Learn more about BKSM at New Student Orientation:
Saturday, July 17 - Sunday, July 18, 2021
Perhaps you have been accepted as a postulant for ordination in your diocese. Maybe you are considering your education options as part of a discernment process. Perhaps you are wondering if taking courses would better equip you for a licensed lay ministry. Maybe you would like to take a few classes to learn more about your faith and your church.
If you intend to enroll at BKSM as a certificate-seeking student - Presbyteral Studies, Diaconal Studies, Anglican Studies, Pastoral Ministry Associate (ELCA), Lay Catechist, Lay Evangelist, Lay Preacher, or Pastoral Leader - you are strongly encouraged to attend, as this weekend is a critical component of your formation as a BKSM student.
While we intend to offer New Student Orientation face-to-face in 2021, as we all know, plans must sometimes evolve during a pandemic. An online option will be available as well.
During the weekend, you will:
Your spouse or partner is invited to join you for the majority of the orientation sessions so that he or she can learn more about what the Bishop Kemper School is like, right along with you!
A detailed orientation schedule will be emailed to all participants around July 1.
If you intend to enroll at BKSM as a certificate-seeking student - Presbyteral Studies, Diaconal Studies, Anglican Studies, Pastoral Ministry Associate (ELCA), Lay Catechist, Lay Evangelist, Lay Preacher, or Pastoral Leader - you are strongly encouraged to attend, as this weekend is a critical component of your formation as a BKSM student.
While we intend to offer New Student Orientation face-to-face in 2021, as we all know, plans must sometimes evolve during a pandemic. An online option will be available as well.
During the weekend, you will:
- get to know BKSM faculty and staff
- have a conversation with current students and recent alumni and get your questions answered
- learn about the academic requirements and community expectations of BKSM students
- participate in sessions about Academics 101 and Stress Management as a Seminary Student to help you hit the ground running
- learn about the value of spiritual direction and nourishing your spiritual life throughout your program of study
- participate in a book discussion to get a sense for what the classroom environment is like at BKSM
Your spouse or partner is invited to join you for the majority of the orientation sessions so that he or she can learn more about what the Bishop Kemper School is like, right along with you!
A detailed orientation schedule will be emailed to all participants around July 1.
General information about New Student Orientation Weekend
Location
BKSM is located in the lower level of Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave. Overnight accommodations are available onsite at Upton Hall and are included in the cost of registration. There are several hotels in the downtown area (Senate Suites, Capitol Plaza and the Cyrus Hotel) and many others throughout Topeka.
Schedule
While orientation officially begins with breakfast on Saturday morning, you are invited to come to Topeka on Friday evening. Often, those arriving on Friday evening share in a meal together, either ordered in or at a local restaurant. Orientation will end around noon on Sunday.
Cost
The registration fee for New Student Orientation is $125. If a spouse or significant other joins you for the weekend, that fee is $50.
Contact us
If you have questions that aren't answered here, please feel free to reach out to the Rev. Casey Rohleder ('16), director of communications, at (785) 259-4672 or bksmoutreach@gmail.com.
BKSM is located in the lower level of Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave. Overnight accommodations are available onsite at Upton Hall and are included in the cost of registration. There are several hotels in the downtown area (Senate Suites, Capitol Plaza and the Cyrus Hotel) and many others throughout Topeka.
Schedule
While orientation officially begins with breakfast on Saturday morning, you are invited to come to Topeka on Friday evening. Often, those arriving on Friday evening share in a meal together, either ordered in or at a local restaurant. Orientation will end around noon on Sunday.
Cost
The registration fee for New Student Orientation is $125. If a spouse or significant other joins you for the weekend, that fee is $50.
Contact us
If you have questions that aren't answered here, please feel free to reach out to the Rev. Casey Rohleder ('16), director of communications, at (785) 259-4672 or bksmoutreach@gmail.com.