Important Dates
- Aug 21: Orientation Events for New Campus Students
- Aug 24: First Day of the Semester. Classes Begin!
- Aug 27: Virtual Orientation for New Distance Students
- Sept 1: Virtual Orientation for Equip Students
- Sept 2: Library/Academic Support Information Session
- Sept 10: NPTS Convocation
Welcoming New Students
We are thrilled to welcome a new class of seminarians into the NPTS community. We have students joining us on campus and from the greater Chicagoland, across the US, many in the Midwest Conference with the Equip cohort, and even oversees. We want to do all that we can to support you on this journey. There are a number of virtual “meet and greet” orientation sessions happening over the next couple weeks. If you are a new student, please check your NPU email to make sure you have that information (dates above). There will be additional virtual resources and sessions coming, so continue to watch NNN and your email. Welcome!
NPTS Convocation 2020
Holding the safety of our seminary community as our priority, we will conducting this year’s Convocation Service virtually. The service will stream on September 10th at 11 am. Please tune in and join us for the celebration of a new academic year, recognition of returning students, and warm welcome to those beginning a degree program at NPTS. The event will air on the NPU Live page.
Academic Update/Course Formats
There have been several changes to the fall course schedule since our last Nyvall News post. If your class has shifted in some way, you will be notified by email, but you can also see all updates on the Fall 2020 course schedule page (https://www.northpark.edu/seminary/academics/student-resources/fall-2020-schedule-and-syllabi/). There is a “notes” column with details about the format of the course. Again, some of these have changed, so take note. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to semacademicserv@northpark.edu if you need help registering.
Library/Academic Support Virtual Information Session
Join theological librarian, Steve Spencer, and academic support guru, Kris Bruckner, for a virtual information session Sept 2 at 2 pm (CST). Do research papers get you anxious? Where do you even begin? Turabian what!? Join us to take a good look at the Brandel Library website (there is a new search interface) and where to find resources, as well as go over helpful writing and study tips. While this session will be especially important for new students, it is a great opportunity for all students, especially as the way we access materials, conduct research, and study continues to change during this season. Join Here
Campus Reopening Update
We are looking forward to being back on campus and want you to know that the University’s Campus Reopening Taskforce has been hard at work for months planning and preparing for a safe reopening. For more information specific to the University’s reopening plan you can visit the Fall 2020 information site, please note that while some information on this page is specific to undergrads, much of the it is helpful for the Seminary as well.
Everyone needs to complete the Returning to Campus Safely modules
before they return to campus. These modules contain information specific to North Park’s reopening plans and safety procedures. This fall everyone is expected to wear a face covering and follow social distancing guidelines while on campus. You will notice that in Nyvall Hall and around the campus there are several new hand sanitizing stations as well as disinfecting sprays available, please use them regularly while you are on campus. The community coffee and ice machines have been disconnected and will be unavailable until further notice; the student lounge in the basement with a fridge and microwave will remain available.
While we are resuming some face-to-face classes and gatherings, most activities will remain virtual for the foreseeable future. If a meeting or gathering can be held virtually we are asking that it be held virtually. If you need to set up a meeting with a faculty or staff member please email them to set up a virtual appointment. Check the Faculty and Staff directory if you need contact information.
New Newsletter from the School of Restorative Arts
The publication Feather Bricks, the School of Restorative Arts’ newsletter, is a collaboration between inside NPTS students and Writing Advisors housed at Stateville Correctional Center and outside undergraduate Writing Advisors from campus. Click here to read and watch for more issues to come!
Graduating? What’s next?
While it may seem crazy to think about graduating before the fall semester has begun it is not too soon if this is your final year of study at NPTS. If you are considering pursuing ministry in the Covenant OR if you are considering a change in ministry, register today for FLDC 7319 to learn more about the Mission and Ministry of the Covenant as you prepare to transition from student to pastor. This is a 0 credit, semester long online class which also fulfills an ECC ordination requirement. Contact Dean Deb or Luke Palmerlee with your questions and check out the syllabus here.
Seminary Community Garden
Do you enjoy working outside? Are you hungry for locally produced fresh fruits, greens, and vegetables? Did you know that there is North Park Seminary Community Garden that offers all of that and more? Located at 5301 N. Christiana Avenue, it is an easy walk from campus. Anyone can join, no green thumbs required. Schedules are flexible and we will arrange for safe, physically distanced, times to water, weed, harvest, plant, and get in touch with the earth. If you would like to be involved and enjoy the harvest of healthy organic produce please contact Paul de Neui at 773-244-6230 or pdeneui@northpark.edu.
Brandel Library Fall 2020 Hours and Study Space Update
The library will be open with reduced hours this semester and will have
socially distanced spaces for individuals to study. We will not have many public computers and all patrons are encouraged to bring their laptops.
To view the library’s hours, please see the Hours page on our website.