The Traditional Old Roman Catholic Church P. O. Box 58324 * Cincinnati, OH 45258 Phone: (513) 301-PRAY (7729)

•  A non-refundable application fee of $40.00
•  Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended since graduation from high school.
• Copy of High School diploma or GED certificate
• Three written recommendations (forms provided) attesting to the applicant's commitment and abilities.

Admission to the Seminary

When an applicant's file has been completed and all required documentation has been received, the application will be reviewed by the Seminary Rector and admissions committee and the decision provided to the applicant within 4 weeks of review.

Once an applicant has been accepted for admission to the Seminary, they will indicate their intent by returning the Acceptance of Admissions Agreement and tuition according to the manner requested by the student provided said request is reasonable and feasible. This may be payment of tuition in full or payment of tuition for the first 5 units of the program ($125.00).

International Students

The Seminary encourages and welcomes students of all backgrounds and nationalities to apply. An international student is one who is not a citizen of the United States. At this time the Seminary is unable to provide the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) which would allow students to obtain the appropriate non-immigrant visa for students. However, the Seminary foresees this ability in the future.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language or the equivalent thereof is normally required unless the applicant can demonstrate both in written and spoken English that they possess a sufficient grasp of the English language as to be able to complete the program which is offered in English.

Readmission

If a student is accepted but does not enroll after acceptance and more than one year has lapsed since the notice of admission, the student must submit and Application for Readmission and may be required to re-submit some of the application materials that had previously been submitted.

Transfer Credits

Transferability of Credits is considered on a case-by-case basis. Generally, 40 units of the Certificate program (Dip.Th.) And 100 units of the S.T.B. program may be accepted for transfer. Those students already possessing a degree from another seminary who wish to enroll may be asked to take an examination to determine level of proficiency in the areas which are covered in the Seminary prior to a decision being made as to transferability of courses.

All transfer students must complete a minimum of 30 units and 6 months practicum from the Seminary in order for a degree from the Seminary to be awarded.

ACADEMIC POLICY

Registration

Students may register for courses on an open registration basis. Students must register for a minimum of 4 courses per calendar year to be considered active. Students are advised however, to consider the parameters concerning time limits for their particular program when planning their academic calendars.

Students who prepay their tuition partially may only register for the percentage of the program which has been prepaid. For example, if a student pays for 6 courses (30 units at $25.00 per unit for a total TUITION prepayment of $750.00) the student may register for up to 6 courses within one year from the date of payment. The student will then have to pay tuition on any courses beyond the 6 prepaid courses in order to register for the additional courses.

Academic Load

It is strongly recommended that the student not attempt more than 1 course per six week period (8 courses per calendar year). This is of particular importance for students who are employed on a full-time basis and have family obligations. Students are asked to discuss exceeding the recommended academic load prior to registering.

Auditing

Auditing of a class may only be allowed for those students planning on challenging a course by examination who wish to refresh their prior learning. Consent and payment of the audit fee is required prior to approval being given.

Residence Requirements

As stated, the student must complete at least 30 units of course work and at least one 6-month practicum at the Seminary in order to meet residency requirements and be eligible for award of a certificate or a degree.

Time Limits

The time limit for the Dip. Th. (Certificate) are at least 2 years of study but no longer than 4 years unless arrangements for an extension are made and show just cause for extending the time limit.

The time limit for the S.T.B. are at least 4 years of study but no longer than 6 years unless arrangements for an extension are made and show just cause for an extension.

Exceptions shall be made in regards to the minimum time limits for those students who are applying for Credit by Examination (challenging) or for students who do a portfolio and are awarded advanced standing in their respective program.

Transcripts

Students shall receive a grade report after completion of each class and a semi-annual report of standing in the program. Transcripts shall be updated within 2 weeks of the grade being awarded to the student. A fee of $5.00 is charged for every official copy of a student transcript. Requests for transcripts must be received in writing and must contain the student's signature, social security number and student identification number. Faxed requests will be accepted provided the information required is contained therein but will not be released until the appropriate fee is received by the Seminary. Official (sealed) copies of the transcripts will be issued to the student or to another academic instruction provided the appropriate fee is included with the request and the address of the recipient is provided.

Graduation Requirements

All course work attempted must be completed with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

Graduates must be active in their Church and demonstrate model behavior in the Christian community.

An application for graduation with the appropriate fee must be received by the Rector's office no later than 3 months prior to the anticipated date of Graduation.

All tuition, fees and financial obligations owed by the student to the seminary must be paid in full prior to graduation.

Commencement is held annually on July 16, 1997, the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, patroness of the Seminary. Students who are completing their last course but who will not complete before Commencement Ceremonies may participate in commencement, however diplomas nor certificates will be released until satisfactory completion of the course. The graduation requirements noted above shall apply to those students who are completing their last course.

Academic Probation

Enrollment at the Seminary is a privilege not a right. As such, students shall be expected to conform with all guidelines and policies of the seminary and keep their academic career in line with the established norms in order to avoid revocation of enrollment and dismissal. Any student whose grade point average falls to below 2.5 shall be placed on 90-days academic probation. During that 90-day probationary period, the student will need to demonstrate a marked improvement in academic grade and achievement. Should this not occur, the student will be suspended for 2 quarter periods until any situation which resulted in the decompensation in academic achievement is resolved. Any student who is found to commit plagiarism, i.e. use of another author's work without appropriate acknowledgment or the use thereof with claims of it being original work, shall be suspended pending a review by the Rector. Students may be subject to expulsion from the Seminary if it is ascertained that the plagiarism was done with knowledge and intent by the student.

Withdrawal

Students may request a temporary withdrawal from the seminary for up to 1 calendar year for extenuating circumstances. Such requests must be made in writing no later than 6 weeks before the anticipated withdrawal date. Students not making this request and who do not enroll for at least 2 courses within a 12 month period shall be considered withdrawn from the Seminary and forfeit any tuition paid. Student's who withdraw involuntarily may apply for re-admission but will be expected to pay tuition accordingly. No credit balance on tuition will be carried forward on student accounts for withdrawals not processed under this policy.

DEGREES OFFERED

The following degrees and certificates may be earned through the Seminary:

Dip. Th.: This is the Certificate in Sacred Theology awarded to students who complete an 100-unit course of study. This program is geared towards the laity and clerics studying for the permanent Diaconate not seeking ordination to the priesthood.

S.T.B.: This is the Bachelor of Sacred Theology. It is awarded to students who complete the full 160-unit course of study. Clerics who complete this program successfully may be recommended for ordination to the sacred priesthood. Clerics of the American Traditional Catholic Church who complete this program shall, upon completion of practicum and evaluation by the Rector and Presiding Bishop, have the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) conferred.

S.T.M.: The Masters in Sacred Theology is awarded to those students who complete a prescribed program of advance study beyond the S.T.B. and who write a Thesis on a specific topic. Separate application to the S.T.M. program must be made.

S.T.D.: The Doctorate in Sacred Theology is awarded to students who complete a prescribed program of advance study beyond the S.T.B./S.T.M. AND who have demonstrated advance competencies in ministry. Students will conduct a research project, will present and will defend their Dissertation before a committee selected jointly by the student and the Seminary.

Accreditation

The seminary is NOT accredited by any accrediting commission or body. Although consideration for applying for accreditation is being made, students should note that degrees awarded by the seminary are not accredited degrees and may not be recognized by other ecclesiastical or academic institutions. The seminary shall not be held liable for any loss incurred as a result of non-transferability of courses, non-recognition of degree or inability to secure employment by the student who enrolls in the seminary having been duly informed of the accreditation status of the Seminary. Should the seminary obtain accreditation, the Seminary will attempt - but by no means guarantees success - to have accreditation status changed for students who graduate before the awarding of accreditation.

Grading

The following grading and point system is utilized by the Seminary:

 Essays, Research Papers, Theses

In order that all writings done by faculty and students are consistent, the seminary requires all essays, research papers, and theses to be done in APA (American Psychological Association) format.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Tuition and Fees

A one time, non-refundable fee of $40.00 must accompany each application for admission.

Tuition for the program is $25.00 per unit, with each course in the program being 5 units. Thus, the per course tuition would be $125.00 excluding books and supplies. Total tuition, excluding books, supplies and other fees is $4000.00. Students who pay the full tuition at the time of enrollment will receive a 10% discount ($400.00) for a total tuition of $3,600.00. Clergy (Deacon, priest, etc.) who have been ordained at least one (1) year and are in active ministry and senior citizens who enroll will also receive a 10% discount. Tuition may be also be paid on a per course basis. The per course fee must be paid before admission to that course is completed and study materials released. Tuition costs are subject to change.

The following is an itemization of tuition and fees:

Books and Audio-Visual materials:

The cost for textbooks and audiovisual materials purchased through the Seminary will be provided to students in advance of the class. Students may purchase the text book or video material through the Seminary or may do so on their own.

Tuition Refunds

Refunds will be calculated based on the following:

Within 3 days of enrollment 95%
Within 1 week of enrollment 85%
Within 2 weeks of enrollment 75%

Refunds will not be given for requests received after the second week of enrollment without sufficient case and only with approval of the Presiding Bishop and Seminary Rector. Should a student drop after the second week, a grade of "Incomplete" will be entered into the student's records which may, at a later date, be changed to a grade provided the student fulfills all requirements for the course.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Program Outline: The program consists of 5 areas of study. Those pursuing the full program will complete 160 units of study while those wishing the Certificate will complete 100 units of study.

Testamonium Theologica (Dip. Th.)

The Diploma in Theology is a 2 year (maximum 4 year) 100-unit program designed to give basic foundational training to the student in order to function as catechists, members of parish evangelism teams and the laity primarily, and for men who are seeking ordination as Permanent Deacon and for Religious not seeking ordination to the Priesthood.

I	Church History	10 units
II	Sacred Scripture	25 units
III	Pastoral Studies	30 units
IV	Theology	30 units
V	Electives	5 units

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Bachelor in Sacred Theology (S.T.B.)

The following outlines the courses required for the complete program. This program is designed for those men seeking ordination to the Sacred Priesthood. It is strongly recommended for those seeking ordination as Permanent Deacons:

I	Church History	5 units
II	Old Catholic History	5 units
III	Sacred Scripture - Old Testament	10 units
IV	Sacred Scripture - New Testament	10 units
V	Pastoral Studies	30 units
VI	Theology	30 units
VII.	General Education	20 units
VIII.	General Electives	10 units

In addition to the above, elective courses will be required for Section I through and including Section VI, broken down as follows:

Independent Study

The Seminary offers independent study in the above areas of the program. These courses are elective and not required as a part of a respective program. They are offered at a reduced fee as an incentive for students to pursue additional studies to enhance their formation, growth and effectiveness in working for the Kingdom of God.

Portfolio Assessment and Credit by Examination

Students may submit a portfolio of work they may have completed prior to enrollment for evaluation. Portfolio assessment allows the student to demonstrate in one or more areas knowledge of the subject matter equivalent to that which would have been acquired by completion of the specific course.

In lieu of portfolio assessment, students may challenge a course through Credit by Examination. Students will be examined on content and comprehension of a subject. The exam must be proctored by an approved Proctor. A passing grade of B or better must be achieved in order to have credit awarded for the specific course.

Advance Placement for Transfer Students

Students transferring from other Seminary programs may be considered for Advance placement in the program. In this case, all course work completed at the previous seminary will be reviewed for acceptability. Students applying for advance placement will be required to complete a comprehensive examination covering the first 5 areas of study in the program to determine knowledge of the subject matter. A passing grade of "B" or better must be received in order for advance placement to be considered.

Grievance Procedure

All students agree to binding arbitration of any grievances relating to enrollment and academic standing. Grievances must be submitted in writing to the Rector unless the grievance is directed against him in which case it shall be submitted to the Presiding Bishop of the American Traditional Catholic Church. All decisions reached through arbitration are binding on all parties and the student agrees that no further action shall be initiated upon adjudication of the grievance by the Seminary Arbitration Committee.

Disciplinary Action

Any behavior or action which disrupts the Seminary or undermines the seminary, its faculty or its students and results in adverse action against the Seminary shall not be tolerated. Action may be taken on just cause including, but not limited to, written warnings, academic probation, suspension and expulsion. Any student placed on suspension or expelled shall NOT be entitled to refunds of any tuition paid through the course the student is enrolled in at the time disciplinary action is taken. Any student or faculty who is found intoxicated, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, engaged in illegal or illicit activities, batters another, commits plagiarism or theft or destroys seminary property shall be subject to expulsion without recourse. Any tuition paid up to the time of action would be forfeit and the party against whom the action taken would be barred from future attendance or admission to the seminary.

COURSE OUTLINE

Each section consists of two parts with the exception of the General Education and General Elective subject areas. Part one is a specific study of the particular area in its entirety. Part two is the "elective" portion of the subject area in which the student chooses a particular aspect of the subject area and writes one or two comprehensive papers on the specific topic. The following courses comprise the Seminary program offered:

I. Church History

Part I: 10 units

History of the Christian Church from the time of the Ancient Christian Church through the present. Emphasis will be placed on the history of the first 1000 years and first 7 Oecumenical Councils of the Christian Church.

Part II 5 units

Students will select a specific aspect of Church History and write a comprehensive paper on that aspect. Some suggested topics may be: The Development of Western
Catholicism, The Great Schism, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, the Concilliar Traditions of the Church, History of the Liturgies of the Catholic Faith.

II. Old Catholic/Old Roman Catholic/Ultrajectine/Independent Catholic History

Part I: 10 units

A history of the Old Catholic movement from its beginnings through the present.  Students will also examine the broad spectrum of groups identified as  Old Ultrajectine/ Independent/Traditional in relationship to their own tradition.

Part II 5 units

A comprehensive paper on a key figure or event in Old Catholic History shall be written by the student.

III. Sacred Scripture - Old Testament 10 units

Part I 10 units

A study of the books of the Old Testament and their relation to the plan of salvation. Application of Old Testament exegesis will be stressed as it inter-relates with New Testament exegesis and the fulfillment of Old Testament Prophesy's in the person of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the plan of Salvation.

Part II 5 units

A comprehensive paper on an event, theological premise or individual of the Old Testament shall be written by the student. Suggested topics: The Law and the Prophets, the Deutero-Canonical Books of the Old Testament, the Egyptian Captivity, Eschatology in the Old Testament, Old Testament Marian Theology, or any suitable topic from Old Testament studies.

IV. Sacred Scripture - New Testament 10 units

Part I 10 units

A study of the New Testament with emphasis being placed on exegetical study. How does the New Testament exist as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and its application to the people of God in today's world.

Part II 5 units

A comprehensive paper on an event, theological premise or individual of the New Testament shall be written by the student. Suggested topics: The Plan of Salvation, the Fulfillment of the Old Law, Eschatology and the End Times, Why Jesus became Man, The Dogma of Transubstantiation, or any other suitable topic from New Testament studies.

V. Pastoral Studies

Part I 30 units

Students will develop those skills necessary to function in the parish and pastoral setting. Students will acquire sills in sermon preparation, catechesis, pastoral care, liturgics and Church administration. Additionally, students will acquire a basic understanding of the format of Canon Law and its application in the pastoral setting.

Part II 10 units

Students shall chose TWO (2) topics in Pastoral studies and write a comprehensive paper on each topic. These topics can be from a specific area of the subject area or on a broader topic not covered in depth in the subject area. Some suggested topics: Pastoral Care of the Aged and Infirm, Pastoral care of Persons with HIV infection and AIDS, Youth Ministry, Church Administration, Liturgics, Enhancing Liturgical Services,

VI. Theology

Part I 30 units

Students will receive instruction in the following six areas of Theology: Moral, Dogmatic, Systematic, Sacramental, Exegetical and Apologetics. Students will develop a working understanding of each facet of Theology and its application to the Church Militant and the world.

Part II 10 units

Students shall choose TWO (2) topics in Theology and write a comprehensive paper on each topic. These topics can be from a specific area of the subject or on a broader topic not covered in depth in the subject area. Some suggested topics: Confessional Confidentiality, Marriage and Divorce, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, the Real Presence, the Virginity of Mary, the Divinity of Jesus, or any other suitable topic within the subject area.

VII. General Education

In order for students to have a well-rounded program, the Seminary recognizes that the student should have some general understanding in 4 areas: Written English, General Psychology, General Office and Business procedures and Music. This is based on the premise that students must be able to communicate effectively in the written form, relate to individuals on various levels, be able to administer the business affairs of their parish and be able to accommodate the need for musical expression in worship and liturgy.

VIII. General Electives

General electives allow the final honing of the student's seminary program. They expose the student to areas which are not touched on in the program. Students may chose 2 of 6 areas for elective studies: Ancient Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew), Monastic Spirituality and Aseticism, Evangelism, Foreign Language (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Sign, etc.), Mission Effectiveness or Eschatological Studies.

ELECTIVE AND INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSES

The following courses may be used to satisfy electives for the Dip. Th. and S.T.B. programs as well as for Independent Study. Students should note that courses selected from this list for Independent Study shall not apply towards any degree or certificate elective requirements but are in addition to those requirements.

AUDIO-VISUAL COMPONENT

The seminary program includes an audio-visual component which is designed to enhance the student's programs and is employed as a tool for practical application of the material being presented in the program.

For each film or tape in the program, a report which applies not only knowledge acquired concerning the subject itself but the theological knowledge as it applies to a particular film and the subjects or characters of the film. Didactic knowledge can thereby be made pragmatic in the application to dramatically portrayed events.

The following is a list of the current films utilized by the program. This list is subject to change, with additions to be added accordingly. Some films may be used for multiple courses in that the film may meet the subject matter on more than one level. In some cases, the text by the same title may be employed to enhance the video content.

The content of this brochure including, but not limited to, fees and tuition is subject to change. Students making application shall be considered under the fees, policies and procedures in place at the time the application is received by the Seminary. The Seminary assumes no liability for applications which are received after changes to the program are made or which are submitted based on outdated material. Students who have requested information should contact the seminary prior to making application to determine the information they have is the most current. Postmarks will not be accepted towards this policy and applications and the effective date shall be considered the day on which the application is received.

Any disputes arising between the student/applicant and the Seminary shall be subject to binding arbitration by an approved independent Arbitration Committee.

The material contained in this brochure and all material published by the seminary, unless otherwise noted, is copyright by Stella Maris Seminary Institute and the American Traditional Catholic Church and may not be reproduced in any form or medium without the express written permission of the Seminary.

For further information, please contact the seminary at:

Email: Stella Maris Seminary