Participant Policy

PATHWAYS Qualifications of Participants Approved on June 5, 2018

1. PATHWAYS courses are conducted in English. In all courses, fluency for reading and writing in English is required for success.
2. PATHWAYS courses utilize an adult learning model. To that end, PATHWAYS participants are self-directed learners. No prior college degree work is required. However, many PATHWAYS participants have higher learning experience and advance degrees in fields other than theology.
3. There are no pre-requisites for PATHWAYS courses. Participants with a desire to learn are welcome in these courses.
4. Once enrolled, PATHWAYS participants agree to follow the Participant Code of Conduct and the use the Participant Conflict Resolution process as needed.

PATHWAYS Participant Code of Conduct Approved on June 5, 2018

Every PATHWAYS participant is entitled to a quality learning experience. It is the goal of PATHWAYS to create a community of learners who are diverse, engaged, and theologically reflective. To form such a community, it is vital that all participants agree to essential expectations for the engagement in PATHWAYS courses and other programs.

Participants should:

• Remember that postings in these online classrooms are confidential to this community.
• Be open to constructive feedback from the facilitator, other participants, and those involved in the PATHWAYS program.
• Be patient, polite, and professional.
• Make allowances for how others communicate and seek to understand multiple perspectives.
• Respectfully ask for clarification if unsure how a post may have been intended.
• Use extreme care and poise when responding to potentially sensitive issues.
• Avoid escalating issues on a personal level and consider the reasons others may feel agitated about a particular discussion or topic.
• Refrain from behavior that is — or may be perceived as — inappropriate, offensive, or unfair.
• Treat all other participants, facilitators, and those involved in the PATHWAYS program with respect at all times.

Participants should not:

• Harass, threaten, or embarrass others, use inappropriate or offensive language in course posts.
• Post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that is harmful, abusive, vulgar, sexually explicit, or otherwise potentially offensive.
• Use degrading or vulgar language, yell, or speak disrespectfully to anyone involved with PATHWAYS.
• Perform actions that interfere with, obstruct, or disrupt courses, functions, and activities.
• Post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that violates copyright or other protected intellectual property rights.

Consequences of not following the Code of Conduct:

When a Participant, violates the above Guidelines, the Class Facilitator will report the violation to the PATHWAYS Director. Based on this report, the PATHWAYS Director may employ the process for conflict resolution. However, clear violations of the above rules and contribution guidelines will result in a warning message by the PATHWAYS Director identifying the issue at stake and notifying them of the removal of the content in violation of the Guidelines. Participants who repeat offenses after receiving warnings will be banned from the classroom and not reimbursed for the class.

A participant who reasonably believes that any contribution to the platform made by another participant contravenes this Code of Conduct and/or any of the Website Terms should notify the Facilitator.

PATHWAYS Process For Conflict Resolution Approved on June 5, 2018

PATHWAYS Theological Education is rooted in the value of covenantal relationships. Participants, facilitators, Advisory Council members, and staff are asked to work cooperatively and with respect for each other, acknowledging the uniqueness of each person as part of God’s creation. Involvement in PATHWAYS assumes that all parties recognize that they are in covenant with each other and our Creator-God to work together for the mutual benefit of the larger church and world. In this context, PATHWAYS is understood to be a learning community engaged in sharing diverse ideas, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. At times, conflicts may arise.

When a course or program related conflict arises that involves PATHWAYS participants or facilitators, the parties involved are asked to follow a simple resolution process if the conflict is not satisfactorily resolved among the individuals involved:

1. A participant or facilitator experiencing an unresolved conflict may contact the Director of PATHWAYS and request that the Director act as a mediator in the conflict. The Director will work with the involved parties in hopes to achieve a mutually agreeable solution.
2. If the process with the PATHWAYS Director is not sufficient, the chair of the Advisory Council may be asked to appoint two Advisory Council members to work with the PATHWAYS Director to work toward resolution of the conflict. These three individuals are charged to work with respect and integrity to assure the most balanced outcome possible, recognizing that differences and disagreements may not be able to be fully resolved. This decision will be considered final.

PATHWAYS Participant Plan of Study for Courses and Plan for Program Level(s) Completion Guidelines

Approved on June 5, 2018

PLAN OF STUDY DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

A Plan of Study (i.e. anticipated courses) is a working document that details the educational objectives of a participant in PATHWAYS. For PATHWAYS participants, this document sets intentions to fulfill these objectives using the courses available through the program. When participants project and track their progress, the PATHWAYS program is equipped to establish course schedules that allows them to fulfill their educational objectives in a timely fashion.

DEVELOPING A PLAN OF STUDY:

1. Participants will identify their purpose for taking the course when they register for their first course in PATHWAYS as being: Continuing Education, completion of certificate programs, or preparation for Authorized Ministry.
2. Upon completion of subsequent PATHWAYS courses, the registrar will contact participants to develop a Plan of Study (anticipated courses) that will enable them to accomplish their educational objectives.
3. Participants in PATHWAYS courses who are preparing for authorized ministry should seek approval of their Plan of Study from their Commission on Ministry as early as possible. Any changes to the Plan of Study need to be reapproved by their Commission on Ministry. PATHWAYS is available to answer questions and provide documentation.

PLAN FOR COMPLETION of CERTIFICATE(S)

Participants enrolled in a certificate program are awarded a certificate only when all the courses for the certificate are completed successfully.

To receive a Continuing Education Certificate, all work for that course must be completed successfully.

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts are available for $10 each. A description of each course successfully completed will be included on the transcript.

PATHWAYS Participants Cost and Enrollment Guidelines Approved on June 5, 2018

PATHWAYS Cost for Online Asynchronous Theological Education Courses:

• One needs access to a computer with a high-speed (not dial up) internet connection. The Moodle app may also be used to access course rooms.
• Each time, one signs up for a course, they need to update their enrollment information. Online Payment for courses is available.
• Affiliate Conference Discount of $50 applies to Affiliate Conference participants enrolled in a certificate bearing PATHWAYS program.
• Course Costs: See Below for the cost of a 4-week, 6-week, Supervised Ministry or 12- week course.
• Payment: Tuition payment is due at the time of course registration unless another arrangement has been made in advance.
• Transcript fee for each transcript is $10.

Financial Policy Approved September 2024

Invoices are due 14 days before the course start date.  Payment Plans are available but must be initiated by due date.

Learners who are in good academic and financial standing can request a tuition credit if they are unable to continue their course work. To officially cancel or withdraw from class(es) you are currently enrolled in you must complete and return the tuition credit request form to the PATHWAYS Registrar. Because PATHWAYS incurs recurring administrative costs associated with supporting Learners, credit will only be applied to the amount of tuition the Learner has paid to PATHWAYS at the time the request to cancel or withdraw is received.

1. The portion of tuition to be credited will be based on the date and time the Registrar
receives a completed copy of this form.
2. Learners who have made a partial payment or who are on a payment plan will have their
tuition credit calculated based on the balance still owed.
3. Any credit granted will be applied against tuition owed when re-enrolling in the same
class or when enrolling in a different class

PATHWAYS Financial Policy states that participants in good standing enrolled in PATHWAYS courses are eligible for tuition credits towards future classes according to the following schedule:

• More than three (3) business days prior to
  the first day of class : 100% less administrative fees
• Less than three (3) business days prior to
  the first day of class: 75% less administrative fees
• After the first day of class but by the end of
  the first week of class: 50% less administrative fees
• After the first week of class but less than halfway through the course: 25% less administrative fees
• Course more than halfway: No credit given

 In all matters, please try to stay in touch with us. We can help support you best if we have ongoing active communication.