Policies and Procedures
Below you will find all the official policies and procedures that govern both academic and community life at the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. If you have any questions about our policies and procedures, please contact the Rev. Dr. Don Compier, BKSM dean, at bksmdean2@gmail.com or (816) 217-4053.
ADMITTANCE
Any individual is most welcome to enroll in any BKSM course with available space for the purpose of continuing education or personal enrichment. Those interested in pursuing ordination must first receive the written support and approval of their bishop before being admitted to the presbyteral or diaconal track of studies. Persons interested in obtaining a lay license from their Bishop must receive the written support of the rector and vestry of their parish prior to beginning their course of studies at BKSM.
ASSESSMENT
All student work will be assessed using the following scale (pluses and minuses may also be used; for a more detailed description of this scale, see “Translating Letter Grades Into Academic Achievement”):
- A = excellent
- B = good
- C = acceptable
- D = problematic
- F = failing
In a few classes a “satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system may be used.
Students will receive directly from their instructors responses to and assessments of the work they complete for each course no later than the date final grades are due for each course (see the Academic Calendar). In the event students do not receive final assessments from their instructors, they should contact the instructor and, if necessary, the Dean.
ASSIGNMENTS
Students must submit all work and assignments for each course no later than the date listed on the academic calendar for the submission of final assignments for each course (see the annual Academic Calendar). In the event students are, for reasons beyond their control, unable to complete the work assigned for a particular course, they may apply to their instructors and to the Dean of the school for an extension (see below, “Extensions”). Students must have the permission of both the instructor and the Dean to receive an extension or an incomplete (see also below, “Withdrawal”).
ATTENDANCE
It is expected that students will make every effort to participate fully in every course in which they are enrolled; this includes attendance and active participation in all events associated with all monthly meetings. Class sessions, praxis sessions, colloquium, corporate worship, and community meals are all considered an integral part of course meetings, and students should plan to be present for all such activities. Zoom is available as needed, but not ideal.
CONFLICTS
At BKSM we actively promote direct communication. We seek to resolve conflicts by dealing first with the other party directly affected. No one need fear retaliation for raising a concern. Appeal to higher authority should occur only when either party feels that a satisfactory resolution has not been reached. For instance, if another student is offended by the comments of a student peer, they should speak with this person first, and only go to the instructor when necessary (or in the last resort to the Dean). Similarly, if students have concerns about course expectations, lack of communication from an instructor, or grades, they speak to the instructor first and only bring the matter to the Dean if the conflict remains unresolved.
DISABILITIES
Every effort will be made to accommodate students who have physical, psychological, and/or learning disability(ies). Students who require any such form of accommodation are strongly encouraged to contact both the Dean of the school as well as their instructors at the earliest possible time to explore available options and strategies.
ECOLOGY
BKSM is committed to doing all we can to care for the earth. In particular we seek to minimize use of paper and to recycle. We welcome suggestions about ways to reduce any negative environmental impact. As an Episcopal school we make every effort to advocate for and practice care of the environment as one of the three top missional priorities of our denomination.
E-MAIL
All students are expected to maintain an active e-mail account that can consistently and reliably be used for communication with instructors, school staff, and fellow students. Initial information about each course, course syllabi, and/or course assessments will be delivered to students via e-mail; students are responsible for all communications sent from instructors and staff to student e-mail accounts, and should respond to all communications in a timely manner. Should students need to change their e-mail accounts during the academic year, they should contact the Dean, who will send a message to the faculty informing them of the change.
ETIQUETTE
All students are expected to observe the following during all class meetings:
EXTENSIONS
In the event of emergencies or situations otherwise beyond their control, students may apply to their instructor and the Dean of the school for an extension. The extension agreement will specify a date by which all work must be completed. The Dean and the instructor may recommend that the student enroll instead in a subsequent section of the course in question. Students should work closely with the instructor and the Dean in the event they anticipate having trouble completing the work assigned for a given course. Students who do not submit the work required for a course and do not apply for an extension may receive a failing grade (F) for the course.
FINANCIAL AID
We aim to prevent imposition of a financial burden on any student. When necessary, students should consult their parish and their diocese, as these are the most common sources of financial assistance. Some students have also received continuing education from their employers and scholarships from organizations such as Daughters of the King and Episcopal Church Women.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
In certain rare instances, it may be best for a student to complete the requirements of a particular course by working independently with the instructor. A student wishing to complete a course through independent study must have the prior permission of both the instructor and the Dean of the school. Qualified instructors may not be available for the purpose of independent study.
Courses completed through independent study typically require considerably more research and assessment than do regular courses. Independent study courses should be scheduled to begin and end in the same amount of time that regular courses transpire (i.e., approximately eight weeks), and the schedule for every independent study needs to be approved in advance by the instructor and the Dean of the school.
Tuition charges for independent study courses are the same as that for regular courses. Certain courses are most unlikely to be approved for independent study due to the nature of the subject matter (preaching and spirituality courses, for instance).
LATE SUBMISSION
It is very important that all assignments be submitted on the day they are due. Meeting deadlines is a critical ministerial skill, and the availability of our instructors is limited. In the event a student anticipates not being able to submit an assignment in time, s/he should contact both the instructor and the Dean of the school as soon as possible (see also above, “Extensions”).
LODGINGS
Overnight accommodations for those enrolled at BKSM are available at Upton Hall, the Bethany Place Conference Center. In the event that there are more students enrolled than there are available spaces at Upton Hall, the Dean of the school will establish a monthly rotation that will grant equal access to accommodations at Upton Hall. Those having to stay in alternative accommodations are solely responsible for securing their accommodations and for all costs associated with whatever arrangements they make.
MEALS
Every effort will be made to accommodate those with special dietary needs. Those with special dietary restrictions should consult with the Dean of the school to determine how best to meet their needs.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Students on ordination tracks must participate in colloquium and praxis. They must take turns offering liturgical leadership, including homilies. Lay persons are welcome to attend praxis sessions. They will also be invited to offer liturgical leadership, including homilies (in the ase of lay preaching students. Students on ordination tracks must also provide evidence that they have completed Safe Church and Doctrine of Discovery training.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism involves representing someone else’s work as one’s own, either directly or indirectly; this can include failing to cite a direct quotation as well as failing to acknowledge one’s indebtedness to a source for a particular idea or argument. Plagiarism in any form is inconsistent with academic integrity, and thus cannot in any way be accommodated. Students found to have plagiarized any portion of any of the work they submit for any course may receive a failing grade for the assignment in question and/or for the course as a whole, as the instructor and the Dean deem appropriate. Repeated infractions may result in dismissal from the school. For further details about plagiarism and how to avoid it, please refer to the BKSM style guide (see below, “Style Guide”).
PROGRESS REPORTS
At the end of each academic year, the Dean of the school will submit a progress report for each student pursuing presbyterial or diaconal studies to the ecclesiastical authority of each student’s sponsoring diocese. This report will include the final letter grade the student received for each course in which they were enrolled, including those for which they received a final grade of either “F” and/or “I,” along with general comments about the student’s participation in the community of the school. The Dean, the staff, and/or instructors for the school may in certain instances be called upon to provide detailed information about a student’s participation in the school, and in such instances will share such information only with those officers or entities duly appointed by the ecclesiastical authority of the student’s sponsoring diocese.
RESPECT FOR ALL PERSONS
BKSM follows all the policies of the Episcopal Church in terms of having zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse, or discrimination against or demeaning of persons on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, being differently abled, etc. Students must complete the Safe Church certification in order to receive a certificate of completion from BKSM. The course is often offered locally, or we can arrange taking the course online. Each student should check with diocesan authorities about their specific requirements. Remember that this training must be redone every three years, so BKSM cannot accept certification that is more than three years old. Persons on ordination tracks must also complete the four-hour course on the Doctrine of Discovery (the church’s relationships with Native Americans). We plan to offer this course at BKSM. There are already existing
ways to complete it earlier. If you would like to do so, please consult with the Dean.
STYLE GUIDE
The style guide for BKSM is Kate L. Turabian, et al, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researches, 8th ed. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2013). All written work completed for all classes should conform to the standards set forth in this guide.
TRANSCRIPTS
BKSM’s registrar keeps each student’s record up to date. Transcripts must be shared with ecclesiastical authorities when requested (see “Progress Reports” above). Students may also request a copy of their transcripts. These will be shared electronically.
TUITION
The cost for each course is $240 for those pursuing studies in presbyterial, diaconal, or licensed ministries and $100 for those who audit. NOTE: when due to weather, pandemics, etc. we cannot meet in Topeka tuition is lowered to $160 per course. Students who must take a particular course via Zoom pay $165. All students should plan to submit payment in full for each course prior to the class meeting for the course. The most efficient way to submit payments is to send a check payable to “Bishop Kemper School for Ministry” with the month the class meets in the memo line (e.g., “Aug,” “Sep,” etc.) to the school’s administrative address:
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
c/o Dean Don Compier
410 SE Independence Avenue
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
No one will be granted a certificate of completion of studies at BKSM unless no balance is owed.
WITHDRAWAL
In the event a student is unable to complete the requirements for a course, either in the time allotted for that course in the academic calendar or through an extension or incomplete, the student may opt to withdraw from the course. Students wishing to withdraw from a course should submit a request to do so both to the instructor and to the Dean of the school at the earliest possible time; please note, some requests for withdrawal may not be granted.
[Revised July 2016; minor edits July 2019, July 2020, July 2021, July 22, July 2023]
Any individual is most welcome to enroll in any BKSM course with available space for the purpose of continuing education or personal enrichment. Those interested in pursuing ordination must first receive the written support and approval of their bishop before being admitted to the presbyteral or diaconal track of studies. Persons interested in obtaining a lay license from their Bishop must receive the written support of the rector and vestry of their parish prior to beginning their course of studies at BKSM.
ASSESSMENT
All student work will be assessed using the following scale (pluses and minuses may also be used; for a more detailed description of this scale, see “Translating Letter Grades Into Academic Achievement”):
- A = excellent
- B = good
- C = acceptable
- D = problematic
- F = failing
In a few classes a “satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system may be used.
Students will receive directly from their instructors responses to and assessments of the work they complete for each course no later than the date final grades are due for each course (see the Academic Calendar). In the event students do not receive final assessments from their instructors, they should contact the instructor and, if necessary, the Dean.
ASSIGNMENTS
Students must submit all work and assignments for each course no later than the date listed on the academic calendar for the submission of final assignments for each course (see the annual Academic Calendar). In the event students are, for reasons beyond their control, unable to complete the work assigned for a particular course, they may apply to their instructors and to the Dean of the school for an extension (see below, “Extensions”). Students must have the permission of both the instructor and the Dean to receive an extension or an incomplete (see also below, “Withdrawal”).
ATTENDANCE
It is expected that students will make every effort to participate fully in every course in which they are enrolled; this includes attendance and active participation in all events associated with all monthly meetings. Class sessions, praxis sessions, colloquium, corporate worship, and community meals are all considered an integral part of course meetings, and students should plan to be present for all such activities. Zoom is available as needed, but not ideal.
CONFLICTS
At BKSM we actively promote direct communication. We seek to resolve conflicts by dealing first with the other party directly affected. No one need fear retaliation for raising a concern. Appeal to higher authority should occur only when either party feels that a satisfactory resolution has not been reached. For instance, if another student is offended by the comments of a student peer, they should speak with this person first, and only go to the instructor when necessary (or in the last resort to the Dean). Similarly, if students have concerns about course expectations, lack of communication from an instructor, or grades, they speak to the instructor first and only bring the matter to the Dean if the conflict remains unresolved.
DISABILITIES
Every effort will be made to accommodate students who have physical, psychological, and/or learning disability(ies). Students who require any such form of accommodation are strongly encouraged to contact both the Dean of the school as well as their instructors at the earliest possible time to explore available options and strategies.
ECOLOGY
BKSM is committed to doing all we can to care for the earth. In particular we seek to minimize use of paper and to recycle. We welcome suggestions about ways to reduce any negative environmental impact. As an Episcopal school we make every effort to advocate for and practice care of the environment as one of the three top missional priorities of our denomination.
All students are expected to maintain an active e-mail account that can consistently and reliably be used for communication with instructors, school staff, and fellow students. Initial information about each course, course syllabi, and/or course assessments will be delivered to students via e-mail; students are responsible for all communications sent from instructors and staff to student e-mail accounts, and should respond to all communications in a timely manner. Should students need to change their e-mail accounts during the academic year, they should contact the Dean, who will send a message to the faculty informing them of the change.
ETIQUETTE
All students are expected to observe the following during all class meetings:
- Make every effort to be in the classroom at the beginning of each session
- Turn off all mobile phones, pagers, and alarms before each session.
- Do not interrupt others or engage in private conversation while others are talking.
- Laptops and tablets are welcome provided they are not a distraction and are used solely for the purpose of facilitating participation in class sessions.
- Do not eat during sessions; drinks are welcome provided they are not a distraction.
- Help clean up the dining area immediately following every meal.
EXTENSIONS
In the event of emergencies or situations otherwise beyond their control, students may apply to their instructor and the Dean of the school for an extension. The extension agreement will specify a date by which all work must be completed. The Dean and the instructor may recommend that the student enroll instead in a subsequent section of the course in question. Students should work closely with the instructor and the Dean in the event they anticipate having trouble completing the work assigned for a given course. Students who do not submit the work required for a course and do not apply for an extension may receive a failing grade (F) for the course.
FINANCIAL AID
We aim to prevent imposition of a financial burden on any student. When necessary, students should consult their parish and their diocese, as these are the most common sources of financial assistance. Some students have also received continuing education from their employers and scholarships from organizations such as Daughters of the King and Episcopal Church Women.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
In certain rare instances, it may be best for a student to complete the requirements of a particular course by working independently with the instructor. A student wishing to complete a course through independent study must have the prior permission of both the instructor and the Dean of the school. Qualified instructors may not be available for the purpose of independent study.
Courses completed through independent study typically require considerably more research and assessment than do regular courses. Independent study courses should be scheduled to begin and end in the same amount of time that regular courses transpire (i.e., approximately eight weeks), and the schedule for every independent study needs to be approved in advance by the instructor and the Dean of the school.
Tuition charges for independent study courses are the same as that for regular courses. Certain courses are most unlikely to be approved for independent study due to the nature of the subject matter (preaching and spirituality courses, for instance).
LATE SUBMISSION
It is very important that all assignments be submitted on the day they are due. Meeting deadlines is a critical ministerial skill, and the availability of our instructors is limited. In the event a student anticipates not being able to submit an assignment in time, s/he should contact both the instructor and the Dean of the school as soon as possible (see also above, “Extensions”).
LODGINGS
Overnight accommodations for those enrolled at BKSM are available at Upton Hall, the Bethany Place Conference Center. In the event that there are more students enrolled than there are available spaces at Upton Hall, the Dean of the school will establish a monthly rotation that will grant equal access to accommodations at Upton Hall. Those having to stay in alternative accommodations are solely responsible for securing their accommodations and for all costs associated with whatever arrangements they make.
MEALS
Every effort will be made to accommodate those with special dietary needs. Those with special dietary restrictions should consult with the Dean of the school to determine how best to meet their needs.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Students on ordination tracks must participate in colloquium and praxis. They must take turns offering liturgical leadership, including homilies. Lay persons are welcome to attend praxis sessions. They will also be invited to offer liturgical leadership, including homilies (in the ase of lay preaching students. Students on ordination tracks must also provide evidence that they have completed Safe Church and Doctrine of Discovery training.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism involves representing someone else’s work as one’s own, either directly or indirectly; this can include failing to cite a direct quotation as well as failing to acknowledge one’s indebtedness to a source for a particular idea or argument. Plagiarism in any form is inconsistent with academic integrity, and thus cannot in any way be accommodated. Students found to have plagiarized any portion of any of the work they submit for any course may receive a failing grade for the assignment in question and/or for the course as a whole, as the instructor and the Dean deem appropriate. Repeated infractions may result in dismissal from the school. For further details about plagiarism and how to avoid it, please refer to the BKSM style guide (see below, “Style Guide”).
PROGRESS REPORTS
At the end of each academic year, the Dean of the school will submit a progress report for each student pursuing presbyterial or diaconal studies to the ecclesiastical authority of each student’s sponsoring diocese. This report will include the final letter grade the student received for each course in which they were enrolled, including those for which they received a final grade of either “F” and/or “I,” along with general comments about the student’s participation in the community of the school. The Dean, the staff, and/or instructors for the school may in certain instances be called upon to provide detailed information about a student’s participation in the school, and in such instances will share such information only with those officers or entities duly appointed by the ecclesiastical authority of the student’s sponsoring diocese.
RESPECT FOR ALL PERSONS
BKSM follows all the policies of the Episcopal Church in terms of having zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse, or discrimination against or demeaning of persons on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, being differently abled, etc. Students must complete the Safe Church certification in order to receive a certificate of completion from BKSM. The course is often offered locally, or we can arrange taking the course online. Each student should check with diocesan authorities about their specific requirements. Remember that this training must be redone every three years, so BKSM cannot accept certification that is more than three years old. Persons on ordination tracks must also complete the four-hour course on the Doctrine of Discovery (the church’s relationships with Native Americans). We plan to offer this course at BKSM. There are already existing
ways to complete it earlier. If you would like to do so, please consult with the Dean.
STYLE GUIDE
The style guide for BKSM is Kate L. Turabian, et al, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researches, 8th ed. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2013). All written work completed for all classes should conform to the standards set forth in this guide.
TRANSCRIPTS
BKSM’s registrar keeps each student’s record up to date. Transcripts must be shared with ecclesiastical authorities when requested (see “Progress Reports” above). Students may also request a copy of their transcripts. These will be shared electronically.
TUITION
The cost for each course is $240 for those pursuing studies in presbyterial, diaconal, or licensed ministries and $100 for those who audit. NOTE: when due to weather, pandemics, etc. we cannot meet in Topeka tuition is lowered to $160 per course. Students who must take a particular course via Zoom pay $165. All students should plan to submit payment in full for each course prior to the class meeting for the course. The most efficient way to submit payments is to send a check payable to “Bishop Kemper School for Ministry” with the month the class meets in the memo line (e.g., “Aug,” “Sep,” etc.) to the school’s administrative address:
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
c/o Dean Don Compier
410 SE Independence Avenue
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
No one will be granted a certificate of completion of studies at BKSM unless no balance is owed.
WITHDRAWAL
In the event a student is unable to complete the requirements for a course, either in the time allotted for that course in the academic calendar or through an extension or incomplete, the student may opt to withdraw from the course. Students wishing to withdraw from a course should submit a request to do so both to the instructor and to the Dean of the school at the earliest possible time; please note, some requests for withdrawal may not be granted.
[Revised July 2016; minor edits July 2019, July 2020, July 2021, July 22, July 2023]