Campus Life

In all areas of life at MLS, God's Word rules supreme. Rules and regulations are set up for the orderly operation of the school. When enrolled, students consent to place themselves under the policies of the school, whether they are on or off campus. The dean of students is the chief spiritual leader of the student body. He is assisted in his duties by the tutors (dormitory supervisors) and the dean of girls, and is supported by the president and faculty. The dean endeavors to work in harmony with parents and with a student's home pastor. The dean guides student life through encouragement and correction, law and gospel.

The Seminary Family

The expression "Seminary Family" is often heard on campus. It is used by students and faculty to describe the close and friendly bond that exists at MLS. Our common Christian faith ties people together in love and concern for one another. Students worship, study, practice, compete and eat meals together. Friendships can grow so strong that classmates consider each other brothers and sisters for life.

Worship

Regular contact with God’s Word and the shared blessings of joint worship are central to life at MLS Students are expected to be regular in their church attendance when at home and to attend services at a Saginaw area WELS or ELS congregation when at school on the weekends. All students are expected in morning chapel. All students on campus at the time are expected at evening chapel.

Motor Vehicles

All students are expected to follow school policies regarding the use of cars and other vehicles. Both commuting and dormitory students who want to drive and park vehicles while at MLS must obtain an operating permit from the school. While on or around campus, students must park their vehicles in the parking lot north of Hardin Street. Regular users of the parking lot pay an annual fee. Day permits are also available.

Riding in vehicles by dormitory students is regulated by the dorm staff in accordance with the wishes of each student's parents. Parents inform the dorm staff of their wishes at registration.

The privilege to park or operate a vehicle is suspended when a student is behind in financial obligations to the school. Drinking and driving results in automatic termination of enrollment whether a student lives in the dorm or commutes.

Controlled Substances

Use of alcohol or any type of regulated drug without a proper prescription is forbidden. The consumption of either is a violation of the law in the state of Michigan and is considered a breach of the confidence established when a student enrolls. Offenders may be suspended and expelled.

Parents are expected to provide firm supervision of social gatherings that they or their children host for other MLS students. A student who hosts a party at which controlled substances are served forfeits enrollment. Possession or use of tobacco in any form is not permitted and will result in discipline.

Care of School Property

The repair or replacement cost of any damaged items provided by the school will be charged to any student whose use of the campus or its furnishings is reckless or whose conduct causes avoidable damage. When the responsibility for damage cannot be pinpointed, the cost of repair or replacement is distributed to all roommates, to all living on a particular floor, to all using a specific area, or even to the student body at large. Students are always given an opportunity to accept responsibility for accidental damage and step forward to make restitution.

For reasons of campus security, students are not to prop open exterior doors and are forbidden the use of master keys. A student possessing an unauthorized master key faces automatic expulsion.

Health Services

A nurse is on duty during morning hours each school day. She keeps each student's health history record. An athletic trainer is present at most interscholastic athletic events and many practices, and is available on a regular basis to assist any student, including non-athletes. A standard fee paid by students covers the services of these professionals. The cost of visiting a physician or the hospital is billed directly to parents.

Absences

Because absences from class, especially extended absences, interfere with academic progress, they should be avoided. Parents are asked not to lengthen announced vacations, nor ask to have their children excused for reasons other than sickness, health care, or emergency. When periods must be missed for non-emergency reasons, students attend one supervised study hall per four periods missed. Requests for planned absences are to be submitted in writing at least two weeks in advance. Written excuses are required for readmission when a student is ill at home. Make-up work can be taken care of in the library during the school day, or in the computer room each school day from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.