Goal of the Academic Affairs Committee (in Estonian: Dekanaat)

The goal of the Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) is to support BMTS students in the process and challenges of academic study. The AAC is where students should turn when encountering difficulties during their studies.

AAC Structure and Members

The AAC is a subunit of the Theological Department, lead by the Dean. Members of the AAC are the Administrative Assistant, Education Technologist, translators, together with Academic Mentors appointed by the Dean. Academic Mentors are normally members of the Academic Council. As an exception, Mentors may be appointed who are not part of the Academic Council.

AAC Responsibilities

  • Provide support for students in their studies.
  • Advise students in matters concerning their studies.
  • Maintain the BMTS’ student registry (student information system).
  • Guide the students in the process of completing their studies.
  • Prepare regulations and directives related to students.
  • Provide confirmation notices concerning study periods.
  • Provide advice on the transferring of courses (APEL / VÕTA).

Responsibilities of Academic Mentors

  • Organize one formal conversation with each appointed student during each semester.
    • Prior to the conversation, review the student’s record on Tahvel concerning course completion as well as their declaration of courses for the relevant semester.
    • Make note of whether or not the student is fulfilling the curriculum as anticipated.
    • Following the conversation, fill in the Sharepoint file provided by the Dean for tracking conversations, making note of the date and whether the student requires additional support or to be directed to another member of faculty or the AAC for follow-up.
  • Be available as needed on an ongoing basis to encourage and help your students with their academic concerns.
    • Direct students as needed to consult a relevant faculty member, the Dean or Administrative Assistant.
    • The role of the Mentor is not to solve problems, but to help and encourage the student to find the necessary solutions.
  • Pray for your students and with your students as the opportunities arise.

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The Academic Council is responsible for the academic work and desicions of the Seminary. The Academic Council is made up of the faculty and Secretary under the leadership of the Academic Dean, and is responsible for the academic affairs of the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary.
These responsiblities of the Council include the development of the academic regulations and the curriculum as well as dealing with immediate issues involving the academic or personal behavior of students, and when necessary recommending the exmatriculation of students.

Rector: Laur Lilleoja
Dean: Mark Nelson
Superintendent of EMK: Robert Tserenkov
Administrative assistant: Kaire Lotamõis

Faculty representatives:
Douglas Robb Childress
Rein Laaneser
Brent Weaver
Anne Saluraid
Tetyana Radomska
Taavet Hindrek Taimla

Student representatives:
Marko Verhovitš
Herki Tomberg 
Andreas Fjodorov
Mark Ossipov

Translator representatives:
Tarmo Lilleoja
Kaja Rüütel

Superintendent Robert Tšerenkov – Superintendent, UMC Estonia 
Bishop Dr. Chungsuk Kim – Kwang Lim Methodist Church, South Korea 
Rev. Dr. Wm. Randall Frye – Senior pastor, First Broad Street UMC, Kingsport, TN 
Rev. Dr. John D. Landis – Senior pastor (retired), Midland First UMC, Midland MI 
Rev. Dr. Peter Van Eys – Senior pastor (retired), Crievewood UMC, Nashville TN 
Rev. Dr. Kimberly Reisman – Director, World Methodist Evangelism, World Methodist Council 
Mary Ann Smith – Asbury Church, Tulsa OK 
Jeanie Reimer – In Mission Together Partnership Coordinator, Lithuania and Latvia, GBGM 
Dr. Gregg A. Okesson – Representative of Asbury Theological Seminary (observer) 
Carl Henry – Friends of Estonia president
Page Henry – Friends of Estonia
Jim Davis – Asbury Church, Director of Outreach
Taavi Hollman – EMC representative
EMC representative
Laur Lilleoja – Rector, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary 
Mark Nelson – Academic Dean, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary 
Hindrek Taavet Taimla – Faculty, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary 
Marko Verhovitš – student, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary
Herki Tomberg – student, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary
Andreas Fjodorov – student, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary 
Mark Ossipov – student, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary 

Administration