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Wesley Theological Seminary
Buffalo, New York
Extension Course of Study School
Student Handbook 32 Landers Road Kenmore, NY 14221 www.unyumc.org/ministries/course-of-study-extension-school-buffalo-ny
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Table of Contents Welcome .................................................................................................. 3
Course of Study ....................................................................................... 4
Purpose ..................................................................................................... 4
Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 5
Application and Registration .................................................................... 5
Process for Registering……………………………………………………….6
Mailing Address ........................................................................................ 6
Location ..................................................................................................... 6
Basic Five Year Curriculum ....................................................................... 7
Exchange Credits ...................................................................................... 8
Course Descriptions
First Year .............................................................................................. 9
Second Year ..................................................................................... 11
Third Year .......................................................................................... 13
Fourth Year ........................................................................................ 15
Fifth Year ............................................................................................ 17
Course Planning ...................................................................................... 19
Course Load ............................................................................................ 19
Grading System....................................................................................... 20
Transcripts ............................................................................................... 21
Weekend Schedule ................................................................................. 21
Tuition and Fees .................................................................................... 22
Financial Assistance…………………………………………………………22
Attendance Policy…………………………………………………………….23
Syllabus ................................................................................................... 23
Books ...................................................................................................... 23
Pre-Course Preparation ......................................................................... 24
Faculty .................................................................................................... 24
Worship ................................................................................................... 24
Weather Cancellation .............................................................................. 24
Housing ................................................................................................... 25
Map & Directions ..................................................................................... 26
Staff Contact Information ........................................................................ 26
Academic Honor ..................................................................................... 27
Policies Regarding Harassment…………………………………….………28
Racial Harassment Policy ................................................................. 28
Sexual Harassment Policy ................................................................. 30
Student-Faculty Academic Concerns Policy………………………………32
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WELCOME!
The Buffalo Course of Study Extension School began in 2004 at
the request of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the former
Western New York Conference. The School was developed to
serve part-time Local Pastors in the region who could not readily
access more distant offerings in Washington DC, Ohio or
elsewhere.
We are grateful to Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington
DC and to United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, for
providing the essential institutional support for the Buffalo
Extension program. Appreciation is also due to the Boards of
Ordained Ministry of Upper New York and surrounding
Conferences for their guidance and financial support for our local
pastors and to the many churches, family members, and local
communities that support this program by providing moral,
financial and prayer support. Buffalo Course of Study is under the
auspices of Wesley Theological Seminary, as the regional school
in the northeast jurisdiction.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you, and for your continued
prayers and support as we serve the mission of The United
Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
Rev. Gail Lewis, Director
http://www.unyumc.org/ministries/course-of-study-extension-
school-buffalo-ny
https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/
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COURSE OF STUDY
The Course of Study is prescribed by the Division of Ordained
Ministry of The United Methodist Church to provide for the basic
theological education of persons who desire to be licensed as
Local Pastors and to equip them to serve local churches as
spiritual leaders. It includes license school, the five year basic
Course of Study and the advanced Course of Study.
PURPOSE FOR COURSE OF STUDY SCHOOL
The United Methodist Church requires local pastors to complete a
five year course of study to maintain church appointments. The
Buffalo Course of Study School is an Extension of Wesley
Theological Seminary and offers weekend courses for part-time
local pastors.
Some courses are available online through the Division of
Ordained Ministry. Students who wish to apply for associate or
provisional membership in the annual conference may take of the
classroom hours being computer-mediated. There is no limit to the
number of hybrid courses that a student may take. Up to ten (10)
courses [half the basic curriculum] may be taken online.
For the purposes of Course of Study, an “online course” is one
that is entirely computer generated. For the purpose of Course of
Study, a “hybrid course” is one that includes both computer-
mediated and classroom-based pedagogies, not to exceed more
than 50% of the classroom hours being computer-mediated. There
is no limit on the number of hybrid courses that a student may
take.
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PREREQUISITES
Requirements for enrollment in Course of Study include:
• High School diploma
• Recommendation by one’s District Superintendent
• Recommendation by the designated officer of one’s
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (Local Pastor
Registrar)
• Completion of Candidacy Studies (approved candidate for
local ministry)
• Completion of Local Pastor’s Licensing School
• Be under appointment in the United Methodist Church,
exceptions to be made with the approval of the conference
Board of Ordained Ministry for a period not to exceed one
year.
APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION
To register for the Buffalo, NY COS Extension School, part-time
local pastors must complete all parts of the registration form,
which can be downloaded from our website,
www.unyumc.org/ministries/course-of-study-extension-school-
buffalo-ny or contact the COS Office if you need to have a
registration form mailed.
A separate registration form must be completed for each course.
A student is registered when the Buffalo COS office receives a
completed registration form (including the signatures of the
student, the student’s District Superintendent and the student’s
Annual Conference Local Pastor Registrar) and the non-
refundable registration fee. Registrations postmarked after the
due date will be charged a $25.00 late fee.
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THE PROCESS FOR REGISTERING IS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Fill out a registration form.
2. Take/send to your District Office for the Superintendent’s
signature. Include a check for the non-refundable and
non-transferable registration fee of $75.00 made out to
UNY Conference. This must be received 60 days prior
to the beginning of the course.
3. The District Superintendent will sign and send the form to
the Local Pastor Registrar.
4. The Local Pastor Registrar will sign off on the form and
will send it to our office.
MAILING ADDRESS (Course of Study office)
Kenmore United Methodist Church - COS
32 Landers Road Kenmore, NY 14217 (716)875-5091 [email protected] [email protected]
LOCATION
All weekend classes are held at the Kenmore United Methodist
Church (about 5 miles north of Buffalo), 32 Landers Road,
Kenmore NY 14217
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BASIC FIVE YEAR CURRICULUM – REVISED AUGUST 2014
EXCHANGE CREDITS
for 2014 Course of Study Revised Curriculum
Previous COS Revised Curriculum
Bible 111 = Bible I 121
211 = Bible II 221
311 = Bible III 321
411 = Bible IV 421
511 = Bible V 521
Theology 112 = Theological Heritage I 122
212 = Theological Heritage II 222
312 = Theological Heritage III 322
412 = Theological Heritage IV 422
512 = Contemporary Theology 522
Cong. Life 113 = No direct equivalent
213 = Formation & Discipleship 123
313 = Evangelism 523
413 = Worship & Sacraments 223
314 = Congregational Care 323
513 = Mission 423
Pastoral No equivalent-Transformative Leadership 124
Identity 114 = Administration & Polity 224
214 = Preaching 324
414 = Ethics 424
514 = Theological Reflection: 524
Practice of Ministry
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: FIRST YEAR
COS 121- Bible I: Introduction This course introduces biblical interpretation. Attention is given to
the inspiration, formation, and function of the canon and to the
development of a methodology of interpretation consistent with the
nature of scripture. The importance of the Bible as a witness to the
life and faith of ancient Israel and earliest Christianity will be
emphasized.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate the place of scripture in the life of the
congregation and the role of the pastor in interpretation.
2. Understand the inspiration and formation of the canon and
its authority within the community of faith.
3. Understand and apply historical, literary, and theological
approaches to various types of literature in scripture using
Genesis, Hosea and Amos, Mark, and Philippians.
4. Develop a method of exegesis consistent with the nature
and authority of the Bible.
COS 122 – Theological Heritage I: Introduction This course introduces the student to theological reflection in the
Wesleyan tradition. Basic terms, tasks, and methods of Christian
theology will be introduced. Representative classical themes will
be defined and illustrated. The course provides a foundation for
further historical and theological study.
Students will be able to:
1. Examine their understanding of faith, sin, salvation, grace,
and the place of doctrine in the life of the Church.
2. Use and understand classical theological terms and
themes.
3. Critically consider the sources of theological reflection,
including scripture, tradition, experience and reason.
4. Reflect theologically as a resource for pastoral ministry.
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COS 123- Formation and Discipleship
This course grounds the student in the theology and core
practices of personal and congregational formation and
discipleship.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a theological basis for the Wesleyan emphasis
on spiritual disciplines and practice them as means of
grace.
2. Explain and implement the General Rules and the
practices of small groups in a congregation.
3. Educate and resource a congregation in the disciplines of
Christian formation.
4. Organize congregations to help people discern their
callings and gifts for ministry.
COS 124- Transformative Leadership This course forms the student’s identity as pastoral leader and
change agent in congregations, The United Methodist Church,
and the world.
Students will be able to:
1. Identify and understand the attributes of good leaders,
biblically and theologically.
2. Evaluate and strengthen their own identities and skills as
pastoral leaders.
3. Explain and reflect on the nature of change in the local
congregation and wider society.
4. Implement visioning, strategizing, and planning processes
in their local congregations.
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SECOND YEAR
COS 221- Bible II: Torah, and Israel’s History This course interprets the critical events, developing institutions,
and traditions of Israel. Attention is given to the earliest
Covenants, to the Exodus, to the rise of the monarchy, and to
other events up to the eighth century prophets.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a historical overview of the experience and faith
of ancient Israel.
2. Exegete selected passages that illustrate crucial turning
points in the history of Israel.
3. Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral
responsibilities, and issues of the present day.
COS 222 – Theological Heritage II: Early Church This course focuses on the history and theology of the Church
through the first five centuries. Using primary sources, students
will reflect on significant individuals, events, and the articulation of
the Christian faith during this period.
Students will be able to:
1. Understand and articulate the doctrine of the Trinity, and
the historical debates in the early Church around the
person and nature of Christ.
2. Understand and articulate a doctrine of salvation in light of
the controversies of the early church.
3. Understand the history and significance of the creeds and
ecumenical councils.
4. Appropriate historical theology for pastoral ministry.
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COS 223 - Worship and Sacraments This course examines worship within The United Methodist
Church including liturgy, sacraments, and special services.
Attention will be given to the pastor’s role as leader in worship.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a theology of worship consistent with the
Wesleyan tradition, including reflection on the theology and
rhythm of the Christian year.
2. Articulate a Wesleyan theology of the sacraments and be
competent in their administration.
3. Interpret theologically the rites of Christian marriage, and
of Death and Resurrection, and be able to lead such
services well.
4. Construct a worship service, and reflect theologically on
the use of hymns, media, contemporary music, and lay
leadership.
COS 224- Administration and Polity This course focuses on developing the student’s competency as
an administrator in a United Methodist congregation.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a biblical and theological understanding of polity.
2. Understand and explain the polity of The United Methodist
Church, including conferencing, oversight, and discipline.
3. Articulate the nature of stewardship biblically and
theologically.
4. Identify techniques and develop skills as effective
administrators of local churches, including financial
management.
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THIRD YEAR COS 321- Bible III: Gospels This course focuses on the content and message of the Gospels,
as well as the theological perspectives of the Gospel writers. The
practice of exegesis will be emphasized.
Students will be able to:
1. Understand the origin, message, and purpose of each
Gospel.
2. Exegete this form of literature.
3. Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral
responsibilities, and issues of the present day.
COS 322 – Theological Heritage III: Medieval through the
Reformation
This course focuses on major movements and events beginning
with the split between Eastern and Western forms of Christianity
and continuing through the Reformation. Using primary sources,
students will reflect on individuals, decisive events, and
theological developments.
Students will be able to:
1. Understand major theological developments in medieval
Christianity leading up to the reformation.
2. Distinguish the theological characteristics of Luther,
Zwingli, the Anabaptists, Calvin, the English Reformation,
and Puritanism.
3. Understand and articulate Reformation era debates around
justification, sanctification, the sacraments, and church
unity.
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COS 323 - Congregational Care This course introduces students to practices of congregational
care and the pastor’s responsibility in caregiving.
Students will be able to:
1. Implement and oversee appropriate types of care in
varieties of settings, including prisons, hospitals, nursing
facilities, and homes.
2. Organize caring ministries within the congregation.
3. Discern and implement appropriate boundaries, knowing
when and to whom to refer people, and when and when
not to share information.
4. Reflect on and practice skills of sensitive caregiving, using
role play and analysis case studies.
COS 324 - Preaching This course focuses on preaching the gospel from the Old and
New Testaments.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a theology of proclamation.
2. Exegete a variety of biblical passages for preaching.
3. Evaluate sermons for biblical integrity, theological
soundness, internal logic, and delivery, and appropriate
insights gained from the evaluation of their own sermons.
4. Develop plans for ordering and delivering sermons in their
congregational and communal context.
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FOURTH YEAR COS 421 - Bible IV: Prophets, Psalms, and Wisdom Literature This course examines God’s Word as expressed through Israel’s
prophets, selected Psalms, and selected passages from Wisdom
literature.
Students will be able to:
1. Understand the origin, history, and use of these forms of
biblical literature among God’s people.
2. Exegete these forms of biblical literature.
3. Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral
responsibilities, and issues of the present day.
COS 422 – Theological Heritage IV: Wesleyan Movement This course covers the significant individuals, decisive events, and
theology of the Methodist movement. Utilizing categories of grace,
faith, and holiness, the student will appropriate the Wesleyan
heritage.
Students will be able to:
1. Understand and reflect on the movements, major figures,
and events that led to the eighteenth century revivals,
especially the lives and ministries of John and Charles
Wesley.
2. Understand and articulate the vision of holiness and the
theology of grace as it shaped the Wesley’s, and the
structures of the Methodist movement.
3. Identify and discuss significant theological and historical
developments in American Methodism, including ordination
and episcopacy.
4. Reflect theologically on their Wesleyan heritage and
identity.
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COS 423 – Mission This course introduces the theology and scope of mission, and the
pastor’s role in leading congregations in their mission as agents of
God’s transforming redemption.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a biblical and theological framework for Christian
mission.
2. Explain the Wesleyan relationship of personal piety and
social holiness.
3. Examine and reflect on unjust social realities and the
response of the church locally and globally.
4. Analyze their ministry context and develop strategies for
transforming mission.
COS 424 - Ethics This course introduces the biblical and theological bases for
Christian behavior, emphasizing the pastoral skills needed for
moral leadership in the congregation and community.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a biblical and theological basis for ethical
thinking and moral behavior, and distinguish major
approaches to ethical reasoning.
2. Comprehend the relationship between their personal
stories, pastoral vocation, local contexts, and responsibility
as moral leaders.
3. Develop a Christian framework for moral reason and
action, and apply it to the use of power and the setting of
boundaries in ministry.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with and make use of the Social
Principles of The United Methodist Church as a resource
for ethical reflection and action.
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FIFTH YEAR Courses are included here for informational purposes only. The Buffalo Extension School does not offer the Fifth Year Courses.
COS 521 – Bible V: Acts, Epistles, and Revelation
This course focuses on the content and context of these writings,
and the theological emphases of their writers. In addition to Acts
and Revelation, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, James, and 1
John will receive special attention. Students will articulate a
theology of scripture.
Students will be able to:
1. Distinguish these genres of biblical literature, and
understand the major theological themes in these writings.
2. Faithfully exegete these forms of biblical literature.
3. Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral
responsibilities, and issues of the present day.
4. Articulate the unity and authority of Scripture as a whole.
COS 522 – Theology in the Contemporary Church
This course covers significant individuals, movements, events,
and theological developments from the nineteenth century to the
present. Students will read selected primary sources.
Students will be able to:
1. Understand the origins and theological tenets of liberalism
from the early 19th century to the present, including its
influence on ecumenism and process theology.
2. Understand and distinguish reactions to liberalism,
including Fundamentalism, Neo-Orthodoxy, and
Evangelicalism.
3. Understand the historical development and theology of the
Holiness Movement, Pentecostalism, and the Charismatic
Movement.
4. Understand the origins and tenets of Liberation and
Contextual theologies.
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COS 523 – Evangelism
This course introduces students to the theology and practices of
evangelism as an expression of the mission of God.
Students will be able to:
1. Reflect on and articulate the meaning of the Gospel and an
understanding of the Church as bearers of God’s Word to
the world.
2. Ground a theology of evangelism in scripture, the Gospel,
and the mission of God.
3. Interpret of the Wesleyan heritage of evangelism.
4. Reflect on and implement strategies and models for
evangelism by the congregation.
COS 524 – Theological Reflection on the Practice of Ministry
This course is the capstone to the student’s basic course of study.
Its focus is the integration of the biblical, theological, and practical
aspects of ministry.
Students will be able to:
1. Articulate a Trinitarian theology for the practice of ministry.
2. State clearly the nature and mission of the Church and its
relation to pastoral ministry.
3. Demonstrate the ability to reflect theologically.
4. Develop a plan for lifelong theological reading, reflection,
and growth.
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COURSE PLANNING
The Course of Study curriculum is established by the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Generally courses are to
be taken in the sequence prescribed by the COS curriculum.
Students are to take all 100 level courses prior to taking courses
in the rest of the curriculum. 500 level courses are taken after all
lower-level courses have been completed. COS- 221 must be
completed before taking COS-421.
The Buffalo, NY COS Extension School offers all of the 100 - 400
level courses, but may be taken at other COS program locations
as well. The remaining courses must be taken at a regional COS
school. Courses are scheduled to avoid overlap with courses
offered during Wesley Theological Seminary’s summer
two-week intensive courses.
COURSE LOAD
The Discipline stipulates that part-time local pastors should
complete 2 courses per Annual Conference year and full-time
local pastors should complete 4 courses per Annual Conference
year.
The maximum number of courses a student may take in Course of
Study program is 4 courses per year, except by special
permission of the Conference Local Pastor Registrar who must
get approval from the Division of Ordained Ministry.
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GRADING SYSTEM BUFCOS conforms to the grading system at Wesley Regional School. Grading Guideline
A
B C D F
A 96-100 Superior Work
B 85-89 Very Good
C 80-84 Average
D 70-75 Meets Minimum standards
Below 70 Failing – No credit given
A- 90-95 Excellent Work
C- 76-79 Needs Improvement
A grade of “Incomplete” is not given under any circumstances.
If, for extenuating circumstances, a student must withdraw from a
course s/he must call the Director (716-984-1140).
Buffalo grade sheets are sent to each student, who is then
responsible for sending them to their Conference Board of
Ordained Ministry representative (registrar). Instructors give
indications as to how well the student engaged the material and
learning process, as well as skills observed. Evaluations include
any concerns about the student and highlight strong gifts for
ministry.
The Student Grade Sheet for the Buffalo Course of Study School includes:
• Letter Grade
• Overall Academic Performance
• Written & Oral Assignments
• Relational Skills
• Comments
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TRANSCRIPTS
Inquiries regarding official Course of Study transcripts should be
made to Pamela Frost at the Division of Ordained Ministry in
Nashville. Her email address is [email protected] and her phone
number is (615) 340-7416. It is very important that you keep track
of your courses and grades so that records can be cross checked.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Each course will meet on a Friday/Saturday format as follows:
Friday:
2:00-2:30pm Arrival, check-in, refreshments
2:30-5:00pm Class
5:00pm Community worship
5:30pm Dinner
6:30-8:30pm Class
Saturday:
7:45-8:30am Morning Coffee
8:30am-12:00 Class
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-3:00pm Class
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TUITION AND FEES
Registration $75.00 Late fee: $25.00 (Due 60 days before class, Non-refundable/non-transferable)
Tuition/food service fee $425.00 Late fee: $50.00 (Due 45 days before class) ______
Total $500.00
*Meals provided are 2 dinners, 2 lunches as well as snacks for 4
days.
The remainder of the tuition must be paid 45 days prior to the beginning of class or you will incur an additional $50.00 late registration fee.
Make all checks payable to UNY Conference and write the course
number and student’s name on the memo line.
Students are not enrolled in a class until all Tuition and Fees
are paid. If a course is cancelled by COS registration, tuitions
and fees will be applied to a future course taken within one
year.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Most Annual Conferences provide assistance to support their
COS students through the Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry; contact the Conference Local Pastor Registrar about
financial assistance. Some districts and local congregations may
also provide financial assistance directly to students. If you need
further assistance, please contact the Director of the Extension
School. Costs should not prevent a person from enrolling in
Course of Study.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to provide coverage in their churches for
the time they are at COS. This includes funerals.
1. A student may not miss more than 20% of a course to receive
credit and must make up work. They should contact the
Director and Instructor before the date on which the session
begins.
2. Students who miss an entire weekend will automatically fail
the course and have to repeat it, paying registration and all
tuition and fees again. A grade of "F" will be entered on their
permanent record and cannot be expunged.
3. An "Administrative Withdrawal" (AW) may be granted by the
Director for extenuating circumstances. Students must
contact the Director for approval, Rev. Gail Lewis, at 716-984-
1140 or [email protected]. Tuition and Fees other
than registration will be applied toward a future course that is
taken within one year.
4. A $50 fee will apply for all withdrawals without administrative
approval. There will be a Late Withdrawal fee of $150 for
unapproved cancellations within three weeks of the course.
All withdrawals will be reported to the Local Pastor Registrar, the
District Superintendent and the District Committee On Ministry.
SYLLABUS
The syllabus for each course is posted on the website
approximately three months ahead of time, which should provide
ample time for students to decide which course they want to take
and send in the registration fee.
BOOKS
A list of books and reading assignments are included in the
syllabus for each course. Students are required to acquire books
on their own. Most books can be ordered from online sources.
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PRE-COURSE PREPARATION
Students are expected to complete a significant portion of the
reading prior to the first meeting of class. There may also be
written assignments due before class weekends or on the first day
of class.
FACULTY
The program has an exceptional faculty comprised of seminary
professors, college instructors, authors and pastors. These men
and women have academic credentials as well as practical
experience in the areas they teach. Most hold clergy credentials
and have served as pastors in local churches. Together, they
provide an excellent educational experience for our students.
WORSHIP
A community worship service with communion is held at 5:00 p.m.
each Friday evening before dinner. Worship is led by faculty
members as well as students who wish to volunteer. Attendance
at worship is required.
WEATHER CANCELLATION
We are committed to the safety of students and faculty who must
travel to teach or attend class. If there is a need to cancel classes,
students will be notified by email (or phone if necessary) by
9:00 p.m. on the Thursday before class. If classes are held and
you cannot travel from your location, contact the COS director by
phone (716-984-1140) prior to the beginning of the class (financial
credit will be given).
If class is cancelled, we will work with students and instructors to
reschedule the class.
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HOUSING
Students are responsible for arranging their own overnight
accommodations. There is a wide variety of hotels within 2-6 miles
of Kenmore UMC for you to choose from.
After contacting many of the local hotels we are recommending the Sleep Inn Buffalo-Amherst (3.7 miles from Kenmore UMC): Sleep Inn Amherst, 75 Innkeepers Lane, Amherst, NY 14228 716-691-6510.
We have made arrangements with the Sleep Inn Buffalo-Amherst for a special rate of $79.00 per night for a room with 1 bed or $85.00 per night for a room with 2 beds. A block of rooms is reserved each weekend - first come, first served.
Free housing is available for a male student with one of our pastors who lives within walking distance of Kenmore Church. Contact the Director if you are interested.
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MAP & DIRECTIONS
Classes are held at the Kenmore United Methodist Church,
32 Landers Road, Kenmore NY 14217
NYS Thruway (Rt. 90) to Rt. 290 W. to Delaware Avenue S. exit
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
Rev. Gail Lewis
Director
32 Landers Road Kenmore, NY 14217 [email protected]
(716) 984-1140
Barbara Sercu, Staff Support
32 Landers Road
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 875-5091 ext. 206
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ACADEMIC HONOR
The Buffalo, NY COS Extension School requires that all material
submitted by a student in fulfilling his or her academic
requirements be the original work of the student.
Violations of academic honor include any action by a student
indicating dishonesty or lack of integrity in academic ethics.
Violations in this category include, but are not limited to, cheating,
plagiarism, or knowingly passing off work of another as one’s own.
Cheating includes seeking, acquiring, receiving or passing
on information about the content of an examination prior to
its authorized release or during its administration.
Cheating also includes seeking, using, giving or obtaining
unauthorized assistance in any academic assignment or
examination.
Plagiarism is the act of presenting one’s own work with the
work of another, whether published or unpublished,
(including the work of another student). A writer’s work
should be regarded as his or her own property. Any
person who knowingly uses a writer’s distinctive work
without proper acknowledgement is guilty of plagiarism.
A student found guilty of a violation of the academic honor code,
after review by the instructor and the director, is given a failing
grade and a letter is sent to the student’s district superintendent
and Board of Ordained Ministry representative. The director and
the district superintendent will confer to determine if the student
may continue in Course of Study. There will be no refund of any
fees or tuition, nor can fees or tuition be applied to another course.
The student will have to repeat the entire course.
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POLICIES REGARDING HARASSMENT
The Buffalo COS does not tolerate racial, sexual or any other form
of harassment. Listed below are policies, procedures, appeal
processes and definitions for Racial and Sexual Harassment.
RACIAL HARASSMENT POLICY
from Course of Study for Licensed and Ordained Ministry and
Advanced Course of Study Administrative Policies, General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry Division of Ordained
Ministry The United Methodist Church – October 3, 2008
Persons enrolled in the Course of Study come under the
jurisdiction of their own annual conference policies on racial
harassment. However, while a person is at the Course of Study
School the following policy shall apply.
The Course of Study School is committed by Christian faith to
justice for all persons and does not tolerate any behavior, verbal
or physical, by any person associated with the school, which
constitutes racial harassment against any other person associated
with the school. Any person of the Course of Study School
community who believes that he or she has been subjected to
racial harassment should immediately report the situation to the
Director of the Course of Study School. When reporting a
complaint, the individual should be prepared to furnish accurate
information (i.e., date, name and facts). All such complaints will
be treated in a confidential manner to the extent feasible, while
permitting the school to investigate the complaint thoroughly and
to take appropriate action.
The school expects the cooperation of all members of the
school community with respect to avoiding such harassment.
The school will investigate all complaints. If it is determined
after an investigation that a member of the school community has
violated this policy, he or she will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination
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from the school. In addition, a full report will be made to that
person’s annual conference or judicatory body.
Definition of Racial Harassment
Any conduct directed against a person with the effect of insulting,
degrading or abusing him/her because of his/her racial background.
Procedures
The Course of Study School is committed to using the process
outlined below to deal with allegations of racial harassment within
the school community. A racial harassment allegation may be
resolved on an informal basis.
Any member of the school community who wishes to make a
formal complaint, must submit a written description of the incident
to the Director.
Allegations are thoroughly investigated by a Racial Harassment
Committee composed of the Director and two members of the
faculty. The investigation shall include a meeting with the person
alleged to have engaged in the harassment. The accused and/or
the complainant may bring a trusted colleague (other than an
attorney), committed to maintaining confidentiality, with him/her to
such a meeting.
If the Racial Harassment Committee decides inappropriate
behavior has occurred, after completing the investigation, the
Director takes appropriate disciplinary and/or other related action
related to the accused person’s participation in the Course of
Study School on that campus. In addition, the Director will inform
the accused person’s annual conference or judicatory body of the
action taken.
The Course of Study School takes steps to ensure that a person
against whom such a complaint is brought is treated appropriately
and has adequate opportunity to respond to such accusations.
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The complainant and the person complained against are notified of the disposition of the complaint. If the disposition involves any ongoing process, the Director keeps the complainant informed until the process is complete. Appeal Process
If the accuser or the accused is not satisfied with the action taken
by the Course of Study School, he/she may express such
dissatisfaction, in writing to the Director of the Board of Ordained
Ministry Relations, Division of Ordained Ministry, General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry, within 15 days after receiving
notification of the disposition of the complaint.
Confidentiality
Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality to the extent
feasible while permitting the school to investigate the complaint
thoroughly and to take appropriate action.
The school will not tolerate retaliation against any member of the
school community who complains of racial harassment.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
from Course of Study for Licensed and Ordained Ministry and
Advanced Course of Study Administrative Policies, General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry Division of Ordained
Ministry The United Methodist Church – October 3, 2008
Persons enrolled in the Course of Study come under the
jurisdiction of their own annual conference policies on sexual
harassment. However, while a person is at the Course of Study
School the following policy shall apply.
The Course of Study School is committed by Christian faith to
justice for all persons and does not tolerate any behavior, verbal
or physical, by any person associated with the school, which
constitutes sexual harassment against any other person
associated with the school. Any person of the Course of Study
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School community who believes that he or she has been
subjected to sexual harassment should immediately report the
situation to the Director of the Course of Study School. When
reporting a complaint, the individual should be prepared to furnish
accurate information (i.e., date, name and facts). All such
complaints will be treated in a confidential manner to the extent
feasible, while permitting the school to investigate the complaint
thoroughly and to take appropriate action.
The school expects the cooperation of all members of the
school community with respect to avoiding such harassment.
The school will investigate all complaints. If it is determined
after an investigation that a member of the school community has
violated this policy, he or she will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination
from the school. In addition, a full report will be made to that
person’s annual conference or judicatory body.
Definition of sexual harassment*:
“Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when
1. submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term of condition of an individual’s employment or academic standing; or
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic standing decisions affecting such individual; or
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or study performance or creating an intimidating hostile, or offensive working or studying environment.”
*The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Section 1604.11 of Title 29.
Italicized words are added for the academic environment at the Course of Study School.
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STUDENT - FACULTY ACADEMIC CONCERNS POLICY
It is the policy of the school that students should feel safe and
unintimidated in the academic setting, as well as to have a place
to present concerns surrounding student- faculty interaction,
including, but not limited to, course load and requirements.
Procedures
Upon completion of the tenure of instructors who are currently
under appointment as District Superintendents, COS Buffalo will
no longer hire as instructors those who serve in the active
Superintendency. If a student believes that he or she is being
affected by a power imbalance between student and instructor,
concerns should be immediately addressed to Director of the
COS. Concerns should be reported immediately. When reporting
a concern, the individual should be prepared to furnish accurate
information from his or her perspective. All such information will
be treated in a confidential manner to the extent feasible, while
permitting the school to investigate the situation. The faculty
member will be asked to respond to the concern. If possible, a
meeting will then be held with the student, faculty member and
Director to discuss the issues and work toward a mutual
resolution. If the student still feels that the power imbalance is
not resolved, arrangements will be made for the student to be
graded by DS other than his/her own.
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