Perkins School of Theology welcomed one of its most diverse incoming classes in recent memory with a three-day Orientation August 18-20 on the campus of Perkins in Dallas.
Led by the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM), the Orientation followed an expanded format this year. The three-day program included a How to be a Grad Student 101 session with Bridwell Library, spiritual formation/worship experiences and service projects. Seventy-one students participated, including the new class of 30 residential students and 38 of the 41 new students in the hybrid program.
Previously, Orientation was a single day, but the OEM moved to an expanded model this year.
“Seminary brings with it many life changes and new challenges,” said Christina Rhodes, Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management. “Because the OEM staff at Perkins is committed to shepherding our students through these transitions, we devoted three days to introducing our students to Perkins as a welcoming and inclusive community.”
This year, the new students enjoyed three worship experiences: a Compline service at the Habito Labyrinth, a Monday morning in a Northumbrian-style prayer service, and a midday Service of Word and Table, led by faculty and staff, with Dr. Roy Heller preaching. Students also participated in two service projects: creating placemats for the Kairos Prison Ministry and “manna bags” (with snacks, socks, lip balm, bottles of water, and cards with encouraging words) to hand out to homeless people or others in need that students may encounter. Students also learned about services offered at SMU, such as the Women and LGBTQ Center and health center, and “met” Perkins staff in an online “expo” highlighting them.
Students in the hybrid program were offered stipends to cover their travel and housing for the orientation; 38 of 41 new hybrid students took advantage of the opportunity.
“It was not a required component, but we strongly encouraged them to attend, to meet their future classmates and their future coworkers,” Rhodes said.
The attendees represented five different degree programs, twelve states, and six denominations, including members of the first-ever cohort of the Maestría en Divinidad (M.Div. in Spanish) program.
“The geographical scope of our fall incoming class is the largest we have seen in recent years,” said Rhodes. “Perkins continues to attract a diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, denomination and age.”
A few facts about the incoming student body: It’s ethnically diverse, with 59% non-white students (41% White, 28% Hispanic, 18% Black, 7% of two or more ethnicities, 4% foreign nationals, and 1% American Indian/Alaska Native). Denominations represented include United Methodists (52%) as well as Anglicans, Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalian, Lutherans, Presbyterians, non-denominational Christians and United Church of Christ. Some 70% are seeking an M.Div., the largest percentage in years.
On the third day, the program kicked off Perkins’ newly designed Introduction to Theological Studies and Research course for first year M.Div., M.A.M., and M.T.S. students.
“Organizing orientation was a labor of love that involved many faculty and staff,” said Rhodes. “We tried putting everything into those three days, so that students can fully experience Perkins and the SMU community.”