Enrollment Requirements

The success of any course is dependent upon all. In order for the Magdala Apostolate to provide high-quality, seminary-level courses at no charge to women religious, we ask all those considering enrollment to read through and abide by the following:

Attendance

As with any educational program, attendance is a requirement for continued enrollment. Enrolled students are expected to attend all classes. If a student needs to miss a class, we ask that she give advance notice to Magdala Apostolate staff. An absent student is expected to listen to the recording of the entire missed class prior to the next class offered. If a student misses more than three classes per semester course, future eligibility for enrollment will be reviewed.

Offsite Attendance

Due to technological complexity, an enrolled student who would like to attend a class from a site other than the originally designated location or from a computer other than the originally designated computer will not be able to use a video feed or microphone. A simple audio feed will be the only option available.

Technology Requirements

If a single sister wishes to take a Magdala Apostolate course, she will need the following equipment prior to the first class:

1. A computer
2. A headset with microphone (there are a wide variety of these available; we recommend Logitech headsets)
3. An internet connection with download and upload speeds of at least 4.0 Mpbs. To check the speed of your internet, you may go to www.speedtest.net (when on www.speedtest.net, only select the Begin Test button in the middle. If you need help checking the speed of your internet connection, or if your internet does not meet these basic requirements, please contact us at 540-635-7155 – we can help!)
4. A webcam

If a group of sisters wishes to take a Magdala Apostolate course from the same location, we will loan the community the equipment needed for multiple sisters to gather around a single computer. Thus, a group of sisters in a single location requires only the following:

1. A computer
2. An internet connection with a download and upload speeds of at least 4.0 Mpbs. To check the speed of your internet, you may go to www.speedtest.net (if you need help checking the speed of your internet connection, or if your internet does not meet these basic requirements, please contact us at 540-635-7155 – we can help!)
3. A webcam

Please note that the special group microphone and speaker equipment can take one to two weeks to arrive in the mail. Please contact the Magdala Apostoalte as soon as possible to request this equipment.

All new and returning communities will be asked to have a point of contact for technology. New communities will need to set up a virtual meeting with Magdala Apostolate staff to review our online technology prior to the first class.

Audio / Video Check Time Requirements

On the first class day of any semester, students are required to check-in to the class one hour prior to the beginning of class in order to resolve any audio or video issues. Students may be asked to enter the virtual classroom as much as 30 minutes before the beginning of individual classes, however the exact time may be adjusted throughout the semester. These times will be communicated via email from the Magdala Apostolate staff, so please ensure that students frequently check their email.

Enrollment Deadline

Enrollment for a semester course must be completed and received by the Institute of Catholic Culture by the stated closing date for the enrollment window. Late enrollment will be accepted based upon availability. Please contact our office for more information.