September 1, 2022
Student Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 1
Greetings! Welcome to a new academic year! We are introducing a monthly newsletter for your convenience. Each month you will receive updates regarding new and ongoing programming, announcements about upcoming events, reminders regarding registration deadlines, and student/faculty profiles. We are hoping this one-page newsletter will be a reference page for your desk, or maybe your refrigerator!
I’ve been reminded these past two weeks of one of my favorite passages from Isaiah 43. The passage begins with a beautiful exclamation of God’s unconditional love and protection. Following God’s promise of protection we read this prophetic statement: “See I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” (vs. 19 NRSV) Wow! This is a powerful reminder of God’s love and ongoing work of creation. God is present and doing something “new,” including during those darker days of self-doubt, and fear.
Our own Dr. David Carr gave a powerful address for Convocation this week based on this Scripture. He advised us that when we are afraid and facing new situations, DON’T avoid the situation, and turn away. Rather, “do it scared.” We are each called to enter this new academic year knowing God is ALWAYS there for us, a loving, encouraging, and protecting presence. Therefore, with God’s grace, we can “do it scared.
You may be beginning the semester with excited anticipation, joy, trepidation, and/or “doing it scared” (or a mix of many emotions). Whatever your feelings, you are not alone! We are doing it together, as a community, always FOR each other!
The Seminary and faculty are praying for each of you. May the peace of Christ lead you through each day of this “new thing” God is doing!
Dr. Beth Gerhardt
Academic Dean
Spiritual Formation Updates
Please join us in welcoming the new Spiritual Formation professor, Marlena Graves. Marlena Graves is a 2007 Master of Divinity graduate from Northeastern Seminary and is currently finishing a Ph.D. in American Cultural Studies with a focus on Ethnicity, Gender, and Social Identities.
We are so excited to have her! Find more on Prof. Graves here.
Returning this semester, Northeastern Seminary is launching online spiritual formation groups for its students. It is a commitment of six group sessions spread over the semester beginning the week of September 12. Each group only has room for 10 students so sign up today!
Northeastern Seminary's Fall Spiritual Retreat will take place on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details can be found here.
Questions?
Academic Support | Faith Sharp
sharp_faith@roberts.edu | 585.594.6623
For help with registration forms, schedules, and graduation requirements.
Academic Advising & Registration | Monica Ross
ross_monica@roberts.edu | 585.594.6240
For assistance with program planning, degree completion requirements, and cross-registration.
Student Financial Services
studentfinancial@roberts.edu or call at 585.594.6150
For questions regarding financial aid and your billing account.
Seminary Marketing | Rebecca Taylor
taylor_rebeccaa@roberts.edu or 585.594.6804
To share student news and all of the amazing things you are doing in and out of your classes.
OUR TOP SUPPORT TOOLS
As you prepare for a new semester, here are the top online resources worth bookmarking on your computer.
- Virtual Campus - Access your courses and helpful quick links.
- Email - Your campus email account is your main form of contact with the Seminary and provides you with full access to Google calendar, drive, chat, and much more.
- R-Serve - Check your grades and enroll for courses.
- Faculty & Staff Directory - Connect or schedule an appointment with faculty and staff using this directory.
- Technology Support - The ITS team is your first point of contact if you find yourself in need of technical support.
- B. Thomas Golisano Library - Offers a variety of tools to Seminary students including research assistance and online theological resources.
- Seminary Events - Stay up-to-date on Seminary online and onsite events.