Student Life

Writing Studio
Would you like to improve your writing skills? Tutors are equipped to help students learn how to conceive, develop, organize and clarify their writing efforts. The Writing Studio is a free service for enrolled students. Sign up for an appointment with a tutor here.

Student Assistance Program
The Student Assistance Program provides individual counseling and spiritual direction opportunities for students at Western. Formative workshops and general education-for-ministry events are provided throughout the year. SAP is underwritten by the seminary and the Dr. Stanley Rock Preparation for Ministry Fund.

Office of Academic Affairs – Registrar
Need to order a transcript or register for a class? Visit the Registrar now!

Location
Student Life is located on the second floor of the atrium in the Academic and Student Life Office.

Canvas is a web-based course management software that enables teaching, learning, and communicating on the Internet. To use Canvas, you need to know basic Internet browsing and email skills. Knowing how to download and upload files and understanding attachments is crucial. Be sure your machine meets the technical requirements listed on the right of this page.

Please contact Educational Technologist Specialist Kathy Ehmann with any technical questions about using Canvas. 800-392-8554, ext. 186

How do I access Canvas?

Go to http://westernsem.instructure.com. Type in your user name and password, then click the Log On button to log in.

Technical Requirements:

For the most up-to-date requirements, visit:  https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Releases/Canvas-Release-Discussions-Redesign-2021-06-19/ta-p/464064

Computer Speed and Processor
For best performance, you should access Canvas with a computer that supports the most recent browser versions. It is recommended to use a computer five years old or newer, with at least 1GB of RAM.

Operating Systems
Canvas only requires an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers.  Your operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades. Because it’s built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.

Hardware:

• Webcam Required (Internal or External)
• Microphone Required (Internal or External)

Screen Size

A minimum of 800×600.

Mobile App

If you want to view Canvas on a device with a smaller screen, we recommend using the Canvas mobile app for devices running Android 6.0 or later and iOS 13.0 or later, available on the GooglePlay and Apple App Store.  Please note that it is NOT possible to participate fully in classes using only the mobile app.  You must have a PC or laptop that meets the minimum requirements in this document.

Web Browser

You should always use the most current or first previous version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available.

• Chrome 90 and 91
• Firefox 88 and 89 (Extended Releases are not supported)
• Safari 13 and 14 (Macintosh only)
• Edge 90 and 91 (Windows only)
• Respondus Lockdown Browser

Internet Speed

Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.  A minimum of 512kbps is recommended.

Screen Readers – optional, only if required by the user

• Macintosh: VoiceOver (latest version for Safari)
• PC: JAWS (latest version for Chrome and Firefox)
• PC: NVDA (latest version for Chrome and Firefox)
• To learn more about Canvas’ commitment to W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative and learn about supported screen reader and browser combinations, please see the Canvas Accessibility Standards document.

Applications:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader or Apple Preview (To read PDF files)

A downloadable PDF of this information is available at this link.

Student Council advocates for student concerns and provides programming that engages the entire student body.  The council is made up of representatives from each class and a faculty advisor and meets regularly throughout the academic year.

Student Government responsibilities:

• Social activities
• Addressing academic concerns
• Common worship
• Involvement in mission
• Social action

The 2021-2022 Student Government Body:

• President: Jackson Nickolay
• In Resident Vice-President: Lex Cummings
• Distance Learning Vice-President: Maddie Lambert
• Treasurer: Daniel Tolsma
• Scribe: Tom Oord
• First Year In Resident Representatives: Emily Hanrahan and Vanessa Stokes
• Second Year In Resident Representatives: Andrew Kalthoff and Reghan Harms
• Third Year In Resident Representatives: Miranda Craig and Stephanie Rodriguez
• Th.M. Representative: TBD
• Distance Learning Student Representatives:
  • 5th Year Representatives: Pat Irwin and Kat Hatting
  • 4th Year Representative: Gregory Frank
  • 3rd Year Representative: LaCosta VanDyk
  • 2nd Year Represenative: Josiah Huisman
  • 1st Year Representative: Alec Breit
• Friendship House Representatives: Ben Bush & Rob Sterken
• Faculty advisor: TBA

Becoming Ordained in the RCA

The Certificate of Fitness for Ministry and RCA Vision 2020 Statement

Ministry Position Postings submitted by churches and other ministries

RCA site postings

Statistics on placement within 6 months of graduating.

Need a transcript? Download and complete this transcript request form and mail it to Registrar, Western Theological Seminary 101 E. 13th St., Holland, MI 49423. You may also fax this request to 616-392-8889 along with payment to a credit card. (Fill out the credit card info on the transcript request form or call the Registrar at 616-392-8555, x120 to relay your credit card info.)