Student Forum

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Student Forum 2010 will be held May 27 – 30, 2010 at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. The Student Forum of the United Methodist Student Movement is an annual spiritual development and leadership training conference for college and university students. Forum provides time for:

• spiritual formation – personal faith enrichment worship; social justice education; and hearing ideas for faithful discipleship on campus
• leadership training – learn campus ministry leadership skills; communicate to the denomination the needs and wants of students; gain a better understanding of individual skills and talents; and how to lead in your local community
• networking – connect with other students from around the country and world; talk with participants about student ministries; find new ideas to share in your local community

Join us as we worship together and hear from exciting speakers and preachers and learn from experienced workshop leaders. We’ll get to know other college students through small groups and free time, serve the local community, and meet students from around the U.S. and world.

Jesus’ Story Empowering Disciples is based on Romans 5:1-5. Participants will learn about different aspects of leadership, ministry, and advocacy throughout the event.

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5 (NRSV)

Small Group Leaders

A highlight of Student Forum is the connections made with other students during small group time. Students with experience and skill in facilitating small groups are needed to lead each small group. Please review the PDF resources listed on right hand side of this web page  to download a copy of the application. Completed applications must be submitted no later than noon (CST) on March 31, 2010. Small group leaders must attend the training and orientation session from 3 pm – 5:30 pm on Thursday, May 27.

Choir and Worship Participants

Participants form a choir to sing during worship. The choir is open to all. Students may also lead worship by sharing gifts and talents such as drama, liturgical dance, or playing an instrument. Vocalists and liturgist are also needed. Indicate your interest to serve when you register.

The UMSM Mission Fund

The UMSM Mission Fund assists the development of the student movement outside of the United States to extend the witness of Jesus Christ and assist in the development of student leaders around the world. Each participant is invited to bring a contribution for the special offering for the mission fund. $5 from each registration fee also supports the UMSM Mission Fund.

Who may Participate in Student Forum?

Student Forum is open to college and university students who are young adults. Annual conferences, campus ministries, and local churches are encouraged to sponsor participants and send voting delegates. While any young adult college or university student may attend Student Forum, voting and alternate delegates are designated by each annual conference.

Who are Voting and Alternate Delegates?

Each U.S. annual conference may designate three voting delegates and up to six alternate delegates. All delegates must be undergraduates or seniors who have just graduated in the previous term. Delegates should be active participants in campus ministry and demonstrate leadership skills. Delegates should be selected from among the leadership of the annual conference UMSM and must be members of The United Methodist Church.

Delegates are chosen by the annual conference UMSM or other similar structure. Delegations should be inclusive, and at least one of the three voting delegates should be a racial/ethnic student.

Each annual conference has a UMSM adviser who coordinates delegates’ selection and registration. To be considered as a delegate, contact your annual conference UMSM adviser where your college or university is located. Your adviser’s contact information is available through your campus minister or chaplain, or you may search for your UMSM adviser through our Web site.

UMSM Steering Committee

The UMSM Steering Committee assists the staff of the GBHEM to plan Student Forum, guides the development of the UMSM, and represents the UMSM in denominational and ecumenical student organizations. During Student Forum, five students (one from each of the U.S. jurisdictions) will be elected to serve a two-year term on the Steering Committee. To ensure diversity, up to five additional students will also be appointed to the Steering Committee for a two-year term.

Campus Ministers and Chaplains

Campus ministers and chaplains will meet while Student Forum is happening. Workshops, discussions and networking opportunities will be offered. Check back soon for details on this opportunity!

Speakers

Check back soon for details!

Workshops

Through workshops, students learn leadership skills and explore programs that will benefit them and their campus ministries. Two sessions will be offered this year. Topics will include discerning call into ministry, organization and structure of The United Methodist Church, changing leadership in campus ministry, and rethinking evangelism. Check back soon for detailed information on each workshop.

The registration fee for Student Forum will be $75 per person, which includes all conference materials, lodging (Thursday – Saturday nights), and meals (Thursday dinner – Sunday breakfast). This fee must be paid when registering.

Housing

Housing is in double occupancy rooms in the residence halls at Shenandoah University. Linens are provided and ADA rooms are available.

How to Register

Registration Deadline is April 15, 2010 (midnight CST)
You must register online through our Web site. On-site registration will NOT be accepted. Refunds (minus a $20 administrative fee) will be provided only if written notice of cancellation is given by noon (CST) on April 30, 2010. No refunds will be issued after April 30, 2010.

Travel Assistance

Travel assistance for annual conferences for voting delegates is offered by the GBHEM. Campus ministry units, local churches, and annual conferences may provide other financial assistance. Contact your chaplain, campus minister, or UMSM adviser for details. Download the application from the right hand side of this web page.

Schedule and Travel Information

Student Forum 2010 will begin with dinner on Thursday, May 27. Plan to arrive at Shenandoah University between 1 pm and 5 pm on Thursday for check-in and room assignment. 

Shuttle from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shenandoah University

Round-trip shuttle service between the Washington Dulles International Airport and Shenandoah can be purchased for an additional fee. To guarantee your shuttle ride, you must make a shuttle reservation by when you register and pay the extra fee. The deadline to submit a shuttle reservation is April 15, 2010. Allow at least one hour for travel between the Washington Dulles International Airport and Shenandoah University. Those choosing to fly into any other airport will need to make their own arrangements for travel to campus.