Seminary Semester Program

Introduction

The Lilly Project for the Theological, Spiritual and Ethical Exploration of Vocation is a university-wide program dedicated to helping students to engage the larger questions of meaning and purpose, and to discern their vocation -- their calling in life. Funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Lilly Project is embedded in the intellectual and residential life of the university, offering opportunities for members of the community to consider issues of vocation, service, meaning-making and life choices through a variety of academic and co-curricular programs.

Vocation, as we are using it in the context of the Lilly Project at Willamette, does not mean strictly religious vocations; neither does it refer to building a skilled workforce. Rather, it means the way in which we live out our passions in the world, the way in which our values, our commitments and our beliefs are embodied in our choices about work, about family, about our political and social lives. Exploring vocation means talking about engaging the larger questions of meaning and purpose, questions that, we hope, inform students’ decisions and shape their lives, both during their time here and after graduation. We are talking about vocation in the context of a liberal arts education, one that opens up choices and options, one that teaches students how to think critically, inquire freely, lead wisely, serve generously and live with integrity.

Seminary Semester Program

The Lilly Project at Willamette University provides stipends for two Willamette University students each year to spend one semester studying at a theological seminary or graduate school of religion. Each seminary semester grant can provide up to $10,000 in support for a student. Students wishing to study for a semester at a seminary must make application to the Lilly Project and to the seminary they wish to attend. Eligible seminaries include those accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (or the equivalent in other religious traditions). Seminaries must be willing to provide an advisor/mentor for the student, and must provide training for leadership in its tradition. The Lilly Project will provide a list of seminaries willing to welcome WU students, and the Associate Chaplain for Vocational Exploration will negotiate with other seminaries that students would like to attend. Students may study at seminaries abroad which meet the criteria above, and from which WU will accept transfer credit.

Students wishing to remain on campus may take courses at the Northwest House of Theological Studies for a semester or more.

Students interested in pursuing a seminary semester are strongly encouraged to meet with the Associate Chaplain for Vocational Exploration as they formulate their plans.

Application Process

Remember – Applicants must make successful application to the seminary they wish to attend, as well as submitting the following application to the Lilly Project at Willamette University! Most applications for admission are due in January, February or March.

Applicants for the seminary semester should be:

• In good academic standing at WU
• Planning to study 2nd semester of their junior year or 1st semester of their senior year

The application, addressed to the Lilly Advisory Board (c/o Office of the Chaplains), should include:

1. Seminary Semester Application*
2. An essay of no more than 5 pages that addresses the following questions:
   -How have you prepared, intellectually and emotionally for this challenge?
   -What questions you will pursue during your semester?
   -Which seminary do you hope to attend and why?
   -How you will share your experience with the Willamette Community upon your return?
3. A letter of recommendation* from a faculty member
4. A letter of recommendation* from Residence Life Staff
5. A resume (resume assistance is available through Career Services, x6413)

Applications are due in the Office of the Chaplains no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, December 3, 2007. The application process may include an interview with members of the Lilly Advisory Board. Students will be notified of Advisory Board decisions before the end of finals.

*The forms necessary for this application require Microsoft Word. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, please contact the Office of the Chaplains to have copies of the forms mailed to you.