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LOYOLA SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

A Filipino, Jesuit and Asian

Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology

Student Handbook

2017 Edition

Ateneo de Manila University

Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines

Tel. Nos. (63 2) 426.6430 to 35

[email protected] • www.lst.edu

mailto:[email protected]

www.lst.edu

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0. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 7

0.1 The Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology ............................................................................... 7

0.2 Vision and Mission Statement ............................................................................................. 7

0.3 The Asian Theological Program .......................................................................................... 8 0.4 History of LST .................................................................................................................... 8

0.5 Landas, The Journal of LST ................................................................................................ 9

0.6 The 2017 LST Student Handbook ....................................................................................... 9

1. THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY ......................................................................................... 9

1.1 Faculty and Student Representatives Assembly ................................................................... 9

1.2 Administrative Officials and Committees ............................................................................ 9

1.2.1 The President .............................................................................................................. 9 1.2.2 The Vice President for Academic Affairs .................................................................. 10

1.2.3 The Executive Secretary ............................................................................................ 10

1.2.4 The Librarian ............................................................................................................ 10 1.2.5 The Treasurer ............................................................................................................ 10

1.2.6 The Director of Advanced Graduate Students ............................................................ 11

1.3 The Faculty ....................................................................................................................... 11

1.4 The Students ..................................................................................................................... 12 1.5 The Student Council ......................................................................................................... 12

2. ADMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION ............................................................................... 13

2.1 Admission to the Ecclesiastical Degree Programs (STB, STL, STD) ................................. 13

2.1.1 Application Period & Deadlines ................................................................................ 13

2.1.2 Entrance Tests ........................................................................................................... 13

2.1.3 Transcript of Records ................................................................................................ 13

2.1.4 Documentary Requirements Upon Application .......................................................... 14 2.1.5 Additional Requirements for STL and STD Applicants.............................................. 14

2.1.6 Documentary Requirements Upon Admission ........................................................... 14

2.1.7 Visa Requirement for International Applicants .......................................................... 14 2.2 Admission to the Civil Degree Programs (MA, DMin, PhD) ............................................. 14

2.2.1 Procedures for Filipino Applicants ............................................................................ 15

2.2.1.1 Documentary Requirements Upon Application ....................................................... 15

2.2.1.2 Entrance Tests ........................................................................................................ 15 2.2.1.3 Documentary Requirements Upon Admission......................................................... 15

2.2.2 Procedures for International Applicants ..................................................................... 16 2.2.2.1 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) .................................................... 16

2.2.2.2 Documentary Requirements Upon Application ....................................................... 16

2.2.2.3 Application Deadlines ............................................................................................ 17 2.2.2.4 Documentary Requirements Upon Admission......................................................... 17

2.2.2.5 Authentication of Documents ................................................................................. 17

2.2.2.6 Procedures for Procuring a Student Visa by International Students ......................... 18

2.3 LST and Ateneo Integrated Student Information System ................................................... 18 2.4 Advisement and Registration............................................................................................. 18

2.4.1 Procedures and Schedules.......................................................................................... 18

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2.4.2 Dual Registration and Official Class Lists ................................................................. 18

2.4.3 Fees and Payments .................................................................................................... 18

3. GENERAL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS ......................................................................... 20

3.1 Validation of Courses & Transfer Credits .......................................................................... 20

3.2 Cross-Registration ............................................................................................................ 20

3.3 Rules on Separation .......................................................................................................... 20 3.4 Leave of Absence ............................................................................................................. 20

3.5 Rules on Time Limit ......................................................................................................... 21

3.5.1 Reinstatement ........................................................................................................... 21 3.5.2 Extension .................................................................................................................. 21

3.5.3 Reinstatement and Extension ..................................................................................... 21

3.5.4 Readmission.............................................................................................................. 21

3.5.5 Time Limit for Course Credits to Remain Valid ........................................................ 21 3.6 Credit or Audit .................................................................................................................. 21

3.7 Changing Status from Credit to Audit or from Audit to Credit ........................................... 21

3.8 Withdrawing from, Adding, or Substituting Courses ......................................................... 22 3.9 Overloading ...................................................................................................................... 22

3.10 Request for a Change of Grade ........................................................................................ 22

3.11 Shifting to Another Program or Concentration ................................................................. 22

3.12 Prerequisites to Comprehensive Examination and Thesis Writing .................................... 22 3.13 Degree Candidacy ........................................................................................................... 23

3.14 Registration for Residency Status .................................................................................... 23

3.15 Class Attendance............................................................................................................. 23 3.16 Alternative to Attending Classes ..................................................................................... 23

3.17 Other Academic Regulations for MA, DMin, PhD........................................................... 23

4. ECCLESIASTICAL DEGREE PROGRAMS ..................................................................... 24

4.1 Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology ..................................................................................... 24

4.1.1 Acceptance to the STB Program ................................................................................ 24

4.1.2 Program Description ................................................................................................. 24

4.1.3 Areas of Theology ..................................................................................................... 24 4.1.4 Academic Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 25

4.1.5 Course Work ............................................................................................................. 25

4.1.6 Major Research Paper ............................................................................................... 27

4.1.7 Dogma Comprehensive Examination ......................................................................... 27 4.1.8 Final Grade ............................................................................................................... 28

4.2 Licentiate in Sacred Theology ........................................................................................... 28

4.2.1 Acceptance to the STL Program ................................................................................ 28 4.2.2 Program Description.................................................................................................. 29

4.2.3 Language Requirements ............................................................................................ 29

4.2.4 Course Work ............................................................................................................. 30 4.2.5 Comprehensive Examination ..................................................................................... 30

4.2.6 Tesina ....................................................................................................................... 31

4.2.7 Final Grade ............................................................................................................... 33

4.3 Doctorate in Sacred Theology ........................................................................................... 33 4.3.1 Acceptance to the STD Program ................................................................................ 33


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4.3.3 Academic Prerequisite ............................................................................................... 34

4.3.4 Language Requirements ............................................................................................ 34 4.3.5 Course Work ............................................................................................................. 34

4.3.6 Comprehensive Examination ..................................................................................... 35

4.3.7 Dissertation ............................................................................................................... 36

4.3.8 Publication Requirement ........................................................................................... 37 4.3.9 Final Grade ............................................................................................................... 37

5. CIVIL DEGREE PROGRAMS ............................................................................................ 38

5.1 MA major in Pastoral Ministry .......................................................................................... 38

5.1.1 Acceptance to the MA-PAM Program ....................................................................... 38

5.1.2 Program Description.................................................................................................. 38

5.1.3 Academic Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 38


5.2 MA major in Theological Studies ...................................................................................... 41

5.2.1 Acceptance to the MA-TH STUD Program ............................................................... 41 5.2.2 Program Description.................................................................................................. 41

5.2.3 Academic Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 41

5.2.4 Course Work ............................................................................................................. 41

5.2.5 Comprehensive Examination ..................................................................................... 43 5.2.6 Research Thesis......................................................................................................... 43

5.2.7 Alternatives to the MA-TH STUD Research Thesis ................................................... 45

5.3 Doctor of Ministry ............................................................................................................ 46 5.3.1 Acceptance to the DMin Program .............................................................................. 46


5.3.3 Academic Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 47 5.3.4 Language Requirements ............................................................................................ 47

5.3.5 Course Work ............................................................................................................. 47

5.3.6 Comprehensive Examination ..................................................................................... 49

5.3.7 Dissertation ............................................................................................................... 49 5.3.8 Publication Requirement ........................................................................................... 51

5.4 PhD in Theology ............................................................................................................... 51

5.4.1 Program Description ................................................................................................. 51 5.4.2 Academic Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 52

5.4.3 Language Requirements ............................................................................................ 52


5.4.6 Dissertation ............................................................................................................... 54

5.4.7 Publication Requirement ........................................................................................... 55

6. NON-DEGREE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS ................................................................... 57

6.1 Certificate in Pre-Theology Studies ................................................................................... 57


6.1.2 Curriculum ................................................................................................................ 57

6.2 Certificate in Theological Studies ...................................................................................... 58 6.2.1 Program Description ................................................................................................. 58

6.2.2 Curriculum ................................................................................................................ 58

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6.3 Certificate in Pastoral Ministry .......................................................................................... 59

6.3.1 Program Description ................................................................................................. 59 6.3.2 Curriculum ................................................................................................................ 59

6.4 Certificate in Basic Pastoral Ministry ................................................................................ 59


6.4.2 Curriculum ................................................................................................................ 59 6.5 Certificate in the Pastoral Care of Migrants ....................................................................... 60


6.5.2 Curriculum ................................................................................................................ 60 6.6 Professional Diploma in Family Ministries ........................................................................ 60


6.6.2 Curriculum ................................................................................................................ 60

7. ACADEMIC STANDARDS .................................................................................................. 61

7.1 Dual Marking System and Description .............................................................................. 61

7.2 Academic Standards in the STB, STL and STD Programs ................................................. 63

7.3 Academic Standards in the MA, PhD and DMin Programs ................................................ 63 7.4 Academic Standards in the Advanced Degree Programs .................................................... 63

7.5 Computation of the Final Grade ........................................................................................ 63

7.6 Procedures with Regard to Failures ................................................................................... 64

7.7 Grade in the Oral Comprehensive Exam or Thesis Defense ............................................... 64 7.8 Marks in the Ad Auds Exam ............................................................................................. 65

7.9 Honors Awarded to STB, STL and STD Graduates ........................................................... 65

7.10 Selection of the STB Class Valedictorian ........................................................................ 65

8. THE RALPH GEHRING LIBRARY ................................................................................... 67

8.1 Library Hours and Service ................................................................................................ 67

8.2 Categories of Clients ......................................................................................................... 67

8.3 Library Orientation ........................................................................................................... 68 8.4 Borrowing and Returning Books ....................................................................................... 68

8.5 Library Materials .............................................................................................................. 68

8.6 Fines, Fees, and Penalties .................................................................................................. 68 8.7 Library Access during Semestral Break and Intersession ................................................... 69

8.8 Clearances ........................................................................................................................ 69

8.9 Library Computer Room ................................................................................................... 69

8.10 Library Online Public Access Catalogue ......................................................................... 69 8.11 Photocopying Services .................................................................................................... 69

8.12 Library Decorum............................................................................................................. 70

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0. INTRODUCTION

0.1 The Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology

Loyola School of Theology (LST) is an Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology conducted by the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. It offers the ecclesiastical degrees of Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology

(STB), Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) and Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD). LST is also a fed-

erated school of the Ateneo de Manila University through which it offers civil academic degrees granted under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. The terms of federation are contained in an agreement

drawn up for that purpose with the Ateneo.

Taking its inspiration from the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and in conformity with the Apos-

tolic Constitution Sapientia christiana1 and other normative documents regulating the Ecclesiastical

Higher Education System of the Holy See, giving due attention to the guidelines of the Congregation for

Catholic Education, the pertinent documents of the Philippine Church, other churches in Asia, and of the Society of Jesus, LST primarily aims through its programs of studies:

to deepen knowledge of Christian revelation and of matters connected with it, to enunciate systematically the truths contained therein, and

to prepare students to meaningfully and effectively proclaim those truths in the context of contempo-

rary Filipino and Asian cultures.

The School is open to all qualified students, whether seminarians, clergy, religious, or lay, desirous of

pursuing theological and pastoral studies. LST offers courses and programs that may help those preparing

for diverse forms of ministry in the Church, primarily for priestly ministry, but also for teaching theology or religious studies, catechesis, lay leadership in the community, or formation in religious institutes.

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0.2 Vision and Mission Statement

In 2015, the following Vision-Mission Statement was formulated and adopted by the LST academic

community:

Vision: LST aspires to be a leading Catholic center of theological and ministerial formation in Asia,

working to realize a believing and praying Church that serves humanity and collaborates with diverse cul-

tural and religious traditions.

1 Apostolic Constitution ‘Sapientia christiana’ on Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties (1979) promulgated by

St. John Paul II along with the Norms of Application of the Sacred Congregation for the Correct Implementation

of the Apostolic Constitution. The other principal sources of fundamental Church norms are the Second Vatican

Council’s decrees Presbyterorum ordinis (1965) and Optatam totius (1965); documents from the Congregation for

Catholic Education, the Ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis (1980) and its 2016 edition issued by the

Congregation for the Clergy and promulgated on 8 December 2016, and the Decree on the Reform of the Ecclesi-astical Studies of Philosophy (2011); St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation ‘Pastores dabo vobis’ (1992); the

Acts and Decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (Manila: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the

Philippines, 1992); and The Updated Philippine Program for Priestly Formation (Manila: CBCP Episcopal Com-

mission on Seminaries, 2006).

2 LST Statutes, Approved 2014, p. 2

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Mission: As a Philippine, Jesuit, Ecclesiastical Faculty, we form priests, theologians, and pastoral minis-

ters who effectively respond to the ecclesial, spiritual, and social concerns of an increasingly missionary Church in Asia.

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0.3 The Asian Theological Program

LST’s Asian Theological Program (ATP) consists primarily of preparing Jesuits and other students from

particular Asian contexts, including the Philippines, for the core ministerial tasks in these contexts. This

requires a dynamic interaction between Catholic tradition and these contexts in the theological formation of students: in particular, enabling them to understand and communicate the Gospel within their contexts,

to enrich this tradition with concerns arising from these contexts, and to reflect critically on these contexts

in the light of the Gospel.

Through its ATP Program, LST commits itself to provide a theological and pastoral formation that is

more Asian in content, methodology and ethos through courses that have an explicit Asian content, cours-

es that discuss theological issues common to Asian contexts, tools for critical understanding of our cultur-al and linguistic contexts, and courses that highlight the importance of context in understanding Christian

doctrine and practice.

Serving as an advisory board, the ATP Committee has the primary responsibility of ensuring that prepara-

tion for ministry in Asian contexts remains an integral part of LST. The committee proposes concrete

suggestions to the LST administration with regard to the formulation, implementation, and review of LST programs, policies, and courses in line with the above responsibility.

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0.4 History of LST

LST evolved from the original fusion of the faculties of Berchmans College (the former Jesuit

Philosophate) and San Jose Seminary. As a theological faculty, it traces its origins to San Jose Seminary,

founded in Manila more than three and a half centuries ago on 25 August 1601. In 1965 the newly merged theological-philosophical school was transferred to the Loyola House of Studies complex on the Ateneo

campus. In June 1968 Loyola School of Theology (under the name of Loyola House of Studies, School of

Theology and Ecclesiastical Studies) formally began to function as a federated unit of the Ateneo de Ma-

nila University.

On December 1, 1994 the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education approved the LST Statutes and

granted LST definitive aggregation to the Jesuit Faculty of Theology at Fujen University for purposes of granting ecclesiastical degrees.

On August 13, 1999, LST was established as an Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology by the Congregation for Catholic Education and it was authorized to give in its own rights the ecclesiastical degrees of Bacca-

laureate in Sacred Theology, Licentiate in Sacred Theology and Doctorate in Sacred Theology.

By virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement between Loyola School of Theology and Ateneo de Manila University signed on 25 May 2015, the Theology and Ministry Program was established as a unit within

the School of Humanities of the Loyola Schools with its seat at LST.

3 FASRA#103, 26 February 2015.

4 Summary Brief on the Asian Mandate, Meeting of Rectors, Deans and/or Principals of Jesuit Theologates of the

Jesuit Conference of Asia-Pacific, 23-25 November 2009, Loyola School of Theology.

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0.5 Landas, The Journal of LST

“Landas” is the Filipino word for “way,” a Biblical term of venerable standing. The editors of Landas

were attracted to this title largely by its capacity to express the notion of faith as pilgrimage, faith as life-

style, and faith as authentic orientation.

The decade leading to its inaugural issue in January 1987 saw a notable growth of interest in the realities

and developments of what had been called the Third World. From the perspective of religion and mission,

the significant, if not remarkable multiplication of Christian membership in such areas of the globe had important repercussions both on Christian dynamics and ecumenical affairs. For the Philippines, the his-

torical events of February 1986 which saw the toppling of a 20-year-old dictatorship through a peaceful,

non-violent revolution attracted world-wide interest, which gave rise to various questions. What are the people of South and East Asia thinking? What are they saying? What are they writing?

When these questions were directed to matters theological, there was a seeming lack of printed sources

from which to draw the answers. In the Third World situation, after all, demands of involvement rendered leisure for scholarship a rare commodity. Thus was born the theological journal Landas, with hopes to

make a modest contribution toward responding to the need for published material on scriptural, ecclesio-

logical, and spiritual topics, written by authors living and working in the Philippines and in Asia.

0.6 The 2017 LST Student Handbook

The 2017 LST Student Handbook – a revision of the Handbook’s 2007 edition – was approved by the

Faculty and Student Representatives Assembly (FASRA) on 4 May 2017. It is meant to be a handy tool

for studying successfully at LST. It seeks to provide the user with key information on the academic

community of LST, its programs of academic formation, requirements, examinations, theses, library poli-cy, etc.

5 Aside from this Handbook, students enrolled in the civil degree programs MA, DMin and PhD

should familiarize themselves also with the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools Graduate Stu-

dent Handbook.

1. THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY

1.1 Faculty and Student Representatives Assembly

This body is composed of the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Executive Secre-

tary, the Librarian, all permanent members of the faculty, and four duly elected student representatives. Two or three non-permanent members of the teaching staff are elected by the permanent members of the

faculty for terms of three years. It is the highest academic policy-making body of the school, responsible

for the policies governing curriculum, academic standards, admissions, student welfare, faculty recruit-ment, and for policies governing research and the library.

1.2 Administrative Officials and Committees

1.2.1 The President

The President is the chief executive and academic official of Loyola School of Theology. He also pos-sesses the powers of a Dean of the Faculty. The following committees assist the President in the discharge

of his office.

5 Guidelines on moral conduct and decorum in school are laid out in a separate booklet, the LST Code of Discipline.

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The Administrative Council: The council is composed of five members: the President as Chairman, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Executive Secretary, and two members of the faculty, preferably

of the permanent faculty, elected by FASRA for three-year terms. The council is the ordinary consultative

body to the President for the regular administration of the school.

The Asian Theological Program (ATP) Committee: This committee has the primary responsibility of

ensuring that preparation for ministry in Asian contexts remains an integral part of LST. As an advisory

board, it proposes concrete suggestions with regard to the formulation, implementation, and review of LST programs, policies, and courses in line with the above responsibility.

The Advisory Council of Superiors: The Advisory Council of Superiors is a consultative body com-posed of the superiors of the students of LST. It advises the administration regarding the objectives, poli-

cies, and procedures of the school in view of the performance of the students under their supervision.

Committee on Faculty Rank and Permanent Appointment: This committee is the chief advisory board in the school on all matters pertaining to determining the rank or level, promotion, and permanent ap-

pointment of faculty members.

1.2.2 The Vice President for Academic Affairs

The VPAA assists the President in implementing the academic programs of LST. He executes the policies of the school with the assistance of the following committees:

The Admissions Committee: This committee assists in the screening and admission of students for the

STB and MA programs of LST.

The Curriculum Committee: This committee assists in the ongoing study and updating of the LST cur-

riculum.

The Standards and Degrees Committee: This committee proposes policies that will help maintain the

academic standards of the school. It also helps in the screening and admission of licentiate and doctoral

students. In addition, it hears appeals of students in certain academic matters.

1.2.3 The Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary keeps the minutes of the Administrative Council, the Faculty Assembly, and the

FASRA, as well as the documents and the seal of the school. This official helps the Vice President for

Academic Affairs in coordinating and administering the various programs of the school.

1.2.4 The Librarian

Under the President, the Librarian is directly responsible for the administration of the library. The Librar-ian is assisted by the Library Committee.

The Library Committee: Concerned with overall policies and programs of the library, this committee is essentially an advisory board to the President and the Librarian.

1.2.5 The Treasurer

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The Treasurer is the financial administrator in charge of all its finances of the school, subject to the dis-

cretion and approval of the President.

1.2.6 The Director of Advanced Graduate Students

The Director looks after the general welfare of doctoral and licentiate students. He/she orients them on the requirements of their doctoral and licentiate programs and helps them choose subjects to enroll in. He/she

helps them find mentors of their dissertation. He/she acts as a liaison between the students and their men-

tors, and between the students and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. He/she meets the doctoral and licentiate students on a regular basis – either individually or as a group – to monitor their progress.

He/she organizes a forum of doctoral and licentiate students for the purpose of sharing the fruit of their

research with one another. The Director of Advanced Graduate Students is ex-officio (non-voting) re-source person for the Standards and Degrees Committee.

1.3 The Faculty

The Faculty Assembly (FA), composed of the permanent faculty, discusses matters pertaining to the

courses of studies. Unranked faculty members may attend the FA to express their views. These meetings

provide the administration with recommendations concerning current issues for the updating and im-provement of the School program.

The Faculty: To ensure carrying out its mission, Loyola School of Theology is provided with an ade-quate staff of competent and qualified professors and lecturers. The professors and lecturers are devoted

to research and giving solid theological education through their teaching. They also have a special con-

cern for those preparing for the priesthood.

Permanent Faculty: The permanent members of the faculty of Loyola School of Theology are the Pro-

fessors and Associate Professors (also called Ordinary and Extraordinary Professors). They constitute the

core of the teaching staff.

After one year, Instructors and Assistant Professors share some of the rights and duties of the permanent

members: they may vote at FASRA meetings and serve on committees.

The Instructors and Assistant Professors may be appointed and missioned canonically by the Vice-

Chancellor to the permanent faculty after three consecutive years of satisfactory service.

Ranked Faculty: These are the Instructors, the Assistant Professors, the Associate Professors, and the

Professors.

Unranked Faculty: These are the Lecturers, the Visiting Professors, and the Research Associates.

Research Assistants: The Research Assistants are chosen from outstanding students of theology of Loyo-

la School of Theology who are candidates for the master’s or licentiate or doctorate degrees in theology. Upon the placet of the faculty member, candidates are to be recommended by the Vice President for Aca-

demic Affairs for appointment by the President. Appointments can be renewed by concurrence of the par-

ties involved.

The Research Assistants aid the professor to whom they are assigned with general research, bibliography

work, initial evaluation of exams, and scientific interaction with students. The research assistants form a needed “middle level” of scholarship in the academic community.

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1.4 The Students

The Ordinary students of theology are those enrolled in the ecclesiastical degree programs STB, STL, and

STD. All other students enrolled in LST courses, whether for credit or audit, are Extraordinary students.

Both categories of students are further classified as follows:

Degree Students. These are students who meet the specific admission requirements of a particular pro-

gram of study and who submit the required admission credentials on time.

Provisional Students. These are students who wish to take a degree program but, for good reasons, can-

not submit the complete admission credentials in time for registration. This is a temporary classification.

These students are given one month from the start of a term to fulfill their admission requirements.

Probationary Students. These are students who wish to take a degree program but do not meet some of

the academic requirements of LST. This is a temporary classification. Probationary students must fulfill

the requirements for regular classification to degree status.

Students in the Certificate/Diploma Programs. Students registered for specific courses towards the

completion of a professional certificate.

Non-Certificate Students. Students who, while studying in LST, are not in any of the degree or certifi-

cate programs, either by choice or disqualification. These students may receive credit for courses – even though not working toward any degree or certificate.

Auditors. These are students who attend certain courses on a noncredit basis. They attend the course for

their own personal interest; they do not take final examinations and cannot gain degree credit for such courses.

Cross-Registrants. These are students from other schools who take subjects on a credit or audit basis. Cross-registrants must secure a letter from the Dean or Registrar of their home school granting them per-

mission to cross-enroll at the Loyola School of Theology.

1.5 The Student Council

The Student Council, composed of student representatives elected from among the full-time degree stu-

dents in theology, constitutes the ordinary organ and voice of the student body. The aim and purpose of the Student Council is to foster a continuous and constructive dialogue between students and professors,

and to foster a responsible participation of the student body in the academic life of the school.

The Student Council has its own by-laws regulating elections, meetings, and activities. It nominates from

among its members representatives to FASRA and various committees for terms of at least one year.

These include four student representatives to FASRA, one representative each to the curriculum commit-

tee and the library committee.

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2. ADMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION

2.1 Admission to the Ecclesiastical Degree Programs (STB, STL, STD)

2.1.1 Application Period & Deadlines

Applicants to the Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB) program are normally admitted only in the

First Semester; but applicants to the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) or Doctorate in Sacred Theolo-gy (STD) programs may be admitted in either First or Second Semester.

Schedules and deadlines for application are published on the bulletin and website of Loyola School of Theology (www.lst.edu).

Deadline for International Applicants: To allow sufficient time to process applications, international ap-

plicants applying from abroad are strongly advised to submit the required forms and documents at least six months before the beginning of the semester or term in which they intend to start graduate studies.

Application forms as may be obtained from LST’s Academic Office or downloaded from the LST web-site. The applicants fill out and submit the forms together with the other requirements to LST.

2.1.2 Entrance Tests

All applicants to the ecclesiastical degree programs are required to take the graduate school entrance tests

administered for LST by the Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. Center for Psychology Services, Ateneo de Manila

University. The dates are booked through the LST Secretary. The test results are sent directly by the test-ing center to LST.

International students applying from abroad may take the GRE General Test (www.ets.org/gre) in place of the entrance exam administered by the Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. Center. GRE test results are submitted to

LST with the rest of the application documents.

To apply to the ecclesiastical degrees, graduates from LST or Ateneo de Manila University who have al-

ready taken the Ateneo graduate school entrance tests need not retake the same examination.

2.1.3 Transcript of Records

The application must be accompanied by a Transcript of Record bearing the original signature of the Reg-

istrar and the school seal.

The Transcript of Record must attest to a college degree required for admission to the STB program, an

STB degree or an equivalent 4-year seminary theology program required for admission to the STL pro-

gram, or an STL degree required for admission to the STD program.

A minimum of 12 units of undergraduate theology and 36 units of systematic philosophy is required for

applicants to the STB program. Moreover, they must have attained at least a general undergraduate aver-age of 2.5 (B) with no grade of “failure” or “condition”.

Applicants to the STL/STD program must have attained at least a general average of 2.0 (B+) in the STB/STL course.

www.lst.edu

http://www.ets.org/gre

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Authenticated English Translation: A Transcript of Record in a language other than English must be ac-

companied by a duly authenticated English translation.

2.1.4 Documentary Requirements Upon Application

The following documents must be submitted to the LST Academic Office upon application:

Duly accomplished application form

Photocopy of original Transcript of Record from previous school (undergraduate or graduate), and its English translation if the Transcript is in a foreign language

Photocopy of original diploma or certificate of graduation

One ID picture (2” x 2”) Personal Essay (2 pages, single-spaced) that covers the following: (1) reasons for graduate study at

LST and the choice of your program of study; (2) qualities and experiences which you feel will help

you or give you difficulties in your chosen program of study; constraints or difficulties that you an-

ticipate encountering in your studies; (3) potential contribution of an LST graduate education to your ministry and larger society.

If a candidate for the priesthood, an endorsement letter from his bishop or religious superior

Application fee For non-Filipino applicants: 1 photocopy of (a) valid Missionary or Student visa and (b) passport

page with photo and name

2.1.5 Additional Requirements for STL and STD Applicants

Applicants to the STL program are required to submit one major research paper they have written in

their STB course work. Applicants to the STD program are required to submit a copy of their licentiate tesina. In addition,

they must also submit an essay describing why they are pursuing the doctorate, mentioning the area

they wish to pursue in their dissertation.

2.1.6 Documentary Requirements Upon Admission

The following documents must be submitted to the LST Academic Office not later than one month after provisional admission:

Original Transcript of Record (graduate or undergraduate), bearing the school seal and the original signature of the Registrar or Dean. However, if the original Transcript has been submitted to the

Ateneo Registrar for the purpose of admission to the civil degree program, then the student must

submit to LST an authenticated copy of the original.

2.1.7 Visa Requirement for International Applicants

The international applicant must have a valid Student, Missionary, Special Non-Immigrant (East Asian Pastoral Institute), or Special Study Permit visa for study in the Philippines.

2.2 Admission to the Civil Degree Programs (MA, DMin, PhD)6

6 Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools Graduate Student Handbook 2013 Edition, Part 3: Admission and

Registration, pp. 20-28.

15

2.2.1 Procedures for Filipino Applicants

2.2.1.1 Documentary Requirements Upon Application

The applicant obtains an Application Form from the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs.

Alternatively, the applicant may download and print the Application and Recommendation Forms from the Ateneo de Manila website at www.ateneo.edu/ls/graduate-programs.

The applicant fills out and submits the forms together with the other required materials by the deadline set by the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and pays the application fee.

Each filled-out Application Form should be accompanied by:

One (1) photocopy of the filled-out Form

Two (2) photocopies of the applicant’s official transcript of undergraduate and graduate records (if

applicable) Four (4) colored 2” x 2” size ID pictures

Three (3) duly accomplished Recommendation Forms

Two (2) photocopies of the applicant’s birth certificate Two (2) photocopies of marriage certificate (for married women)

For non-Filipino applicants: 1 photocopy of (a) valid Missionary or Student visa and (b) passport

page with photo and name (for submission to LST only)

Applicants to the PhD program are required to submit a copy of their master’s thesis or its equivalent to

the LST Secretary, on which their capacity to write a dissertation will be evaluated.

2.2.1.2 Entrance Tests

The applicant is required to take the entrance test. Entrance tests are administered by the Fr. Jaime Bu-latao, S.J. Center for Psychology Services at the Loyola Heights campus and provincial testing centers. A

list of testing dates at the various testing centers is posted on www.ateneo.edu/ls/graduateprograms. The

applicant is scheduled for testing after submitting all application documents.

International students applying from abroad may take the GRE General Test (www.ets.org/gre) in place

of the entrance exam administered by the Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. Center. GRE test results are submitted to

the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs with the rest of the application documents.

The applicant will be notified by the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in due time whether the ap-

plicant will be admitted or not into the program applied for.

2.2.1.3 Documentary Requirements Upon Admission

The accepted applicant is given one month to submit the following admission credentials:

Original undergraduate and graduate transcript of records bearing the original signature of the regis-

trar and school seal. Transcripts from the Philippine schools should bear the notation, “Copy for the Ateneo de Manila University - Loyola Schools”

Transfer Credentials/Honorable Dismissal Certificate issued by the school where the applicant was

last enrolled effective upon the applicant’s initial enrollment in the Loyola Schools

Special Order Number and Certificate of Graduation (as needed).

www.ateneo.edu/ls/graduate-programs

http://www.ateneo.edu/ls/graduateprograms

http://www.ets.org/gre

16

2.2.2 Procedures for International Applicants

2.2.2.1 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International applicants are expected to have a sufficient grasp of both written and spoken English to be

able to do graduate level work. International applicants based abroad must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; www.ets.org/toefl) and fax or email a scanned copy of their latest test results

as soon as possible to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs (Fax No. (632) 426-5937;

Email: [email protected]). The original is mailed to:

Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs

Ateneo de Manila University – Loyola Schools Ground Floor, Kostka Hall

Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Metro Manila, Philippines 1108

A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test or 80 on the internet

based test is required for admission. Scores are only valid for two years from the date of the exams.

International applicants based abroad who have been accepted on the basis of their TOEFL or other Eng-

lish proficiency test results have to take the Ateneo de Manila entrance examinations when they come to

the Philippines to enroll. Arrangements for this should be made with the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs as soon as the applicant arrives in the country.

The Loyola Schools reserves the right to ask its international applicants for additional proof of academic

competence.

2.2.2.2 Documentary Requirements Upon Application

The international applicant pays the application fee of US $40 in the form of a telegraphic transfer, net of

the bank’s remittance charges. A photocopy of the remittance slip is sent together with the application

requirements listed below. The applicant downloads, prints and fills out the Application and Recommen-

dation Forms at www.ateneo.edu/ls/graduate-programs . Each filled-out Application Form should be ac-companied by:

One (1) photocopy of the filled-out form Four (4) 2” x 2” ID pictures

Personal essay and one (1) photocopy

Three (3) duly accomplished Recommendation Forms TOEFL results and one (1) photocopy

Two (2) photocopies of authenticated official transcript of records for the bachelor’s degree with the

official grading system and its English translation, bearing the original signature of the registrar and

school seal In case the applicant obtained said bachelor’s degree in less than four (4) school years, two (2) photo-

copies of the Certificate of Degree Equivalency issued by the Ministry of Education in the applicant’s

country to determine the applicant’s earned degree. If the application is for a doctoral (PhD or DMin) degree an additional two (2) photocopies of authen-

ticated official transcript of records of the graduate degree with the official grading system and its

English translation, bearing the original signature of the Registrar and the school seal. Two (2) photocopies of authenticated certificate of graduation or certified true copy of diploma for

the bachelor’s degree and graduate degree, if any, and their English translation

http://www.ets.org/toefl

mailto:[email protected]

www.ateneo.edu/ls/graduate-programs

17

Two (2) photocopies of passport pages where name, photo, birth date, and birthplace and valid visa

appear Two (2) photocopies of Marriage Certificate (for married women)

Applicants to the PhD program are required to submit a copy of their master’s thesis or its equivalent to

the LST Secretary, on which their capacity to write a dissertation will be evaluated.

2.2.2.3 Application Deadlines

To allow sufficient time to process applications for a student visa, the international applicant is urged to

submit the application documents to the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs before the

following dates:

January 30 if the applicant wishes to enroll for the Intersession Term

March 31 for the First Semester

July 15 for the Second Semester

If the international applicant is already in the Philippines, the following deadlines are to be observed:

March 1 if the applicant wishes to enroll for the Intersession Term

May 15 for the First Semester

September 15 for the Second Semester

Admission notices are issued by the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Students are

normally admitted on a probationary/provisional status.

2.2.2.4 Documentary Requirements Upon Admission

Upon the international applicant’s arrival in the Philippines, the applicant reports to the Office of the As-sociate Dean for Graduate Programs to arrange for the taking of the Ateneo Entrance Test. The exam will

be administered by the Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. Center for Psychology Services at the Loyola Heights

campus.

The international applicant must submit the documents indicated on the admission notice (Acceptance

Letter and Checklist of Academic and Admission Requirements) at least two weeks before the start of

registration for the term to the Office of the Registrar located at the Ground Floor of the Social Sciences Building.

Documents filed in support of the application and submitted for registration become the property of the Ateneo de Manila University and will not be returned to the international applicant.

2.2.2.5 Authentication of Documents

Authentication must be done by the Philippine Foreign Service Post in the student’s country of origin or

legal residence. The English translation has to be authenticated as well. Authenticated copies must be

submitted before enrollment following the deadline indicated in the admission notice. However, the inter-national applicant is advised to start the process for authentication as soon as possible, even before the

decision is given out, in order to meet the School Registrar’s deadlines for submission of required docu-

ments before registration. No authentication is required for transcripts from Philippine schools.

18

2.2.2.6 Procedures for Procuring a Student Visa by International Students

The international applicant must have a valid Student or Missionary visa for study in the Philippines. Pro-

cessing of Missionary Visas are handled by the respective religious congregations or dioceses of appli-

cants. Instead of a Missionary Visa, MA, DMin and PhD students may obtain a Student Visa through the

Ateneo de Manila University. Please refer to the Ateneo de Manila Loyola Schools Graduate Student Handbook, 2013 Edition, pp. 25-26.

2.3 LST and Ateneo Integrated Student Information System

Upon admission, all LST students are furnished with their own LST-ISIS (LST-Integrated Student Infor-

mation System) accounts at http://isis.lst.edu. In addition, civil degree MA, DMin and PhD students are also given their AISIS (Ateneo Integrated Student Information System) accounts at

http://aisisonline.ateneo.edu.

By these means, students will be able to accomplish advisement, enlistment and enrollment procedures and view their transcript of records online. Only those courses that appear in LST-ISIS and AISIS are

considered officially enrolled. Hence, students should regularly review their student accounts to ensure

that they do not lack any courses to graduate on time. They are also expected to keep their contact and personal information up-to-date. Students will be held responsible for instances when they cannot be con-

tacted for this reason.

2.4 Advisement and Registration

2.4.1 Procedures and Schedules

These are posted on the bulletin board and website of Loyola School of Theology at www.lst.edu. Vari-

ous categories of students are usually assigned different dates for registration. Registrations in the ecclesi-

astical and civil degree programs are all held in Loyola School of Theology.

2.4.2 Dual Registration and Official Class Lists

There is only one process of registration for both ecclesiastical and civil degree programs. Students in double degree programs may enroll their subjects to earn credits in both ecclesiastical and civil programs.

After registration, faculty may not make additions or deletions to official class lists and are to allow only students on the official class list to attend classes and to fulfill course requirements. They should provide

marks only to students in their own official class lists. The LST Academic Office and Ateneo de Manila

Registrar’s Office will not recognize any grades given to students whose names do not appear in the offi-cial class lists of respective professors.

2.4.3 Fees and Payments

The regulations governing the payment of tuition and other fees are issued from time to time by the Loyo-

la School of Theology’s Office of the Treasurer.

The Loyola School of Theology complies with all requirements of the Philippine Commission on Higher

Education (CHED) regarding increases in tuition and fees.

Students are not considered officially enrolled until they have paid the assessed amount of tuition and

fees.

www.lst.edu

19

Students shall not be allowed to receive any degree, diploma, or certificate, nor be given a Transcript of Record, unless all financial obligations to the Loyola School of Theology have been settled.

Fees for Transcript of Record, diploma, certificate, etc. obtained from the Ateneo de Manila must be paid

to the University cashier; while those obtained from Loyola School of Theology must be paid to the LST cashier.

20

3. GENERAL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

3.1 Validation of Courses & Transfer Credits

Students who are admitted to LST may be allowed to credit courses taken in another graduate school up to a maximum of one-third of the total coursework units. Only units taken within three years prior to the

student’s first registration for the civil degree at the Loyola Schools may be credited. Forms must be

completed within the first semester of registration for the degree to effect this recognition.

The VPAA will evaluate the students’ Transcript of Records and will indicate which courses, if any, will

be validated as having their equivalence in the LST program. For a course to be validated it must be grad-ed above average (i.e., B or above) and must have the same number of credits as its LST counterpart. Of-

ficial forms may be obtained from LST Academic Office for the ecclesiastical degree programs and from

the Loyola Schools Office of the Registrar for the civil degree programs.

Note: The maximum one-third of the total coursework units refers to the total validated and cross-

registered courses.

3.2 Cross-Registration

A student may cross-enroll in another school only with the approval of the Vice President for Academic

Affairs and the Registrar of the Loyola Schools (for civil degrees). The student must also secure the sig-natures of the Dean and Registrar of the receiving school.

The LST Vice President for Academic Affairs must determine if the course to be cross-registered is a course in the LST program. For a cross-enrolled course to be validated, it must be graded average (i.e., B

or above). The Vice President for Academic Affairs may also require the student to take a validation ex-

am for the cross-enrolled course to be credited in LST. The student must find out the conditions for vali-dation before cross-enrolling.

The Request to Cross-Register Form may be obtained from the Ateneo Office of the Registrar for the civil

degree programs, and/or from the LST Academic Office for the ecclesiastical degree programs.

3.3 Rules on Separation

Students are automatically dropped from the degree program if they incur two grades of “C” or 4.0.

Moreover, students are automatically dropped from LST and the Loyola Schools if they fail the compre-

hensive examination and oral defense of the thesis/dissertation twice.

3.4 Leave of Absence

Students who expect not to register for a semester should file a leave of absence that must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The appropriate Leave of Absence Form may be obtained from

the LST Academic Office. Students on leave of absence cannot enroll in another school for the purpose of

pursuing another civil degree program.

Deadlines for filing of Leave of Absence (LOA) are: six (6) weeks after the start of classes during the

regular semesters and three (3) weeks after the start of classes during the intersession.

21

An application for a leave of absence does not serve as a substitute for official withdrawal from courses

for which the students are already registered within the given semester. Students must also fill out, com-plete and submit a Load Revision Form to officially withdraw from the courses currently enrolled in.

3.5 Rules on Time Limit

All work for the master’s and licentiate degrees should ordinarily be completed within five (5) years from

the date of first registration (including, if any, the period on leave of absence). All work for the doctorate

must be completed within seven (7) years from the date of first enrolment for the degree. Leaves of ab-sence are included in the count of the time limit.

3.5.1 Reinstatement

Students without an approved leave of absence and who do not register for two consecutive semesters

must apply for reinstatement. The reinstatement must be approved by the Vice President for Academic

Affairs and the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs (for civil degrees) before they are allowed to regis-ter.

3.5.2 Extension

If students exceed the time limit, they may be extended upon the endorsement of the Vice President for

Academic Affairs and approval of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs (for civil degrees). The time frame for the extension should be indicated in the Reinstatement/Extension Form.

3.5.3 Reinstatement and Extension

If students exceed the time limit and have not enrolled for two consecutive semesters, they may be rein-

stated and extended upon the endorsement of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and approval of the

Associate Dean for Graduate Programs (for civil degrees). The time frame for the extension should be indicated in the Reinstatement/Extension Form.

3.5.4 Readmission

Students who do not register for three consecutive semesters or more without a leave of absence are au-

tomatically dropped from the program. Should they wish to return to the program, they must apply for

readmission. The readmission must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

3.5.5 Time Limit for Course Credits to Remain Valid

No credits are given for courses completed more than five (5) years ago for the STB, MA and STL pro-

grams, or more than seven (7) years ago for the doctoral programs.

3.6 Credit or Audit

All courses that form part of the students’ program are graded on a credit basis. Students may register for

a course on an audit basis with the permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

3.7 Changing Status from Credit to Audit or from Audit to Credit

22

A student who wants to change status from credit to audit or from audit to credit should file an official

request that must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs on or before the deadline set by the school. The appropriate Load Revision Form (LRF) is utilized for this purpose.

3.8 Withdrawing from, Adding, or Substituting Courses

A student who wants to withdraw from, or add, or substitute courses should file an official request that

must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Associate Dean for Graduate Pro-

grams (for civil degrees) on or before the deadline set by the school. The appropriate Load Revision Form (LRF) is utilized for this purpose. Students who fail to file the appropriate Load Revision Forms will be

given a failing grade of “C” or 4.0 for withdrawal without permission. Likewise, no recognition is given

for courses added or substituted without permission. While request is pending, the student should attend all classes of courses he/she is currently enrolled in.

3.9 Overloading

The maximum load in the civil degree program is twelve (12) credit units for the regular semester and

nine (9) credit units for the intersession. Students who wish to enroll beyond the maximum credit load in

the civil degree program must seek the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Loyola Schools Associate Dean for Graduate Programs.

In the ecclesiastical degree and certificate programs, the maximum load is eighteen (18) units.

3.10 Request for a Change of Grade

The request for a change of grade may be initiated by either the student or the professor. The reasons for it must be explained in writing, and supported, if necessary, by material evidence such as test papers, re-

ports, assignments, projects, etc. A request initiated by the student must be evaluated and endorsed by the

professor before it is submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Loyola Schools Associ-ate Dean for Graduate Programs (for civil degrees) for approval. Request for a change of grade cannot be

entertained after one semester has lapsed since the grade was given.

3.11 Shifting to Another Program or Concentration

A student who wants to shift to another program or concentration should file an official request that must

be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. He/she must remain in the new degree program as a credit student for at least one semester before graduating. This semester can be the current semester

of enrolment provided the student meets the deadline set by the school for shifting. The shift is considered

official upon the completion of all steps in the Load Revision Form within the deadline set by the school.

The student who will be completing the non-thesis requirements in the current semester but who does

not meet this deadline, must enroll for credit in an extra elective in the following semester to graduate in

that semester. This elective will be covered by the separation rule for two C or 4.0 marks.

3.12 Prerequisites to Comprehensive Examination and Thesis Writing

MA and PhD students will be allowed to enroll in Comprehensive Exams only after completion of course

work. Hence, no course may be enrolled in the same semester as the Comprehensive Exam. For example,

in order to take the Comprehensive Exam in the Second Semester, all course work and marks should have been completed in the First Semester.

23

Students in the MA major in Theological Studies DMin and PhD Programs may enroll in Thesis or Dis-

sertation Writing only after passing the Comprehensive Exam during the previous semester.

For MA-TH STUD students who are also in the STB Program, in order to defend their thesis (or its

equivalent) in the Second Semester of Fourth Year, they are to: a) enroll in MA Comprehensive Exam in

the First Semester of 4th

year; b) take the STB Comprehensive Exam in the Second Semester, while enrol-ling in Thesis Writing 1 and 2 at the Ateneo; and c) enroll in thesis defense and defend the thesis before

the end of the Second Semester.

3.13 Degree Candidacy

The conferment of a candidacy status (MA, STL, STD, PhD, DMin candidate) will apply only to pro-grams where there is a comprehensive examination requirement for the degree. Candidacy is granted to a

student who has completed all coursework, qualifying examinations and passed all parts of the compre-

hensive examinations for the degree.

3.14 Registration for Residency Status

Students, who just have to complete a thesis/dissertation or final paper/project but are not enrolled for thesis direction, can obtain official status as students by registering for residency within the first week of

classes. They can do so by filing an Application for Official Residency Status with the Vice President for

Academic Affairs or with the Loyola Schools Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and enrolling for RES 300 or RES 400.

3.15 Class Attendance

As a general policy, the student is required to attend classes in order to pass the course. If the student’s

absences exceed 25% of the total number of class hours allotted for the course, the professor may drop the

student from the course and give a W mark or Withdrawal Without Permission.

3.16 Alternative to Attending Classes

A student with specific needs may be allowed by the professor to enroll a course as a tutorial course in-stead of attending regular classes. However, such privilege entails pre-arranged meetings with the profes-

sor for reading assignments, tutorial lessons, and supervision of the research. For grading purposes, the

student may be required to take the exams given to the class, or to submit a major research paper in lieu of the exams.

Proper written permissions are requested from the Vice President for Academic Affairs before professors and students can arrange for tutorial courses. Forms are available at the Office of the VPAA. Such per-

mission is not required for courses properly designated and announced as such by the same office.

3.17 Other Academic Regulations for MA, DMin, PhD

MA, DMin and PhD civil degree students should refer to the Loyola Schools Graduate Student Handbook

(2013 edition), pp. 44-73 for other academic regulations, procedures and services.

24

4. ECCLESIASTICAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

4.1 Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology

4.1.1 Acceptance to the STB Program

Applicants are accepted to the STB program by the Vice President for Academic Affairs upon the rec-

ommendation of the Admissions Committee which evaluates the applicants on the basis of their academic records, entrance test results, essays, bio-data, etc. On the recommendation of the committee, some stu-

dents may be required to take theology and/or English propaedeutic courses as a condition for their ac-

ceptance to the program.

4.1.2 Program Description

Studies for the STB are designed to give the students mastery of the Christian message and the ability to communicate it. The organization of courses is basically genetic and corresponds to contemporary theo-

logical methodology. Students are introduced to the sources and the development of doctrine integrated

within a synthetic overview of the great themes of Christian theology. In this way, the school tries to help them acquire that degree of personal mastery of Christian sources which will enable the students them-

selves to adapt the Christian message to the manifold situations in which they will work.

The program is open to any qualified student – lay, religious, or cleric – who desires to get a thorough and

solid training in Catholic theology.

The aims of the STB program are: {a} to present in an organic manner the whole of Catholic doctrine; {b} to introduce the student to the scientific method in theology; {c} to assure student comprehension

through appropriate required examinations.

4.1.3 Areas of Theology

The course of studies, which all students pursuing the STB are expected to take, covers the following are-

as of theology:7

Biblical Theology: The courses in Sacred Scripture are designed to provide a survey of Old and New

Testament literature, as well as an in-depth study of individual books and subjects. The opportunity to study biblical languages is given and the learning of such language is highly encouraged.

Systematic Theology: The purpose of the study of systematic theology is to provide the student with a reflective understanding reached by reason under the light of faith, of the mysteries of the Christian faith.

Courses in this area, while recapitulating what remains valid in traditional systematization, deal also with

new theological problems that arise in our contemporary context. They further seek to show the mutual

interrelation of the Christian mysteries, their bearing upon the total human way of life here and hereafter, and their relationship to other areas of human knowledge.

Historical Theology: These cover the major doctrinal developments and controversies of the Christian tradition. Through an emphasis on the historical context in which Christian doctrines have been formulat-

ed, the study of historical theology is meant to make the student aware of both the original significance of

7 Updated Philippine Program, pp. 52-59.

25

the central Catholic doctrines and all the various ways in which doctrines and theological systems come to

be formulated.

Moral Theology: The courses in moral theology are designed to enable the student to study the moral

norms a person must follow as well as focusing on the formation of character, vision of life, and basic

values and convictions, which enable a person to do the good and attain his/her final goal in the light of Christian faith and reason.

Sacramental Theology and Sacred Liturgy: Courses in this field are meant to inculcate in the students “a solid grasp of the meaning of the sacraments and their place in Christian living.”

8

Spiritual-Pastoral Theology: The study of pastoral theology, both in course work and in field work, is directed to preparing future pastoral workers to deal directly with the more practical aspects of Christian

life, sacraments, liturgy, canon law, Christian secular spheres like family and the city.

Missiology: In line with LST’s mission to form priests, theologians, and pastoral ministers who effective-ly respond to the ecclesial, spiritual, and social concerns of an increasingly missionary Church in Asia,

studies on missiology and evangelization are an integral part of the STB program.9

4.1.4 Academic Prerequisites

To get accepted to the STB program, the applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 12 units of undergraduate theology and at least a general average of 2.5 (B). They must also have completed the

philosophical studies required by the Church. While course titles, course descriptions and the distribution

of matter will vary from place to place, the following will generally be considered as normative in deter-

mining whether the minimum requirements of the philosophical studies have been met:

Introduction to Philosophy

Philosophy of the Human Person Philosophy of Religion

Moral Philosophy or Ethics

History of Philosophy (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Contemporary)

Metaphysics Logic, Epistemology/Hermeneutics, Philosophy of Science or Cosmology

Asian Philosophy

While there may be variations in curricula, students must have completed two years or four semesters in

which an “organic exposition of the various parts of philosophy was imparted, which included treating the

world, human being and God.” Certain courses which are not readily available in some schools may be substituted with corollary philosophical disciplines. Nevertheless, a total of thirty-six (36) units of philos-

ophy should be completed.

4.1.5 Course Work10

8 Updated Philippine Program, pp. 56-57.

9 Updated Philippine Program, p. 59.

10 STB Curriculum approved by FASRA #103, 26 February 2015.

26

First Year

First Semester Second Semester

Theo 216 Pentateuchal Studies Theo 217 Prophets of Israel

Theo 205 Revelation-Faith Theo 234 Scripture-Tradition-Magisterium

Theo 209 Christian Worship Theo 239 Theological Anthropology I: Creation and Eschatology

Theo 208 Fundamental Moral Theology Theo 251.1 Sacraments of the Church

Theo 272 Church History I: 1

st to 13

th

Centuries Theo Meth 202

Methods and Materials of

Research (Library)

Theo Meth 201 Methods and Materials of Research (Writing)

[Free Elective]

Second Year


Theo 225 Synoptics Theo 226 Paul

Theo 207 Christology Theo 204 Ecclesiology

Theo 289 Pastoral Psych & Counseling Theo 240 Sin and Grace

Theo 273 Church History II: 14

th Century

to the Present Theo 262

Special Moral Theology I: Medical/Sexual Ethics

[Asian Elective] Theo 274 or Theo 275

Philippine or Asian Church History

Third Year


Theo 237 God One & Triune Theo 227 John

Theo 207.1 Soteriology and Mariology Theo 245 Themes Related to Ecclesiology

Theo 251.2 Sacraments of Vocation Theo 251.3 Holy Eucharist

Theo 263 Special Moral Theology II: Christian Social Ethics

Theo 271 Canon Law II

Theo 270 Canon Law I [Practicum Elective]

Fourth Year


Theo 215.1 Psalms and Wisdom Literature Theo Com-

pre STB Comprehensive Exam

Theo 288 Intro to Pastoral Methods Theo 286.1 Ministry of the Word II

Theo Syn

200 STB Compre Review

Theo Ad

Auds Ad Audiendas Confessiones

Theo Lit Presiding at Liturgy

Priesthood Track: Seminarians and scholastics aspiring for ordination to the priesthood take courses and

exams to prepare themselves for the priestly ministry: e.g., homiletics and Ministry of the Word, presid-

27

ing at the liturgy, administration of the sacraments, and preparation for and examination on hearing con-

fessions.

4.1.6 Major Research Paper

Towards the end of third year, all STB students must submit to the LST Secretary one major research pa-per they had written in one of their theology courses.

11 The paper must conform to the following specifi-

cations:

It must be between 15-30 pages in length.

It must be formatted according to LST Style Manual based on Turabian, 6th edition.

It must include footnotes and at least one full-page bibliography listing only the titles of books and articles that have actually been cited in the paper.

It must have received a grade of at least 2.5 (B)

If the professor indicated the need for revisions and corrections, the student must submit the revised paper together with the original.

The sources of quotations and borrowed ideas must be fully acknowledged in the footnotes. Failure to do so is tantamount to plagiarism, which is penalized with a failing grade in the course and an appropriate

sanction according to the relevant provisions of LST’s Code of Discipline.

4.1.7 Dogma Comprehensive Examination

All students in the STB program take an oral dogma comprehensive examination after completing all re-

quired course work. This examination aims to determine whether students have attained sufficient theo-logical knowledge for the fruitful exercise of their ministry.

The matter for this comprehensive examination is distributed to the students at the beginning of the dog-ma Synthesis course in which fourth year students enroll. Since early publication of the composition of

the board of examiners is judged to be detrimental to the review and preparation for the examination, the

names of the examiners are made public only two (2) working days before the examination date.

Depending on academic performance, students take either an honors or an ordinary comprehensive exam-

ination:

The Ordinary Comprehensive Examination: The ordinary comprehensive examination lasts 45

minutes before a board of three professors. The basis of the examination is the STB Dogma Oral Com-

prehensive Exam Theses Sheet. Each professor questions the examinee for 15 minutes.

The Honors Comprehensive Examination: It is a 90-minute examination before a board of three pro-

fessors. The preparation for it affords an opportunity for the students to achieve more thorough overview

of the whole STB program and to assimilate it in a more personal and creative way. The examination it-self allows the students to manifest exceptional mastery of the program in theology in view of their minis-

try.

11 In courses that do not require a term paper, writing a major research paper may be done at the initiative of the stu-

dent, provided the following protocol is observed: {a} The student must first ask permission from the professor to

write a major research paper. {b} Before embarking on the research, the student must have the topic of the paper

approved by the professor. {c} The student must submit the paper before the end of the semester.

28

Qualification: Students in the STB program with a 1.00-1.75 weighted average take the honors compre-hensive examination.

12 This average is computed from all the courses taken. Those whose average falls

between 1.76 and 2.00 may appeal to the Standards and Degrees Committee to be allowed to take the

honors comprehensive examination.

For a student applying for the honors comprehensive exam, the maximum number of transfer credits ap-

plicable from another institution will be twelve (12) three-unit courses or 1/3 of the total LST STB units.

Procedures: The honors examination consists of two parts. In the first, the candidate is examined by each

of the three professors for 20 minutes each on the basis of the STB dogma comprehensive examination

theses sheet. After a break, the candidate presents his synthesis within ten minutes. He is then questioned by the examiners for 20 minutes on the synthesis presented. Each examiner gives a mark based on the

total performance with the first part approximately counting for 2/3 and the second for 1/3 of the final

grade for the examination.

Synthesis: The synthesis is intended to help honors students personally integrate the main themes of their

study of theology by articulating it in relation to a particular focus. The theses studied in preparation for

the comprehensive examination express the main areas of the Christian message that should be included in the synthesis. In presenting their syntheses, students are expected to show a creative grasp of the con-

tents of the Catholic faith as it relates to a topic that they have found meaningful, and which has relevance

for an inculturated theology.

The synthesis is normally five to ten pages in length, excluding bibliography. It is prepared in consulta-

tion with the student’s mentor. The synthesis should be submitted to the mentor at least two weeks before

the comprehensive examination.

Five (5) working days before the examination, five typed copies of the synthesis, approved by the mentor,

should be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Forms for assigning the mentor and for obtaining approval of the synthesis may be obtained from the LST Secretary.

In case of failure in the dogma comprehensive exam, only one retake is allowed. Passing the retake exam

raises the mark only up to a passing grade of 3.0 or B-.

A second failure automatically disqualifies the student from the program.

4.1.8 Final Grade

The final grade for the STB program is computed in the following way: fifty percent (50%) for the com-prehensive examination and fifty percent (50%) for the weighted average of the STB course work. Only

those who took the honors comprehensive examination may qualify for academic honors.

4.2 Licentiate in Sacred Theology

4.2.1 Acceptance to the STL Program

12 The principal theological disciplines (Scripture, Fundamental Theology, Systematic-Historical Theology, Moral

and Spiritual Theology, Pastoral Theology, Liturgy, Church History, and Canon Law) are given the weight of 3

points. Other pastoral courses are given 2 points; and electives receive 1 point.

29

Applicants to the STL program are accepted to the program by the Vice President for Academic Affairs

upon the recommendation of the Standards and Degrees Committee which evaluates the applicants on the basis of their academic records, entrance test results, the major research paper, essays, bio-data, etc. They

should be able to offer some proof of their capacity to write a tesina (e.g., a research paper they have writ-

ten in their seminary course, etc.). On the recommendation of the committee, some students may be re-

quired to take theology and/or English propaedeutic courses as a condition for their acceptance to the pro-gram.

STB Graduates from the Loyola School of Theology: STB graduates from the Loyola School of Theology with a weighted average of B+ or 2.0 are admitted automatically into the STL program,

the second cycle of theology.

Seminary Graduates without an STB: Graduates with an average of B+ or 2.0 in the normal four-

year theology course from a school of theology that does not give ecclesiastical degrees can be ad-

mitted into the STL program.

Graduates from Other Schools of Theology without an STB: Students finishing three years of

theology in a school that does not offer ecclesiastical degrees have to do one more year at LST to

complete the first cycle requirements in preparation for admission to the STL program.


The purposes of the STL program are: {a} In general, to prepare research scholars, teachers, and profes-

sional practitioners in their field and to provide the necessary formation and grounding for the doctorate

in theology; {b} in particular, to deepen and enlarge the knowledge of the students in a field of specializa-

tion; {c} to initiate them into the methods of scientific theological and pastoral research.

Upon admission to the licentiate program, the student must choose his/her area of concentration from any

of the following:

Biblical Theology

Systematic Theology

Moral Theology Spirituality and Pastoral Psychology

Spirituality and Leadership

Migration Theology

Students admitted to the STL in Spirituality and Leadership program also participate in the East Asian

Pastoral Institute’s Pastoral Leadership and Management for Mission Program (PLMM) as residential (live-in) students.

4.2.3 Language Requirements

The STL program requires a working knowledge of three languages: one modern language, besides Eng-

lish, in which significant theological writing has been done (e.g., German, French, Spanish or Italian), one

Biblical language, and Ecclesiastical Latin. The requirements may be satisfied either by {a} taking lan-guage courses of two semesters each language in any university/college, provided that at least a grade of

B is attained; or by {b} passing a proficiency test administered by LST in any or all of these languages.

The test, lasting for 30 minutes, consists in translation of a page of Biblical Hebrew, Biblical Greek, Ec-clesiastical Latin, or any of the modern languages with the aid of a dictionary. The language requirements

must be fulfilled before writing the tesina.

30

Students specializing in Spirituality and Pastoral Psychology, Spirituality and Leadership, and Migration Theology may take at least one modern language and at least one ancient language as long as they com-

plete all three language requirements.

4.2.4 Course Work

The program requires at least three semesters of course work in which the student must successfully com-

plete eleven (11) licentiate-level courses – a total of 33 credit units.

Concentration (21 units): Seven courses or seminars are drawn from the student’s field of concentration.

The following are required courses in the various fields of specialization:

Biblical Theology Biblical Hermeneutics and Research Methods

Spirituality and Pastoral

Psychology

Pastoral Psychology and Counseling

Spirituality and Leadership Leadership, A Pastoral Approach

Leadership in Context Leadership Ethics for Pastoral Care

Leadership for Mission

Management: A Pastoral Approach Management Skills for Pastoral Leaders

Apostolic Spirituality or Discernment and Spiritual

Direction

Migration Theology The Bible and People of God on the Move Introducing Theologies of Migration

Ecclesiology and Ministries in Migration Context

Migration in Catholic Social Teaching Justice and Migration

Human Rights of Migrants

Management of Pastoral Programs in Migration

Reading Courses: Two of the seven concentration courses must be reading courses specifically geared

toward the topic of the student’s tesina. At the end of each reading course, the student must submit a writ-

ten report in the form of a Review of Literature, i.e., a survey and evaluation of books and articles dealing with a specific research topic. The review must cover all the books and articles assigned by the professor

as well as other readings that the student may have discovered for himself/herself in the course of the re-

search. The reading course includes pre-arranged meetings with the professor to discuss the reading mate-

rials.

Before enrolling in the reading courses, they must first be approved by the Vice President for Academic

Affairs. A clear distinction should be made between reading courses and tutorial courses. Reading courses are tailor-made to suit the specific topic of the student’s tesina. Tutorial courses may also involve reading

assignments on a course bibliography, but the readings may not necessarily deal with the topic of the stu-

dent’s tesina.

Electives (12 units): Four courses are electives chosen from outside the field of concentration.

4.2.5 Comprehensive Examination

31

After successfully completing the STL course work, the student must pass an oral comprehensive exa-

mination.

With the help of a professor who will serve as mentor, the student prepares six (6) general thesis state-

ments from courses in his/her field of concentration, each thesis supported by a short, pertinent bibliog-

raphy. When his/her theses have been judged to be satisfactory by the professor, these are submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for his approval. The thesis statements are then submitted to the

examiners, and the student is given at least one month to prepare for the examination.

On a date set by the school, the student takes the oral examination before a panel of three professors, one

of whom is the mentor. Each professor is given 15 minutes to examine the candidate.

In case of failure, a student is allowed to retake the exam only once. Passing the retake exam raises the

mark only up to the passing grade of 2.5. A student who fails the retake exam is automatically dropped

from the program.

4.2.6 Tesina

The STL program requires the writing and successful defense of a tesina. Students who are ready to begin work on the tesina must register for Thesis Direction and obtain a copy of the guidelines for writing a

tesina from the LST Academic Office.

Nature of the STL Tesina: The tesina grows out of the work of the seminars and reading courses and

presents the principal work of the program. It is not necessary that the tesina make an original contribu-

tion to theology. However, on the level of method, it should show a sound grasp of theological method,

rigorous application, and precision of expression – in short, an aptitude for scientific theological research. It should have the quality of a research article in a scientific theological publication. The tesina is pre-

pared under the direction of a mentor appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The STL Tesina and the MA Thesis: The Licentiate tesina can fulfill the requirements of the MA thesis.

On the other hand, an MA thesis should be upgraded in order to fulfill STL tesina requirements. The MA

ministry project, as long as it exhibits a grasp theological method expected of a tesina, can also fulfill

STL requirements.

STL Tesina Proposal Defense: Under the guidance of the mentor appointed by the Vice President for

Academic Affairs,13

the student writes a tesina proposal. The proposal, which can serve as the first chap-ter of the tesina, should present and discuss the following: [1] The Problem of the Tesina; [2] Scope and

Limitations; [3] The Significance of the Problem; [4] Methodology; [5] Definition of Key Terms; and [6]

Basic Bibliography.

The proposal (excluding bibliography) should normally not exceed 10 pages and should follow the LST

Style Manual (based on Turabian, 6th edition).

13 With the help of the Director of Advanced Graduate Students, the student may look for his/her tesina mentor from

among the LST professors with a licentiate or a doctorate degree in theology or ministry who are competent on the

topic of his/her research. In case a mentor cannot be sought from the LST faculty, the student may also consider an

extern professor to be his/her mentor. The tesina mentor must be approved and appointed officially by the Vice

President for Academic Affairs.

32

Once approved by the mentor, five (5) copies of the tesina proposal are submitted to the Vice President

for Academic Affairs who appoints a panel of two professors plus the mentor to examine the proposal. On a date specified by the school, the student defends his proposal orally before the panel.

The defense consists in [1] a clear presentation (for about 15 minutes) of the written proposal by the writ-

er, covering the tesina’s basic problem or theme, its scope and limitation, its importance, and the basic sources (bibliography) and methods to be used; [2] each professor reviews the proposal with the writer

through questions, suggestions, etc., usually for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, depending upon the particu-

lar needs of the proposal.

The professors may offer brief written recommendations, analyses, suggestions, etc. to the writer, copies

of which are also given to the mentor and the Office of the VPAA.

STL Tesina Writing: After the proposal has been approved by the panel, the student may now proceed to

writing the tesina chapter by chapter. All throughout the writing of the thesis, the student must seek the

guidance of his/her mentor. Each chapter must be approved by the mentor one at a time. The STL tesina should be between 80 to 150 pages in length (excluding Bibliography).

STL Tesina Public Defense: After the mentor has formally certified the tesina ready for public defense, a second reader is assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs

14. Ideally, the second reader is

chosen from among the panel of the tesina proposal defense.

It is the task of the second reader to ascertain that the tesina is ready for defense. He/she has the right to

order any changes in the tesina he/she considers necessary for it to be truly ready for defense. He/she has

the right to declare the tesina not ready for defense and send it back to the student and mentor for further

work.

No tesina can be submitted to the other examiners and be scheduled for defense before the second reader

has approved it. In case of an irreconcilable difference of opinion between the second reader and mentor, an independent panel appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs will decide the issue.

After the second reader declares the tesina ready for defense and after all his/her suggested corrections or

changes have been made, five (5) copies of the tesina are submitted to the LST Academic Office. They will then be submitted to the panel of three examiners composed of one professor, the second reader and

the mentor. A date for the defense is then scheduled.

14 The tesina must be submitted on time within the cut-off dates clearly marked in the school’s academic calendar in

order for the student to defend his/her tesina within the current semester. [1] Five Weeks for the Second Reader:

For a tesina of normal length, i.e. between 80 and 150 pages, the second reader will finish his review of the tesina

within five weeks. If the second reader cannot do it within this time frame, he or she should inform the office to

negotiate for more time or decline the task. [2] Three Weeks for the Other Readers: The defense will normally be

scheduled in the third week respectively after the copies of the tesina have reached the other readers. The other

readers who make up the panel of professors for the defense normally have three weeks for a licentiate thesis. If they cannot do it within that time, they should either refuse the task or negotiate for more time. [4] Exceptions to

the normal time flow: For a tesina that exceeds the normal length, an extra week will be granted the second reader

and the other readers for every 50 pages in excess. A tesina on a topic requiring special readers from other institu-

tions may take more time due to the time constraints of the required experts. There may still be other exceptions to

the normal time flow.

33

For a tesina of ordinary length, five (5) weeks must be allowed for the second reader to finish his task of

reviewing the tesina. Three (3) weeks should also be allowed for the other readers to prepare for the de-fense of the tesina.

Upon submission of the copies for final defense, the following fees should be settled with the LST Cash-

ier: Theo Def 400 – STL Tesina Defense, Style Reader and Courier fee.

Seventy (70) percent of the grade given for the tesina is based on the written work and thirty (30) percent

on the oral defense. After successfully defending the tesina, the student must submit to the school two (2) unbound copies of the corrected and approved final edition of the tesina. The student should accomplish

the LST Form, “Application for Graduating STL and STD Student Clearance” and settle following with

the LST Cashier: Graduation Fee, Alumni Fee, Ecclesiastical Diploma and Original Ecclesiastical Tran-script of Records.

4.2.7 Final Grade

The final grade for the STL program is computed in the following way: forty percent (40%) for course

work, thirty percent (30%) for the final comprehensive examination and thirty percent (30%) for the tesi-

na.

4.3 Doctorate in Sacred Theology

4.3.1 Acceptance to the STD Program

Provisional Acceptance: Applicants to the STD program are accepted provisionally by the Vice Presi-

dent for Academic Affairs upon the recommendation of the Standards and Degrees Committee. The crite-ria for the provisional acceptance are the grades, the entrance test results, the licentiate tesina, essay, etc.

In addition to the academic records, the committee considers the following priorities: full-time enroll-

ment, knowledge of languages, and involvement in ministry.

Definitive Acceptance: Full acceptance to the doctoral program is decided by the Vice President for Ac-

ademic Affairs in consultation with the Standards and Degrees Committee only after the students have

satisfactorily completed nine (9) units of course work. The bases of definitive acceptance are the grades, the professors’ evaluations, and at least one major research paper written in the doctoral course work.

Without definitive acceptance to the program, the doctoral students will not be allowed to enroll beyond the 9 units of course work.


The scope and purpose of the doctorate in sacred theology is {a} to form competent scholars who are ex-

perts in their own theological disciplines, prepared to “deepen in the knowledge of Christian revelation . .

. enunciate systematically the truths contained therein, consider in the light of the revelation the most re-cent progress of the sciences, and present them to the people of the present day in a manner adapted to

various cultures,”15

especially in the context of the Philippines and Asia; {b} to equip candidates with the

knowledge and expertise to collaborate with the hierarchy of the Philippines and Asia;16

{c} finally, to

15 Sapientia christiana, I. Art. 3, #1.


34

equip men and women who can train students to a level of high qualification in their own disciplines ac-

cording to Catholic doctrine.17

In the doctoral program, the student normally pursues the same specialization as the one he/she has cho-

sen for the licentiate program. The following fields of concentration are available in the STD program:

Biblical Theology

Systematic Theology

Moral Theology Spirituality and Pastoral Psychology

4.3.3 Academic Prerequisite

Students seeking admission to this program must have the ecclesiastical degree Licentiate in Sacred The-

ology (STL) with a grade of cum laude (1.75) or better.


The STD program requires a working knowledge of two modern languages, besides English, in which significant theological writing has been done (e.g., German, French, Spanish or Italian), Biblical Hebrew

or Greek, and Ecclesiastical Latin.

All these language requirements must be fulfilled before writing the dissertation. The requirements may

be satisfied either by {a} taking language courses of two semesters each language in any universi-

ty/college, provided that at least a grade of B is attained; or by {b} passing a proficiency test administered

by LST in any or all of these languages. The test, lasting for 30 minutes, consists in translation of a page of Biblical Hebrew, Biblical Greek, Ecclesiastical Latin, or any of the modern languages, with the aid of a

dictionary. Adjustments pertaining to the language requirements can be arranged with the Vice President

for Academic Affairs.

4.3.5 Course Work

The STD program requires at least a year of course work in which the student must complete successfully five doctoral level courses – a total of 15 credit units.

Concentration (15 units): The five doctoral level courses must all belong to the student’s field of con-centration.

Reading Courses: Two of the five concentration courses must be reading courses specifically geared to-ward the topic of the student’s dissertation. At the end of each reading course, the student must submit a

written report in the form of a Review of Literature, i.e., a survey and evaluation of books and articles

dealing with a specific research topic. The review must cover all the books and articles assigned by the

professor as well as other readings that the student may have discovered for himself/herself in the course of the research. The reading course includes pre-arranged meetings with the professor to discuss the read-

ing materials.

Before enrolling in the reading courses, they must first be approved by the Vice President for Academic

Affairs. A clear distinction should be made between reading courses and tutorial courses. Reading courses


35

are tailor-made to suit the specific topic of the student’s dissertation. Tutorial courses may also involve

reading assignments on a course bibliography, but the readings may not necessarily deal with the topic of the student’s dissertation.

Probation Period: Before successfully completing nine (9) units of course work, the doctoral student is

on academic probation status. He/she cannot enroll beyond the nine units until he has been approved for definitive acceptance to the doctoral program by the Vice President for Academic Affairs upon the rec-

ommendation of the Standards and Degrees Committee.

Major Research Paper: During the probation period, in one of first three courses,

18 the student must

write at least one major research paper on the basis of which his/her capacity to write a dissertation can be

judged by the Standard and Degrees Committee. The paper should conform to the following specifica-tions:

It must be between 30-40 pages in length.

It must be formatted according to LST Style Manual based on Turabian, 6th edition.

It must include footnotes and at least two full-page bibliographies listing only the titles of books and

articles that have actually been cited in the paper.

It must have received a grade of at least B+ (2.0)

The sources of quotations and borrowed ideas must be fully acknowledged in the footnotes. Failure to do

so is tantamount to plagiarism, which is penalized with a failing grade in the course and an appropriate sanction according to the provisions of LST’s Code of Discipline.

Definitive Acceptance: The bases for definitive acceptance are the grades, the professors’ evaluations,

and at least one major research paper written in the doctoral course work. Without definitive acceptance to the STD program, the doctoral student will not be allowed to enroll beyond the 9 units of course work.


After the completion of all course work, the student takes the comprehensive examination. The matter of

the comprehensive examination arises out of the student’s course work in the field of concentration. The

process is as follows:


ments from courses in his/her field of concentration, each thesis supported by a short, pertinent bibliog-raphy. When his/her theses have been judged to be satisfactory by the professor, these are submitted to

the Vice President for Academic Affairs for his approval. The thesis statements are then submitted to the

examiners, and the student is given at least one month to prepare for the examination.

Twenty-four (24) hours before the examination proper, the student is informed which particular thesis

he/she will have to present and defend. The examination board is composed of three professors. The stu-

dent presents the thesis for thirty (30) minutes. Presentation, however, should not be reading a prepared paper, but actually teaching the matter as if the examinee were before a class of students. He/she should

teach the matter clearly and in a well-ordered way within the allotted time frame of thirty (30) minutes.



write a major research paper. {b} Before embarking on the research the student must have the topic of the paper


36

Each of the three professors questions the student for fifteen (15) minutes. The entire examination lasts one hour and fifteen minutes.


mark only up to the passing grade of 2.5. A student who fails the retake exam is automatically dropped from the program.

4.3.7 Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is expected to manifest the student’s firm grasp of theological method and criti-

cism and his/her ability to control and marshal pertinent data around some original specialized topic. The dissertation must make an original contribution to the field of concentration.

The dissertation should be between 180 and 220 pages in length with an upper limit of 250 pages.

STD Dissertation Proposal: Guided by a mentor officially appointed by the Vice President for Academ-

ic Affairs,19

the student prepares a brief of the first chapter of the proposed dissertation including the fol-

lowing: [1] The Problem of the Dissertation; [2] Scope and Limitations; [3] The Significance of the Prob-lem; [4] Methodology; [5] Definition of Key Terms; and [6] Basic Bibliography.

The proposal (minus bibliography) should normally not exceed 10 pages and should follow the LST Style Manual based on Turabian, 6

th edition.

Once approved by the mentor, five (5) copies of the dissertation proposal are submitted to the Vice Presi-

dent for Academic Affairs who appoints a panel of two professors plus the mentor to examine the pro-posal. On a date specified by the school, the student defends his proposal before the panel.

The oral defense consists in [1] a clear presentation (for about 15 minutes) of the written proposal by the writer, covering the basic problem or theme of the dissertation, its scope and limitation, its importance,

and the basic sources (bibliography) and methods to be used; [2] each professor reviews the proposal with

the writer through questions, suggestions, etc., usually for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, depending upon

the particular needs of the proposal.


of which are also given to the mentor and the VPAA’s Office.

STD Dissertation Writing: After the proposal has been approved by the panel, the student may now pro-

ceed to writing the dissertation chapter by chapter, following the LST Style Manual (based on Turabian, 6

th edition). All throughout the writing of the dissertation, the student must seek the guidance of his/her

mentor. Each chapter must be approved by the mentor one at a time.

19 With the help of the Director of Advanced Graduate Students, the student may look for his/her dissertation mentor

from among the LST professors with a doctoral degree in theology or ministry who are competent on the topic of

his/her research. In case a mentor cannot be found among the LST faculty, the student may consider an extern pro-

fessor to be his/her mentor. The dissertation mentor must be approved and appointed officially by the Vice Presi-

dent for Academic Affairs.

37

STD Dissertation Public Defense: When the whole dissertation is finished and meets the approval of the

mentor, it is submitted to the school.20

The Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints a second reader, who, ideally, should come from the panel that examined the dissertation proposal. It is the task of the sec-

ond reader to ascertain that the dissertation is ready for public defense. He/she has the right to order any

changes in the dissertation that he considers necessary for it to be truly ready for defense. In case of an

irreconcilable difference of opinion between the second reader and mentor, an independent panel appoint-ed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs will decide the issue.

After the second reader declares the dissertation ready for defense and after all his/her suggested correc-tions or changes have been made, five (5) copies of the dissertation are submitted to the LST Academic

Office. They will then be submitted to the panel of four (4) examiners composed of two professors, the

second reader and the mentor. A date for the defense is then scheduled.


ier: Theo Def 400 –STD Dissertation Defense, Style Reader and Courier fee.

Seventy percent (70%) of the grade given for the dissertation is based on the written work and thirty per-

cent (30%) on the oral defense. After successfully defending the dissertation, the student must submit to

the school two unbound copies of the corrected and approved final edition of the dissertation. The student should accomplish the LST Form, “Application for Graduating STL and STD Student Clearance” and

settle the following with the LST Cashier: Graduation Fee, Alumni Fee, Ecclesiastical Diploma and Orig-

inal Ecclesiastical Transcript of Records.

4.3.8 Publication Requirement

As a prerequisite for graduation, the doctoral program requires the publication of at least the main parts of the dissertation.

21 The mentor, the second reader, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs must ap-

prove which parts may be published. Fifty (50) copies are submitted to the LST Secretary who will fur-

nish the requirements of the publication.

4.3.9 Final Grade

The final grade for the STD program is computed in the following way: forty percent (40%) for course work, thirty percent (30%) for the final comprehensive examination and thirty percent (30%) for the dis-

sertation.

20 The dissertation must be submitted on time within the cut-off dates clearly marked in the school’s academic cal-

endar in order for the student to defend his/her thesis within the current semester. [1] Five Weeks for the Second

Reader: For a dissertation of normal length, i.e. between 180 and 220 pages, the second reader will finish his re-

view of the dissertation within five weeks. If the second reader cannot do it within this time frame, he or she

should inform the office to negotiate for more time or decline the task. [2] Three Weeks for the Other Readers:

The defense will normally be scheduled in the third week respectively after the copies of the dissertation have

reached the other readers. The other readers who make up the panel of professors for the defense normally have

three weeks for a doctorate thesis. If they cannot do it within that time, they should either refuse the task or negoti-ate for more time. [4] Exceptions to the normal time flow: For a dissertation that exceeds the normal length, an ex-

tra week will be granted the second reader and the other readers for every 50 pages in excess. A dissertation on a

topic requiring special readers from other institutions may take more time due to the time constraints of the re-

quired experts. There may still be other exceptions to the normal time flow.

21 Sapientia christiana, VII, Art. 49, #3.

38

5. CIVIL DEGREE PROGRAMS

5.1 MA major in Pastoral Ministry

5.1.1 Acceptance to the MA-PAM Program

Applicants to the MA major in Pastoral Ministry program are accepted to the program by the LST Vice

President for Academic Affairs upon the recommendation of the Admissions Committee which evaluates

the applicants on the basis of their academic records, entrance test results, essays, bio-data, etc. On the recommendation of the committee, some students may be required to take theology and/or English pro-

paedeutic courses as a condition for their acceptance to the program.


The MA major in Pastoral Ministry (MA-PAM) program serves the following purposes: to help priests,

pastors, spiritual and retreat directors, pastoral counselors, catechetical coordinators, social action leaders, and various ministerial workers to acquire the knowledge and skills requisite for effective work in their

chosen field of service.

Rather than concentrating on a sharply and narrowly focused degree, this program offers a variety of

courses, electives and practicum-seminars that directly touch the work of pastoral workers and educators.

This program requires no thesis writing.

The professional degree program has the following areas of specialization:

Family Ministry and Counseling Spirituality and Retreat Direction

Pastoral Management

Pastoral Ministry, with further concentration on any of the following: o Biblical Theology

o Systematic and Sacramental Theology

o Moral Theology

o Pastoral Theology

The following areas of specialization are jointly run by LST with the following institutions: Family Min-

istry and Counseling with the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM), Spirituality and Retreat Direction with the Center for Ignatian Spirituality (CIS) and Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation, and

Pastoral Management with the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI). Students admitted to the MA-PAM

Pastoral Management program also participate in EAPI’s Pastoral Leadership and Management for Mis-sion Program (PLMM) as residential (live-in) students.


To get accepted to the MA major in Pastoral Ministry program, applicants must have a government-

recognized (civil) bachelor’s degree with at least 12 units of undergraduate (college) theology courses.

Moreover, they must have attained at least a general undergraduate average of B (2.5 or 85) with no grade of “failure” or “condition”.

5.1.4 Course Work

39

This program requires at least four semesters of course work in which the student must complete success-

fully fifteen (15) master’s level courses. The fifteen courses must belong to the following categories:

Foundation Courses (15 units): The five core courses: [1] Revelation-Faith (3 units); [2] Christology (3

units); [3] Ecclesiology (3 units); [4] Fundamental Moral Theology (3 units); and [5] Christian Worship

(3 units).

Professional Courses (15 units): Five courses or seminars in the student’s area of specialization or con-

centration.

The following are basic courses in the various areas of concentration:

New Testament Biblical Theology Biblical Hermeneutics and Research Methods Synoptic Gospels

John

Paul

Old Testament Biblical Theology Biblical Hermeneutics and Research Methods

Pentateuch

Prophets of Israel

Wisdom Literature and Psalms

Systematic Theology Scripture, Tradition, Magisterium

Theological Anthropology I: Creation

and Eschatology Theological Anthropology II: Sin and Grace

Soteriology and Mariology

God One and Triune

Sacramental Theology Sacraments of the Church Sacraments of Vocation

Holy Eucharist

Moral Theology Special Moral Theology I: Medical/Sexual Ethics

Special Moral Theology II: Christian Social Ethics

Family Ministry and Counseling Pastoral Psychology and Counseling

Marital/Premarital Dynamics and Counseling:

A Psychospiritual Approach Family Dynamics and Counseling Approaches

Assessment and Initial Intervention of Individual

and Relationship Disorders

Family Spirituality and Sexual Ethics Marital and Family Counseling Practicum

Family Spirituality Practicum

For the MA-PAM Pastoral Management program, the five professional or concentration courses are mod-

ules offered by EAPI in its Pastoral Leadership and Management for Mission Program (PLMM):

Church and Mission Conflict and Parish Management Consulting

Introduction to Pastoral Methods Responsible Financial Management and

Fund Raising

Essentials of Parish Leadership

40

For the MA-PAM Spirituality and Retreat Direction program, the modular courses of the Center for Igna-

tian Spirituality (CIS) and Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation, if duly registered for MA credit in LST, can count as professional courses.

Electives (15 units): Five electives courses chosen from outside the student’s area of concentration.

Courses in excess of the minimum requirements under Professional Courses may count as electives.

The MA-PAM Family Ministry and Counseling program requires that the professional courses be taken

in their proper sequence, and that two of the five elective courses must be practicum courses in the area of family ministry and counseling.

The five elective courses in the MA-PAM Pastoral Management program are modules offered by EAPI in its PLMM Program:

Christian Morality and Moral Education Parish Leadership Spirituality

The Spirituality of Consecrated Life Designing Parish Leadership Programs

Basic Themes in the Social Teaching of the Church

Other courses from outside the student’s area of concentration may be taken at LST. After completing his/her course work, the student prepares and submits a Capstone Project or Integrating Paper.


After completing his/her course work, the student must pass a two-part comprehensive examination. The

student must be registered with the Ateneo de Manila University to take the comprehensive examination.

One cannot register for comprehensive examination while still on course work or still have an incomplete grade (INC) in his/her course work.

The comprehensive examinations are scheduled once each semester and in the intersession. Students who cannot take the comprehensive examination during the regular schedule must wait until the next examina-

tion period. Those who cannot complete the two parts of the examination at the schedule must repeat the

entire comprehensive at the next examination period.

The two-part examination is given on two successive weeks. Part I, which is an oral examination

22 before

a panel of three examiners, covers the foundation courses (Revelation-Faith; Christology; Ecclesiology;

Fundamental Moral Theology; and Christian Worship).

The student will be examined on a set of twelve (12) thesis statements covering the five (5) foundation

courses. Questions from the panel of professors will deal with both theological content and pasto-ral/practical application. Two (2) working days before the scheduled oral exam, the student will be in-

formed of the composition of the panel of professors. At the oral exam itself, each of the three (3) profes-

sors will have fifteen (15) minutes to ask questions, for a maximum of forty-five (45) minutes of exami-

nation. Each professor will give his/her mark for the student’s overall performance.

Part II, a written examination usually held on the succeeding Saturday, covers the courses the student has

taken in his/her area of concentration.

22 FASRA#95, 8 March 2012.

41

The two parts of the exams are graded separately. In case of failure, a student is allowed to retake the ex-

am only once. Passing the retake exam raises the mark only up to the passing grade of B or 2.5. A student who fails the retake exam is automatically dropped from the program. In retake comprehensive examina-

tions, only the parts failed need to be repeated.

An MA Synthesis course is offered every semester which serves as a review course for Part I of the exam-ination and as a general orientation for students taking the comprehensive examination. The review matter

for the comprehensive examination is distributed on a designated date after the opening of classes on the

semester of the examination.

The STB dogma comprehensive examination may serve as the MA comprehensive examination for stu-

dents taking both STB and MA-PAM programs simultaneously. In this case, the student must be regis-tered with both LST and the Ateneo to be able to take the comprehensive exam.

5.2 MA major in Theological Studies

5.2.1 Acceptance to the MA-TH STUD Program

Applicants to the MA major in Theological Studies program are accepted provisionally by the LST Vice President for Academic Affairs upon the recommendation of the Admissions Committee which evaluates

the applicants on the basis of their academic records, entrance test results, essays, bio-data, etc. On the

recommendation of the committee, some students may be required to take theology and/or English pro-paedeutic courses as a condition for their acceptance to the program.


The MA major in Theological Studies (MA-TH STUD) program has the following purposes: {a} to pre-

pare teachers for college-level theology in the Philippines; {b} to present a sound and serious grounding

in the basic theological disciplines (biblical studies, systematic-historical, and moral-pastoral theology) relating to both the Christian tradition and to the contemporary life of the Christian community; {c} to

foster a capacity for disciplined reflection and effective communication, principally on the college level.

Upon admission into the program, the student may choose his/her area of concentration from any of the following:

Biblical Theology Systematic and Sacramental Theology

Moral Theology

Pastoral Theology


To get accepted to the MA major in Theological Studies program, applicants must have a government-recognized (civil) bachelor’s degree with at least 12 units of undergraduate (college) theology courses.

Moreover, they must have attained at least a general undergraduate average of B (2.5 or 85) with no grade

of “failure” or “condition”.

5.2.4 Course Work

This program requires at least three semesters of course work in which the student must complete suc-

cessfully 10 master’s level courses belonging to the following categories:

42

Foundation Courses (15 units): The five core courses are: [1] Revelation-Faith (3 units); [2] Christology (3 units); [3] Ecclesiology (3 units); [4] Fundamental Moral Theology (3 units); and [5] Christian Wor-

ship (3 units).

Concentration (9 units): Three courses or seminars in the student’s area of concentration.

The following are basic courses in the various areas of concentration:

New Testament Biblical Theology Biblical Hermeneutics and Research Methods

Synoptic Gospels

John

Paul

Old Testament Biblical Theology Biblical Hermeneutics and Research Methods

Pentateuch

Prophets Wisdom Literature

Psalms

Systematic Theology Scripture, Tradition, Magisterium

Theological Anthropology I: Creation and Eschatology

Theological Anthropology II: Sin and Grace

Soteriology and Mariology

Sacramental Theology Sacraments of the Church Sacraments of Vocation

Holy Eucharist

Moral Theology Special Moral Theology I: Medical/Sexual Ethics Special Moral Theology II: Christian Social Ethics

Electives (6 units): Two electives courses chosen from outside the student’s area of concentration.

Courses in excess of the minimum requirements under Concentration may count as electives.

Probation Period: Before successfully completing eighteen (18) units of course work, the student is on

academic probation status. He/she cannot enroll beyond the eighteen units until he/she has been approved for definitive acceptance to the MA-TH STUD program by the Vice President for Academic Affairs upon

the recommendation of the Admissions Committee. The bases for the definitive acceptance are the grades,

the professors’ evaluations, proficiency in English, and at least one major research paper written in the

MA-TH STUD course work.23

Students who are not approved for definitive acceptance are automatically dropped from the MA-TH STUD program. However, they may shift to the non-thesis MA program.

Major Research Paper: The paper should conform to the following specifications: [1] it must be be-tween 15-30 pages in length; [2] it must be formatted according to LST Style Manual based on Turabian,

6th edition]; [3] it must include footnotes and at least one full-page bibliography listing only the titles of

books and articles that have actually been cited in the paper; [4] it must have received a grade of at least B (2.5).





43

The sources of quotations and borrowed ideas must be fully acknowledged in the footnotes. Failure to do so is tantamount to plagiarism, which is penalized with a failing grade in the course and an appropriate

sanction according to the provisions of LST’s Code of Discipline.


After completing his/her course work, the student must pass a written comprehensive examination. The

student must be registered with the Ateneo de Manila University to take the comprehensive examination. One cannot register for comprehensive examination while still on course work or still have an incomplete

grade (INC) in his/her course work.

The comprehensive examinations are scheduled once each semester and in the intersession. Students who

cannot take the comprehensive examination during the regular schedule must wait until the next examina-

tion period. Those who cannot complete the two parts of the examination at the schedule must repeat the

entire comprehensive at the next examination period.

An MA Synthesis course is offered every semester which serves as a review course for Part I of the exam-

ination and as a general orientation for students taking the comprehensive examination. The review matter for the comprehensive examination is distributed on a designated date after the opening of classes on the

semester of the examination.

The two-part examination is given on two successive weeks: Part I, which is an oral examination

24 before

a panel of three examiners, covers the foundation courses (Revelation-Faith; Christology; Ecclesiology;

Fundamental Moral Theology; and Christian Worship); and Part II, a written examination usually held on

the succeeding Saturday, covers the courses the student has taken in his/her area of concentration.

The two parts of the exams are graded separately. The passing grade for the comprehensive examination

is 2.5 (B). In case of failure, only one retake is allowed. Students who fail the retake are dropped from the program. In retake comprehensive examinations, students need to repeat only the parts failed.

The two parts of the exams are graded separately. In case of failure, a student is allowed to retake the ex-

am only once. Passing the retake exam raises the mark only up to the passing grade of B or 2.5. A student who fails the retake exam is automatically dropped from the program. In retake comprehensive examina-

tions, only the parts failed need to be repeated.

The STB dogma comprehensive examination may serve as the MA comprehensive examination for stu-

dents taking both STB and MA-TH STUD programs simultaneously. In this case, the student must be reg-

istered with both LST and the Ateneo to be able to take the comprehensive exam.

5.2.6 Research Thesis

The MA-TH STUD program requires a research thesis or its equivalent. The student must enroll for The-sis Direction every semester, for as long as he/she is engaged in thesis writing, until the semester the the-

sis will be defended.

MA-TH STUD Thesis Proposal: Under the guidance of a mentor appointed by the Vice President for

24 FASRA#95, 8 March 2012.

44

Academic Affairs,25

the student writes a thesis proposal. The proposal, which can serve as the first chapter

of the thesis, should present and discuss the following: [1] The Problem of the Thesis; [2] Scope and Lim-itations; [3] The Significance of the Problem; [4] Methodology; [5] Definition of Key Terms; and [6]

Basic Bibliography.

The proposal (excluding bibliography) should normally not exceed 10 pages and should follow the LST Style Manual (based on Turabian, 6

th edition).

Once approved by the mentor, five (5) copies of the thesis proposal are submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who appoints a panel of two professors plus the mentor to examine the proposal.

On a date specified by the school the student defends his proposal before the panel.

The oral defense consists in {a} a clear presentation (for about 15 minutes) of the written proposal by the

writer, covering the basic problem or theme of the thesis, its scope and limitation, its importance, and the

basic sources (bibliography) and methods to be used; {b} each professor reviews the proposal with the

writer through questions, suggestions, etc., usually for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, depending upon the particular needs of the proposal.

The professors may offer brief written recommendations, analyses, suggestions, etc. to the writer, copies of which are also given to the mentor and the VPAA’s Office.

MA-TH STUD Thesis Writing: After the proposal has been approved by the panel, the student may now proceed to writing the thesis chapter by chapter. All throughout the writing of the thesis, the student must

seek the guidance of his/her mentor. Each chapter must be approved by the mentor one at a time.

An MA-TH STUD thesis should be between 80 to 150 pages in length (excluding Bibliography). The the-sis must conform to all the requirements of the Graduate School of the Ateneo de Manila University re-

garding form, style, and method of registration.

MA-TH STUD Thesis Public Defense: When the whole thesis is finished and meets the approval of the

mentor, it is submitted to the school.26

The Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints a second reader,

who, ideally, should come from the panel that examined the thesis proposal. It is the task of the second

reader to ascertain that the thesis is ready for public defense. He/she has the right to order any changes in the thesis he considers necessary for it to be truly ready for defense. In case of an irreconcilable difference

25 The student may look for his/her thesis mentor from among the LST professors with at least a master’s or a licen-

tiate degree in theology or ministry who are competent on the topic of his/her research. In case a mentor cannot be

found among the LST faculty, the student may consider an extern professor to be his/her mentor. The thesis men-

tor must be approved and appointed officially by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

26 An MA thesis must be submitted on time within the cut-off dates clearly marked in the school’s academic calen-

dar in order for the student to defend his/her thesis within the current semester. [1] Five Weeks for the Second

Reader: For a thesis of normal length, i.e. an MA thesis of between 80 and 120 pages, the second reader will finish

his review of the thesis within five weeks. If the second reader cannot do it within this timeframe, he or she should

inform the office to negotiate for more time or decline the task. [2] Three Weeks for the Other Readers:The other

readers who make up the panel of professors for the defense normally have three weeks prior to the defense for an MA thesis. If they cannot do it within that time, they should either refuse the task or negotiate up front for more

time. [3] Exceptions to the Above: For a thesis that exceeds the normal length an extra week will be granted the

second reader and the other readers for every 50 pages in excess. A thesis on a topic requiring special readers from

other institutions may take more time due to the time constraints of the required experts. There may still be other

exceptions to the normal time flow.

45

of opinion between the second reader and mentor, an independent panel appointed by the Vice President

for Academic Affairs will decide the issue.

After the second reader declares the thesis ready for defense and after all his/her suggested corrections or

changes have been made, five (5) copies of the thesis are submitted to the LST Academic Office. They

will then be submitted to the panel of three examiners composed of two professor specialists in the field and the second reader. A date for the defense is then scheduled.

The readers assigned for the defense may ask for revisions of the thesis. The student should discuss these revisions with his mentor. In case of disagreement, readers and mentor should reach a suitable accommo-

dation. Impasses may be resolved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the

Standards and Degrees Committee.


ier: Theo Def 200 – MA Thesis Defense, Style Reader and Courier fee.

Seventy percent (70%) of the grade given for the thesis is based on the written work and thirty percent

(30%) on the oral defense. After successfully defending the thesis, the student must submit to the school

four (4) unbound copies of the corrected and approved final edition of the thesis. The student should ac-complish the Ateneo Form, “Application for Graduating MA, MS and PhD Student Clearance” and settle

the following fees at the Ateneo Loyola Schools Cashier: Ateneo Graduation Fee, Ateneo Diploma and

Ateneo Transcript of Records.

5.2.7 Alternatives to the MA-TH STUD Research Thesis

Besides the usual research thesis, the program offers three possible capstone projects as alternatives. With the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, anyone of these may take the place of the re-

search thesis.

{a} Four Major Papers: The first alternative consists of four major papers and two additional 3-unit

courses (to replace the 6 units assigned for thesis research). Each of the four papers must conform to the

LST Style Manual based on Turabian, 6th edition. This alternative is approved principally for those who

desire a broader, less narrowly specialized, technical formation, and who wish to deepen the work of four of their major courses while adding two additional courses. The recommended length of each paper is 15-

30 pages. This alternative does not need a thesis proposal defense.

A minimum grade of A- (or 1.5) for a course paper is necessary for it to be reviewed as a possible MA

major paper. The grade is not a guarantee that the paper will be approved as one of the four major papers.

The course professor, performing his/her function as First Reader, decides whether or not to approve the paper as a major paper. He/she can require further changes and elaboration of the paper until the paper is

approved by him/her for inclusion in a four major paper capstone project.

The student chooses an overall mentor, ideally chosen from among the professors who mentored the four major papers. The overall mentor will also serve as Second Reader of the four major papers. It is his/her

task to ascertain that the papers are ready for public defense. He/she has the right to require any changes

considered to be necessary for them to be truly ready for defense.

46

If the overall mentor-Second Reader is the same professor in whose course a particular paper was written,

the Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints a substitute second reader for that paper. It is his/her task to ascertain that the major paper fulfills the requirements for public defense.

27

Under the guidance of the overall mentor-Second Reader, the student writes a preface to introduce the

four papers and a conclusion to recapitulate the main points of the papers. The overall mentor-Second Reader may still require whatever revisions he/she thinks are necessary before the four major papers can

be submitted for public defense.

The rules and procedures governing the MA thesis defense also apply to the defense of the four major

paper alternative.

{b} Religious Education or Ministry Capstone Project: The second alternative is a religious education

or ministry capstone project which, following the basic format of a thesis, concentrates on the effective

communication of a particular doctrinal, moral, or pastoral response to a definite contextualized problem.

This capstone project substitutes for a research thesis and is approved for those wishing to develop an ap-plied, inculturated theology which responds more directly to the Philippine and Asian scene.

The rules and procedures governing MA thesis proposal, writing, and public defense also apply to the religious education or ministry capstone project.

{c} Translation Capstone Project: The third alternative is the translation into a major Philippine lan-guage of an important Church document or a significant portion of a key theological work, together with a

critical introduction. The choice of language presupposes that the school has the personnel who have

enough theological and linguistic background to handle the project.

The translation work does not need a thesis proposal defense, but all other rules and procedures governing

MA thesis writing and public defense apply to translation work.

5.3 Doctor of Ministry

5.3.1 Acceptance to the DMin Program

Applicants to the DMin program are accepted by the LST Vice President for Academic Affairs upon the

recommendation of the Standards and Degrees Committee. The committee evaluates the applicants on the

basis of their academic records, entrance test results, essays, master’s thesis or its equivalent, etc. In addi-tion to the academic records, the committee considers the following priorities: full-time enrollment,

knowledge of languages, and involvement in ministry.


The Doctor of Ministry is designed for Religious Educators, Catechetical Coordinators, Retreat Directors,

Seminary Formators, Chaplains, Spiritual Directors and Pastoral Counselors. Being a Professional Minis-terial Performance degree program, it is distinct from the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology program

which focuses primarily on academic creative research.

The primary aim of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to provide opportunities for the integration of the

personal, professional, spiritual, and theological capacities and charisms of the minister with the practice

27 FASRA#99, 3 October 2013.

47

of ministry in the Philippines and in the countries of origin of our international students. Specifically, it

aims {a} to develop critical awareness of the ways by which theological reflection and research can both inform, and be informed by the practice of ministry; {b} to sharpen ministerial skills and competencies in

areas of ministry like religious education, spirituality and retreat direction and pastoral counseling; {c} to

develop the capacity to integrate biblical, theological, spiritual, and educational insights, skills, and prac-

tices toward the delivery of faith-based services to Christian communities and organizations.

Upon admission to the program, the doctoral student must choose from any of the following area of con-

centration:

Religious Education

Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care Spirituality and Retreat Direction


Applicants to the Doctor of Ministry program must satisfy the following requirements: hold an MA in

Theological Studies or Pastoral Ministry (or their equivalent titles) or any master’s degree with at least

eighteen (18) graduate units in Theology or Religious Education; follow the basic requirements for appli-cation and acceptance to the civil degree program; submit an 10-page essay presenting the applicant's pro-

fessional history, goals in ministry and area of interest or special concern in the ministry; submit a copy of

their master’s thesis or its equivalent. Those with a non-thesis MA degree must submit a major research paper of 15-30 pages written during MA course work; should currently be doing ministry in the field of

religious education, spiritual direction, retreat direction, seminary formation, or pastoral counseling.

If accepted, graduates of the following MA Programs of the Ateneo de Manila University are admitted directly to the DMin proper:

MA, major in Theological Studies (FIRE Program) MA, major in Religious Education (LST and FIRE Program)

MA, major in Pastoral Ministry: Family Ministry and Counseling

MA, major in Pastoral Ministry: Spirituality and Retreat-Directing

For other MA graduates, bridge courses will be required prior to definitive admission to their respective

DMin specializations.


The DMin program requires a working knowledge of one other language, aside from English, Filipino and one's native language, that would be useful for ministry. The requirements may be satisfied either by

(a) taking language courses of two semesters each language in any university/college, provided that at

least a grade of B is attained; or by (b) passing a proficiency test administered by LST in the language of

choice. The test, lasting for 30 minutes, consists in translation of a page of the language concerned with the aid of a dictionary. The language requirements must be fulfilled before writing the DMin Project.

5.3.5 Course Work

Course requirements include a total of 45 units composed of the following:

Core Courses (9 units): The three core courses: [1] Research Methodology in Ministry (3 units); [2] Eth-

ics in Pastoral Care and Ministry (3 units); [3] Theology of Ministry (3 units).

48

Area of Specialization (15 units): Five courses in the student’s area of concentration.

Graduates of the Formation Institute for Religion Educators (FIRE) of the Ateneo de Manila University

are admitted directly to DMin proper. Non-FIRE graduates are required to take the following MA-level

bridge courses prior to their definitive admission to the DMin in Religious Education Program:

Effective Methodology in Ecclesial

Ministry

Religious Education and Holistic

Approaches to Scripture

Religious Education as Instruction in the Mystery of Faith

Basics in the Renewal of Religious Education

Graduates of the MA in Pastoral Ministry (Family Ministry and Counseling) of the Ateneo de Manila University are admitted directly to DMin proper. For non-MA PM FMC graduates, the following MA-

level bridge courses will be required prior to their definitive admission to the DMin in Pastoral Counsel-

ing and Spiritual Care Program:

Pastoral Psychology and Counseling Family Dynamics and Counseling

Approaches

Family Spirituality and Sexual Ethics Marital/Family Counseling Practicum

Assessment and Initial Intervention of Individual and Relationship Disorders

Family Spirituality Practicum.

Marital/Premarital Dynamics and

Counseling: A Psycho-Spiritual Approach

Graduates of the MA in Pastoral Ministry (Spirituality and Retreat Direction) of the Ateneo de Manila

University are admitted directly to DMin proper. For non-MA PM SRD graduates, the following MA-

level bridge courses will be required prior to their definitive admission to the DMin in Spirituality and Retreat Direction Program:

Foundations for Directed Retreat Supervised Retreat-Giving Experience

Fundamentals of Directed Retreat-Giving Giving the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

Elective (3 units): One elective course chosen from outside the student’s area of concentration. A subject

in excess of the minimum requirements under the area of concentration above may count as an elective. With the permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the student may cross-enroll at the De-

partments of Sociology-Anthropology, Education and Psychology.

Apprenticeship Courses (6 units): [1] Apprenticeship for Ministry I; [2] Apprenticeship for Ministry II.

The student enrolls in two (2) apprenticeship courses28

under the guidance of an expert in a field of minis-try. Each course includes 40 hours of apprenticeship in a more specific area of (a) Religious Education

(textbook writing, designing catechetical programs, actual teaching, catechists’ training, etc.); (b) Pastoral

Counseling and Spiritual Care (e.g. assistance in teaching, weekend growth formation programs, etc.);

and (c) Spirituality and Retreat Direction (spiritual direction, retreat-giving, lectures, etc.).

28 Each 3-unit apprenticeship course entails 2.5 hours of apprenticeship each week for 16 weeks.

49

For those specializing in Religious Education, the apprenticeship program can focus on the following top-

ics: Education Methodology, Principles of Adult Religious Education and Pastoral Planning and Evaluat-ing.

For those specializing in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care, each course includes 75 hours of face-to-

face counseling in designated counseling centers, 25 service hours (e.g. assistance in teaching, weekend growth formation programs) plus counseling supervision (10 supervision hours).

At the end of the semester, the professor or supervisor should have a clear basis for assessment and evalu-ation.


After the completion of all the course requirements, a comprehensive examination is given, covering the

matter drawn from the student’s core courses and area of specialization. The process is as follows:

The student formulates six thesis statements – each thesis supported by a short, pertinent bibliography –

with the help of a professor who shall approve the thesis statements for submission to the school.

Once the thesis statements are approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the student prepares

for the comprehensive examination. The preparation time shall be not less than two months and not more

than one semester. After the preparation, the student applies at the Office for an examination date.

Twenty-four hours before the examination proper, the student is informed which particular thesis he/she

will have to present and defend. The examination board is composed of three professors. The student pre-

sents the thesis for 30 minutes. Presentation, however, should not be reading a prepared paper, but actual-ly teaching the matter as if the examinee were before a class of students. He/she should teach the matter

clearly and in a well-ordered way within the allotted time frame of 30 minutes.

Each of the three professors questions the student for fifteen minutes. The entire examination lasts one

hour and fifteen minutes.

In case of failure, a student is allowed to retake the exam only once. Passing the retake exam raises the mark only up to the passing grade of B or 2.5. A student who fails the retake exam is automatically

dropped from the program.

5.3.7 Dissertation

After the Comprehensive Examination, the student enrolls in at least two semesters of DMin Dissertation Writing (6 units each) until he/she defends the DMin Dissertation.

The dissertation must fulfill all the requirements of the Graduate School of the Ateneo de Manila Univer-

sity regarding form, style, and method of registration. It should be between 180 and 220 pages in length with an upper limit of 250 pages. In addition, it should follow the LST Style Manual (based on Turabian,

6th edition).

The Dissertation should consist of:

a Preface and Introduction identifying the candidate’s role relative to the pastoral dissertation and its context;

an explanation of the specific pastoral issue and description of the pastoral dissertation;

50

a review and synthesis of the appropriate theological and pastoral issues and their relevant literature;

an explanation of the research methodology employed with a discussion of the theological implica-tions and pastoral recommendations;

execution and implementation of the dissertation, and

an evaluation of the dissertation and implications for further research.

The results of the dissertation should be:

of practical assistance to persons working in faith-based projects; designed to increase the ability of the candidate to integrate theology, the practice of ministry and the

learning acquired through supervision.

DMin Dissertation Proposal: The Dissertation Proposal should generally include:

the issue or problem to be investigated, why it is of concern and the general goal of the dissertation,

including how the research departs from or adds to present understandings and practices; the context or background of the problem, including a review of pertinent literature;

the relevance of the issue for practical theology, and relevant socio-cultural analysis;

a clear explanation of the methodology or approach of the dissertation inclusive of a theoretical framework for the analysis of the data and

resources to be used, including major bibliographical and other resources.

Guided by a mentor officially appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs,

29 the student pre-

pares a written dissertation proposal according to the following format: [1] The Problem; [2] Scope and

Limitation; [3] Significance of the Problem; [4] Methodology; and [5] Bibliography.

The proposal (excluding bibliography) should normally not exceed 10 pages and should follow the LST

Style Manual based on Turabian, 6th edition.

Once approved by the mentor, five (5) copies of the dissertation proposal are submitted to the Vice Presi-

dent for Academic Affairs who appoints a panel of professors to examine it. On a date specified by the

school, the student defends his proposal before the panel.

The oral defense consists in [1] a clear presentation (for about 15 minutes) of the written proposal by the

writer, covering the basic problem or theme of the dissertation, its scope and limitation, its importance,

and the basic sources (bibliography) and methods to be used; [2] each professor reviews the proposal with the writer through questions, suggestions, etc., usually for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, depending upon

the particular needs of the proposal.


of which are also given to the mentor and the VPAA’s Office.

DMin Dissertation Writing: After the proposal has been approved by the panel, the doctoral student may now proceed to writing the dissertation chapter by chapter. All throughout the writing of the disserta-

tion the student must seek the guidance of this mentor. Each chapter must be approved by the mentor one

at a time.

29 In case a mentor cannot be found among the LST faculty, the student may consider an extern professor to be

his/her mentor. The dissertation mentor must be approved and appointed officially by the Vice President for Aca-

demic Affairs.

51

DMin Dissertation Public Defense: When the whole dissertation is finished and meets the approval of the mentor, it is submitted to the school.

30 The Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints a second

reader, who, ideally, should come from the panel that examined the dissertation proposal. It is the task of

the second reader to ascertain that the dissertation is ready for public defense. He/she has the right to or-

der any changes in the dissertation considered necessary for it to be truly ready for defense. In case of an irreconcilable difference of opinion between the second reader and mentor, an independent panel appoint-

ed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs will decide the issue.

After the second reader declares the dissertation ready for defense and after all his/her suggested correc-

tions or changes have been made, five (5) copies of the dissertation are submitted to the LST Academic

Office. These are then submitted to the panel of four (4) examiners composed of three professors and the second reader. A date for the defense is then scheduled.


ier: Theo Def 400 – DMin Dissertation Defense, Style Reader and Courier fee.

Seventy percent (70%) of the grade given for the dissertation is based on the written work and thirty per-

cent (30%) on the oral defense. After successfully defending the dissertation, the student must submit to the school four (4) unbound copies of the corrected and approved final edition of the dissertation. The

student should accomplish the Ateneo Form, “Application for Graduating MA, MS and PhD Student

Clearance” and settle the fees at the Ateneo Loyola Schools for the following: Ateneo Graduation Fee, Ateneo Diploma and Ateneo Transcript of Records.


As part of their graduation requirements, DMin students are required to prepare in a journal format a pa-

per based on his/her dissertation and, with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, sub-

mit this to a reputable journal. Doctoral students should attach in their dissertation a copy of acknowl-edgement from the research journal.

31

5.4 PhD in Theology


The PhD in Theology (PhD-Th) program has the following purposes: {a} to help students acquire a high professional and scientific competence in one of the following areas of theology: Biblical Theology, Sys-

tematic Theology, Moral Theology, Religious Education; {b} to help them manifest in a scholarly disser-

tation the capacity for disciplined research, for clear communication, and for both critical and creative






The defense will normally be scheduled in the third week respectively after the copies of the dissertation have reached the other readers. The other readers who make up the panel of professors for the defense normally have

three weeks for a doctorate thesis. If they cannot do it within that time, they should either refuse the task or negoti-

ate for more time.

31 Memo of the Loyola Schools’ Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, 12 May 2014. This provision is a require-

ment for students who began their PhD studies in School Year 2013-2014.

52

theological reflection regarding situations and problems facing the Christian community in the Philip-

pines and Asia; {c} to equip men and women who can train students to a level of high qualification in their own disciplines according to Catholic doctrine.

32

Upon admission to the program, the doctoral student must choose from any of the following area of con-

centration:

Biblical Theology

Systematic Theology Moral Theology

Religious Education


To get accepted to the PhD in Theology program, applicants must have a government-recognized (civil)

master’s degree in Theology with a thesis: e.g., MA in Theological Studies, and at least a general average of B+ (2.0).

Those with a non-thesis MA degree (in Pastoral Ministry; Religious Education) may also be accepted to the PhD in Theology program on a provisional basis pending the completion of a non-degree thesis at

LST under the guidance of an adviser.


The PhD-Th program requires a reading knowledge of two modern languages, besides English, in which

significant theological writing has been done (e.g., German, French, Spanish or Italian). Latin or Greek may substitute for one of these. The PhD-Th with concentration in Biblical Theology will demand Bibli-

cal Hebrew for those specializing in the Old Testament, or Biblical Greek for those specializing in the

New Testament. All these language requirements must be fulfilled before writing the dissertation.

The requirements may be satisfied either by {a} taking language courses of two semesters each language

in any university/college, provided that at least a grade of B is attained; or by {b} passing a proficiency

test administered by LST in any or all of these languages. The test, lasting for 30 minutes, consists in translation of a page of Biblical Hebrew, Biblical Greek, Latin, or any of the modern languages.

5.4.4 Course Work

The PhD-Th program requires at least four semesters of course work in which the student must complete

successfully sixteen (16) doctoral level courses belonging to the following categories:

Philosophical Theology (9 units): Three courses chosen from the following: Theological Method; Meth-

ods in Religious Education; Multidisciplinary Foundation for Theological Reflection; Faith and Culture;

Faith and Science; Faith and Philosophy; Thomas Aquinas.

With the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, any doctoral level course offered by the

Philosophy Department of the Ateneo de Manila University may be taken.


53

Concentration (30 units): Ten courses or seminars in the student’s area of concentration, two of which

must be reading courses that are specifically geared toward the topic of his/her dissertation. At the end of each reading course, the student must submit a written report in the form of a Review of Literature, i.e., a

survey and evaluation of books and articles dealing with a specific research topic. The review must cover

all the books and articles assigned by the professor as well as other readings that the student may have

discovered for himself/herself in the course of the research. The reading course includes pre-arranged meetings with the professor to discuss the reading materials.

Before enrolling in the reading courses, they must first be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A clear distinction should be made between reading courses and tutorial courses. Reading courses

are tailor-made to suit the specific topic of the student’s dissertation. Tutorial courses may also involve

reading assignments on a course bibliography, but the readings may not necessarily deal with the topic of the student’s dissertation.

Electives (9 units): Three courses chosen from outside the student’s area of concentration.

Probation Period: Before successfully completing eighteen (18) units of course work, the student is on

academic probation status. He/she cannot enroll beyond the nine units until he/she has been approved for

definitive acceptance to the PhD-Th program by the Vice President for Academic Affairs upon the rec-ommendation of the Standards and Degrees Committee.

The six courses taken during the probation period must already include courses in Philosophical Theology and in the area of concentration, in which the student must write at least one major research paper that

conforms to the following specifications: [1] it must be between 30-40 pages in length; [2] it must be

formatted according to LST Style Manual based on Turabian, 6th edition; [3] it must include footnotes and

at least two full-page bibliographies listing only the titles of books and articles that have actually been cited in the paper; [4] it must have received a grade of at least B+ (2.0).

33

Definitive Acceptance: The bases for definitive acceptance are the grades, the professors’ evaluations, and at least one major research paper written in the doctoral course work. Without definitive acceptance

to the PhD-Th program, the doctoral student will not be allowed to enroll beyond the 18 units of course

work.


After the completion of all course work, the student takes the comprehensive examination. The matter of the comprehensive examination arises out of the student’s course work in the field of concentration. The

process is as follows:


ments from courses in his/her field of concentration, each thesis supported by a short, pertinent bibliog-

raphy. When his/her theses have been judged to be satisfactory by the professor, these are submitted to

the Vice President for Academic Affairs for his approval. The thesis statements are then submitted to the examiners, and the student is given at least one month to prepare for the examination.





54

Twenty-four hours before the examination proper, the student is informed which particular thesis he/she

will have to present and defend. The examination board is composed of three professors. The student pre-sents the thesis for 30 minutes. Presentation, however, should not be reading a prepared paper, but actual-

ly teaching the matter as if the examinee were before a class of students. He/she should teach the matter

clearly and in a well-ordered way within the allotted time frame of 30 minutes.

Each of the three professors questions the student for fifteen minutes. The entire examination lasts one

hour and fifteen minutes.


mark only up to the passing grade of B or 2.5. A student who fails the retake exam is automatically

dropped from the program.

5.4.6 Dissertation

After the Comprehensive Examination, the student enrolls in at least two semesters of Dissertation Writ-ing (6 units each) until he/she defends the PhD-Th Dissertation.

The doctoral dissertation is expected to manifest the student’s firm grasp of theological method and criti-cism and his/her ability to control and marshal pertinent data around some original specialized topic. The

dissertation must make an original contribution to the field of concentration.

The dissertation must fulfill all the requirements of the Graduate School of the Ateneo de Manila Univer-

sity regarding form, style, and method of registration. It should be between 180 and 220 pages in length

with an upper limit of 250 pages. In addition, it should follow the LST Style Manual (based on Turabian,

6th edition).

PhD-Th Dissertation Proposal: Guided by a mentor officially appointed by the Vice President for Aca-

demic Affairs,34

the student prepares a written dissertation proposal containing the following: [1] The Problem of the Dissertation; [2] Scope and Limitation; [3] Significance of the Problem; [4] Methodology;

and [5] Bibliography.

The proposal (excluding bibliography) should normally not exceed 10 pages and should follow the LST Style Manual based on Turabian, 6

th edition.

Once approved by the mentor, five (5) copies of the dissertation proposal are submitted to the Vice Presi-dent for Academic Affairs who appoints a panel of two professors plus the mentor to examine it. On a

date specified by the school, the student defends his proposal before the panel.

The oral defense consists in [1] a clear presentation (for about 15 minutes) of the written proposal by the

writer, covering the basic problem or theme of the dissertation, its scope and limitation, its importance,

and the basic sources (bibliography) and methods to be used; [2] each professor reviews the proposal with

the writer through questions, suggestions, etc., usually for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, depending upon the particular needs of the proposal.

34 With the help of the Director of Advanced Graduate Students, the student may look for his/her dissertation mentor

from among the LST professors with a doctorate degree in Theology who are competent on the topic of his/her re-

search. In case a mentor cannot be found among the LST faculty, the student may consider an extern professor to

be his/her mentor. The dissertation mentor must be approved and appointed officially by the Vice President for

Academic Affairs.

55

The professors may offer brief written recommendations, analyses, suggestions, etc. to the writer, copies of which are also given to the mentor and the VPAA’s Office.

PhD-Th Dissertation Writing: After the proposal has been approved by the panel, the doctoral student

may now proceed to writing the dissertation chapter by chapter. All throughout the writing of the disserta-tion the student must seek the guidance of this mentor. Each chapter must be approved by the mentor one

at a time.

PhD-Th Dissertation Public Defense: When the whole dissertation is finished and meets the approval of

the mentor, it is submitted to the school. 35

The Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints a second

reader, who, ideally, should come from the panel that examined the dissertation proposal. It is the task of the second reader to ascertain that the dissertation is ready for public defense. He/she has the right to or-

der any changes in the dissertation he considers necessary for it to be truly ready for defense. In case of an

irreconcilable difference of opinion between the second reader and mentor, an independent panel appoint-

ed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs will decide the issue.

After the second reader declares the dissertation ready for defense and after all his/her suggested correc-

tions or changes have been made, five (5) copies of the dissertation are submitted to the LST Academic Office. These are then submitted to the panel of four (4) examiners composed of three professors and the

second reader. A date for the defense is then scheduled.


ier: Theo Def 400 – PhD Dissertation Defense, Style Reader and Courier fee.

Seventy percent (70%) of the grade given for the dissertation is based on the written work and thirty per-cent (30%) on the oral defense. After successfully defending the dissertation, the student must submit to

the school four (4) unbound copies of the corrected and approved final edition of the dissertation. The

student should accomplish the Ateneo Form, “Application for Graduating MA, MS and PhD Student Clearance” and settle the fees at the Ateneo Loyola Schools for the following: Ateneo Graduation Fee,

Ateneo Diploma and Ateneo Transcript of Records.


As part of their graduation requirements, PhD students are required to prepare in a journal format a paper

based on his/her dissertation and, with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, submit






The defense will normally be scheduled in the third week respectively after the copies of the dissertation have

reached the other readers. The other readers who make up the panel of professors for the defense normally have three weeks for a doctorate thesis. If they cannot do it within that time, they should either refuse the task or negoti-

ate for more time. [4] Exceptions to the normal time flow: For a dissertation that exceeds the normal length, an ex-

tra week will be granted the second reader and the other readers for every 50 pages in excess. A dissertation on a

topic requiring special readers from other institutions may take more time due to the time constraints of the re-

quired experts. There may still be other exceptions to the normal time flow.

56

this to a reputable journal. Doctoral students should attach in their dissertation a copy of acknowledge-

ment from the research journal. 36

36 Memo of the Loyola Schools’ Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, 12 May 2014. This provision is a require-

ment for students who began their PhD studies in School Year 2013-2014.

57

6. NON-DEGREE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Admission Requirements: Those with at least two (2) years of college education may be admitted to

LST non-degree programs, except the Certificate in Pre-Theology Studies and the Professional Diploma in Family Ministries which require a bachelor’s (college) degree or its equivalent.

Accomplished Application Form One ID picture (“2 x 2”)

One photocopy of original Transcript of Records from previous school and its English translation if

the Transcript is in a foreign language One page single-spaced Personal Essay introducing oneself and indicating one’s motivation in apply-

ing to the Certificate Program

Letter of Recommendation from the Religious Superior, Bishop or Official of the applicant’s institu-

tion. For applicants to the Professional Diploma in Family Ministries, three Letters of Recommenda-tion are required: one from the Superior or supervisor of the applicant, and two from among his/her

associates.

For non-Filipino applicants: 1 photocopy of (a) valid Missionary or Student visa and (b) passport page with photo and name.

Applicants will be required to show proof of proficiency in the English language through the LST English Proficiency Test. In addition, the Certificates in Theological Studies and Pastoral Ministry require appli-

cants to take the full entrance examination administered by the Fr. Jaime Bulatao S.J. Center for Psychol-

ogy Services.

6.1 Certificate in Pre-Theology Studies


The PTS Program is a two-year non-degree program comprising mostly of philosophy, but also basic the-

ology and language courses required for admission to the graduate-level first cycle ecclesiastical degree

program, the Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB).

6.1.2 Curriculum

The Certificate requires twelve (12) philosophy courses, four (4) basic undergraduate theology courses,

and two (2) propaedeutic English courses. The program allows for the validation of previously-taken

basic theology and philosophy courses up to a maximum of eighteen (18) units or six (6) courses in which case the Certificate can be completed in one year.

First Year, First Semester

PrEng 201 Expository Writing and Research Methods I

BPM 101 Introduction to the Mystery of Faith

BPM 102 Introduction to the Old Testament Philo 201 Introduction to Philosophy

Philo 202 Philosophy of the Human Person

58

First Year, Second Semester

PrEng 202 Expository Writing and Research Methods II

BPM 105 Church and Sacraments

BPM 106 Introduction to the New Testament

Philo 206 Ethics Philo 248.3 Asian Philosophies: Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism

Second Year, First Semester

Philo 203 Metaphysics

Philo 204 Philosophy of Religion Philo 211 Ancient Philosophy

Philo 212 Medieval Philosophy

Second Year, Second Semester

Philo 205 Epistemology/Hermeneutics

Philo 207 Philosophy of Science Philo 213 Modern Philosophy

Philo 214 Contemporary Philosophy

Students who lack only one (1) or two (2) pre-theology courses may be admitted directly to STB provided

they complete these courses within their First Year STB. Those who are deficient in three (3) or more

courses should complete them all before admission to the STB Program.

6.2 Certificate in Theological Studies


The CTS program is for students who are for one reason or another disqualified from entering the degree

programs of the school, but are otherwise capable of graduate work. Envisaged are students from other

Asian countries in need of certification, who do not have an undergraduate degree or its equivalent and who, therefore, cannot enter graduate programs according to the requirements of the Philippines’ Com-

mission on Higher Education (CHED).

6.2.2 Curriculum

The curriculum parallels the MA major in Theological Studies, requiring a total of 30 credit units. This program requires at least three semesters of course work in which the student must complete successfully

10 master’s level courses belonging to the following categories:

Foundation Courses (15 units): The five core courses: [1] Revelation-Faith (3 units); [2] Christology (3 units); [3] Ecclesiology (3 units); [4] Fundamental Moral Theology (3 units); and [5] Christian Worship

(3 units).

Concentration (9 units): Three courses or seminars in the student’s area of concentration.

Electives (6 units): Two electives courses chosen from outside the student’s area of concentration. Courses in excess of the minimum requirements under Professional Courses may count as electives.

59

6.3 Certificate in Pastoral Ministry


The Loyola School of Theology offers a non-degree Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (CPAM) for students

who are capable of graduate work, but are disqualified from entering the degree programs of the School because of lack of an undergraduate degree or other reasons.

6.3.2 Curriculum

The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry parallels the MA major in Pastoral Ministry, requiring a total of 45

credit units. The program requires at least four semesters of course work in which the student must com-plete successfully fifteen (15) master’s level courses which must belong to the following categories:

Foundation Courses (15 units): The five core courses: [1] Revelation-Faith (3 units); [2] Christology (3

units); [3] Ecclesiology (3 units); [4] Fundamental Moral Theology (3 units); and [5] Christian Worship (3 units).

Professional Courses (15 units): Five courses or seminars in the student’s area of specialization or con-centration.

Electives (15 units): Five electives courses chosen from outside the student’s area of concentration. Courses in excess of the minimum requirements under Professional Courses may count as electives.

6.4 Certificate in Basic Pastoral Ministry


The Certificate in Basic Pastoral Ministry (BPM) aims to help pastoral ministers of the Church, especially religious sisters, religious brothers, and lay persons, to acquire the necessary practical knowledge and

skills for effective work in their field of service in the Church. The program is also open to anyone who

would like to enrich his or her knowledge and practice of the Roman Catholic faith. It introduces partici-

pants, within the span of one (1) school year, to a range of themes and issues of the various areas of Ro-man Catholic theology and ministry − Systematic and Sacramental Theology, Church History, Biblical

Theology, Moral Theology and Spirituality.

6.4.2 Curriculum

The program requires eight (8) basic or propaedeutic courses in the various branches of Roman Catholic theology and ministry. They are designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of a par-

ticular branch of theology that will enable them to participate in discussions about related topics, to be-

come acquainted with sources for a deeper understanding of the themes, and to relate and apply these to

their ministry and way of life.

BPM 101 Introduction to the Mystery of Faith

BPM 102 Introduction to the Old Testament BPM 103 Overview of Moral Theology

BPM 104 Basics of Christian Spirituality

BPM 105 Church and Sacraments BPM 106 Introduction to the New Testament

BPM 107 Turning Points in Church History

60

Elective choice from among course offerings

In view of fulfilling the requirements and of receiving the Certificate, students may, with the approval of

the Vice President for Academic Affairs, substitute any of the above propaedeutic courses with other MA

or STB level courses offered at LST provided they belong to the same branch of theology.

6.5 Certificate in the Pastoral Care of Migrants


The PCM Program is a joint venture of Loyola School of Theology, the Episcopal Commission for the

Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples (CBCP-EMCI), and the Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC). It is tailored to meet the different needs of lay pastoral workers, religious, and ordained persons

involved in the migration ministry. It also aims to train students of theology in addressing this important

concern of the Church today.

6.5.2 Curriculum

The required five 3-unit credit courses for this program are offered during the first and second semesters of each academic year (from August to May). Four courses are compulsory; one subject is chosen from a

list of elective migration courses.

MTP01 Introducing Theologies of Migration

MTP02 Bible and People of God on the Move

MTP03 Migration in the Catholic Social Teaching

MTP04 Management of Pastoral Programs in Migration MTP choice from among other migration course offerings

6.6 Professional Diploma in Family Ministries


The PD in Family Ministry is a one-year non-degree program offered by Loyola School of Theology through the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM). The program aims to equip priests, ministers, reli-

gious brothers and sisters, seminarians, lay-workers and coordinators of family life apostolate for the pas-

toral care of couples and families. There are two major components to the program: counseling (curative dimension) and spirituality (growth dimension). A holistic, psycho-spiritual approach characterizes the

program, utilizing a content-and-process methodology as its means.

6.6.2 Curriculum

The courses of the program are as follows:

Sp 89 Pastoral Psychology and Counseling

Sp 93 Marital/Premarital Dynamics and Counseling: A Psycho-Spiritual Approach

Sp 93.1 Family Dynamics and Counseling Approaches Sp 92.3 Assessment and Initial Intervention of Individual and Relationship Disorders

Sp 62.1 Family Spirituality and Sexual Ethics

Sp 94 Marital/Family Counseling Practicum Sp 94.1 Family Spirituality Practicum

Elective choice from among course offerings

61

7. ACADEMIC STANDARDS

7.1 Dual Marking System and Description37

Since courses in LST may be applied to both ecclesiastical degree (STB, STL, STD) and civil degree (MA, DMin, PhD) programs, the school uses a dual system of marking. In general, the ecclesiastical de-

gree programs use number grades while the civil degree programs use letter grades. The table below

shows their equivalence:

Ecclesiastical Degree Programs Civil Degree Programs

1.0 Excellent A Excellent

1.5 Very Good A- Very Good

2.0 Above Average B+ Above Average

2.5 Average B Average

3.0 Passing B- Passing, but earns no credit

3.5 Conditional Failure

4.0 Outright Failure C Failure

5.0 Egregious Failure

INC Incomplete INC Incomplete

WP Withdrawal with permission WP Withdrawal with permission

W Withdrawal without permission W Withdrawal without permission

P Passed

F Failed

A or 1.0 Work is exceptional or excellent in every respect. There is an active and sophisticat-

ed engagement with all aspects of the course, demonstrated through careful analysis or creative treatment of the ideas covered. Class participation, examinations and written work indicate outstanding mastery of

content, originality of thought clearly expressed, and clarity in reflectively connecting course concepts

with ministerial and theological interests. All assignments are turned in complete and on time.

To earn the final mark of 1.0 (A) in a core Theology course38

:

Student must write research or reflection papers totaling around ten (10) pages double-spaced (2,500

words) in a course. If being submitted as a major paper for a projected MA Theological Studies re-

37 Descriptions patterned after the Academic Policies of Boston College for Graduate Courses, Fall 2012.

38 FASRA#103, 26 February 2015. The core theology courses in the fields of systematic, biblical, moral and pastoral

theology in the 2005 STB Curriculum are: Revelation-Faith, Scripture-Tradition-Magisterium, Christian Worship,

Ecclesiology I, Christology I, Creation and Eschatology, Sin and Grace, Sacraments of Initiation, God One and

Triune, Penance-Anointing-Marriage, Holy Orders, Fundamental Moral Theology, Bioethics and Sexual Ethics,

Christian Social Ethics, Canon Law I-II, Pentateuchal Studies, Prophets of Israel, Synoptics, Paul, John, Psalms of

Israel, Wisdom Literature, Church History I-II, Philippine Church History, History of the Church in Asia, Pastoral Psychology & Counseling and Advanced Pastoral Methods.

Added core courses in the 2015 STB Curriculum are: Christology II, Ecclesiology II, The Sacraments of the

Church (Baptism-Confirmation-Penance-Anointing), Holy Eucharist, Sacraments of Vocation (Holy Orders-

Marriage), Pastoral Management, Ministry of the Word.

62

quirement as an alternative to the MA thesis, the minimum number of pages should be fifteen (15),

excluding Bibliography. Regardless of the student’s background as Filipino or international student, both content and grammar

should be the criteria in marking the student’s research, reflection papers and essay-type exams.

The final mark for the course will be based on the quality of the paper, exam grades and class partici-

pation.

A- or 1.5 Work is superior or very good. This involves mastery of the course content, recognition of the

“big picture” within which course material is situated, and capacity to make cogent links with one’s min-isterial and theological position. This level is reflected in the ability to express one’s thoughts effectively

in writing and to contribute significantly to class conversation.

B+ or 2.0 Work is above the average at the graduate level. This involves adequate comprehension and

understanding of the course content and the ability to draw connections across course topics and

with appropriate theological and ministerial topics. The student is able to contribute adequately to class

conversation.

B or 2.5 Work is average at the graduate level. There is basic understanding of the course material with a

certain command of the various topics. The student rarely participates in class discussions. Assignments are frequently turned in late or incomplete.

B- (no credit in MA/PhD/DMin) or 3.0 (passing in STB/STL/STD/Certificate) Work is below aver-

age or marginally acceptable at the graduate level. This reflects a barely sufficient grasp of the course

material, articulation of the connections across content areas, and recognition of the implications for pas-

toral work. The student rarely participates in class discussions.

3.5 The grade of 3.5 is a temporary grade that signifies a “conditional failure,” i.e., the student’s per-

formance is not sufficient for passing (3.0), yet better than an outright failure. This may be either upgrad-

ed to 3.0 or downgraded to 4.0 depending on the results of the retake examination.

C or 4.0 This mark signifies an “outright failure”. Work is unsatisfactory and fails to meet the require-

ments of the course.

5.0 The grade of 5.0 signifies an “egregious failure” indicating a comprehensive failure to achieve the

goals of the course with extremely poor performance in tests and assignments.

INC This is a temporary mark given at the discretion of the Professor to a student who has a valid excuse

for not being able to fulfill all the course requirements at the end of the term. To avail of an Incomplete

Mark (INC), the student must write, before the end of the term, an appeal letter to the Professor explain-ing why he/she is unable to fulfill the requirement on time. In the absence of an appeal letter or a valid

reason, the Professor may give outright a failing grade to the student.

A student who receives an INC mark must complete all course requirements and obtain a course grade within one year of the end of the applicable semester the date of which is officially announced in the

school’s academic calendar.39

After this period, grades will automatically be converted to C or 4.0.

39 This deadline for the completion of an Incomplete Mark, which is indicated in the Academic Calendar of the

school, should not be confused with the deadline for the submission of marks by professors whose courses are be-

ing offered during a current semester.

63

WP A student who withdraws from a course with the permission of the Vice President for Academic Af-

fairs and/or the Loyola Schools Registrar’s Office receives a WP mark at the end of the term and does not obtain credits for the course. After a certain deadline set by the school, withdrawal from a course is no

longer permissible.

W Withdrawal without securing the necessary permissions within the prescribed deadline. A student who receives this grade is not entitled to any graduate credit for the course and is given a failing grade of “C”

or 4.0.

7.2 Academic Standards in the STB, STL and STD Programs

Students in the STB program must maintain a semestral average of at least 2.5 after First Year to remain in the program.

Although 3.0 is a passing grade in the STB, STL and STD programs, it cannot earn credits for the MA,

PhD and DMin programs.

Students who incur two failing grades (two of 4.0 and/or 5.0) are automatically disqualified from the

STB, STL and STD programs.

Subjects required by the STB curriculum that receive a failing grade (4.0 or 5.0) must be repeated. Elec-

tives receiving a failing grade (4.0 or 5.0) may just be replaced by other elective courses that can earn credits.

Students in the STB program must attain a general course work average of at least 1.75 to qualify for the

honors comprehensive examination.

7.3 Academic Standards in the MA, PhD and DMin Programs

Students in the MA, PhD and DMin programs must maintain a semestral average of at least B to remain

in the program. The grade of B-, which signifies below average academic performance, does not earn

credit in the graduate school.

Although still passing, B- in foundation and core courses required by the MA, PhD and DMin programs

(e.g., Revelation-Faith; Christology; Ecclesiology; Fundamental Moral Theology; Christian Worship;

etc.) would necessitate repeating such courses until credits are earned from them (which means obtaining the grade of B or above). On the other hand, B- in courses that are not required by the curriculum may

just be replaced by other courses that can earn credit (i.e., subjects with a grade of B or above).

Students in the MA, PhD and DMin programs who incur two failing grades (two Cs) are automatically

disqualified from the program.

7.4 Academic Standards in the Advanced Degree Programs

In courses which are generally open for enrollment to STB and MA students as well as to STL, STD, PhD

and DMin students, professors are to require additional and advanced scholarly work commensurate to the levels of study of the latter group of students. This may take the form of some substantial reading and

theological writing (research papers) normally expected of licentiate and doctorate students.

7.5 Computation of the Final Grade

64

The student’s final grade in any course is based on a variety of assessment tools such as written works

(research papers, reflection papers, reports), midterm and final written or oral examinations, class partici-pation, etc., as deemed appropriate by the professor. Being a graduate school, LST requires as a minimum

requirement in each course a written output from students totaling around ten (10) pages double-spaced

(2,500 words). If being submitted as a major paper for a projected MA Theological Studies requirement

as an alternative to the MA thesis, the minimum number of pages should be fifteen (15), excluding Bibli-ography.

The criteria for the computation of the final grade, their relative weights, and the manner of computing the grades should be clearly indicated in the course syllabus and explained to students at the beginning of

the semester.

In the computation of the course grade, only the final grade is rounded off to the first decimal place. Av-

erages that fall exactly between two number grades are raised to the higher grade, e.g., 2.75 becomes 2.5.

Below the halfway point, they are dropped to the lower grade, e.g., 2.76 becomes 3.0.

Team Taught Courses: In a course taught by several professors, the student receives only one final

grade computed from the grades given by the individual professors.

Compound Courses: In a course consisting of two or more disparate subjects such as e.g., “Psalms and

Wisdom Literature” that are taught by only one professor, the student receives also only one final grade,

which is the average of the grades given for individual components of the course. If the student fails in any one component of the course (say “Psalms”), he/she needs to repeat only that part of the course.

The general average of all the courses taken in a particular program is computed to the second decimal

place, e.g., 1.68; 2.18; etc.

7.6 Procedures with Regard to Failures

The grade of 3.5 is a temporary grade that signifies a “conditional failure,” i.e., the student’s performance

is not sufficient for passing (3.0), yet better than an outright failure. This may be either upgraded to 3.0 or

downgraded to 4.0 depending on the results of the retake examination. The definitive mark should be

submitted by the professor to the LST Secretariat within one (1) month from the opening of classes in the succeeding semester.

Courses required by the STB curriculum that receive an outright or egregious failing grade (4.0 or 5.0) must be repeated. Similarly, courses required by the MA and DMin curriculum that received a failing

grade (C) or a grade that does not earn credits (B-) must be repeated.

7.7 Grade in the Oral Comprehensive Exam or Thesis Defense

In Oral Comprehensive Examinations or Thesis Public Defense, each member of the board gives a grade

based on the total performance of the student. If the majority of the board (e.g., 2 out of 3) gives a failing grade, then the student fails the exam and receives automatically 4.0 or C, without the need to compute

the average of the grades given by all the examiners. If the majority of the board gives a passing grade,

then the student passes the exam or defense and gets a grade based on the average of the grades given by all the examiners.

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40 Even if the majority of the board gives a passing grade, it is still mathematically possible for the average to fall

short of a passing score. Should this happen the examinee is just given the minimum passing grade.

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Passing Grade

STB Ordinary Comprehensive Examination 3.0

STB Honors Comprehensive Examination 2.5

STL or STD Oral Comprehensive Exam / Thesis Defense 2.5

MA, DMin or PhD Oral Comprehensive Exam / Thesis Defense B

In case of failure in the comprehensive exam of any degree program, a student is allowed to retake the

exam only once. Passing the retake exam raises the mark only up to the passing grade indicated above. A

student who fails the retake is dropped from the program.

Although 3.0 is a passing grade in the STB ordinary comprehensive exam, its equivalent in the MA com-

prehensive exam is a no-credit grade of B-. As a result, 3.0 fulfills only the requirement of the STB pro-gram, but not the MA program. The student must take another exam – the written MA comprehensive

exam – and pass it (with a grade of B at least) to fulfill the requirement of his/her MA program.

7.8 Marks in the Ad Audiendas Confessiones Exam

In the examination on hearing confessions, the student receives either a passing (P) or a failing (F) mark

in which case the student should retake the examination. The student may also be required to see the pro-fessor for admonition or advice.

7.9 Honors Awarded to STB, STL and STD Graduates

The academic honors awarded to graduates of the ecclesiastical degree programs are determined on the

basis of the following:

STB: 50% for the comprehensive examination and 50% for the weighted average of course work

STL and STD: 40% for course work, 30% for the final comprehensive examination and 30% for the tesina/dissertation

Final Averages

Summa cum laude 1.00 - 1.25

Magna cum laude 1.26 - 1.50

Cum laude 1.51 - 1.75

7.10 Selection of the STB Class Valedictorian

The STB Class Valedictorian should have the following qualifications: (a) to graduate with at least a cum

laude, (b) to possess proven ability to lead and be involved in activities at school and religious communi-ty, and (c) to be able to write and deliver a valedictory speech. The breakdown of the criteria is as fol-

lows: 40% LST involvement, 30% weighted average grade, 20% popular vote of classmates, 10% in-

volvement outside LST.

The Office of the VPAA collates the following materials for all those eligible for the Honors Comprehen-

sives: student grades for 4 years and their weighted average; personal CV submitted by each student tak-

ing the Honors Comprehensives; copy of each student’s personal synthesis; and final grade in the Honors Comprehensives and corresponding standing.

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After the STB Comprehensive Examinations, the VPAA’s Office forwards to the members of the Admin-istrative Council (AC) the materials for all those who will be graduating with Honors. The LST Student

Council President will be given the list of those graduating with Honors and will conduct consultations on

who can be valedictorian on the basis of proven leadership and ability to give a speech. Consultation

should involve at least ¾ of the graduating class, and the result is submitted to the LST President.

The AC then deliberates, taking into account all the materials and the results of student consultation, and

the President then announces the name of the valedictorian.41

41 Faculty Assembly #245, 27 September 2012; Administrative Council, 20 February 2014.

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8. THE RALPH GEHRING LIBRARY

The Library is primarily intended for the use of the faculty and students of LST. It is not a general-service

library, and access to its premises, books and other materials is strictly in accordance with the norms giv-en in the Statement of Library Policies.

8.1 Library Hours and Service

The library is open from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, throughout most of the year. It is

closed on Sundays, school or legal holidays, and announced days for inventory or other purposes. Upon entering the library, a client must present a validated LST ID card with his/her photo on it. Bags, brief

cases, knapsacks, umbrellas, etc. must be left in the depository boxes found near the entrance.

The library main door is equipped with a sensing device that detects library books that have not been properly checked out at the circulation counter. If the device sounds an alarm, the exiting client must re-

turn to the counter and allow his/her bag, briefcase, etc. to be inspected.

8.2 Categories of Clients

The library fee, paid to the LST cashier during registration, entitles various categories of clients to the following privileges:

(a) LST Students Enrolled in Degree or Certificate Programs. LST students enrolled in degree or certifi-

cate programs may borrow up to ten (10) books for two weeks, with a possibility of renewal if the books are not otherwise needed. Students writing STD/PhD dissertations may borrow up to twenty

(20) books for one month, with the possibility of renewal if the books are not otherwise needed.

(b) Cross-Registrants. Cross-registrants with endorsement letter and validated ID from the Ateneo de Manila University have the same privileges as regular LST students. Cross-registrants from other

schools may borrow books, up to three at one time, for a period of two weeks, with the possibility of

renewal.

(c) Auditors. Auditors may use the library, but may not borrow books, except upon deposit of an amount per book determined by the LST Administration. This deposit is refunded at the end of each semester.

(d) Faculty and students of Ateneo de Manila University: Ateneo students and faculty with endorsement

letter and validated ID are allowed to use the library as guided by agreements between LST and Ad-MU.

(e) Doctoral Students of the Consortium of Theological Studies: By virtue of the agreement on the mutu-

al sharing of resources and facilities by member-schools, doctoral students of other schools belonging to the Consortium are granted the privilege of using the LST library. They may use the materials and

facilities inside the library, but the books may not be lent out to them. They must bring an endorse-

ment letter with their school’s letterhead and a valid ID.

(f) Researchers from Other Schools or Institutions: Researchers from other schools or institutions may be granted permission by the President or VPAA to do research work in the LST library provided they

present an endorsement letter from their Department Chairperson and pay either a semestral or a daily

spot-fee. They may use the materials and facilities inside the library, but books may not be lent out to them.

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8.3 Library Orientation

Library orientation sessions are conducted for new students at the beginning of the first semester. New

students in the second semester or intersession can schedule a library orientation with the library staff.

8.4 Borrowing and Returning Books

ID Cards are personal and thus non-transferable. This means both that the card may not be lent, and that

the card-holder may borrow library books only for his/her own use and may not lend these to others. Note: Anyone violating this rule may be stripped of his borrowing privileges.

(a) Procedure: Books are borrowed and returned at the LST library circulation counter upon presentation of a validated LST ID.

(b) Recall of Books: Books must be returned at once if they are recalled by the library staff, even if the

deadline for returning them has not yet arrived. Book recall notices are sent either by email, text or

telephone. (c) Returning Deadlines: All books borrowed by both students and faculty must be returned to the library

before the end of each semester or intersession. Borrowing privileges will not be renewed for clients

who fail to observe this rule. (d) Fourth Year STB students must return all books borrowed from the library at least 48 hours before

their oral comprehensive examinations.

(e) Students who are writing their thesis must return all books from the library before they submit to the LST Office the final draft of their thesis for defense.

(f) Intra-Library Loans: A system of “intra-library” loans with the Ateneo Rizal Library is fully function-

ing. Books needed from the Rizal Library for LST purposes are transferred, upon request, to

the LST Library and loaned to LST card-holders and vice versa. Books borrowed from the Rizal Library under the auspices of the LST library, are also returned to the LST library counter.

Consult the special policy guidelines that govern this kind of loan.

8.5 Library Materials

Periodicals (bound or unbound), reference books, and reserved books are not loaned out of the library.

They may be used only inside the library. Only books in the general circulation section may be loaned out of the library. After use, all library materials should not be returned to the shelves, but should be left on

the reading tables for re-shelving by the library staff.

8.6 Fines, Fees, and Penalties

Library semester fees and deposits are paid are the Accounting Office and receipts are shown to the li-brary staff. Fines, penalties, spot-fees (of visitors) are paid at the circulation counter.

(a) Fine for overdue books: A fine per calendar day is charged for overdue books. This mean includes

Sundays, holidays, vacations, etc. (b) Fines and penalties for lost books: Fines accumulate up to the day that the loss is reported. The bor-

rower of the lost book should pay, within one month after notification of loss, the full cost of replac-

ing it. If payment is not paid, fine resumes. In addition, all books that are still charged out must be re-turned and all library access and privileges are forfeited.

(c) Book repair penalty: Any damages caused by the user should be brought to the attention of the library

staff, and provision made to meet the cost of repairs.

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8.7 Library Access during Semestral Break and Intersession

The Library is open during semestral break and intersession break.

During Semestral Break:

(a) LST students belonging to a religious order or house of formation may borrow books provided they

present a letter from their religious superior and noted by the VPAA indicating that they are allowed to borrow books and will ensure their return after use.

(b) LST students who are lay may borrow 10 books during the semester break provided they present a

letter noted by the VPAA and upon payment of a book deposit fee which will be refunded upon return of the books.

During Intersession Break:

(a) LST students who are enrolled in intersession courses can borrow books following the privileges

proper to their degree program.

(b) LST students who are not enrolled during the intersession can use the library provided they present an endorsement letter from their religious superior or department head (if applicable) and noted by the

VPAA. They are to pay a lump sum fee for the whole intersession period or a spot-fee per visit.

(c) If they wish to borrow books (maximum of 10 books), they must pay a book deposit fee which will be refunded upon return of the books. Their endorsement letter should indicate that they will ensure the

return of borrowed books at the end of the intersession period.

8.8 Clearances

Students who have not returned overdue books or who have overdue fines and/or unpaid reimbursement

charges are not allowed to register in the next term. Delinquent cross-registrants are not given clearances for the release of their grades and/or transcripts. Offenders who are about to finish their studies

in LST cannot not be given clearance for graduation as well as for the release of their grades, transcripts,

and diplomas.

8.9 Library Computer Room

Computers linked to the Internet are available to library users. Special guidelines govern the use of these computers. Computer printing can be arranged with the circulation desk for a fee. The library makes

available to clients bibliographical as well as theological and biblical resource materials on the LST web-

site (ATLA-CPLI) and in CD-ROM.

8.10 Library Online Public Access Catalogue

On every floor of the library building special computers are available for searching the library online pub-lic access catalogue (OPAC). The OPAC is also accessible through the Internet.

8.11 Photocopying Services

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Low-cost photocopying service is offered on a first-come-first-served basis. A chapter or more to be pho-

tocopied is usually scheduled by the operator for pick-up later. Fragile materials are not allowed to be photocopied. LST theses and dissertations may not be photocopied in whole or in part.

8.12 Library Decorum

The library is a silent study area. Loud conversations and other disturbances must be avoided. Cellphones

must be turned off or placed on silent mode at all times.