BUSTH Launches New Online Lifelong Learning Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kimberly Macdonald
Director, Office of Communications
617-358-1858
kmacd@bu.edu
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAM
Boston, MA – April 21, 2020 – Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Online Lifelong Learning program. Two primary elements of the new program are practical, contextual mini-courses that occur over four weeks and meet in virtual community three times, and spirituality groups that meet weekly for five or six weeks to reflect together over a common reading or practice. These initiatives were made possible with the support of the Digital Education Incubator, a unit of Boston University’s Office of Digital Learning & Innovation.
“The idea behind this program is to be able to offer short, practical, timely opportunities for BU STH alums and similarly-situated people to work communally toward common goals,” says Eileen Daily, director of the Online Lifelong Learning programs and BUSTH faculty member. Many of the mini-courses and spirituality groups will include the participation of BUSTH faculty members or BUSTH alums as contributors or facilitators.
The first two mini-courses, “Leading a Community Lamentation” and “Church Mission in Uncertainty and Adversity” begin instruction on April 28. Registration for courses and the reflection group is currently open at bu.edu/sth/oll.
The inaugural spirituality group, “Reflecting with Howard Thurman,” will be the first in a series that focus on the work of Thurman, celebrated theologian and dean of Boston University Marsh Chapel from 1953-1965. Spirituality group participants will dwell together with an author or a practice that is intended to offer a moment of respite from the busy world.
A significant feature of the new program is the flexibility to shape new course content as needs arise, and to have all courses and groups designed for remote learning. “The freedom to pivot and adapt our offerings on short notice to participate in the pandemic response is one factor that distinguishes this kind of learning from traditional semester-long offerings,” adds Daily.
For further information or to submit ideas for upcoming courses, please contact the STH Office of Online Lifelong Learning office at sthcooll@bu.edu. Full mini-course and spirituality groups offerings are available at bu.edu/sth/oll.
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Since 1839, Boston University School of Theology has been preparing leaders to do good.
A seminary of the United Methodist Church, Boston University School of Theology is a robustly ecumenical institution that welcomes students from diverse faith traditions who are pursuing a wide range of vocations – parish ministry, conflict transformation, chaplaincy, campus ministry, administration, non-profit management, social work, teaching, justice advocacy, peacemaking, interfaith dialogue, and more. Our world-renowned faculty and strong heritage help students nurture their academic goals and realize any ministry imaginable. For more information, please visit bu.edu/sth.
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