Life on the Charlotte Campus

What does “a day in the life” of a Charlotte student look like?

Since the majority of our students are working during the week as well as attending to family and church obligations our classes meet on weekends.  All core classes will be offered on Saturdays to ensure that students are able to meet their required credits in a timely fashion.  There are often electives, or additional sessions of core classes, offered on Fridays.

So, what is it really like? 

First, let's talk about being a commuter student.  The Charlotte program is non-residential; therefore, the commute will probably be a major factor in your decision on where to take classes,  If you live outside of Charlotte, don't despair! We’ve had students come from as close as across the street and as far away as Eastern Tennessee.  Students quickly discover who lives in their area or along their route and carpools (as well as friendships) rapidly form.

Some students arrive on Friday afternoon or evening for an elective class, but others simply come early to avoid a pre-dawn commute.  A few will stay with “Friday Friends” who have opened their homes to seminary students for overnight accommodations and others with local students whom they have come to know.   However, most weekends mean starting your first class between 8:15–8:30am on Saturday morning.  For some, this may mean awakening to a very early alarm clock to bring them in from surrounding cities.    One way or another everyone makes it to class, and generally there is coffee (lots of coffee) involved along the way. 

Classes last from 3 to 3½ hours (elective v. required) and there are breaks built in to class time.  At noon everyone who would like to gather for worship meets in the conference room where they will spend half an hour in fellowship.  A guest preacher from the community, one of the faculty, or even student cohort groups may be leading worship that day.  There is another hour for lunch on your own – although many students find this a great time to catch up with friends, finish that last bit of reading, or visit the library.  Classes resume at 1:30 and will go until 4:30 or 5:00pm. 

There’s no doubt that it’s a full day, but it is a fulfilling day as well. There are ample opportunities to check in with professors on projects and assignments, meet with study groups, or simply relax for a few minutes between classes. We strive to make the Charlotte seminary campus more than just a place you spend your Saturdays, but rather a place that you consider your home as well. A place where you are encouraged in your journey, trained for your ministry and brought into a community of faithful believers who, like you, are seeking to answer God’s call.  

One frequently asked question is…

How do we shape community?

•  Weekly worship led by members of the faith community, faculty members or students
•  By being part of a “Cohort” (the group of students with whom you enter classes with in the fall) 
•  On-line communities on BlackBoard and other forums like Facebook
•  Faculty presence on campus; Professors who are regularly available to meet with students
•  Carpooling with other commuting students from your area
•  Forming study groups
•  Special events hosted by the seminary
•  Informal gatherings such as meals in-between or after classes with other students and faculty
•  Building relationships with “Friday Friends” for those needing overnight accommodations
•  M.A.C.E. and M.Div. students take classes together

Now that construction is underway for our new campus we are also often asked…

How will the new building affect student life?

• Self-contained campus with worship, classroom and administration all in one building
• Areas designed with a comfortable “homey” atmosphere both inside and outside the building to provide plenty of space to gather informally with friends or study groups
•  Increased opportunities for interaction with the local community
• Access to Sharon Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary for preaching classes and other seminary events
• Easier and more convenient access to the theological library
• Adjacent parking
• A variety of restaurants from quick meals to full service within a 1 – 2 miles radius
• Improved technology in both the classrooms and library
• Ability to host more continuing education and community events

If you are interested in enrolling in the Charlotte program please check our Admissions page or contact Lisa McLennan for more information at lmclennan@upsem.edu