Admission Procedures
Who May Enroll?
Any mature Christian adult of good character and right purpose who is willing to do the required work may enroll. East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions accepts applicants on the basis of previous education, reputation, and sincere interest in Christian education, without regard to religion, sex, race, color, age, handicap, or national origin. Students who are not members of the church of Christ will not be involved in activities not appropriate for them. Due to the intensive nature of the program, it is preferred that men with a few years experience beyond high school be considered.
What about Women?
Women may enroll as either part-time or full-time students. Certain courses, such as Homiletics, will require special arrangements. Women will not be allowed to participate in any activity that would be contrary to biblical restrictions.
What about Foreign Students?
The East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions is approved by the United States Justice Department of Immigration and Naturalization for foreign students. (Foreign students must arrange for necessary sponsorship before being accepted for enrollment. ETSPM will not sponsor a foreign student nor be responsible for arranging travel funds for the foreign student.)
When Can I Enroll?
Candidates are required to submit an application sufficiently early so that all references may be received and confirmed before registration day which is mid-August of each year.
The application blank must be filled out completely. If there is additional pertinent information, it can be included in a letter. Since there are no costs or obligations for sending the application, prospective students are encouraged to send it early. An acceptance letter will be sent to the student as soon as the application is approved.
What about Credit for Previous Work?
Credit for previous work and training will be given in some cases, after evaluation. Students seeking such credit must provide transcripts and other information the faculty requires. Application for credit for previous work must be made with the Dean of Academics prior to enrollment in school. The student will be advised as to credits allowed before his enrollment in school.
What about Transferring of Credit Earned to Another Institution?
The East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions is a special purpose institution. That purpose is to prepare men to be effective, balanced teachers and preachers of the gospel. This purpose does not include preparing students for further college study. Students should be aware that transfer of credit is always the responsibility of the receiving institution. Whether or not credits transfer is solely up to the receiving institution. Any student interested in transferring credit hours should check with the receiving institution directly to determine to what extent, if any, credit hours can be transferred.
Must I Have a Personal Conference?
A personal conference with the administration is required unless prohibited by time and/or distance. Whether specifically asked or not, the student is expected to explain anything that might affect his success as a student. This applies to the applicant, the spouse, and any member of the immediate family.
ETSPM and the Karns elders reserve the right to refuse to admit or to dismiss any student when they deem it to be necessary.
What is ETSPM’s Readmission Policy?
If readmission comes more than five years after leaving school, a new application will be required to be processed in the normal way.
If readmission comes less than five years after leaving school, no new application will be required, just a letter to the Dean of Admissions requesting readmission. A staff interview will then be arranged with the prospective student (and wife when married). Following this interview, any conditions for readmission required by the staff will be outlined to the applicant. The applicant will be accepted for readmission when these conditions are met.
What is the Student Grievance Procedure?
The nature of a student’s grievance determines the path that should be taken for resolution.
- A grievance regarding any student life issues should be taken to the Dean of Students, James Meadows. He may be reached at (865) 691-7444, extension 225.
- A grievance with an instructor regarding any class scheduling, class requirements or grading issue should be taken to that instructor.
- A grievance regarding any class or academic issue [which cannot not be resolved with the instructor] should be taken to the Dean of Academics, Tom Miller. He may be reached at (865) 691-744, extension 227.
- If these efforts are not successful in resolving the grievance, the matter should be taken to the Director, Gary Hampton. He may be reached at (865) 691-744, extension 228.
As a last step, unresolved issues should be taken to the elders of the Karns church of Christ. They may be reached at (865) 691-7411. This is the number for the Karns church secretary, who will make sure that the elders are contacted on your behalf.
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses,
commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”
(2 Timothy 2:2)
Student Application for Admission to ETSPM