Student Life
The Student Life Office
Everyday life as a student is multifaceted and the Student Life Office is here to support you throughout your time at Calvin Seminary. Whether you’re a residential or distance student, there are many opportunities to connect to our community: serve on the Chapel Planning Team, volunteer in the Idema Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, write a blog post for Kerux, or join a student organization. Join us in person or online for weekly events like chapel and Public Reading of Scripture. Connect with us for mental health counseling or spiritual direction. We are here for you!
Worship
Calvin Seminary is first and foremost a worshiping community, and you will find daily opportunities to gather with others to pray, sing and meditate on Scripture. Examples include:
- The community gathers in the beautiful Seminary Chapel at 10 a.m. each Wednesday. Get involved by contacting Dean Jeff Sajdak in the Student Life Office.
- Public Reading of Scripture is held weekly each Tuesday in the Student Center.
- Prayer groups meet weekly.
- Korean students gather each weekday morning for prayer and have several other worship gatherings at different times of day and on the weekends.
Organizations And Publications
Student clubs and organizations are a great way to connect with fellow students and get involved. Active groups and organizations include:
Student Government and Organizations
- Student Council
- Residential Student Advisory Team
- Distance Learning Student Advisory Team
- International Student Advisory Team
- Korean Student Association
- Chapel Planning Team
- Student Housing Representatives
- Women's Advocacy Committee
Student Clubs
Student led clubs are approved through the Student Life Office. Examples of recent clubs include:
- Dialogos
- Reading Greek
- Lighthouse Group
Student Publications
Counseling and Spiritual Direction
Calvin Seminary values the formation of the whole person for ministry. This includes spiritual and emotional well-being. We are glad to provide a variety of counseling opportunities for all of our students and their dependents. These opportunities include individual counseling, marriage counseling, group counseling, assertiveness training, and emotional intelligence seminars. All of the counselors maintain the highest standard of confidentiality. They do not report the content of conversations with clients to the seminary.
Idema Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
At Calvin Theological Seminary, the Idema Food Pantry and Clothes Closet is an extension of our care for seminarians and their families. Once a week individuals and families can receive food (including fresh produce, meat, and dairy items), clothing, household supplies, children’s toys and games, and more—at no cost.
Our students are in training for important ministry work, and many are giving up the opportunity to work at a full- or part-time job in order to focus on seminary. In turn, we commit to helping them meet their basic needs, with excellent grocery options and community-provided goods.
Student Life Team
The Student Life Office supports the mission of Calvin Seminary by connecting students with opportunities for involvement and providing access to the resources students need to succeed. Email the Student Life Office at studentlife@calvinseminary.edu.
Jeffrey Sajdak
Dean of Students, Co-Director of DMin Program, Director of Academic Program Assessment
js036@calvinseminary.eduOther Resources
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International Seminary Students
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Visit Calvin Theological Seminary’s Campus
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Social Activities
Residential students can connect with students, faculty and staff at regular activities and events throughout the year. Events include:
Donut and fellowship time after Wednesday chapel
Lunch and fellowship time after Public Reading of Scripture
Town hall gatherings with free pizza provided
Fall picnic for Seminary students and families
Regular potlucks for Seminary student and families, including international-themed dinners
Christmas Around the World dinner
Dies Natalis – a birthday party for Calvin Seminary celebrated in March each year
Annual spring picnic and table tennis tournament
Intramural sports leagues