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Cohorts
An Opportunity for Spiritual and Vocational Formation

The SIS Cohort program is an opportunity for new students in our MACCS and MAICS programs to connect intentionally throughout the school year, both in class and out.  Each cohort group is assigned a mentor who is either a faculty member, a doctoral student, or an experienced cross-cultural worker with a heart to share their experience with others.  These groups, which began in Fall 2004, have proven to be remarkably successful, with many students citing the experience with their cohort as being one of the best features of their SIS experience.

The objective of this cohort program is to foster personal spiritual formation within the context of community in such a way that students are personally prepared to be stronger cross-cultural ministers of the gospel.  The cohort experience directly relates to cross-cultural mission in so much as we assume that mission comes out of being, and that "being" involves self-awareness, relationship with diverse individuals, Christian community-building, and the integration of spirituality with all aspects of life.

Why Cohorts?
  • To allow you to learn and grow in a supportive community setting.
  • To build valuable friendships and networks with fellow students.
  • To interact with those who have spent substantial time in cross-cultural ministry through mentoring relationships.
  • To extend learning outside of the classroom through regular meeting times for spiritual, educational and vocational growth.
  • To receive experience and training in effective team relationships
  • To engage with the Dean and your professors in informal, out-of-class settings.

When do I sign up?
You can sign up for the Cohort Program at your upcoming orientation sessions on September 18th and 19th.  More information will be available at orientation, and a special introductory session for all students interested in participating will be held the first week of classes.  Students must sign up by Friday of the second week of classes.

What is my commitment?
MACCS students must take a minimum of 4 of the 6 core courses, and MAICS students must take the 3 core courses listed to the right throughout the academic year in Fall 2007, Winter 2008, and Spring 2008.  Cohorts will also meet outside of class on a regular basis with their mentor, for approximately 7 hour-and-a-half meetings per quarter.  Cohort teams are encouraged to also meet informally to discuss course material, fellowship, and support one another.

In order to encourage a higher commitment level and in order to compensate the mentors, students are required to pay $30 per quarter if they wish to participate in the cohorts.  Students who commit to the program will sign a form a the introductory session in the first week of classes which will permit the $30 to be charged directly to their student account each quarter.  Scholarships are available for students who cannot afford the $30 quarterly fee; please speak to the Coordinator of Master's programs in order to determine if you may receive a scholarship on a quarterly basis.

Are there any opportunities to continue meeting in cohorts after our first year of study?
During the '06-'07 academic year, we began a 2nd year cohort program that focuses primarily on vocational questions, while building on the spiritual formation and community building foundations of the first year cohort program.  It is hoped that the 2nd year cohort will assist students by preparing them to take concrete steps towards cross-cultural work immediately following graduation.  Students who receive the Great Commission Scholarship for their second year of study are required to participate in the 2nd year cohort program; for other 2nd year students, placement in 2nd year cohorts is considered on a yearly basis.  2nd year cohorts are not necessarily formed based on the 1st year cohort group composition, and there is limited space in 2nd year cohorts depending on mentor availability.  2nd year cohorts have the same time and financial commitments as the 1st year cohorts.

Any other questions?
If you have any questions regarding the benefits, commitment, or schedule for the cohort, please contact the SIS Academic Advising Office at: (626)584-5260 or sis-masters5@dept.fuller.edu