................... 21

Weekend Schedule ................................................................................. 21

Tuition and Fees .................................................................................... 22

Financial Assistance…………………………………………………………22

Attendance Policy…………………………………………………………….23

Syllabus ................................................................................................... 23

Books ...................................................................................................... 23

Pre-Course Preparation ......................................................................... 24

Faculty .................................................................................................... 24

Worship ................................................................................................... 24

Weather Cancellation .............................................................................. 24

Housing ................................................................................................... 25

Map & Directions ..................................................................................... 26

Staff Contact Information ........................................................................ 26

Academic Honor ..................................................................................... 27

Policies Regarding Harassment…………………………………….………28

Racial Harassment Policy ................................................................. 28

Sexual Harassment Policy ................................................................. 30

Student-Faculty Academic Concerns Policy………………………………32

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WELCOME!

The Buffalo Course of Study Extension School began in 2004 at

the request of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the former

Western New York Conference. The School was developed to

serve part-time Local Pastors in the region who could not readily

access more distant offerings in Washington DC, Ohio or

elsewhere.

We are grateful to Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington

DC and to United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, for

providing the essential institutional support for the Buffalo

Extension program. Appreciation is also due to the Boards of

Ordained Ministry of Upper New York and surrounding

Conferences for their guidance and financial support for our local

pastors and to the many churches, family members, and local

communities that support this program by providing moral,

financial and prayer support. Buffalo Course of Study is under the

auspices of Wesley Theological Seminary, as the regional school

in the northeast jurisdiction.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you, and for your continued

prayers and support as we serve the mission of The United

Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the

transformation of the world.

Rev. Gail Lewis, Director

http://www.unyumc.org/ministries/course-of-study-extension-

school-buffalo-ny

https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/



https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/

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COURSE OF STUDY

The Course of Study is prescribed by the Division of Ordained

Ministry of The United Methodist Church to provide for the basic

theological education of persons who desire to be licensed as

Local Pastors and to equip them to serve local churches as

spiritual leaders. It includes license school, the five year basic

Course of Study and the advanced Course of Study.

PURPOSE FOR COURSE OF STUDY SCHOOL

The United Methodist Church requires local pastors to complete a

five year course of study to maintain church appointments. The

Buffalo Course of Study School is an Extension of Wesley

Theological Seminary and offers weekend courses for part-time

local pastors.

Some courses are available online through the Division of

Ordained Ministry. Students who wish to apply for associate or

provisional membership in the annual conference may take of the

classroom hours being computer-mediated. There is no limit to the

number of hybrid courses that a student may take. Up to ten (10)

courses [half the basic curriculum] may be taken online.

For the purposes of Course of Study, an “online course” is one

that is entirely computer generated. For the purpose of Course of

Study, a “hybrid course” is one that includes both computer-

mediated and classroom-based pedagogies, not to exceed more

than 50% of the classroom hours being computer-mediated. There

is no limit on the number of hybrid courses that a student may

take.

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PREREQUISITES

Requirements for enrollment in Course of Study include:

• High School diploma

• Recommendation by one’s District Superintendent

• Recommendation by the designated officer of one’s

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (Local Pastor

Registrar)

• Completion of Candidacy Studies (approved candidate for

local ministry)

• Completion of Local Pastor’s Licensing School

• Be under appointment in the United Methodist Church,

exceptions to be made with the approval of the conference

Board of Ordained Ministry for a period not to exceed one

year.

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION

To register for the Buffalo, NY COS Extension School, part-time

local pastors must complete all parts of the registration form,

which can be downloaded from our website,

www.unyumc.org/ministries/course-of-study-extension-school-

buffalo-ny or contact the COS Office if you need to have a

registration form mailed.

A separate registration form must be completed for each course.

A student is registered when the Buffalo COS office receives a

completed registration form (including the signatures of the

student, the student’s District Superintendent and the student’s

Annual Conference Local Pastor Registrar) and the non-

refundable registration fee. Registrations postmarked after the

due date will be charged a $25.00 late fee.



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THE PROCESS FOR REGISTERING IS AS FOLLOWS:

1. Fill out a registration form.

2. Take/send to your District Office for the Superintendent’s

signature. Include a check for the non-refundable and

non-transferable registration fee of $75.00 made out to

UNY Conference. This must be received 60 days prior

to the beginning of the course.

3. The District Superintendent will sign and send the form to

the Local Pastor Registrar.

4. The Local Pastor Registrar will sign off on the form and

will send it to our office.

MAILING ADDRESS (Course of Study office)

Kenmore United Methodist Church - COS

32 Landers Road Kenmore, NY 14217 (716)875-5091 [email protected] [email protected]

LOCATION

All weekend classes are held at the Kenmore United Methodist

Church (about 5 miles north of Buffalo), 32 Landers Road,

Kenmore NY 14217

mailto:[email protected]

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BASIC FIVE YEAR CURRICULUM – REVISED AUGUST 2014

EXCHANGE CREDITS

for 2014 Course of Study Revised Curriculum

Previous COS Revised Curriculum

Bible 111 = Bible I 121

211 = Bible II 221

311 = Bible III 321

411 = Bible IV 421

511 = Bible V 521

Theology 112 = Theological Heritage I 122

212 = Theological Heritage II 222

312 = Theological Heritage III 322

412 = Theological Heritage IV 422

512 = Contemporary Theology 522

Cong. Life 113 = No direct equivalent

213 = Formation & Discipleship 123

313 = Evangelism 523

413 = Worship & Sacraments 223

314 = Congregational Care 323

513 = Mission 423

Pastoral No equivalent-Transformative Leadership 124

Identity 114 = Administration & Polity 224

214 = Preaching 324

414 = Ethics 424

514 = Theological Reflection: 524

Practice of Ministry

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: FIRST YEAR

COS 121- Bible I: Introduction This course introduces biblical interpretation. Attention is given to

the inspiration, formation, and function of the canon and to the

development of a methodology of interpretation consistent with the

nature of scripture. The importance of the Bible as a witness to the

life and faith of ancient Israel and earliest Christianity will be

emphasized.

Students will be able to:

1. Articulate the place of scripture in the life of the

congregation and the role of the pastor in interpretation.

2. Understand the inspiration and formation of the canon and

its authority within the community of faith.

3. Understand and apply historical, literary, and theological

approaches to various types of literature in scripture using

Genesis, Hosea and Amos, Mark, and Philippians.

4. Develop a method of exegesis consistent with the nature

and authority of the Bible.

COS 122 – Theological Heritage I: Introduction This course introduces the student to theological reflection in the

Wesleyan tradition. Basic terms, tasks, and methods of Christian

theology will be introduced. Representative classical themes will

be defined and illustrated. The course provides a foundation for

further historical and theological study.


1. Examine their understanding of faith, sin, salvation, grace,

and the place of doctrine in the life of the Church.

2. Use and understand classical theological terms and

themes.

3. Critically consider the sources of theological reflection,

including scripture, tradition, experience and reason.

4. Reflect theologically as a resource for pastoral ministry.

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COS 123- Formation and Discipleship

This course grounds the student in the theology and core

practices of personal and congregational formation and

discipleship.


1. Articulate a theological basis for the Wesleyan emphasis

on spiritual disciplines and practice them as means of

grace.

2. Explain and implement the General Rules and the

practices of small groups in a congregation.

3. Educate and resource a congregation in the disciplines of

Christian formation.

4. Organize congregations to help people discern their

callings and gifts for ministry.

COS 124- Transformative Leadership This course forms the student’s identity as pastoral leader and

change agent in congregations, The United Methodist Church,

and the world.


1. Identify and understand the attributes of good leaders,

biblically and theologically.

2. Evaluate and strengthen their own identities and skills as

pastoral leaders.

3. Explain and reflect on the nature of change in the local

congregation and wider society.

4. Implement visioning, strategizing, and planning processes

in their local congregations.

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SECOND YEAR

COS 221- Bible II: Torah, and Israel’s History This course interprets the critical events, developing institutions,

and traditions of Israel. Attention is given to the earliest

Covenants, to the Exodus, to the rise of the monarchy, and to

other events up to the eighth century prophets.


1. Articulate a historical overview of the experience and faith

of ancient Israel.

2. Exegete selected passages that illustrate crucial turning

points in the history of Israel.

3. Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral

responsibilities, and issues of the present day.

COS 222 – Theological Heritage II: Early Church This course focuses on the history and theology of the Church

through the first five centuries. Using primary sources, students

will reflect on significant individuals, events, and the articulation of

the Christian faith during this period.


1. Understand and articulate the doctrine of the Trinity, and

the historical debates in the early Church around the

person and nature of Christ.

2. Understand and articulate a doctrine of salvation in light of

the controversies of the early church.

3. Understand the history and significance of the creeds and

ecumenical councils.

4. Appropriate historical theology for pastoral ministry.

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COS 223 - Worship and Sacraments This course examines worship within The United Methodist

Church including liturgy, sacraments, and special services.

Attention will be given to the pastor’s role as leader in worship.


1. Articulate a theology of worship consistent with the

Wesleyan tradition, including reflection on the theology and

rhythm of the Christian year.

2. Articulate a Wesleyan theology of the sacraments and be

competent in their administration.

3. Interpret theologically the rites of Christian marriage, and

of Death and Resurrection, and be able to lead such

services well.

4. Construct a worship service, and reflect theologically on

the use of hymns, media, contemporary music, and lay

leadership.

COS 224- Administration and Polity This course focuses on developing the student’s competency as

an administrator in a United Methodist congregation.


1. Articulate a biblical and theological understanding of polity.

2. Understand and explain the polity of The United Methodist

Church, including conferencing, oversight, and discipline.

3. Articulate the nature of stewardship biblically and

theologically.

4. Identify techniques and develop skills as effective

administrators of local churches, including financial

management.

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THIRD YEAR COS 321- Bible III: Gospels This course focuses on the content and message of the Gospels,

as well as the theological perspectives of the Gospel writers. The

practice of exegesis will be emphasized.


1. Understand the origin, message, and purpose of each

Gospel.

2. Exegete this form of literature.



COS 322 – Theological Heritage III: Medieval through the

Reformation

This course focuses on major movements and events beginning

with the split between Eastern and Western forms of Christianity

and continuing through the Reformation. Using primary sources,

students will reflect on individuals, decisive events, and

theological developments.


1. Understand major theological developments in medieval

Christianity leading up to the reformation.

2. Distinguish the theological characteristics of Luther,

Zwingli, the Anabaptists, Calvin, the English Reformation,

and Puritanism.

3. Understand and articulate Reformation era debates around

justification, sanctification, the sacraments, and church

unity.

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COS 323 - Congregational Care This course introduces students to practices of congregational

care and the pastor’s responsibility in caregiving.


1. Implement and oversee appropriate types of care in

varieties of settings, including prisons, hospitals, nursing

facilities, and homes.

2. Organize caring ministries within the congregation.

3. Discern and implement appropriate boundaries, knowing

when and to whom to refer people, and when and when

not to share information.

4. Reflect on and practice skills of sensitive caregiving, using

role play and analysis case studies.

COS 324 - Preaching This course focuses on preaching the gospel from the Old and

New Testaments.


1. Articulate a theology of proclamation.

2. Exegete a variety of biblical passages for preaching.

3. Evaluate sermons for biblical integrity, theological

soundness, internal logic, and delivery, and appropriate

insights gained from the evaluation of their own sermons.

4. Develop plans for ordering and delivering sermons in their

congregational and communal context.

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FOURTH YEAR COS 421 - Bible IV: Prophets, Psalms, and Wisdom Literature This course examines God’s Word as expressed through Israel’s

prophets, selected Psalms, and selected passages from Wisdom

literature.


1. Understand the origin, history, and use of these forms of

biblical literature among God’s people.

2. Exegete these forms of biblical literature.



COS 422 – Theological Heritage IV: Wesleyan Movement This course covers the significant individuals, decisive events, and

theology of the Methodist movement. Utilizing categories of grace,

faith, and holiness, the student will appropriate the Wesleyan

heritage.


1. Understand and reflect on the movements, major figures,

and events that led to the eighteenth century revivals,

especially the lives and ministries of John and Charles

Wesley.

2. Understand and articulate the vision of holiness and the

theology of grace as it shaped the Wesley’s, and the

structures of the Methodist movement.

3. Identify and discuss significant theological and historical

developments in American Methodism, including ordination

and episcopacy.

4. Reflect theologically on their Wesleyan heritage and

identity.

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COS 423 – Mission This course introduces the theology and scope of mission, and the

pastor’s role in leading congregations in their mission as agents of

God’s transforming redemption.


1. Articulate a biblical and theological framework for Christian

mission.

2. Explain the Wesleyan relationship of personal piety and

social holiness.

3. Examine and reflect on unjust social realities and the

response of the church locally and globally.

4. Analyze their ministry context and develop strategies for

transforming mission.

COS 424 - Ethics This course introduces the biblical and theological bases for

Christian behavior, emphasizing the pastoral skills needed for

moral leadership in the congregation and community.


1. Articulate a biblical and theological basis for ethical

thinking and moral behavior, and distinguish major

approaches to ethical reasoning.

2. Comprehend the relationship between their personal

stories, pastoral vocation, local contexts, and responsibility

as moral leaders.

3. Develop a Christian framework for moral reason and

action, and apply it to the use of power and the setting of

boundaries in ministry.

4. Demonstrate familiarity with and make use of the Social

Principles of The United Methodist Church as a resource

for ethical reflection and action.

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FIFTH YEAR Courses are included here for informational purposes only. The Buffalo Extension School does not offer the Fifth Year Courses.

COS 521 – Bible V: Acts, Epistles, and Revelation

This course focuses on the content and context of these writings,

and the theological emphases of their writers. In addition to Acts

and Revelation, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, James, and 1

John will receive special attention. Students will articulate a

theology of scripture.


1. Distinguish these genres of biblical literature, and

understand the major theological themes in these writings.

2. Faithfully exegete these forms of biblical literature.



4. Articulate the unity and authority of Scripture as a whole.

COS 522 – Theology in the Contemporary Church

This course covers significant individuals, movements, events,

and theological developments from the nineteenth century to the

present. Students will read selected primary sources.


1. Understand the origins and theological tenets of liberalism

from the early 19th century to the present, including its

influence on ecumenism and process theology.

2. Understand and distinguish reactions to liberalism,

including Fundamentalism, Neo-Orthodoxy, and

Evangelicalism.

3. Understand the historical development and theology of the

Holiness Movement, Pentecostalism, and the Charismatic

Movement.

4. Understand the origins and tenets of Liberation and

Contextual theologies.

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COS 523 – Evangelism

This course introduces students to the theology and practices of

evangelism as an expression of the mission of God.


1. Reflect on and articulate the meaning of the Gospel and an

understanding of the Church as bearers of God’s Word to

the world.

2. Ground a theology of evangelism in scripture, the Gospel,

and the mission of God.

3. Interpret of the Wesleyan heritage of evangelism.

4. Reflect on and implement strategies and models for

evangelism by the congregation.

COS 524 – Theological Reflection on the Practice of Ministry

This course is the capstone to the student’s basic course of study.

Its focus is the integration of the biblical, theological, and practical

aspects of ministry.


1. Articulate a Trinitarian theology for the practice of ministry.

2. State clearly the nature and mission of the Church and its

relation to pastoral ministry.

3. Demonstrate the ability to reflect theologically.

4. Develop a plan for lifelong theological reading, reflection,

and growth.

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COURSE PLANNING

The Course of Study curriculum is established by the General

Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Generally courses are to

be taken in the sequence prescribed by the COS curriculum.

Students are to take all 100 level courses prior to taking courses

in the rest of the curriculum. 500 level courses are taken after all

lower-level courses have been completed. COS- 221 must be

completed before taking COS-421.

The Buffalo, NY COS Extension School offers all of the 100 - 400

level courses, but may be taken at other COS program locations

as well. The remaining courses must be taken at a regional COS

school. Courses are scheduled to avoid overlap with courses

offered during Wesley Theological Seminary’s summer

two-week intensive courses.

COURSE LOAD

The Discipline stipulates that part-time local pastors should

complete 2 courses per Annual Conference year and full-time

local pastors should complete 4 courses per Annual Conference

year.

The maximum number of courses a student may take in Course of

Study program is 4 courses per year, except by special

permission of the Conference Local Pastor Registrar who must

get approval from the Division of Ordained Ministry.

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GRADING SYSTEM BUFCOS conforms to the grading system at Wesley Regional School. Grading Guideline

A

B C D F

A 96-100 Superior Work

B 85-89 Very Good

C 80-84 Average

D 70-75 Meets Minimum standards

Below 70 Failing – No credit given

A- 90-95 Excellent Work

C- 76-79 Needs Improvement

A grade of “Incomplete” is not given under any circumstances.

If, for extenuating circumstances, a student must withdraw from a

course s/he must call the Director (716-984-1140).

Buffalo grade sheets are sent to each student, who is then

responsible for sending them to their Conference Board of

Ordained Ministry representative (registrar). Instructors give

indications as to how well the student engaged the material and

learning process, as well as skills observed. Evaluations include

any concerns about the student and highlight strong gifts for

ministry.

The Student Grade Sheet for the Buffalo Course of Study School includes:

• Letter Grade

• Overall Academic Performance

• Written & Oral Assignments

• Relational Skills

• Comments

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TRANSCRIPTS

Inquiries regarding official Course of Study transcripts should be

made to Pamela Frost at the Division of Ordained Ministry in

Nashville. Her email address is [email protected] and her phone

number is (615) 340-7416. It is very important that you keep track

of your courses and grades so that records can be cross checked.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Each course will meet on a Friday/Saturday format as follows:

Friday:

2:00-2:30pm Arrival, check-in, refreshments

2:30-5:00pm Class

5:00pm Community worship

5:30pm Dinner

6:30-8:30pm Class

Saturday:

7:45-8:30am Morning Coffee

8:30am-12:00 Class

12:00-1:00pm Lunch

1:00-3:00pm Class


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TUITION AND FEES

Registration $75.00 Late fee: $25.00 (Due 60 days before class, Non-refundable/non-transferable)

Tuition/food service fee $425.00 Late fee: $50.00 (Due 45 days before class) ______

Total $500.00

*Meals provided are 2 dinners, 2 lunches as well as snacks for 4

days.

The remainder of the tuition must be paid 45 days prior to the beginning of class or you will incur an additional $50.00 late registration fee.

Make all checks payable to UNY Conference and write the course

number and student’s name on the memo line.

Students are not enrolled in a class until all Tuition and Fees

are paid. If a course is cancelled by COS registration, tuitions

and fees will be applied to a future course taken within one

year.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Most Annual Conferences provide assistance to support their

COS students through the Conference Board of Ordained

Ministry; contact the Conference Local Pastor Registrar about

financial assistance. Some districts and local congregations may

also provide financial assistance directly to students. If you need

further assistance, please contact the Director of the Extension

School. Costs should not prevent a person from enrolling in

Course of Study.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to provide coverage in their churches for

the time they are at COS. This includes funerals.

1. A student may not miss more than 20% of a course to receive

credit and must make up work. They should contact the

Director and Instructor before the date on which the session

begins.

2. Students who miss an entire weekend will automatically fail

the course and have to repeat it, paying registration and all

tuition and fees again. A grade of "F" will be entered on their

permanent record and cannot be expunged.

3. An "Administrative Withdrawal" (AW) may be granted by the

Director for extenuating circumstances. Students must

contact the Director for approval, Rev. Gail Lewis, at 716-984-

1140 or [email protected]. Tuition and Fees other

than registration will be applied toward a future course that is

taken within one year.

4. A $50 fee will apply for all withdrawals without administrative

approval. There will be a Late Withdrawal fee of $150 for

unapproved cancellations within three weeks of the course.

All withdrawals will be reported to the Local Pastor Registrar, the

District Superintendent and the District Committee On Ministry.

SYLLABUS

The syllabus for each course is posted on the website

approximately three months ahead of time, which should provide

ample time for students to decide which course they want to take

and send in the registration fee.

BOOKS

A list of books and reading assignments are included in the

syllabus for each course. Students are required to acquire books

on their own. Most books can be ordered from online sources.

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PRE-COURSE PREPARATION

Students are expected to complete a significant portion of the

reading prior to the first meeting of class. There may also be

written assignments due before class weekends or on the first day

of class.

FACULTY

The program has an exceptional faculty comprised of seminary

professors, college instructors, authors and pastors. These men

and women have academic credentials as well as practical

experience in the areas they teach. Most hold clergy credentials

and have served as pastors in local churches. Together, they

provide an excellent educational experience for our students.

WORSHIP

A community worship service with communion is held at 5:00 p.m.

each Friday evening before dinner. Worship is led by faculty

members as well as students who wish to volunteer. Attendance

at worship is required.

WEATHER CANCELLATION

We are committed to the safety of students and faculty who must

travel to teach or attend class. If there is a need to cancel classes,

students will be notified by email (or phone if necessary) by

9:00 p.m. on the Thursday before class. If classes are held and

you cannot travel from your location, contact the COS director by

phone (716-984-1140) prior to the beginning of the class (financial

credit will be given).

If class is cancelled, we will work with students and instructors to

reschedule the class.

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HOUSING

Students are responsible for arranging their own overnight

accommodations. There is a wide variety of hotels within 2-6 miles

of Kenmore UMC for you to choose from.

After contacting many of the local hotels we are recommending the Sleep Inn Buffalo-Amherst (3.7 miles from Kenmore UMC): Sleep Inn Amherst, 75 Innkeepers Lane, Amherst, NY 14228 716-691-6510.

We have made arrangements with the Sleep Inn Buffalo-Amherst for a special rate of $79.00 per night for a room with 1 bed or $85.00 per night for a room with 2 beds. A block of rooms is reserved each weekend - first come, first served.

Free housing is available for a male student with one of our pastors who lives within walking distance of Kenmore Church. Contact the Director if you are interested.

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MAP & DIRECTIONS

Classes are held at the Kenmore United Methodist Church,

32 Landers Road, Kenmore NY 14217

NYS Thruway (Rt. 90) to Rt. 290 W. to Delaware Avenue S. exit

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

Rev. Gail Lewis

Director

32 Landers Road Kenmore, NY 14217 [email protected]

(716) 984-1140

Barbara Sercu, Staff Support

32 Landers Road

Kenmore, NY 14217

[email protected]

(716) 875-5091 ext. 206



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ACADEMIC HONOR

The Buffalo, NY COS Extension School requires that all material

submitted by a student in fulfilling his or her academic

requirements be the original work of the student.

Violations of academic honor include any action by a student

indicating dishonesty or lack of integrity in academic ethics.

Violations in this category include, but are not limited to, cheating,

plagiarism, or knowingly passing off work of another as one’s own.

Cheating includes seeking, acquiring, receiving or passing

on information about the content of an examination prior to

its authorized release or during its administration.

Cheating also includes seeking, using, giving or obtaining

unauthorized assistance in any academic assignment or

examination.

Plagiarism is the act of presenting one’s own work with the

work of another, whether published or unpublished,

(including the work of another student). A writer’s work

should be regarded as his or her own property. Any

person who knowingly uses a writer’s distinctive work

without proper acknowledgement is guilty of plagiarism.

A student found guilty of a violation of the academic honor code,

after review by the instructor and the director, is given a failing

grade and a letter is sent to the student’s district superintendent

and Board of Ordained Ministry representative. The director and

the district superintendent will confer to determine if the student

may continue in Course of Study. There will be no refund of any

fees or tuition, nor can fees or tuition be applied to another course.

The student will have to repeat the entire course.

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POLICIES REGARDING HARASSMENT

The Buffalo COS does not tolerate racial, sexual or any other form

of harassment. Listed below are policies, procedures, appeal

processes and definitions for Racial and Sexual Harassment.

RACIAL HARASSMENT POLICY

from Course of Study for Licensed and Ordained Ministry and

Advanced Course of Study Administrative Policies, General

Board of Higher Education and Ministry Division of Ordained

Ministry The United Methodist Church – October 3, 2008

Persons enrolled in the Course of Study come under the

jurisdiction of their own annual conference policies on racial

harassment. However, while a person is at the Course of Study

School the following policy shall apply.

The Course of Study School is committed by Christian faith to

justice for all persons and does not tolerate any behavior, verbal

or physical, by any person associated with the school, which

constitutes racial harassment against any other person associated

with the school. Any person of the Course of Study School

community who believes that he or she has been subjected to

racial harassment should immediately report the situation to the

Director of the Course of Study School. When reporting a

complaint, the individual should be prepared to furnish accurate

information (i.e., date, name and facts). All such complaints will

be treated in a confidential manner to the extent feasible, while

permitting the school to investigate the complaint thoroughly and

to take appropriate action.

The school expects the cooperation of all members of the

school community with respect to avoiding such harassment.

The school will investigate all complaints. If it is determined

after an investigation that a member of the school community has

violated this policy, he or she will be subject to appropriate

disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination

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from the school. In addition, a full report will be made to that

person’s annual conference or judicatory body.

Definition of Racial Harassment

Any conduct directed against a person with the effect of insulting,

degrading or abusing him/her because of his/her racial background.

Procedures

The Course of Study School is committed to using the process

outlined below to deal with allegations of racial harassment within

the school community. A racial harassment allegation may be

resolved on an informal basis.

Any member of the school community who wishes to make a

formal complaint, must submit a written description of the incident

to the Director.

Allegations are thoroughly investigated by a Racial Harassment

Committee composed of the Director and two members of the

faculty. The investigation shall include a meeting with the person

alleged to have engaged in the harassment. The accused and/or

the complainant may bring a trusted colleague (other than an

attorney), committed to maintaining confidentiality, with him/her to

such a meeting.

If the Racial Harassment Committee decides inappropriate

behavior has occurred, after completing the investigation, the

Director takes appropriate disciplinary and/or other related action

related to the accused person’s participation in the Course of

Study School on that campus. In addition, the Director will inform

the accused person’s annual conference or judicatory body of the

action taken.

The Course of Study School takes steps to ensure that a person

against whom such a complaint is brought is treated appropriately

and has adequate opportunity to respond to such accusations.

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The complainant and the person complained against are notified of the disposition of the complaint. If the disposition involves any ongoing process, the Director keeps the complainant informed until the process is complete. Appeal Process

If the accuser or the accused is not satisfied with the action taken

by the Course of Study School, he/she may express such

dissatisfaction, in writing to the Director of the Board of Ordained

Ministry Relations, Division of Ordained Ministry, General Board of

Higher Education and Ministry, within 15 days after receiving

notification of the disposition of the complaint.

Confidentiality

Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality to the extent

feasible while permitting the school to investigate the complaint

thoroughly and to take appropriate action.

The school will not tolerate retaliation against any member of the

school community who complains of racial harassment.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

from Course of Study for Licensed and Ordained Ministry and

Advanced Course of Study Administrative Policies, General

Board of Higher Education and Ministry Division of Ordained

Ministry The United Methodist Church – October 3, 2008

Persons enrolled in the Course of Study come under the

jurisdiction of their own annual conference policies on sexual

harassment. However, while a person is at the Course of Study

School the following policy shall apply.

The Course of Study School is committed by Christian faith to

justice for all persons and does not tolerate any behavior, verbal

or physical, by any person associated with the school, which

constitutes sexual harassment against any other person

associated with the school. Any person of the Course of Study

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School community who believes that he or she has been

subjected to sexual harassment should immediately report the

situation to the Director of the Course of Study School. When

reporting a complaint, the individual should be prepared to furnish

accurate information (i.e., date, name and facts). All such

complaints will be treated in a confidential manner to the extent

feasible, while permitting the school to investigate the complaint

thoroughly and to take appropriate action.

The school expects the cooperation of all members of the

school community with respect to avoiding such harassment.

The school will investigate all complaints. If it is determined

after an investigation that a member of the school community has

violated this policy, he or she will be subject to appropriate

disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination

from the school. In addition, a full report will be made to that

person’s annual conference or judicatory body.

Definition of sexual harassment*:

“Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when

1. submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term of condition of an individual’s employment or academic standing; or

2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic standing decisions affecting such individual; or

3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or study performance or creating an intimidating hostile, or offensive working or studying environment.”

*The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Section 1604.11 of Title 29.

Italicized words are added for the academic environment at the Course of Study School.

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STUDENT - FACULTY ACADEMIC CONCERNS POLICY

It is the policy of the school that students should feel safe and

unintimidated in the academic setting, as well as to have a place

to present concerns surrounding student- faculty interaction,

including, but not limited to, course load and requirements.

Procedures

Upon completion of the tenure of instructors who are currently

under appointment as District Superintendents, COS Buffalo will

no longer hire as instructors those who serve in the active

Superintendency. If a student believes that he or she is being

affected by a power imbalance between student and instructor,

concerns should be immediately addressed to Director of the

COS. Concerns should be reported immediately. When reporting

a concern, the individual should be prepared to furnish accurate

information from his or her perspective. All such information will

be treated in a confidential manner to the extent feasible, while

permitting the school to investigate the situation. The faculty

member will be asked to respond to the concern. If possible, a

meeting will then be held with the student, faculty member and

Director to discuss the issues and work toward a mutual

resolution. If the student still feels that the power imbalance is

not resolved, arrangements will be made for the student to be

graded by DS other than his/her own.

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