Fall Trimester September 2, 2014-November 14, 2014 Application Deadline: August 8, 2014 Classes Begin: September 2, 2014 Add/Drop Deadline: September 12, 2014 Winter Trimester December 1, 2014 March 13, 2015 Application Deadline: November 7, 2014 Classes Begin: December 1, 2014 Add/Drop Deadline: December 12, 2014 Empowering Leaders for the Fivefold Ministry Spring Trimester March 30, 2015 June 12, 2015 Application Deadline: March 13, 2015 Classes Begin: March 30, 2015 Add/Drop Deadline: April 10, 2015 735 105th Ave. Oakland, CA 94603 (510) 567-6174 Fax (510) 568-1024 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION
Empowering Leaders for the Fivefold Ministry A MESSAGE TO THE APPLICANT DEAR APPLICANT SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary has always been committed to providing its students with a memorable undergraduate experience. Our primary aim is to assist students in responding to and being equipped for their divine call. We know that this application process is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of adventure and fulfilled destiny. We are certain that you will find SUM to be a place of great energy, great spiritual challenge; and great opportunity. We invite you to seriously consider SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Our team is here to assist you. Don t hesitate to contact us at the appropriate number listed below. May you hold fast to the faith as you pursue a higher education. Sincerely, SUM Admissions Office SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary S Main Campus - Oakland Tel: 510-567-6174 Fax: 510-568-1024 admissions@sum.edu Cohorts Please contact the Oakland Campus and we will direct you to the respective Cohort Advisor. Or go to www.sum.edu/cohorts Mission Statement SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is a Bible College that equips indigenous leaders from America's urban communities by offering an affordable theological education combining academic instruction with practical hands on ministry. Our mission empowers these leaders to be instruments of change in their respective communities. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHEN & HOW SHOULD I APPLY? Apply now! Many students apply in the first semester of their senior year of high school in order to meet priority dates for financial aid, dormitory housing, and pre-registration. Please follow the application checklist which appears on the following pages. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? Tuition Per Credit Hour: $260 Oakland On-Campus Student Annual Estimate: $12,895 Cohort Student Annual Estimate: $10,595 HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID? SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary participates in Federal Direct Stafford Loan and PELL Grant Programs. All students should apply for Financial Aid with FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov to be eligible for scholarship funding. SUM's official FAFSA Federal School Code is 037524. A U.S. Department of Education PIN number can be obtained at www.pin.gov if you would like to apply for FAFSA on the web. A PIN number enables you to sign your FAFSA electronically. Hardcopies of the FAFSA are available at most public libraries.
2014-2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR Fall Term September 2 November 14 Application Deadline August 8 New Student Orientation (Online and Cohort) TBA (by Cohort Advisor) Oakland New Student Orientation August 29 Labor Day (No Classes & Offices closed) September 1 Classes Begin September 2 Add/Drop Deadline September 12 21 Day Fast September 24- October 15 Mid-Term Week September 29-October 3 Spiritual Emphasis Campus Days October 16-17 Harvest Festival Outreach (Oakland Campus) October 31 Finals Week & End of Fall Trimester November 10-14 Last Day of Online/Cohort Classes November 14 Inter-Trimester Break November 17-28 SUM Oakland Offices Closed November 28-29 Winter Term December 1 March 13 Application Deadline November 7 New Student Orientation (Online and Cohort) TBA (by Cohort Advisor) Oakland New Student Orientation December 1 Classes Begin December 2 Add/Drop Deadline December 12 Christmas Outreach (Oakland Campus) December 13 Christmas Break December 22 January 2 SUM Oakland Offices Closed December 24-25; December 31-January 1 Classes Resume January 5 Mid-Term Week January 12-16 21 Day Fast January 7 January 28 Martin Luther King Holiday (Oakland Offices Closed) January 19 Spiritual Emphasis Campus Days January 29-30 Mardi Gras Outreach Trip February 11-20 Finals Week & End of Winter Trimester March 9-13 Last Day of Online/Cohort Classes March 13 Inter-Trimester Break March 16-27 Spring Term March 30 June 11 Application Deadline March 13 New Student Orientation (Online and Cohort) TBA (by Cohort Advisor) Oakland New Student Orientation March 30 Classes Begin March 31 Add/Drop Deadline April 10 Easter Outreach (Oakland Campus) March 28 Mid-Term Week April 27-May 1 Good Friday (Oakland Offices Closed) April 3 21 Day Fast April 22-May 13 Spiritual Emphasis Campus Days May 14-15 Finals Week June 8-12 Awards/Appreciation Chapel (Oakland Campus) June 11 Spring Trimester Ends June 12 Baccalaureate (in Oakland) June 12 Graduation (in Oakland) June 13
Empowering Leaders for the Fivefold Ministry Steps to Apply Admissions Checklist Step 1: Application for Admission Complete the online admissions application at www.sum.edu/apply Step 2: Two Typed Essays Essays will be reviewed for content, format and punctuation to determine collegiate writing skills. Each essay must be 12 point font, 300-350 words, double spaced, and include the applicants name and date. 1. Personal Testimony (300-350 words) In your essay answer the following questions: How did I become a Christian? How am I currently serving in my home church? Upon graduation from SUM, where do I feel the Lord is leading me? 2. Leadership Essay (300-350 words) In your essay answer the following question: According to the New Testament, how did Jesus lead? Step 3: Pastoral Reference Form This form will need to be completed by a Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor, or an Associate Pastor. The pastoral reference may not be completed by family members or current SUM students. Step 4: General Reference Form This form will need to be completed by a previous employer, supervisor, mentor or other individual. The general reference may not be completed by family members or current SUM students. Step 5: Transcript Request Form All applicants must submit official high school transcripts or GED Certification. Applicants are also required to submit official college transcripts from any and all colleges attended, regardless of whether the applicant is seeking transfer credits. Use the attached transcript request forms to have all official transcripts mailed to the Oakland Office. Step 6: $20 Application Fee Application fees can be mailed to the Oakland office in the form of a personal check, cashier s check, or money order. Please call the Oakland office to make a payment over the phone using a Visa or Mastercard. Step 7: SUM Statement of Faith, Course Catalog, and Student Handbook Each applicant is required to read our Course Catalog at www.sum.edu/catalog the Statement of Faith is on pp. 14-18. The Student Handbook is located at www.sum.edu/student-life. After reading the Student Handbook, print the SUM Community Covenant Affirmation Statement Signature Page (pp. 151), sign and submit to the admissions department. This document is a requirement for admissions to SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary. Step 8: FERPA FORM Each applicant is required submit the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act Release Form. Telephone Entrance Interview Upon receipt of all required admissions documents listed above, the applicant will receive a call regarding their admissions interview with one of our academic advisors.
PASTOR REFERENCE FORM This reference form should to be completed by your pastor and mailed directly to the Admissions Office. TO THE APPLICANT: Complete the following information and forward this form to your pastor (references should not be completed by a family member) Applicant s PRINTED Name: Applicant's Address: Phone ( ) Desired Campus/Cohort: I understand that this confidential statement is being submitted directly to the admissions office with the understanding that its contents will not be shared with me. I willingly waive my right to see the confidential statement submitted on this form, knowing that this wavier is not required as a condition for admission to the SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Yes No Signature: Date: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT S PASTOR: The above person is applying for admission to SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Your cooperation in answering the following questions with the utmost frankness would be greatly appreciated. This information will be useful in helping us decide whether or not the applicant will fit into our educational program. Please send the completed form directly to the Admissions Office. If you are related to the applicant, this evaluation should come from another responsible person. Thank you. 1. How long have you known the applicant? In what capacity? 2. How well do you know the applicant? Slightly Casually Well Very Well 3. To what extent is the applicant involved in your church? No involvement Slightly involved Deeply involved 4. In what form of Christian service has the applicant been engaged? Briefly evaluate his/her success. 5. Please indicate your observations in the following areas: Evidence of financial responsibility: Relationship with the opposite sex: Ability to get along with others: Personal character, including strengths and weaknesses: Special Abilities:
6. Please place an X in the appropriate box. Do you believe the applicant is a committed Christian? In your judgment, does the applicant possess the fitness and aptitude for college? Is the applicant emotionally qualified for full-time Christian service? Has the applicant been divorced or separated? If the applicant is married, is his/her spouse in full agreement with their decision to attend SUM Bible College? To your knowledge has the applicant participated in the use of intoxicants, tobacco, or illegal drugs? If you responded yes to the previous question, please explain: Yes No Don t Know 7. How would you rate this person in the following areas? Please place an X in the appropriate box. Mental Ability Initiative Emotional Stability Ability to Cope with Stress Leadership Concern for Others Ability to Accept Criticism Cooperation Attitude towards Authority Personal Appearance Christian Life Reliability Integrity 8. Knowing the applicant as you do, what recommendation would you make? Strongly recommend Recommend with reservations I do not recommend Comments: Superior Above Average Average Inferior No chance to observe Do you have additional information you would like to convey by telephone? Yes No If yes, telephone number PASTOR S INFORMATION: Pastor s PRINTED Name: Title or Position in Church: Church Name: Physical Address: Denomination: City: State: Zip Code: Mailing Address: Church Phone: ( ) Signature: Date: Fax or mail this form to: SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary Attn: Admissions Office 735 105th Avenue Oakland, CA 94603 Fax: 510-568-1024 Your comments will receive our full consideration.
GENERAL REFERENCE FORM This reference form should to be completed by your employer or friend (not a family member or current SUM student) and mailed directly to the Admissions Office. TO THE APPLICANT: Complete the following information and forward this form to your reference (references should not be completed by a family member) Applicant s PRINTED Name: Applicant's Address: Phone ( ) Desired Campus/Cohort: I understand that this confidential statement is being submitted directly to the admissions office with the understanding that its contents will not be shared with me. I willingly waive my right to see the confidential statement submitted on this form, knowing that this wavier is not required as a condition for admission to the SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Yes No Signature: Date: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT S REFERENCE: The above person is applying for admission to SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Your cooperation in answering the following questions with the utmost frankness would be greatly appreciated. This information will be useful in helping us decide whether or not the applicant will fit into our educational program. Please send the completed form directly to the Admissions Office. If you are related to the applicant, this evaluation should come from another responsible person. Thank you. 1. How long have you known the applicant? In what capacity? 2. How well do you know the applicant? Slightly Casually Well Very Well 3. To what extent is the applicant involved in church? No involvement Slightly involved Deeply involved 4. In what form of Christian service has the applicant been engaged? Briefly evaluate his/her success. 5. Please indicate your observations in the following areas: Evidence of financial responsibility: Relationship with the opposite sex: Ability to get along with others: Personal character, including strengths and weaknesses: Special Abilities:
6. Please place an X in the appropriate box. Do you believe the applicant is a committed Christian? In your judgment, does the applicant possess the fitness and aptitude for college? Is the applicant emotionally qualified for full-time Christian service? Has the applicant been divorced or separated? If the applicant is married, is his/her spouse in full agreement with their decision to attend SUM Bible College? To your knowledge has the applicant participated in the use of intoxicants, tobacco, or illegal drugs? If you responded yes to the previous question, please explain: Yes No Don t Know 7. How would you rate this person in the following areas? Please place an X in the appropriate box. Mental Ability Initiative Emotional Stability Ability to Cope with Stress Leadership Concern for Others Ability to Accept Criticism Cooperation Attitude towards Authority Personal Appearance Christian Life Reliability Integrity 8. Knowing the applicant as you do, what recommendation would you make? Strongly recommend Recommend with reservations I do not recommend Comments: Superior Above Average Average Inferior No chance to observe Do you have additional information you would like to convey by telephone? Yes No If yes, telephone number REFERENCE S INFORMATION: PRINTED Name: Occupation / Title: Church/Business Name: Physical Address: E-Mail Address: City: State: Zip Code: Mailing Address: Work Phone: ( ) Signature: Date: Fax or mail this form to: SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary Attn: Admissions Office 735 105th Avenue Oakland, CA 94603 Fax: 510-568-1024 Your comments will receive our full consideration.
FERPA Release Consolidated Form Family Educational Right and Privacy Act Release Form Please Print: Student Name: Address: First Middle Last Street City Date of Birth: / / Month Day Year I understand (1) I have the right not to consent to the release or disclosure of my education records; (2) I have the right to inspect and review such records upon request; and (3) this consent to release or disclose will become valid upon acceptance and expire upon graduation or after I cease to be a student for six months or until revoked by me, in writing, and delivered to the Business Office, whichever comes first. Any disclosure of information made by SUM prior to expiration or receipt of revocation is not affected by expiration or revocation. I further understand that in order for SUM to release information to the individual(s) named below, this release must be executed. Therefore, I, the undersigned, authorize the office(s) selected in Section 1 to release my education records which it maintains to the individual(s) identified in Section 2. Applicable for Cohort Students ONLY: I, the undersigned, understand that the individual in the position of SUM Cohort Advisor, is authorized to receive my Educational Records and do not need to be named on this release form. 1. OFFICES WHICH MAY RELEASE EDUCATION RECORDS - (mark box) All Business Office Information All Academic Department Information All Student Ministries Department Information All Student Life Department Information 2. THOSE WHO MAY RECEIVE EDUCATION RECORDS - NAME (First, Middle Initial, & Last) State Zip All Registrar Office Information All Financial Aid Office Information Other RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENT Furthermore, I allow release of information over the telephone if the person(s) listed above can provide my four digit S.U.M. Student Identification Number. (This is the four digit number in front of your name on your ABHE student profile) Student Signature Date DIRECTORY INFORMATION - I UNDERSTAND THAT DIRECTORY INFORMATION SUCH AS NAME, ADDRESS, AND WHETHER OR NOT I AM ENROLLED O HAVE GRADUATED IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED. DO NOT RELEASE DIRECTORY INFORMATION Student Signature Revised 3/25/14
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM To be completed by applicant and mailed to previous High School School Name: HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST Applicant FULL Name: In order to complete my registration at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary, I need an official transcript filed as soon as possible. Please mail an official copy to: SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary Attn: Admissions Office 735 105th Avenue Oakland, CA 94603 Present Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: ( ) SSN: Birth Date: Dates attended: From To Applicant Signature: Please notify applicant if transcripts cannot be forwarded or if no record exists. Date: Note: Most schools charge a fee prior to mailing out transcripts... OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM to be completed by applicant and mailed to previous UCollege School Name: COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT REQUEST Applicant FULL Name: In order to complete my registration at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary, I need an official transcript filed as soon as possible. Please mail an official copy to: SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary Attn: Admissions Office 735 105th Avenue Oakland, CA 94603 Present Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: ( ) SSN: Birth Date: Dates attended: From To Applicant Signature: Please notify applicant if transcripts cannot be forwarded or if no record exists. Date: Note: Most schools charge a fee prior to mailing out transcripts. 735 105th Ave. Oakland, CA 94603 (510) 567-6174 Fax (510) 568-1024