SEU NETWORK

Establishing a Partner Site

Academics » Establishing a Partner Site

Join the SEU Ministry Network

As the most essential components of the SEU Ministry Network, each partner site relationship with SEU is established as a mutually-beneficial partnership between the university and the local church. That’s why our dedicated team ensures that all aspects of the partnership are legally and academically sound.

Through our partnership with more than 200 churches around the country, the SEU Ministry Network pairs higher education with practical, hands-on training led by the local church.

How it Works

Partner site students are equipped to step into their calling as they pursue their college degree, all while helping to build the future of the church.

Students who want a Christian education that’s close to home can enroll at SEU as students at your church, meaning your church becomes an SEU partner site.
These students participate in earn practicum hours by working in various capacities at your church. This provides them with real-world ministry experience while also receiving support and mentorship from you and your staff.
These students simultaneously earn their undergraduate degree by taking online classes with SEU, led by our world-class faculty. As your site grows, adding some face-to-face classes at your church may be an option.

How SEU Partners with You

Partner Site Academics

SEU handles the academic workload. Led by our world-class faculty, students take classes with SEU online.

Practicum

Students in the program receive a scholarship from SEU to take a practicum course each semester. Similar to an internship, practicum is designed to simultaneously serve the church and prepare students for ministry. Students develop practical skills that they’ll use in their careers as they serve the church in the areas you need or want additional support. Examples include children’s ministry, youth ministry, creative/production, worship, operations, and more.

Leadership Training

Through practicum opportunities and any existing leadership programs offered through your church, your partner site students will thrive as they learn how they are essential to the future of the church and to growing the Kingdom.

Community & Mentorship

Your church offers a community like no other, because your people aren’t found anywhere else! SEU thrives on community, so we encourage our partner sites to do the same by creating student opportunities for connections, fellowship, and mentorship.

Establishing a New Partner Site

Now it’s your turn! Every fall, SEU adds new church partner sites to our network, and we’ve seen incredible growth. In fact, more than 200 churches nationally (and internationally!) are part of this exciting, innovative initiative that is shaping the next generation of ministry leaders.

These tasks and milestones are essential to the successful launch of a new site.

Initial Contact — A conversation between a church and SEU begins with a mutual connection and an initial conversation.
Leadership Team Approval — The prospective site is presented to the SEU leadership team by the Vice President of the SEU Ministry Network. Pending approval, a formal Extension Site Partnership Agreement is articulated and presented to the church for authorization.
Church Approval — The agreement is reviewed and approved by the governing board of the local church (if applicable), and/or the executive/lead pastor. Pending approval, the legal officer of the church signs the document and returns a physical copy to SEU.
Accreditation and Governmental Approval — The SEU Network Team works with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) — and the appropriate governmental and state approval agencies — to ensure that the local site is approved both academically and legally.
Site Director Selection — The church identifies an individual to serve as the partner site director.
Site Director & Staff Training — Members of the SEU Network team will set up calls/meetings for site staff, which cover a variety of topics for the successful launch and operations of the site. (Note: Site directors are invited to multiple training opportunities both virtually and in person throughout each year.)
Marketing & Recruitment — Sites coordinate local promotional and recruitment activities. All marketing (e.g., brochures, websites, advertisements, etc.) including SEU branding, must be reviewed and approved by SEU Creative (the internal SEU marketing department) prior to publication.
Site Launch — At the beginning of the fall semester, all courses are created, faculty are assigned, students are registered, practicum documentation is submitted, and courses begin. At this point, a student orientation takes place as an introduction to the program.
Site Visit — Depending on the delivery model, a site visit may be conducted after the start of the program.

Ready to Establish a Partner Site?

We would love to discuss how we can partner with you to make an even greater impact in your college-aged students and young adults! Complete this form, and we’ll be in touch!

New Site FAQs

What is an SEU Partner Site?

Since 1935, it’s been our mission to help students discover and develop their Divine Design — their God-given purpose. We don’t confine that mission to our Lakeland, Florida, campus. That’s why we’ve established hundreds of partner sites at churches and faith-based organizations nationwide (and a few internationally)!

How does it work?

Partner sites give more students the opportunity to earn their degree from an accredited Christian university in the communities where they live and work. Students complete their coursework online while also serving at your church to earn practicum credit. This mutually-beneficial structure gives you the opportunity to continue to pour into the lives of the next generation and help raise up tomorrow’s leaders, while they gain real-world ministry experience.

Which degrees can I offer at my site?

The SEU Network team will discuss your options during the site establishment process.

Who can be a student at my site?

Any student looking for a Christ-centered education and who has interest in the degrees and opportunities at your site could be a good fit for enrollment. SEU partner sites are also a popular alternative to community college for “traditional” college age students (recent high school graduate/young adult). Student who complete their degree at your partner site receive an SEU diploma.

How can I get started?

We have a dedicated partner site support team, ready to help you get started and make your site a success. To get started, complete an inquiry form, and we will be in touch!

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