What is an SOA Evaluation?

An SOA evaluation is an opportunity for the student to self reflect on the goal of becoming a “Servant of All” expressed by Jesus in Mark 10. SUM’s leadership philosophy revolved around this servanthood principle.

Underlying the SUM curriculum and Biblical Studies program is the “Servant of All” (SOA) Philosophy.

This biblical injunction of Jesus Christ to be a servant of all forms the backbone of SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary’s educational philosophy.

The SOA Philosophy embraces spiritual, intellectual, financial, social, and physical development, and emphasizes the leading of the Holy Spirit in growing student discipline, passion, and character. In compliance with the SOA Philosophy, students are encouraged to develop consistent work schedules, prayer times, Bible studies, fasting, physical fitness, and mentoring meetings while earning their degree.

SUM is a ministerial training college; as such, in addition to academics, ministerial and life-skills are evaluated as stepping-stones toward graduation. There are four areas of student evaluation each trimester: Academics, Finances, Student-Ministry, and Student Life. This process is not arbitrary, and special care is exercised to ensure that the evaluation process is not unnecessarily subjective.

The evaluation process involves a self-evaluation by each student in each of the above areas. This evaluation is completed inside the mentorship course in canvas each term.   The student self-evaluation is reviewed by the Mentorship Professor and a review of any recommended action by the Director of Student Life and the Executive Committee.

The SOA evaluation process consists of four levels of discipline, known as Disciplinary Steps, when a student is found to be failing in any area. :

1. Will-Improve
2. Warning
3. Suspension
4. Expulsion

All discipline should have at it’s goal the holistic spiritual formation of the student until each is matured in their relationship with the Lord.