Supervised Ministry and Vocational Planning

Integrating Theory and Practice in Contextual Learning

Supervised ministry is a vital part of theological education during which students are given the opportunity to integrate theory and the practice of ministry, explore vocation, experience leadership in the church and the world, and develop ministerial identity and competencies.

Internship Basics

Supervised Ministry

Supervisor Guidelines

Supervisor and Mentor Guidelines

CPE

Clinical Pastoral Education

Internship Sites

Internship Sites

Ministry Opportunities

Ministry Openings and Residencies

Vocational Planning

Vocational Planning

Calendar

Super Ministry Calendar

Forms

Forms

Upcoming Deadlines

Mar. 25
Tuesday
Richmond--International Student Meeting, 12-1pm, Holderness
Mar. 25
Tuesday
Ordination Exam Review- Polity, 4:30-5:50pm, Zoom
Mar. 27
Thursday
Ordination Exam Review- Worship, 4:30-5:50pm, Zoom
Apr. 1
Tuesday
Richmond--Summer Internship Forms Due
Apr. 1
Tuesday
Ordination Exam Review- Theology, 4:30-5:50pm, Zoom
Apr. 3
Thursday
Richmond--Kickback & Calling, 12-1pm, Holderness

See Full Calendar

Contacts

Charlotte Campus

Sung Hee Chang

Associate Professor of Supervised Ministry and Director of Supervised Ministry & Vocational Planning

schang@upsem.edu

980-636-1681

Richmond Campus

Dorothee E. Tripodi

Assistant Professor of Supervised Ministry and Director of Supervised Ministry & Vocational Planning

dtripodi@upsem.edu

804-278-4220

Explore SMVPO Forms

Learn More

Union Presbyterian Seminary is honored to welcome

Union Presbyterian Seminary is honored to welcome The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), for a special conversation on Monday, March 31st, from 3-4 PM in Lake Chapel.

Join us as Rev. Oh shares her perspective on the church and answers our questions. A reception will follow. Can't attend in person? Watch the livestream on our YouTube channel!

We look forward to this meaningful time together—see you there!

As spring begins, there’s no better time to visi

As spring begins, there’s no better time to visit Yaupon Place—a space where community, wellness, and environmental justice come together in Northside Richmond. Rooted in Union Presbyterian Seminary’s history of recreational ministry, this park fosters story-sharing, ecological restoration, and connection across divides of race, age, and background.

Through partnerships with Shalom Farms and other local organizations, Yaupon Place continues to be a hub for collaboration and resilience. This season of renewal is a reminder of our commitment to caring for the land, honoring its Indigenous and ecological history, and restoring relationships—with each other, the Earth, and the Spirit.

Learn more about Yaupon Place at the link in bio.

@yauponplace #UPSeminary

Last week, we celebrated Jennifer Britton and her

Last week, we celebrated Jennifer Britton and her faithful service as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Union Presbyterian Seminary. As she moves on to new opportunities, we send her off with deep gratitude for her leadership, dedication, and the lasting impact she’s made on our community.

Jennifer, you will be missed, but we know great things are ahead for you. Wishing you all the best on this next adventure!

#UPSeminary

After 25 years of dedicated service, Rev. Dr. Ken

After 25 years of dedicated service, Rev. Dr. Ken McFayden is retiring at the end of this academic year. From shaping theological education to mentoring countless leaders, his impact on Union Presbyterian Seminary and the wider Church is immeasurable.

Ken has worn many hats—academic dean, professor, director, to only name a few—all with wisdom, care, and a deep love for the community. His leadership will be missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire.

Join us in celebrating Ken and wishing him well in this next chapter!

#UPSeminary

Registration Now Open! Join The Katie Geneva Cann

Registration Now Open!

Join The Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership at Union Presbyterian Seminary for the 2025 Spring Conference in North Charleston, SC, from May 1-3, 2025.

This year’s theme—“THIS JOY WE HAVE: WOMANIST RESISTANCE IN THE FACE OF MANIFOLD EVIL”—calls us to cultivate resistance, reclaim joy, and honor the wisdom of our foremothers.

Connect with womanist scholars, activists, and leaders through panels, lectures, and dialogue on the most pressing issues of our time.

📍 North Charleston Marriott
📅 May 1-3, 2025

Register now at our link in bio.

@justwomanist #UPSeminary

A mark of repentance, reflection, and renewal. Yes

A mark of repentance, reflection, and renewal. Yesterday at UP Seminary, the Lenten journey began.

#Lent #AshWednesday #UPSeminary

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." – Genesis 3:19

On this Ash Wednesday, we enter the season of Lent, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal.

May this season draw us closer to Christ, shaping our hearts in humility and hope.

Join us in this sacred journey.

Poetry brought students, faculty, alums, and frien

Poetry brought students, faculty, alums, and friends to the Charlotte campus of @upseminary this weekend. The featured poet was Alphonso Saville IV, Assistant Professor of American Religious History and Mission at UPSem. The event was co-hosted by @upsemcsjr and the deans of both @Charlotte and @Richmond. Classes are in session today (Saturday) and a special worship service at Sharon Presbyterian Church as the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty was installed in the J. Roy Davis Family Chair in Theology and History. It was a great day in Charlotte and for UPSem! You can watch the entire worship service on the UPSem YouTube channel.