OLMHTCS : Academic programs

THE SEMINARY AND ITS FORMATION PROGRAM

A. BRIEF HISTORY

The Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity College Seminary in Sitio Langon, Brgy. Cararayan, Naga City was given the permit to operate a 4-Year Classical Liberal Arts Course, major in Philosophy, minor in Religious Education by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last May 2009. The following month, it started its operation. Twenty-two (22) seminarians served as pioneers with four priest-formators taking charge of the formation on full time basis.

Prior to this opening, college seminarians were sent to the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese of Caceres in Naga City.

B. PROGRAM OF FORMATION

The SOLT Asia-Pacific Region, owner of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity College Seminary (OLMHTCS), has tried to seek new ways in living and bringing about the mission of the SOLT with the inspiration of its founder, Fr. James H. Flanagan to “serve in areas of deepest apostolic needs for the full development of peoples leading them to become disciples,” so also, OLMHTCS has earnestly tried to find fresh alternatives in facilitating and effecting a tertiary education that pursues an education that is religious and missionary – where the student is formed to be truly disciple and instrument as one lives out the baptismal commitment to preach the Kingdom of God on earth. Thus, OLMHTCS commits itself to the realization of the SOLT's Vision-Mission-Charism.
The OLMHTCS Education aims for the total human and Christian formation of the person towards his union with God.

Vision: OLMHTCS is an educational institution helping individuals towards integral growth and maturity in all areas of human and Christian formation as servant leaders in the Church and in the world.

Mission: Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity College Seminary commits itself to the following tasks:

1. Providing the necessary means to discern and respond to one's vocation.

2. Clarifying and settling one's identity towards ongoing conversion.

3. Systematic and holistic understanding of the link between faith and life.

4. Developing intellectual competence with high Christian moral values.

5. Inculcating interior life towards apostolic commitment.

6. Living Christian discipleship towards renewed evangelization.

C. SEMINARY STAFF

1. Rector - As the Chief Executive of the seminary-school, the Rector has the authority and final responsibility in all matters pertaining to the government of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity College Department. He plans, organizes, coordinates, and controls the over-all activities of the school to meet the academic and administrative objectives approved by the Board of Trustees. He is appointed by the Regional Priest Servant of the Asia-Pacific Region. He has a term of three years with the option of re-appointment.

2. Dean of Studies – The Dean is the chief administrative and academic officer of the College Department. Within his/her purview is the entire educational concern of the department including academic programs, faculty and students. He/She is responsible for curriculum, courses, methods of instruction, the quality and performance of faculty and students. He/She is assited by the Registrar.

3. Registrar - The College Registrar plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and controls the activities involving students registration, transfer, graduation; the maintenance and safekeeping of students and faculty records in addition to complying with requests, inquiries and communication from outside offices or agencies with which the school maintains interactions. The Registrar's office has charge of the official matters and records as regards grades, transcript of records and other confidential records of students and faculty.

4. Librarian – The Librarian is responsible for the proper development of a balanced collection of books, periodicals and related materials. He should have acquired a professional degree in Library science and should administer the library according to norms of the profession and the respective accrediting and educational agencies.

5. Procurator – The Procurator is responsible financial and physical aspects of the Seminary. He supervises non-academic personnel and strives for an efficient management of property and services.  

6. Guidance Counselor – The Guidance Counselor executes the Guidance and Counseling services of the College. He/She renders services for self-direction and self-help of the students either in individual or group counseling; remedial and enrichment counseling, career or vocational guidance, referrals and other related guidance services.

7. Pastoral Director or Prefect of Apostolate  (for the Interns)– He bears the responsibility of organizing and coordinating the various apostolates to be undertaken by the seminarians.

8. Sports Director (for the Interns) – He coordinates all the recreation and sports activities of the seminary. He procures and tales care of all the necessary sports' facilities and equipments.

9. Spiritual Director (for the Interns) – He serves as coordinator who, in cooperation with the faculty and other spiritual director, will give unity and direction to the program of spiritual development of the community. This program will consist of spiritual exercises, liturgy, conferences, retreats, recollections, personal colloquia, etc.

Chapter II

ACADEMICS

I.THE STUDENTS

The students are the clients of the educational ministry of OLMHTCS College. They are the principal agents of their own development with the administration, faculty and staff as facilitators of this development.

The Student Body of OLMHTCS College is composed of the following:

1. Matriculated resident students: (SOLT seminarian-Interns) who have been duly screened and accepted to formation by the SOLT Vocation  Office;

2. Matriculated non-resident students: (Religious Congregation/Society/Dioceses – Extern-Seminarians or Sisters) who have been duly recommended by their respective Vocation Offices and have passed the OLMHTCS Admission Test;

3. Matriculated non-resident, non-seminarians: (Extern, non-seminarians) who have duly recommended by their respective parish priest and have passed the OLMHTCS Admission Test; former seminarians who have been duly recommended by their formators and by at least three members of the faculty for their re-admission.

The Student Body is represented by a Student Council, the students' highest governing body and official liaison before the School Administration and the faculty.

The students shall abide with the College Policies and Regulation stipulated in this Handbook in order to enjoy continued membership in the Students Body of OLMHTCS.

II. ADMISSION POLICY

The basic requirements for eligibility for admission of a student and/or seminarian to Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity College are as follows:

For new students and/or seminarians:

• Graduates from a secondary level program recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd)
• College transferees with the prescribed credentials from the college, seminary or university last attended.

For old students and/or seminarians:

•Admission for old students and/or seminarians is governed by the rules and regulations set by the College;

• Except in cases of academic delinquency, violation of college-seminary rules and regulations, old students may be admitted for enrolment and is qualified to stay for the entire period in which he is expected to complete his course of study.

III. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND CREDENTIALS

For new students and/or seminarians:

1. For High School Graduate: Graduation from a secondary level program recognized by the DECS with corresponding credentials:

A. Form 138 and 137-A
B. NSAT Certificate of qualification (until this is necessary)
C. OLMHTCS Entrance Examinations
D. OLMHTCS Vocation Testing (for SOLT seminarians)
E. Other requirements:
• Live Birth Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Confirmation Certificate
• Medical Health Certificate
• Marriage Certificate of parents
• Certificate of Good Moral Character
• 2 recent photos (2x2)

2. For College Transferees: Transfer credentials from the last college, seminary or university attended:

A. Official Transcript of Records
B. Certified True Copy of Grades
C. Honorable Dismissal
D. OLMHTCS Entrance Examinations
E. OLMHTCS Vocation Testing (for SOLT seminarians)
F. Interview with the Dean and/or Rector of OLMHTCS
G. Other requirements: (for SOLT seminarians)

• Live Birth Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Confirmation Certificate
• Medical Health Certificate
• Marriage certificate of Parents
• 2 recent photos (2x2)

IV. ADMISSION PROCEDURE

As a general principle, a student is deemed officially enrolled after he has submitted his appropriate admission or transfer credentials, has made an initial payment of his school fees which has been accepted by the school, and has been authorized to attend classes in the school.  However, the standards, requirements and regulations for admission set by the OLMHTCS must be observed.

1. Any applicant who has satisfactorily completed the admission requirements and credentials shall be admitted to the College.

2. Any student enrolled who has satisfactorily complied with the standards, requirements and regulations set by the OLMHTCS shall be admitted to the College.

3. The enrolment of students shall be conducted during the registration days indicated on the approved OLMHTCS calendar

4. Aside from the specified registration period, a student may enroll in accordance with reasonable rules of the OLMHTCS for late enrolment but which in no case shall exceed two weeks after the opening of classes. After the two-week period above-mentioned, no further enrolment will be allowed.

Rules for Registration

New Students:

1. Secure a registration form from the office of the registrar and fill up the necessary information, including the class code, schedule, load and unit.

2. Proceed to the office of the Dean and the Rector for approval of academic loads.

3. Upon approval, proceed to the accounting office for payment of tuition charges and other school fees.

4. Return the registration form to the registrar's office for final validation and issuance of class cards.

Old Students:

1. Secure a clearance form from the cashier's office. The clearance form must be duly signed by the following offices:
• Office of the Procurator – college financial administrator
• Office of the Librarian – chief librarian
• Office of the Student Affairs – incumbent president
• Office of the Registrar – registrar
• Office of the Dean
• Office of the Rector (for SOLT seminarians)

2. Submit the clearance form to the office of the registrar and secure a copy of the registration form. Fill up the necessary information, including class code, schedule, and units.

3. Proceed to the Office of the Dean and the Rector for approval of academic loads.

4. Upon approval, proceed to the accounting office for payment of tuition charges and other school fees.

5. Return the registration form to the registrar's office for final validation and issuance of class cards.

Subject Load and Sequence

1. As a general rule, the subject load and the sequence of subjects of each undergraduate student shall be in accordance with the approved curriculum of each program or course of study.

2. A student and/or seminarian must first discuss his academic program with the Dean (for OLMHTCS seminarian and extern). No student and/or seminarian shall be allowed to carry more than the regular load for the present semester without the prior approval of the Dean (for OLMHTCS seminarian and extern).

3. Reasonable exemptions may be permitted in individual cases taking into account the best interest of the student and/or seminarian (without prejudice to his formation) and the objectives of the educational system.

4. School administrators are advised to carefully evaluate the records and compute the unit loads of graduating students to ensure that they complete the course with the proposed load.

5. A graduating student may be permitted, upon the discretion of the school administration, an additional subject load of not more than six (6) academic units in excess of the normal load specified by the school year or term.

Advanced Subjects and Back Subjects

1. As a general rule, a student shall not e permitted to take any advanced subject until he has satisfactorily passed the prerequisite subject(s). Prerequisite subjects are those which must be completed to qualify the student for enrolment in subsequent and (usually related) subjects.

2. A student and/or seminarian must first discuss his academic program with the Dean (for OLMHTCS seminarian and extern). No student and/or seminarian shall be allowed to take advanced subject(s) without prior approval of the Dean (for OLMHTCS seminarian and extern).

3. A student and/or seminarian may enroll in no more than two subjects during the summer, either for the purpose of making up for subject previously failed, or for earning advanced credits in other subjects.

4. A graduating student at the end of the school term may be allowed to simultaneously enroll in prerequisite and advanced classes with the prior written approval from the Dean and the Rector (for OLMHTCS intern).

Cross-Enrolment

1. In general, cross-enrolment is discouraged. However, for valid reasons as determined by and with the prior written authority of the school he is regularly enrolled in, a student and/or seminarian may be permitted to cross-enroll in another school for up to the normal subject load for that particular term.

2. Cross-enrollment is allowed when the desired subjects are not offered at OLMHTCS during the term of the requesting student's enrolment;

3. Cross-enrollment is allowed when the subjects are offered, but their schedules conflict with the requesting student's other classes;

4. Cross-enrollment is allowed when the student intends to spend the school term in his home province or region and wishes to enroll in subjects while there;

5. As a matter of policy, student and/or seminarian must first discuss his academic program with the Dean (for OLMHTCS seminarian and extern) and the Rector (for OLMHTCS seminarian). No student and/or seminarian shall be allowed to cross-enroll without the prior approval of the Dean (for OLMHTCS seminarian and extern) and the Rector (for OLMHTCS seminarian).

6. Subjects in the General Education Program may be taken outside with due consideration to the provisions on cross-enrollment. However, major and minor subjects must be enrolled in and taken at OLMHTCS.

Grading System and Grade Completion

1. A student must have at least the point average of 85% (2.0 or B) in all subjects taken during the previous semester in order to be retained in OLMHTCS college and/or to pursue his major field;

2. In special cases, those who obtained a point average of below 85% but not lower than 82% may be readmitted on probation under other conditions or factors. He/She must be favorably recommended by at least three members of the faculty; and/or by the formation team in the case of seminarians.

3. All "Incomplete" grades shall be removed or completed within a year. After this period, the "Incomplete" grade automatically becomes a "Failure".

Grade Description	Grade	Numeric

Excellent	        97-100	1.00

Superior	        94-96	1.25

Very Good	        91-93	1.50

Good	                88-90	1.75

Average	                85-57	2.00

Below Average	        82-84	2.25

Satisfactory	        79-81	2.50

Fair	                76-78	2.75

Passing	                75	3.00

Incomplete	        Inc	4.00

Failed	          Below 75	5.00

Dropped	                Drp	

Failed due to Withdrawal FW	

Failed due to Absences	 FA	

CLASS ATTENDANCE

1. Students are expected to be punctual and regular in class attendance.

2. A student is automatically dropped from a 3-unit subject if he/she incurs three hours of unexcused and six hours of (albeit) excused absences.

3. A student is also considered absent for every three times that he/she comes late to class. A student is considered late if he/she comes ten (10) minutes after the class has been convened. In this case, the professor has the discretion to admit him/her in class or not.

4. No student may be re-admitted to class without an excuse or explanatory slip signed by the Dean.

5. If for some unexplained reasons, a professor does not come fifteen (15) minutes after the appointed time, the students may leave the classroom and devote the remaining time for personal study either in their study rooms or in the library.

6. Students are required to attend classes with the prescribed uniform.

MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

1.EXAMINATIONS

To measure the progress of the students in their studies, three main examinations will be held during the semester, namely: preliminary, midterm, and final examinations. Only those students with permit slips issued by the Financial Administrator may be allowed to take the examinations.

Students who, for one reason or another, are not able to take the examinations at the appointed schedule, should make arrangements with the Dean's office for special examination. Just the same, special examinations may be given only upon presentation of a permit issued by the Financial Administrator.

Professors are required to administer the examinations themselves, but should they be prevented, from doing so, due to some urgent reason, the Dean should be duly informed so that the services of a proctor could be arranged.

Final examination text booklets or test papers should be submitted to the office together with the grading sheets. Test paper or quizzes and other examinations, term papers, etc., should be given back to the students so that they could see for themselves the bases for their grades.

1.1. All students who are in their second year of philosophical studies shall take the Oral Comprehensive Examination in Religious Education, as a requirement to continue in their philosophical studies.

1.2. All students who are in their last year of philosophical studies shall take the Oral Comprehensive Examination in Philosophy, as a requirement for graduation and promotion to theological studies.

1.3. The conduct of the oral comprehensive examinations in religious education and philosophy shall be governed by existing particular guidelines provided for them.

1.4. All students who are in their last year in philosophical studies shall write a thesis on a philosophical theme and to present and defend it publicly, as a requirement for graduation and promotion to theological studies.

Subject Failures

1. A student and/or seminarian incurring failure in any one subject (3 units) under the General Education Program shall be admitted under probation. One must enroll in the subject again, either during summer or in a succeeding school year. This applies for both seminarians and students.

2. A student and/or seminarian incurring a failure in two subjects (6 units) under the General Education Program shall be refused admission in the OLMHTCS.

3. A student and/or seminarian incurring failure in any one subject (3 units) under the Professional Education Program shall be admitted under probation. One must enroll in the subject again in the succeeding school year.

4. A student and/or seminarian incurring failure in any two subjects (6 units) under the Professional Education Program shall be refused admission in the OLMHTCS.

Disciplinary Actions

1. Students enrolled at OLMHTCS are bound to abide by and comply with all rules and regulations, administrative and academic policies of the institution. Students who are found wanting in the observance of the rules, regulations and policies, as well as failure to satisfy the academic standard the school sets shall be subject to commensurate disciplinary action, to be decided by the Administrative and Academic Councils.

2. Seminarians of OLMHTCS and other congregations who were originally accepted by their respective Vocations Office as candidates to the order/congregation/society/diocese and were later dismissed or asked to leave the formation programs due to academic/disciplinary reasons shall not be readmitted to the college even if he is a candidate for graduation.

3. Students enrolled at OLMHTCS may be suspended or even dismissed from the College in cases of grave violation of rules and regulations. However, the students involved shall be accorded the following due process:

• The students shall be informed in writing of the nature and cause of any accusation against them;
• They shall have the right to answer the charges against them ( with corroborating evidence), with the assistance of counsel, if desired;
• The students shall be notified of the decision in writing by the proper tribunal

4.Grounds for Disciplinary suspension:

a.First offense of cheating in class work or Examination.
Failed grade
  Suspension
b. Minor vandalism – damaging or defacing of school property. Pay for damages
  Suspension
c. Erasing, changing, distorting official bulletin or board notices and other postings. Written public
apology   Suspension
d. Habitual, chronic tardiness and absences in class. Put on probation     Suspension
e. First offense of serious fistfights or of using language intended to provoke serious quarrels. Put on probation
                  Suspension
f. Bringing, distributing or exhi-biting pornographic literatures and pictures. Confiscation   Suspension
g. Deliberate refusal to deliver official messages and communication to parents  or guardians.   Suspension
h. Sexual harassment.    Suspension
i. Other violations determined by the authorities concerned.    Suspension

Grounds for Dismissal – either exclusion or expulsion

a. Second offense of cheating in class work or examination. Failed grade
  Exclusion
b. Major offense of vandalism- damaging or
Defacing of school property. Pay for  
damages
  Exclusion
c. Stealing of OLMHTCS properties; including violation of library rules and regulations pertaining to circulation of books. Return or  
replace said  
property
  Exclusion
d. Second offense of serious fistfights; assaulting a teacher; beating up another student.

   Expulsion
e. Forging of signatures of parents, teachers/school personnel and tampering of school records; securing or using forged school records, forms and documents. Admission of
guilt in writing
   Expulsion
f. Mere possession, threatening or fighting with deadly weapon; hooliganism. Confiscation
  Expulsion
g. Taking or mere possession of any dope
or entering the campus under
the influence of alcoholic beverages;
drug dependency and drunkenness.
  Expulsion
h. Preventing or threatening any student or
school personnel from entering the school premises or attending classes or discharging their duties.
   Expulsion
i. Serious insubordination or disrespect towards any member of the administration and academic staff, as well as service personnel.
  Expulsion
j. Instigating or leading disturbance or similar concerted activities resulting in the stoppage of classes.
   Expulsion
k. Gross misconduct, dishonesty and
Immorality.    Expulsion
l. Any offense which is a cause for second suspension; repeated disregard to regu-lations even after confe-rences with parents, or guardians; other serious violations determined by the authorities concerned.
   Expulsion

Transfer of Record

1. A student who applied for and is eligible to transfer shall be issued the appropriate transfer credentials provided he/she has no unsettled obligations. However, transcripts may be withheld if the student has not met his/her financial obligation or has other cases pending.

2. Ordinarily, two weeks are required for the issuance of a transcript. All requests for transcripts should be made in writing (OLMHTCS Form). No request over the telephone is honored.

3. A fee is charged for the request of temporary and/or official transcript of records.

Procedure:

1. File the form requesting for Official transcript of Record

2. Secure clearance from the:
• Office of the Librarian
• Office of the Procurator
• Office of the Student Affairs
• Office of the Registrar
• Office of the Dean
• Office of the Rector (for OLMHTCS seminarians)

3. Proceed to the accounting office for payment upon completion of form.

4. Submit the form to the registrar and wait for issuance of Official Transcript of
Record

Tuition Charges and School Fees

1. A student who transfers or otherwise withdraws in writing, within two weeks after the beginning of classes and who has already paid the pertinent tuition and other school fees in full or for any length longer than one month may be charged ten percent of the total amount due for the term if he/she withdraws within the first week of classes, or twenty percent if within the second week of classes, regardless of whether or not he/she has actually attended classes.

2. A student may be charged all the school fees in full if he/she withdraws anytime after the second week of classes.

This refund program presumes full payment at the time of registration.

Before the start of classes:

• Within the first week of classes – 90% of total tuition and school fees
• Within the second week of classes – 80% of total tuition and school fees
• Refunds will not be made after the second week of classes

V. ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

a. Philosophy Subjects:

Ph 1	Intro.  to Philosophy	3 units	

Ph 2      Logic			3 units

Ph 3      Philosophy of Man 	3 units

Ph 4      Ancient and Medieval 

          Philosophy 		3 units

Ph 5      Metaphysics		3 units

Ph 6      Modern and Contem-

          porary Philosophy 	3 units

Ph 7      General Ethics	3 units 

Ph 8      Epistemology		3 units

Ph 9      Philosophy of Science 

          & Technology 		3 units

Ph 10   Special Q.Q. in Ethics	3 units

Ph 11   Philosophy of Religion	3 units

Ph 12   Oriental Philosophy 	3 units

Ph13    Social and Political 

        Philosophy 		3 units	

Ph 14   Theodicy		3 units

Ph 15   Indigenous Philosophy	3 units

Ph 16   Phenomenology & 

        Existentialism		3 units

Ph 17   Christian Philosophy 	3 units

			       51 units

b. Religious Education Subjects:

RE  1   Christian Doctrine I	3 units 

RE  2   Christian Doctrine II 	3 units 

RE  3   Introduction to 

        Sacred Scripture	3 units	

RE  4   Introduction to Liturgy 

        & Application		3 units

RE  5   Living the Christian 

        Faith 			3 units

RE  6   Ecclesiology and 

        Apologetics		3 units	

RE  7   Social Teachings of 

        the Church          	3 units

		               21 units

c. Languages:

English		13 units

Filipino	 9 units

Latin		 6 units	

                28 units

d. Humanities and Other Sciences:

Mathematics	  6 units

Natural Sciences  6 units

Humanities	  6 units

Social Sciences  12 units

Literature	  6 units

P.E.	   	  8 units

NSTP		  6 units

CHED Mandated Subjects	 6 units

Electives	  3 units

   		 59 units

e. Courses determined by the
   Seminary    8 units

VI. OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION AND GRADUATION

1. In the second year, the student must satisfactorily pass the ORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION in order to continue his studies in this institution.

2. The student will be required to submit a MAJOR TERM PAPER not less than 50 pages, on any philosophical subject at the start of the second semester of the third year.

3. In the last year of philosophical studies, the student must satisfactorily pass the ORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM. IN PHILOSOPHY in order to be recommended for further theological studies.

4. As a requirement for the course and promotion to theological studies, a candidate for graduation should make, make present and defend publicly a THESIS on a philosophical theme.

VII. HONORS AND SPECIAL AWARDS

1. Summa cum Laude is awarded to the student who obtains a general average of at least 1.25 and completes four uninterrupted years of studies in philosophy without obtaining a final grade below 1.5. in any subject.

2. Magna cum Laude is awarded to the student who obtains a general average of at least 1.5 and completes four uninterrupted years of studies in philosophy without obtaining a final grade below 1.75 in any subject.

3. Cum Laude is awarded to the student who obtains a general average of at least 1.75 and completes four uninterrupted years of studies in philosophy without obtaining a final grade below 2.0 in any subject.

4. Rector's Award for Excellence in Philosophy is awarded to the students who obtain the three highest rating computed from the grade in the oral comprehensive examination, the grade in the thesis defense, and the average grade in all philosophy subjects, without obtaining a final grade below 2.25 in any philosophy subject.

5. Regional Priest Servant's Award for Academic Excellence is awarded to the student who completes four years of studies in philosophy and obtains the highest general average in all the subjects with no grade below 2.25 in any subject.

6. Excellence in Oral Comprehensive Examination is awarded to the student who obtains the highest rating in the oral comprehensive examinations in religious education and philosophy.

7. Excellence in Thesis Defense is awarded to the student who obtains the highest rating in the public defense of thesis in philosophy.

8. Service Award is awarded to the student who obtains the highest vote from both the student body and seminary Fathers for his exemplary service to the community.