Duke Divinity School
events@div.duke.edu
Registration Required (Register)

Find time to read, reflect, research, or just relax with Study Leave for Ministry Professionals.

Over the span of five to seven days, participants can immerse themselves in learning and renewal through self-directed study, worship, and prayer on the Duke University campus.

Designed for Christian institutional leaders, pastors, program staff, or laity, this flexible program can cost as little as $150. Participants select their topic and Duke Divinity School provides the resources needed for a relaxing and productive week.

About the Program

Planning the Week

Some candidates for study leave have a clear idea of the topic they wish to explore and plan ahead to include many aspects of the campus experience. Others prefer a more relaxed, less planned experience. The goals and interests of each candidate determine the schedule for the week.

Participants will have the opportunity to name a study topic when registering, though they may change it at any time. The study leave staff will work with participants in advance to solidify their plan for the week and identify resources that might be useful during their time on campus. Many study leave participants come back year after year, building on their previous experiences.

What's Included

The study leave experience includes the following amenities and resources:

  • Duke Divinity School Community Activities
    Study leave participants are invited to join lectures, meet with faculty, take part in community worship, and attend other events taking place within the Divinity School or Duke University.
  • Continuing Education Units
    Each hour spent studying, worshipping, or researching is worth 0.1 Continuing Education Units (CEU). For a minimum award of 2.0 CEUs, twenty hours of study are expected during the week; for a maximum award of 4.0 CEUs, forty hours of study are expected.
  • Accommodations
    Four nights lodging at the Homewood Suites are included in the program costs. Additional nights are available if participants wish to extend their stay.
  • Meals
    A complimentary breakfast is provided each morning at the hotel, as well as a light dinner Monday through Wednesday. Participants also receive a $75 Duke dining gift card to purchase meals on campus.
  • Library Access
    Participants have access to the Duke Divinity School library.
  • Parking
    A complementary parking pass to park in the Blue Zone lot or one of similar distance on campus is offered to all participants.

Eligibility and Tuition Rates

Tuition covers a five-day experience, with early arrival and late departure options available. Accommodations are included in registration. Please contact events@div.duke.edu if a hotel room is not needed.

Full Tuition applies to those who are not appointed clergy of the United Methodist Church.

  • Program Cost: $750
  • Optional Early Arrival/Late Departure: $119.00/day

Scholarship Tuition

Because of the generosity of The Duke Endowment and the Parish Ministry Fund, certain individuals are eligible to receive a scholarship to offset the cost of study leave. Since scholarships are limited, early registration is encouraged. 

  • Program Cost: $150
  • Optional Early Arrival/Late Departure: $119.00/day

Scholarship Tuition is available for:

  • Appointed clergy (elder, deacon, or licensed local pastor) serving rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina through grants from The Duke Endowment.
  • Appointed clergy (elder, deacon, or licensed local pastor) in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church courtesy of the Parish Ministry Fund.
  • Not sure you are eligible? Please contact Rev. Ken Spencer, Director of the Office of Wesleyan Engagement.

Registration

Registration for Study Leave for Ministry Professionals Fall Sessions are open June 1, 2023. Registration for Spring Sessions will open October 1, 2023. Please note that study leave participants are welcome to attend more than once per year.

As needed, cancellations are accepted. However, $150 of the tuition cost is non-refundable.

Fall 2023 Program Dates Registration Deadline
September 11-15, 2023 July 28, 2023
September 25-29, 2023 August 11, 2023
October 23-27, 2023 September 8, 2023
November 6-10, 2023 September 22, 2023
Spring 2024 Program Dates  
January 22-26, 2024 December 8, 2023
February 12-16, 2024 December 29, 2023
March 4-8, 2024 January 19, 2024
March 18-22, 2024 February 2, 2024
April 8-12, 2024 February 23, 2024