info@bostonislamicseminary.org
Students learning together around tables at a BIS academic retreat.

Student Affairs & Support Services

Student Affairs and Support Services supports BIS students in their academic progress, personal development, and preparation for compassionate service. The office connects students with advising, learning support, campus activities, and institutional resources.

Academic advising

Each student is assigned a BIS faculty academic adviser. Advisers help students plan their study, research, internship, and career goals and make informed academic choices.

  • Plan coursework and progression toward graduation.
  • Discuss research, internship, and service interests.
  • Identify available learning resources and opportunities.

Students remain responsible for planning their academic program and meeting all graduation requirements.

Learning support

MIRL faculty and Student Affairs provide individual support and workshops to develop learning strategies and writing skills. Students who need additional preparation should consult Academic Advising about an appropriate learning plan and available resources. Historical certificate-course listings do not indicate current enrollment availability.

Career and service preparation

Career and vocational support may include reflection on religious calling, individualized guidance, résumé and application review, interview preparation, professional-development workshops, networking, and internship or field-placement support. BIS does not guarantee employment, appointment, ordination, certification, endorsement, or placement.

Student life and community

Students are encouraged to participate in Seminary activities that bring together learning, culture, spiritual development, civic engagement, and leadership. The Student Government Association provides a way to contribute ideas and participate in student life.

Student Affairs also connects students with BIS and community resources and supports social activities, workshops, group meetings, and spiritual retreats.

A participant listening during a BIS academic retreat session.

Accessibility and individual support

BIS is committed to providing academically qualified students with educational opportunities and fair and appropriate access to programs, services, and facilities. Students can contact BIS to discuss individual access needs and requests for reasonable academic adjustments in accordance with institutional policies.

Rights, responsibilities, and professional expectations

The following published expectations support a safe, respectful, spiritually grounded, and academically serious learning community. Read the current Student Handbook for the applicable institutional procedures.

Student rights

Boston Islamic Seminary is committed to an academic and spiritual environment in which students are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Subject to institutional policies and applicable law, students have the right to:

  • participate in the academic and student-life opportunities available through BIS;
  • receive accurate information about academic requirements, policies, tuition, fees, and institutional procedures;
  • be evaluated according to published course requirements and academic standards;
  • receive timely and constructive academic feedback;
  • review and discuss course grades with the instructor;
  • receive reasonable access to academic advising and student support;
  • request reasonable disability-related academic adjustments;
  • have education records protected in accordance with applicable privacy requirements;
  • express questions, concerns, and disagreements respectfully;
  • submit complaints, grievances, and appeals through established procedures;
  • receive notice of alleged misconduct and a reasonable opportunity to respond;
  • be protected from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; and
  • participate in institutional processes without retaliation for good-faith reporting or cooperation.

These rights are exercised within the Seminary’s Islamic identity, academic mission, community standards, and applicable policies.

Student responsibilities

Students are responsible for contributing to a safe, respectful, spiritually grounded, and academically serious learning community. Students are expected to:

  • uphold Islamic ethics and the mission and values of BIS;
  • treat students, faculty, staff, guests, and community partners with dignity and respect;
  • comply with applicable federal, state, and local law;
  • read and follow the Student Handbook, course syllabi, and official institutional policies;
  • monitor BIS email and Populi regularly;
  • maintain accurate contact and emergency information;
  • attend and participate in courses and required activities;
  • complete academic work honestly and on time;
  • communicate promptly when circumstances affect academic participation;
  • protect the privacy, property, and intellectual work of others;
  • use BIS technology and institutional resources responsibly;
  • fulfill financial and administrative obligations;
  • follow internship and host-site requirements;
  • cooperate with legitimate institutional reviews and investigations; and
  • accept responsibility for their decisions and conduct.

Failure to read an applicable policy or official notice does not excuse noncompliance.

Professional and religious-leadership expectations

Because the MIRL prepares students for positions of religious trust and public service, students are expected to demonstrate conduct consistent with developing religious leaders. This includes:

  • honesty and trustworthiness;
  • humility and willingness to learn;
  • respect for confidentiality;
  • appropriate personal and professional boundaries;
  • responsible communication;
  • accountability;
  • compassion and sound judgment;
  • respect for diverse individuals and communities; and
  • readiness to receive and respond constructively to feedback.

Conduct that raises serious concerns about a student’s integrity, professional suitability, safety, or readiness for religious leadership may be reviewed even when it occurs outside a formal classroom setting. Any institutional response will follow the applicable student-conduct procedure.

Student resources