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 Doctor of Ministry - Semiotics & Future Studies

Preparing for Module 1

Once you have completed the application process and have been accepted into the Semiotics and Future Studies DMin program, you may begin to prepare for your first module of study.

Gaining "Student" Status at George Fox Evangelical Seminary

Once you have completed the following application tasks, you are officially a student at George Fox Evangelical Seminary:

  • Applied for one of the DMin tracks
  • Have been officially accepted into the DMin program
  • Paid your $200 enrollment deposit

If you have not completed the above tasks, go to the Application Process page to do so.

Your status as a student allows you to access the registration, academics, and directory tabs in MyGFU. Additionally, Dee Small becomes your primary contact person:

Dee Small

Dee Small

Administrative Assistant for the DMin Program

dsmall@georgefox.edu

Office: 1-503-554-6162

Steps to prepare for the first module

In order to prepare for the first module of the program, you need to register for the first module courses in MyGFU, attend the first advance, complete all ramp up work, and access the FoxTALE course site to begin course work. As soon as you are accepted into the program, follow the steps listed below to complete these tasks:

  1. Join the SFS DMin Cohort group site and begin to connect with other students in the program.
    • SFS11 DMin Cohort Facebook Group. This facebook group will become an integral part of your learning community. In it will be posted announcements, reading lists, travel suggestions, and prayer requests. Regardless of your proficiency with facebook, please make it a point to join and participate in this group.
    • Your Facebook settings can be adjusted so that you receive updates from your cohort group directly to your email inbox. To enable this feature:
      • Navigate to your Facebook cohort group by clicking on the appropriate link above
      • At the top of the page, click on the button that says "Notifications"
      • Ensure that "On" is selected.
      • Click on "Settings..."
      • Select "All Posts" in the "Notify me about" drop-down box.
      • Make sure that a tick appears in the box next to "Also send an email to:"
      • Click on "Save Settings"
    • You can post directly to the SFS11 Facebook group via email: dminsfs11@groups.facebook.com
      Replying to an email from your Facebook group will generate a comment on that piece of content within the Facebook group.
  2. Once the university has received the enrollment deposit, register for the Module 01 courses not later than Aug. 15, 2012.
    • Students register for all courses using MyGFU
    • If you do not know your username or password, contact the IT Service Desk:
    • Register for the following fall semester courses after July 1:
      1. Go to http://mygfu.georgefox.edu and log in with your GFU username and password.
      2. Select "Self Service" > "Student Center" > "Enroll"
      3. Enter the course ID in the "Enter Class Number" field for each of the courses listed below and select "Enter" to add the course to your "Shopping Cart":
        • DMIN 513E11: Introduction to Research Resources (Class number: 2261)
        • DMIN 516E11: Contours of Leadership in Emerging Culture (Class number: 2435)
        • DMIN 517E11: Engaging Leadership Concepts (Class number: 2455)
      4. Note: You are not registered until the class has been added to your schedule. To add the class to your schedule, click the "Proceed to Step 2 of 3" button.
      5. Click the "Finish Enrolling" button. You will see a confirmation message that the class has been added to your schedule.
      6. To check to make sure that you have properly registered, check your "My Class Schedule". You will see all of your classes and their status.
    • Filll out the Enrollment Confirmation Form after August 15. Log in using your GFU username and password.
  3. Log into FoxTALE, GFU Google E-mail, and FoxFiles once before the fall semester begins. You use the same username and password as you use for MyGFU.
  4. Purchase or borrow the books to read and software to use during first Module listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials are listed in alphabetical order:
    • DMIN513:
      • Required
        • Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and doctoral thesis and projects, 7th edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007). ISBN: 0-226-82337-7 (pbk)
      • Recommended:
        • William Strunk Jr., and E.B. White, The Elements of Style, Fourth edition (Longman Pub., 1999). ISBN: 0-205-30902-X
    • DMIN516:
      • Determined by the student in consultation with his/her Faculty Advisor.
    • DMIN517:
      • TBD
    • Be sure to to be available for weekly synchronous chats on the following dates, generally Mondays, at 10am EST/EDT(Eastern Standard Time/Eastern Daylight Time, USA) unless otherwise noted:
      • Sep. 03, 2012
      • Sep. 10
      • Sep. 17
      • Sep. 24
      • Oct. 01
      • Oct. 08
      • Oct. 15
      • Oct. 22
      • Oct. 29
      • Nov. 12
      • Nov. 19
      • Nov. 26
      • Dec. 03
  5. Complete the following "ramp up" assignments in preparation for the first advance:
  6. Attend the Orientation Advance:
    • The advances constitute a central learning experience in the SFS DMin program. Students participate in the research courses while on campus, connect with cohort members in person, and spend time with Len Sweet. The first advance for the cohort is Aug. 27-31, 2012 at the Portland (PDX) Center and at the Paramount Hotel.
    • Transportation
    • On Campus

      While on campus during the orientation advance, students are responsible for their own lodging Monday and Tuesday. Wireless Internet connectivity will be available.

      Lodging options:

      Crown Plaza, Portland-Lake Oswego
      Ask for "George Fox contract rate"
      No breakfast, but has a restaurant in the building.
      Phone: 1-503-624-8400

      Fairfield Inn, Portland South/Lake Oswego
      Continental breakfast included
      Each room includes 2 queens
      Shuttle: The Fairfield does NOT provide a shuttle to the Portland Center.
      A Marriot property
      Phone: 1-503-670-7557

      Hilton Garden Inn, Portland/Lake Oswego
      Ask for the "George Fox contract rate"
      No breakfast
      Phone: 1-503-684-8900

      Phoenix Inn, Lake Oswego
      Location: 14905 SW Bangy Rd., Lake Oswego, OR 97034
      Ask for the "George Fox contract rate
      "Single occupancy / Non –Commissionable
      Continental breakfast included
      Shuttle: The Phoenix Inn provides a shuttle to the Portland Center.
      Phone: 1-503-624-7400

    • The Paramount Hotel

      The second half of the orientation advance is hosted at the Paramount Hotel Wednesday evening through Friday at 2 p.m. Food, lodging, and valet parking are provided with incidentals excepted. Wireless Internet connectivity will be available.

    Students are responsible for all air-travel and local transport (car rental, taxi, etc) for all advances. For the orientation advance, students are responsible for their own food while on campus, including:

    • Monday: breakfast and lunch
    • Tuesday: lunch, dinner

    Here are some lists of eateries near the Portland Center for your convenience:

  7. For Advance schedule details, see the SFS DMin Orientation Advance Schedule

  8. Access FoxTALE first module website and begin coursework on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012.
    • Log into FoxTALE and access the first module site from your FoxTALE homepage. All course work will be available within FoxTALE.
    • If you do not know your username or password, contact the IT Service Desk:
    • If you need help with using FoxTALE or if you are experiencing technical difficulties, contact Andy Campbell at: