Student Organizations
Organized Interest Groups
Perkins is filled with students who are active in their church, community, and seminary. Students have the advantage of being a part of the Perkins Student Association (PSA), the governing student body at Perkins. PSA has elected student officers and appointed representatives who are interested in always making sure that Perkins is in touch with the needs of its student body.
The following interest groups are part of the Perkins Student Association:
ARC (Affirming Religious Community)
The Affirming Religious Community’s mission is to provide social, educational, and theological opportunities with an affirming perspective on sexual orientation to Perkins students and their partners. Perkins student whom express interest and comply with ARC Safety Covenant may obtain membership.
BSA (Black Seminarians Association)
The Black Seminarians Association is an ecumenical, interdisciplinary organization that addresses issues, concerns, and goals of students of African descent within Perkins School of Theology and the SMU Community.
IDP (Interfaith Dialogue at Perkins)
Interfaith Dialogue at Perkins is devoted to seeking opportunities for engaging in interfaith dialogue with the Perkins community. Its mission is to raise awareness of interfaith dialogue opportunities, to create and help promote events that foster theological discussion and community-building, and to strengthen relations between Christians and non-Christians.
L@s Seminaristas
L@s Seminaristas is an ecumenical student organization dedicated to serving Christ by strengthening and encouraging student leadership. The group has a focused interest in various aspects of Latino/a ministry including Christian worship, preaching, outreach, evangelism, and mission.
Order of St. Julian of Norwich
The Order of St. Julian is a neo-monastic, contemplative community open to students, staff, faculty and alumni of Perkins. It takes its name from St. Julian of Norwich, drawing evangelistic wisdom and hope from her contemplative theology. The Order includes a monthly common supper with evening prayer and Eucharist, weekly student-led small group meetings for spiritual formation, and a commitment to regular spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, lectio divina, and others.
OSL (Order of Saint Luke)
The Order of Saint Luke is an organization of the United Methodist Church organized to emphasize the ritual, sacrament, and liturgy of worship. The chapter at Perkins encourages the appropriate use and study of worship rituals and gives assistance and support to worship matters at Perkins.
Perkins International Hospitality
International Hospitality is a group designated and dedicated to create community for new and continuing international students. The group does this by helping international students connect to others in the Perkins community and by aiding them in the practical needs of living in a foreign country.
YASN (Young Adult Seminarians Network)
YASN is a network of United Methodist seminarians ages 35 and under and those concerned with the issues of those 35 and under who seek to support one another in their faith journeys, be bold advocates for social justice, have an active voice and role within The United Methodist Church, help people in discerning their vocations, support persons involved in the candidacy process, and provide a safe community in which issues relating to ministry as young adults can be addressed.
Information about the groups can be found on the bulletin boards, in the Perkins News, by contacting the Office of Community Life (214.768.3371, Kirby 216), or by contacting Vance Goodman, PSA President, at sgoodman@smu.edu.