Advisors, faculty members and deans work with students to develop courses of study that are tailored to each student's needs and interests. Young faculty bring new approaches and energy to campus, while veteran faculty bring the perspective of years and experience. The school also provides opportunities for faculty to grow through the years. Sem funds and supports graduate study for faculty members in a variety of fields. Teachers have taken part in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, the Klingenstein summer programs at Columbia University, and summer seminars of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Teaching is among society's most labor-intensive endeavors.
At Sem, faculty members teach an average of 60 students per term in four to five classes of 12 to 15 students each. This allows them to assign challenging reading, writing and analytical work that demands more of both students and teacher. For both day and boarding faculty, taking part in campus life is an important priority. The advisor system also plays a key role in campus life. Each faculty member has an average of only eight advisees, with whom he or she meets regularly to review academic, social and personal issues.