Our goal is to make the placement work for all parties. When it looks as if it might not, we encourage the student or the supervisor to contact us, and we will work to mediate differences. Since a covenant has been signed, neither the student nor the supervisor can simply end the relationship. Churches and Specialized Ministries plan programs and select other staff around their choice of student. One's word must be trustworthy, especially in ministry communities.
Promises are windows into a person's integrity.
Because we believe in the sanctity of promises, the Field Education Office will require the student to wait until the next available period to complete that particular field education experience, even if that decision postpones the student's graduation. If a student chooses not to begin the placement after signing the Partnership in Ministry Agreement, he or she must meet with his or her advisor before any changes take place. If changes at the site call for severance of the original agreement, the student may be able to continue the field education experience at a different site. This process is required, unless the Termination initiates by the Director of Professional Studies. If the procedure is not followed, a site cannot continue in the program, and the student may receive a failing grade.