Appalachian Local Pastors (ALPS-MTH)
COS Extension School of Emory University-Candler School of Theology
CONTACT INFORMATION: E-mail provides a quicker and documented response of your request.
Registration, invoice, or grade questions: Pam Whitmore, Registrar – alpsmthcos@gmail.com – 931.239.5039 (Central Time Zone)
All other questions: course advisement, prerequisites, prework extensions, etc.: Dr. Barbara Nye, Director – bnye34@gmail.com – 615.289.4332 (Central Time Zone)
ALPS-MTH Course of Study School – 2023 are “HYBRID FORMAT” COURSES
Hybrid format courses count as face-to face courses per GBHEM policy. The COS course term begins 30 days prior to the first weekend – RESIDENTIAL CLASS session. This allows pastors to complete and submit prework, view any pre-course videos, etc. Weekend 2 classes are via zoom—includes videos or other assignments. 324 Preaching-weekend 2 is residential, and weekend 1 is via zoom. Residential class weekend one attendance exceptions for a Zoom option or for late registration – must be approved in advance by Dr. Barbara Nye. Late prework requires prior approval by Dr. Nye.
Additional information on Registration, Tuition, Course Withdrawal, Transcript, Policies, etc. are listed below the Schedule.
Reserve Friday 4:30-8:30 pm and Saturday, 8:30 am-3:30 pm for both Weekend classes. Only weekend one is residential. Weekend two is via zoom. Check the course location to determine if the location is Central or Eastern Time zone for your residential weekend and for your weekend two (s) zoom classes. Please do NOT plan other responsibilities during course sessions. Follow zoom etiquette – camera on during class, mic off, etc.
2023 COURSE SCHEDULE – Course SYLLABUS links are beside the course title (syllabi available by Dec. 5, 2023)
March 17-18 and April 14-15, 2023
Location: Franklin First UMC – Franklin, TN
COS 123 (formerly 213) Formation and Discipleship Rev. Paul Walles Syllabus
COS 423 (formerly 513) Mission Rev. Dr. Robert Brown Syllabus
Location: Tennessee Wesleyan – Athens, TN
COS 121 (formerly 111) Bible I: Introduction Rev. Dr. Pat Whittemore Syllabus
COS 224 (formerly 114) Administration and Polity Rev. Dr. Phil Jamieson Syllabus
COS 421 (formerly 411) Bible IV: Prophets, Psalms, & Wisdom Literature Syllabus
Rev. Dr. Jack Keller
May 12-13 and May 26-27, 2023
Location: Franklin First UMC – Franklin, TN
COS 322 (formerly 312) Theo. Heritage III: Medieval/Reformation
Rev. Dr. Robert Ratcliff Syllabus
Location: Tennessee Wesleyan – Athens, TN
COS 122 (formerly 112) Theology I Rev. Dr. Phil Jamieson Syllabus
May 22-26, 2023 at Union College – Residential week – students may take 2 courses. Courses, Worship, Alumni Event & Connect Academy with CEUs
COS 121 (formerly 111) Bible I: Introduction Rev. Dr. Russ Sisson Syllabus
(morning course)
COS 123 (formerly 213) Formation and Discipleship Rev. Paul Walles
(afternoon course) Syllabus
COS 324 (formerly 214) Preaching Rev. Dr. Robert Brown Syllabus
(morning course)
COS 421 (formerly 411) Bible IV: Prophets, Psalms, & Wisdom Literature
Rev. Dr. Rodney Duke Syllabus (afternoon course)
COS 424 (formerly 414) Ethics Rev. Dr. Jack Keller Syllabus
(afternoon course)
COS 522 (formerly 511) Contemporary Theology Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey Syllabus
(morning course)
Worship will be daily in the Boatman Chapel with faculty preaching. Communion Monday evening. If you are graduating notify Dr. Barbara Nye bnye34@gmail.com. Worship & Graduation is planned.
May 26-27, 2023 and June 30-July 1, 2023 Location: Union College
COS 422 (formerly 412) Theological Heritage IV: Wesleyan Movement
Rev. Dr. William McDonald Syllabus
May 22-26, 2023 – Dialogue Evening and Alumni fellowship & New Connect With Us Academy Courses (CEUs available): Register to attend on Monday-Tuesday (fellowship meal may be planned). Charles Brockwell, Rex Kaney, Paul Walles, Robert Brown, Rodney Duke, Jack Keller, Ken Ramsey, Jack Keller, Stacy Minger, and Russ Sisson and others.
May School: Union College Apartment and Dorm week prices: Check the Registration form
2023 SUMMER COURSES – check back some summer courses may be added
June 9-10, 2023 and July 14-15, 2023 Location: Tennessee Wesleyan
COS 222 (formerly 212) Theological Heritage II: Early Church
Rev. Dr. William McDonald Syllabus
June 16-17 and July 7-8, 2023 Location: Union College
COS 321 (formerly 311) Bible III: Gospels Rev. Dr. Russ Sisson Syllabus
August 4-5 and August 25-26, 2023 Location: Franklin First UMC – Franklin, TN
COS 521 (formerly 511) Bible V: Acts, Epistles & Revelation Rev. Dr. Jack Keller Syllabus
September 8-9 and September 29-30, 2023
Location: Franklin First UMC – Franklin, TN
COS 121 (formerly 111) Bible I: Introduction Rev. Dr. Pat Whittemore Syllabus
COS 223 (formerly 413) Worship and Sacraments Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey Syllabus
COS 324** (formerly 214) Preaching Rev. Dr. Robert Brown Syllabus
**(weekend two is residential at Franklin First; weekend one is by zoom)
COS 523 (formerly 313) Evangelism – Rev. Dr. Bryan Brooks Syllabus
Location: Tennessee Wesleyan – Athens, TN
COS 424 (formerly 414) Ethics Rev. Dr. Jack Keller Syllabus
COS 522 (formerly 511) Contemporary Theology Rev. Dr. Bob Ratcliff Syllabus
October 13-14 and November 3-4, 2023
Location: Franklin First UMC – Franklin, TN
COS 321 (formerly 311) Bible III: Gospels Rev. Dr. Jack Keller Syllabus
COS 323 (formerly 314) Congregational Care Rev. Paul Walles Syllabus
COS 423 (formerly 513) Mission Rev. Dr. Robert Brown Syllabus
COS 524 (formerly 514) Theological Reflection: Practice of Ministry
Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey Syllabus
Location: Tennessee Wesleyan – Athens, TN
COS weekend courses to be announced – check the website in March, 2023
COURSE LOCATIONS and MEETING TIMES and Hotels (google for hotels)
Plan to arrive at all residential weekend one courses by 4:00-4:15 pm on FRIDAY for 4:30-8:30 pm class and Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (arrive by 8:15 am) Thank you
Franklin First UMC
120 Aldersgate Way
Franklin, TN 37069
Room #s: B132, B135, B136 AND others
Lost? Or locked out of the building at the start of the course. Contact Ken 615-289-4354
Make arrangements with your instructor for the time to enter the building after lunch. Please do not be late. If you are late call or text your instructor.
Hotel: many in area near the church – There is a Hampton beside Cool Springs Mall near restaurants and shopping. 7141 S Springs Dr. Franklin, TN (9 miles to Franklin First – takes at least 15 minutes to drive to the church because of traffic. The COS courses are located on the back side of the church, where you enter the Sunday School wing. There is only one door that will be open. It you go out the door other than at lunch, you will be locked out of the building.
Union College – Campus Map
310 College St
Barbourville, KY
Sharp Academic Center: location for courses – parking is on the right side of the building – Sign for classes will be posted
Lost? Contact Dr. Russ Sisson 606-524-6326
The Best Western Wilderness Inn in Barbourville is 5 minutes from Union College and the Host Site Hotel. Please mention you are an ALPS student attending a course at Union College. There may be a reduced rate. AARP rate offered also. There are other hotels before you get to the campus.
Tennessee Wesleyan University – Campus Map
204 East College St
Athens, TN 37303
Elliot Hall also known as the GoodFriends School of Business – parking is to the left of the building as you face the front door (use the campus map to locate the building
Room #s: are on the doors. You will see your instructor in the room. Classes are usually held on floor one but could be on floor 2
Lost? Contact Danny Duckett (security) 423-887-3976
There is a Hampton Inn, Fairfield, Comfort and Holiday Inn at the campus exit in Athens.
The road after you exit off of I-75 (Exit 49) that leads to the campus is Hwy 30 – Decatur Pk. You will see a sign to the Campus
INFORMATION AND POLICIES
ALPS-MTH COS reserves the right to cancel a course or to change instructors. Course cancelation rarely happen and is due to insufficient enrollment in a course or an unforeseen faculty conflict.
COS Students, Please carefully read and follow the information and policies below.
REGISTRATION: Students must be a part-time local pastor to attend the ALPS-MTH Extension School unless an exception is approved by GBHEM. Contact Dr. Barbara Nye for exception information and process bnye34@gmail.com
Please register at least 3-6 months prior to the COS course(s) you wish to take. This assures enrollment space and adequate time to order your textbooks and to complete required prework assignments on time. Select the “Registration Tab” at www.alpsumc.org. Keep a copy of your Registration Form after it is sent to the District Superintendent. The website’s “General Information Tab” provides a course planning curriculum grid, etc. Registration ends 30 days prior to the COS course’s first required class session unless a late registration exception is granted by Dr. Nye bnye34@gmail.com. Any ZOOM course directed study options must be approved 30 days in advance of the course. All students should plan to attend weekend one of courses residentially whenever possible. There will be few exceptions for very far distanced students who need a specific course, ill students, etc. Please call Dr. Nye to discuss your situation first 625-289-4332. Do not call Pam or the instructor. Thank you.
TUITION PAYMENT POLICY: Students must pay their course registration and tuition balance at least 30 days prior to attending the first weekend class sessions. Students are responsible for their full balance even if their payment is late. Contact Dr. Barbara Nye bnye34@gmail.com for any “late payment approval.”
COURSE WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE: A “Request to Withdraw” must be completed at least 30 days prior to the first weekend course session date. “30 days prior to the first weekend of the course” is the start date for the course. This provides time for prework completion/submission and other asynchronous (non-face-to-face) course assignments: such as pre-course videos, and reflections, study guides, partner discussions, etc. Course instructors may email students 2-4 weeks prior to the first weekend class session with IMPORTANT information such as class handouts, video links to watch videos prior to class (or these links may be included in the course syllabus), partner assignments, etc.
ATTENDANCE of all weekend one residential classes and weekend 2 – Zoom class sessions are REQUIRED. Email instructor for zoom class session information if needed. Contact bnye34@gmail.com for any requests for an EXCEPTION to attend a residential or zoom class. Please do not attend the course if you are ill. Contact Dr. Nye in advance for zoom options.
Please do not come to the residential class session with Covid (home or Dr. test positive) or with Covid symptoms. Other class members may have a health condition that will make them vulnerable to these infections. If you have respiratory illness symptoms, please wear a mask.
To “Request to Withdraw” email bnye34@gmail.com and copy alpsmthcos@gmail.com. 30 or more days prior to the first course weekend session. Please do NOT contact the course instructor to request to withdraw. The instructor CANNOT withdraw you from a class. The Registration fee is non-refundable and nontransferable. For “Late Withdrawal” (less than 30 days prior to the first class session): both the Registration and Tuition fees are non-refundable since registration has been processed and all course arrangements have already been made.
Submission of a course Registration Form to ALPS-MTH signifies the student has read the ALPS-MTH policies, intends to take the courses listed on the registration form, and the student understands they are responsible for payment of the registration ($70) fee for each course and tuition fee ($300), unless paid by the conference.
SCHEDULE & SYLLABI: Select the ALPS-MTH “Schedule Tab” at www.alpsumc.org for course dates. Scroll down and click on the course syllabus link beside the course title. As soon as you register 1) review the syllabus, 2) order textbooks and begin prework. Your registration form will flow from your DS to your conference registrar and then to the ALPS-MTH Registrar-Pam Whitmore alpsmthcos@gmail.com You will NOT receive a notice of registration. You will be registered for the course unless contacted by Pam. MAIL the $70 registration fee 35 days prior to the first weekend course meeting. Thank you. Contact Pam alpsmthcos@gmail.com if you need to ask if she has received your registration form.
Please add the instructor’s email address and alpsmthcos@gmail.com to your computer address book NOW. Check your email and spam regularly. Course weekend materials, videos, zoom session links and other information are emailed to students as a group by the course instructor prior to class—about 2-3 weeks ahead of the first class weekend. COS course schedule updates, etc. are emailed to students from alpsmthcos@gmail.com.
Follow the course syllabus for 2023. Syllabi may change each year. 2023 COS Course syllabi will be posted by APPROXIMATELY December 5, 2023, or as soon as the faculty emails these to Pam. If a syllabus is not posted, Pam does not have it yet.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: Students are responsible to submit prework on time, read course emails and follow their course syllabus carefully. Students are responsible to contact the instructor by email 14 days ahead of the first REQUIRED weekend class sessions — if they have not received the instructor’s “Welcome Email” with REQUIRED materials to print for class, pre-course videos, etc. Courses begin 30 days prior to the first residential or course weekend and require completion of prework on time (see syllabus), watching any required pre and during course videos, any other required assignments including partner discussions, etc. Questions about the syllabus: contact the instructor by email. Instructor emails are listed on the syllabus. Please DO NOT email the instructor to try to withdraw from a course. Email Dr. Nye regarding any withdrawal bnye34@gmail.com
TEXTBOOKS & REGISTRATION FEE: Order textbooks and begin reading and prework as soon as you email (or give) your District Superintendent the Course Registration Form. MAIL your Course registration fee to ALPS-MTH COS (c/o or Pam Whitmore, Register) as soon as you email or deliver your registration form to the District Superintendent. Pam’s address is on the bottom or page 2 of the registration form. Failure to pay registration does not exempt you from paying all course fees.
COURSE ENROLLMENT NOTICE: Students will NOT receive an enrollment notice. You will only be notified if the course is cancelled due to insufficient or full. Registration signifies your course enrollment, unless you receive further notice from the Registrar. The Registrar will email the student a COURTESY INVOICE – 30 days prior to the first class session weekend students are sent an invoice. The invoice shows any remaining fee or tuition balance still owed or zero balance if the conference will pay the full tuition. The student is responsible to request an invoice if it is not received and to pay any balance immediately upon receipt of the invoice 30 days ahead of the course. Contact the registrar at alpsmthcos@gmail.com for questions.
TRANSCRIPT: An Official COS Transcript must be included with your first 2023 registration form to verify you have taken COS 121 and COS 122 prerequisite courses per GBHEM policy. Both courses are required prior to enrolling in any other COS courses (GBHEM policy effective June 30, 2019. Request an official transcript from cosregistrar@gbhem.org. A Student will not have a transcript if they have not taken COS 121 and 122—so just email Pam you do not have a transcript yet..
Only GBHEM-General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the UMC maintains your official transcript. Contact bnye34@gmail.com for prerequisite COS 121 or 122 assistance. If you have not taken COS 121 or 122 and wish to discuss taking 123 or 124 prior to taking COS 121 and/or 122 contact bnye34@gmail.com
PREWORK: Prework assignments for Hybrid courses must be MAILED and postmarked 10 days prior to the first Friday weekend or May term class sessions–unless the SYLLABUS SAYS TO EMAIL the prework to the instructor by a specific date OR to submit the prework earlier than 10 days prior to the course. Students must follow the SYLLABUS directions. Use regular mail or priority mail if you need a mail tracking number. Do NOT mark signature required. Courses begin 30 days prior to first weekend of the required WEEKEND class session. The 30-day period includes: prework submission, viewing pre-course videos if provided, other assignments, securing weekend zoom session links from instructors, etc.
Check your email and spam folder regularly. Add the instructor’s email to your computer address book to assure you receive emails. It is the student’s responsibility to NOTIFY the instructor 14 days prior to the first weekend class session, if they do not receive a welcome Email with information, etc.
PREWORK EXTENSIONS – Normal church duties do NOT constitute a reason for a Pre-work Extension. Extensions are for health emergencies, etc. Email “Extension Requests” to bnye34@gmail.com.
COVER SHEET is required for Assignments: Click here The Academic Honor Code is available on alpsumc.org under General Information: Student Honor Code-page 2.
Reserve Friday 4:30-8:30 pm and Saturday, 8:30 am-3:30 pm for both Weekend classes. Check the course location to determine if the location is Central or Eastern Time zone for your residential weekend and for your weekend 2-zoom classes. Do NOT plan other responsibilities during zoom sessions.
The residential weekend course hours are 4:30-8:30 pm Friday and 8:30 am-3:30 pm Saturday. Faculty will set the breaks, breakout groups, etc. Bring a mask and seating offered will allow social distance if specified by the faculty member. Someone in the course may have a health condition. If you PCR (doctor or drug store) or home test positive for Covid the week/days prior to the residential course weekend, please email Dr. Barbara Nye, bnye34@gmail.com, with your phone # to see if zoom attendance at the course can still be arranged via zoom.