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Student HandbookThis handbook contains information for those considering entrance into Unity UrbanMinisterial School’s First Year Ministerial Preparation Program and Second/Third YearMinisterial Studies Program.We have endeavored to anticipate relevant questions; however, we recognize that noteverything can be covered sufficiently to respond to unique situations of all persons.If you have additional questions about the online program or curriculum, please contactthe Executive Director at director@uums.org.We look forward to supporting you on your spiritual journey.More information may be found on the UUMS website at: www.uums.org, or by contactingthe School office at the following address:1
Unity Urban Ministerial School400 Renaissance Center, Suite2600Detroit, Michigan 48243(816) 772-3146info@uums.orgBOARD OF DIRECTORSPresidentExecutive DirectorVice-PresidentSecretaryTreasurerImmediate Past Pres.Immediate Past SectyMembers-at-LargeRev. Joann WatsonRev. Sandra CampbellRev. Dr. Rose CooperRev. Larry HooksVacantRev. Gregory GuiceRev. Ernestine GriffinMark Hicks, LUTRev. Dr. Anna ShouseUUMS Alumni Assn RepRev. Vernelle NelsonADMINISTRATIVE STAFFRegistrarRev. Karen SaundersBursarRev. Roxanne GravesWebmasterAdministrative OfficerRichard PachecoRev. Carolyne Rhodes2
MISSIONThe Unity Urban Ministerial School (UUMS) provides individuals with the necessaryeducation and training to become Unity ministers. UUMS works closely with UnityWorldwide Ministries and its Credentialing body to assure a smooth path to licensing andordination.LICENSING AND ORDINATION WITH UNITY WORLDWIDE MINISTRIESUnity Worldwide Ministries (UWM) governs the process of licensing and ordaining Unityministers. Graduation from UUMS does not guarantee licensing or ordination. Any personinterested in becoming a licensed and ordained Unity minister should contact the UWMDirector of Credentialing.PROGRAMS OF STUDYUnity Urban Ministerial School offers two programs of study; The Ministerial PreparationProgram and Ministerial Studies Program. The Ministerial Preparation Program providescoursework necessary to apply for the Ministerial Studies Program, which leads towardslicensing and ordination through UWM. Our coursework is offered online four terms eachyear. Courses are conducted through the Coursewebs Learning Management System (LMS).Once students have completed the first 12 courses in the Ministerial Preparation Program,they must participate in two face-to-face, licensing and ordination interviews each year.Students who have not completed the first 12 courses in this Program may be invited toparticipate in a virtual interview.PROGRAM OVERVIEWMINISTERIAL PREPARATION PROGRAM (FIRST YEAR)The First Year, Ministerial Preparation Program is open to every individual regardlessof religious affiliation. To be admitted, a candidate must:1. Be at least 21 years of age2. Submit a completed application form3. Submit college transcripts and/or SEE transcripts from UWM4. Submit a non-refundable, 25 application feeThe Ministerial Preparation Program includes the first 18 prerequisite courses on Unityteachings and practices required by UWM. Upon successful completion of those courses,students are eligible to apply for the Ordination Path through UWM and to enroll in theUUMS Ministerial Preparation Program (2nd/3rd year). Prerequisite, or Spiritual Educationand Enrichment (SEE), courses may be taken at UUMS, transferred from Unity WorldwideSpiritual Institute or from credentialed courses taught in the field. All courses must have3
been successfully completed in accordance with UWM policy. Graduates of UnityWorldwide Spiritual Institute (UWSI) SEE and Licensed Unity Teacher programs areeligible to begin the UUMS Ministerial Studies Program (2nd/3rd year).*First-year classes are generally five weeks and will be scheduled to coincide withthe ten-week term. Schedules will be announced on the UUMS website:www.uums.org.MINISTERIAL PREPARATION (FIRST YEAR) PROGRAM COURSES1. F1000Unity Foundations2. F1002Healing and Wholeness3. F1003Development of New Thought and Unity4. F1004Jesus’ Teachings in the Bible5. F1005Bible Interpretation – Hebrew Scriptures6. F1006The Christ7. F1023Unity Prayer8. F1033Twelve Powers of Man9. F1036Metaphysics 110. F1037Metaphysics 211. F1039Metaphysics 312. F1040Metaphysics 413. F1042Prosperity14. F1044Meditation Practices15. F1045Self-Awareness16. F1046Overview: Hebrew Scriptures17. F1047Overview: Christian Scriptures18. F1048Bible Interpretation: Acts to Revelation4
MINISTERIAL STUDIES PROGRAM (SECOND/THIRD YEAR)The Ministerial Studies Program leads toward internship, licensing and ordination. It consistsof experiential study of Unity teachings and practices, ministerial communications, extensiveBible research, pastoral counseling, a deeper understanding of diversity, inclusivity, urbanstrategies, metaphysics, prayer and meditation, theology, world religions, churchadministration, and interdisciplinary studies.Internship, Licensing and OrdinationUnity Urban Ministerial School offers a three-year, full-time (longer if part-time)experiential study of Unity teachings and practices, and comprehensive ministerial classesthat prepare students for ministry in Unity.Admission to UUMS Ministerial Studies Program (for candidates notcurrently enrolled)Candidates not already enrolled in UUMS who are eligible for admission to theMinisterial Studies Program must:1. Be at least 21 years of age2. Submit a complete application form at uums.org along with the 25, nonrefundable application fee3. Submit college transcripts and necessary credentials4. Be active in a Unity church or Center for at least one year5. Must have completed the required 18 SEE (first year/prerequisite classes).This program requires completion of a total of 1,000 hours of ministerial coursework.Transfer CreditsStudents who have taken ministerial courses through Unity Institute or Unity WorldwideSpiritual Institute receive up to 400 transfer credits for Ministerial Preparation Program(Second/Third Year) courses required by UUMS. Credits must be verified by UWM andofficial transcripts sent directly from UWM to the UUMS Registrar.5
MINISTERIAL STUDIES PROGRAM – REQUIRED COURSESOf the 1000 hours necessary for graduation from this program, required classes include:1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.Bible (BI5011, 5012, 5013, 5021, 5022, 5023)Self-Awareness I (IS5940), Self-Awareness II (IS5941)Homiletics I (CM4001), Homiletics II (CM4003)Talks on Truth (IS2002)Planning and Strategies for Urban Ministries (MM3003)History of the African American Church (HI1037)Conversation Skills (CM1000)The Journey (IS5945)Graduation from the UUMS Ministerial Studies Program and acceptance to the UWMOrdination Path are required before a student may begin the year of Internship leading toOrdination by Unity Worldwide Ministries.Definition of Licensing and Ordination (L&O) InterviewL&O’s are an opportunity for the student to demonstrate speaking ability through a shortTruth-based talk, knowledge of Unity teachings, metaphysical Bible interpretation and otherexperiential questions. It is also an opportunity for ministers in the field to get to know you.Licensing and Ordination Review Board (L&O):Students are required to participate in two licensing and ordination interviews each year.Prior to completion of the first 12 courses in the Ministerial Preparation Program, theseinterviews will be conducted virtually.Once accepted on the Ordination Path, students must attend two L&O reviews each year untilordination. Attendance is REQUIRED at each session while enrolled in UUMS and during theinternship. Students will be given advance notice of the date, time and location of theirinterview.GraduationThe right of graduation from Unity Urban Ministerial School is granted when the student hassuccessfully completed the required courses and earned 900 credit hours in the MinisterialStudies Program. Evidence of preparation to practice ministry emphasizes spiritual, mentaland emotional maturity and devotion to a lifestyle of service to others. To be granted a UnityUrban Ministerial Graduation Certificate, the student must complete all requirements withinseven years of beginning the program.6
Unity Worldwide Ministries Ordination PathUnity Worldwide Ministries governs the licensing and ordination of Unity ministers. Theprocess includes admissions evaluations for entering the “ministry path” and periodiclicensing and ordination committee reviews. Please note that all license and ordination examsmust be completed in accordance with current criteria set forth by UWM.Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Ordination PathYou are eligible to apply during the final term of your SEE prerequisite courses. On theapplication, indicate those courses in session and their expected completion dates in the spaceprovided, along with all other requested information (incomplete applications will not beprocessed). Upon completion, request that the registrar submit updated transcripts to the UWMCredentialing Office.Prerequisites to Apply:1. Completion of the Unity Urban Ministerial School's First Year Ministry Program orapproved equivalents. (For more information contact the Executive Director atdirector@uums.online)2. A Bachelor's Degree or approved Academic Demonstration through UWM3. Internet and email capability4. One year of involvement in a Unity churchTo Apply: For application and/or questions email Rev. Lynn O'Dell at lodell@unity.org The 575 USD application fee must be received with the application Other required forms and references must also be received at the time of applicationQuestions Regarding the Ordination ProcessContact Rev Lynn O'Dell, Credentialing Coordinator, at lodell@unity.org.Admissions DecisionsAdmissions Decisions are based on an assessment of your written application, interviews,psychological evaluation and background checks using the following categories: CommunicationLeadershipMaturityEmpathy and NurturingDecision MakingUnity knowledge7
NotificationApplicants are notified in person and by mail of acceptance or rg/urban-ministry-ordination-pathFor further information consult your Academic Advisor.It is highly recommended that upon eligibility, students apply for admission to thelicensing and ordination path at the earliest possible opportunity. Students havingsuccessfully completed all First-Year requirements are eligible to apply (see list of MinisterialPreparation/First Year Program Courses). For more information about the licensing andordination admissions process, contact the UWM Credential Department, 816-434-6843 orvisit: ister.Students must follow the current UWM guidelines for licensing and ordination.NOTE: Students who do not apply to the UWM Ordination Path after completion of the18 Ministerial Preparation courses risk delaying ordination.Unity Urban Ministerial School InternshipStudents who have earned 900 hours in the Ministerial Studies Program, and are accepted onthe UWM ordination path, are required to complete a 9-months internship. This must beaccomplished at a Unity Church or Center under the guidance of an approved, ordained UnityMinister in good standing with UWM, and in cooperation with Unity Worldwide Ministriesand Unity Urban Ministerial School. During the internship, the student is required to completethe final 100 hours toward graduating from UUMS.8
Ministerial Studies Program Course Descriptions(2nd/3rd Year)Biblical Studies, Hebrew and Christian Scriptures* (all required)BI 5011 Biblical Studies Old Testament (Genesis - I Chronicles)BI 5012 Biblical Studies Old Testament (Chronicles II – Ezekiel)BI 5013 Biblical Studies Old Testament (Daniel – Malachi)BI 5021 Biblical Studies New Testament (The Gospels)BI 5022 Biblical Studies New Testament (Hebrews-Revelations)BI 5023 Biblical Studies New Testament (Acts - Philemon)40 hours40 hours40 hours40 hours40 hours40 hoursCommunication SkillsCM1000 Conversation Skills (Required)CM2000 Teaching Methods Previously IS5950 Teaching MethodsCM2011 Introduction to Youth and Family MinistryCM2022 Board of TrusteesCM3003 The Art of StorytellingCM3004 Previously MS 2002 Talks on Truth (Required)CM4001 Homiletics I (Required)CM4003 Homiletics II (Required)20 Hours20 Hours30 Hours20 Hours20 Hours30 hours40 hours40 hoursCounselingCS2001 CounselingCS3001 Counseling (Therapeutic Models)CS2002 Counseling (Unity Methodology)CS2003 Counseling Skills – Grief and Loss SupportCS2005 Ministry at the End of Life Previously UUM4209CS4002 Previously CM4002 Substance Use Disorder(previously 20 Hours) 30 hours(previously 20 Hours) 30 hours(previously 20 Hours) 30 hours(previously 20 Hours) 30 hours20 hours30 HoursCultural StudiesCU2001 Unitive Justice (Previously Prison Ministry)CU4306 previously UUM4306 Diversity and Inclusive MinistryCU4307 previously UUM4307 The Soul of MinistryCU4308 Unitive Leadership Skills20 hours20 hours30 hours20 hoursHistoryHI1001 History of ChristianityHI1004 Introduction to World ReligionsHI1005 Search for the Historical JesusHI1006 Introduction to TheologyHI1037 History of African American Church (required)20 hours20 hours20 hours20 hours20 hours9
Inner/Spiritual DevelopmentIS2001 Compass, The Journey of the SoulIS2002 Compass II, The Journey of the Soul IIIS2003 Previously MS 2003 ProsperityIS5911 Credo: Belief, Structure and Formative FactorIS5912 Credo: Nature of ManIS5923 Ethics and BoundariesIS5940 Self Awareness I (Required)IS5941 Self Awareness II (Required)IS5945 The Journey (Spring Term before graduation) (Required)IS2011 Prayer and Meditation previously MS2011IS2013 Prayer and Reflection previously MS2013IS3001 Advanced Metaphysics IIS3002 Advanced Metaphysics IIIS3003 Advanced Metaphysics IIIIS3004 Advanced Metaphysics IV20 Hours20 Hours20 hours20 hours20 hours20 hours30 Hours30 Hours30 Hours20 hours20 hours30 Hours30 Hours30 Hours30 HoursMinistry Management SkillsMM1001(UUM1001) Media/Technology for Faith Based OrganizationsMM3001 (UUM3001) Management Skills for the 21st CenturyMM3003 (UUM3003) Planning & Strategies for Urban Ministry (Required)MM3004 (UUM3004) Financial Management for Faith Based InitiativesMM3005 (UUM3005) Church AdministrationMM4205 (UUM4205) New Church PlantingMM4207 (UUM4207) Trends in MinistryMM4208 (UUM4208) Ministry Marketing30 Hours20 hours20 hours30 hours20 hours20 hours20 hours20 hoursInternship Year ClassesCreation of Sunday and Special ServicesCredo: Nature of God/Relationship to ManFourth Year Internship/Project50 hours20 hours30 hoursIn order to graduate in a timely fashion, it is recommended that students consistentlytake 4 classes per term.10
Academic Information and PoliciesTuition & FeesApplication Fee: 25 (one-time, non-refundable)Tuition for First-Year Ministerial Preparation Courses: 150 per coursePrice Break: 600 for 4 courses; 5th course at no costTo receive the discount, students must register for both 5-week sessionsduring the term (Ministerial Preparation Courses (SEE) are five weeks.Tuition for Second/Third/Fourth Year Ministerial Studies Courses:One Class: 300Two Classes: 600Three to Five Classes: 900NOTE: For more than five classes, tuition is 300 per each additional class.PaymentsUnless other arrangements are made and approved by the UUMS Executive Director,all accounts must be paid before the end of the first week of class.Refund PolicyThe one-time, 25 application fee is non-refundable. All other tuition and fees paid bythe applicant/student shall be refunded if requested before the end of the first week ofclass. Payments will be refunded within 30 days.ComplaintsIt is recommended that issues be taken up with the Executive Director atdirector@uums.org. Students wishing to make a formal complaint may contact the Stateof Michigan at www.michiganps.net.Academic RecordsAll permanent academic records are maintained by UUMS. These records includecredits transferred from other schools that apply toward the student’s certificationrequirements at UUMS. Transcripts are updated at the end of each term. Students arealso encouraged to maintain copies of their records.Appeals ProcessAppeals regarding student’s status in the program, and exceptions to academic policiesand regulations are to be submitted in writing, with supporting documentation, to the11
student’s Academic Advisor. The final decision rests with the UUMS ExecutiveDirector.Information regarding credit allowed for previous education and trainingStudents who have taken ministerial courses through UWSI may receive up to 400transfer credits for courses equivalent to Second/Third Year courses at UUMS.Evaluations and AccountabilityOverall AccountabilityStudents admitted to UUMS are considered adult learners. The faculty assumes that studentsare self-motivated, have the desire and maturity to receive meaningful information abouttheir progress, and will take responsibility for their own growth in relation to course work.Recording of Academic EvaluationEvaluation of assignments within each term will be for the purpose of giving studentsregular, accurate progress information to maximize the process of self-evaluation. Themethod of recording academic evaluation for assignments within each term will be:EvaluationExcellentAbove 299GradeABCIIncomplete (I)Faculty has the option of assigning the grade “I” (Incomplete) where the assignments have notbeen completed. Students may contact the instructor to complete assignments as soon aspossible. All Incomplete assignments must be made up within five (5) weeks following theend of the term. An additional five weeks may be requested in the event of extenuatingcircumstances on an individual basis.12
ScholarshipStudents who have completed the first year of study with UUMS with a B average or bettermay apply for a scholarship from the Charles and Myrtle Fillmore Scholarship Fund.RegistrationEnrollment in a course is not official until the Administration has processed the properregistration forms and all financial obligations have been met or payment arrangementshave been approved through the appropriate channels. No credit will be received unlesstuition has been paid in full by the last day of the term.WithdrawalStudents wishing to withdraw from a course must obtain approval from their Advisor andthe UUMS Curriculum Coordinator. Students who do not officially withdraw from the termwill receive a final grade of I in each enrolled course.AttendanceAll students are required to attend ALL mandatory meetings and licensing andordination reviews.Re-EntranceUpon request and approval of the Executive Director, students may re-enter theUUMS Ministerial Studies Program and complete the required courses within a 10year period.TranscriptsFederal law requires that all transcript requests be made by the individual student. Suchrequests should include:- Student’s name and, if applicable, maiden name- Date of last attendance or certificate earned with date of graduation- Name and address where the transcript should be sent- A fee may be required for copying and mailing transcripts to non-Unity organizations13
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)Unity Urban Ministerial School, Inc., complies with the Family Education Rights and PrivacyAct (FERPA), which affords students certain rights with respect to academic records. Theyare:-The right to inspect and review the student’s academic records within 45 days of theday UUMS receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar awritten request identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar willarrange for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records maybe inspected.The right to request the amendment of the student’s academic record that the studentbelieves is inaccurate or misleading and asks for the record to be changed. If UUMS
Aug 16, 2020 · director@uums.online) 2. A Bachelor's Degree or approved Academic Demonstration through UWM 3. Internet and email capability 4. One year of involvement in a Unity church To Apply: For application and/or questions email Rev. Lynn O'Dell at lodell@unity.org The 575
