SPM Field Settings

In the current program, students are not placed in the SPM position by the Field Education Office. Available positions are advertised and each student is  responsible to identify and apply for placement within an approved position. Students are also encouraged to develop their own experiences, to create the type of learning situation that would most effectively contribute to your educational goals. Every position created by student initiative must be developed in consultation with the Director of Field Education and have official approval before the student can enroll for SPM credit.

The Field Education office announces  open SPM postions recieved  through the Good News, by posting descriptions and sign-up sheets on the bulletin board near the Field Education Office.  Students may also view postions as posted below.  Students should follow the instructions for each opportunity regarding application material and interview procedures.  Interviews will be arranged with applicants by the minister/supervisor and/or other persons having responsibility to interview the interested students at the seminary or at the site of the position. If the interview is conducted a significant distance from the UDTS campus, expenses for the student(s) should be paid by the church or institution. If the interview is at the seminary, the Field Education Office may help arrange the interview schedule and facilities.  For an application to become a new SPM site click here.

After the interviews, the representative(s) of the employing church or institution should contact the student who has been selected, offering her or him the position, and should notify the Field Education Office that the invitation has been extended.

The students are expected to reply to the invitation with reasonable promptness and to keep the Field Education Office informed of their replies.

In the event that the first round of interviews does not result in a satisfactory placement for a student, the Field Education Office will endeavor to identify other potential sites and help in working out the placement of a student in an approved SPM setting.

Academic Year Opportunities:
2009-2010

First Presbyterian Church, Dubuque, IA -Filled
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dubque, IA - Filled
First Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, IA- Filled

        Summer Opportunties
2009
First Presbyterian Church of Dubuque, IA-Filled

CPE Opportunities  

For Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), usually no stipend is offered for the basic unit. If students choose to take CPE after the basic unit has been completed, they may be offered stipends by the hospital/CPE site.  For additional information go to http://www.acpe.edu/ .  

Students should consult with the UD Business Office for information about the various fee structures and options for receiving transcript credit for the CPE work completed. Students should be aware that there is a limit to the number of SPM credits that can be counted toward graduation, and in some cases it is advisable to register for CPE for credit within the Ministry Division using the MN680 course number rather than the SPM course number, FE680.


STUDENT PASTORATES

A student pastor is a seminary student assigned to lead worship and perform other pastoral functions on weekends. During this period, the presbytery will appoint a minister of the Word and Sacrament to moderate the session. The opportunity offers several advantages to small congregations including: consistency of weekly worship leadership, the availability of pastoral care for the sick or the hospitalized, and the church becomes a teaching congregation by providing practical experience for a student pastor.

For a part-time student pastorate (normally 20 hours per week), the church should consider a salary usually in the range of $800-1,400 per month, plus housing, utilities, automobile transportation, expenses, medical insurance and, if possible, the denominational pension plan. If you are interested in a student pastor opportunity, please contact the Field Education office, Severance Room 230 or email placement@dbq.edu to check for availability.

Student Agreement Forms for Student Pastors

for PCUSA Churches

for Non-PCUSA Churches

for United Methodist Internship or SPM Placement

for United Methodist Student Pastor