Duke Divinity School
events@div.duke.edu

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

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

Designed for Christian institutional leaders, pastors, program staff, laity, or groups, this flexible program can cost as little as $150. You select the topic. We provide the resources you need for your week to be as relaxing or as productive as possible.

About the Program

Planning Your Week

Your goals and interests determine your schedule for the week. Some candidates for Study Leave are those who have a clear idea of the topic they wish to explore and who will plan their time to include many aspects of the campus experience. Others prefer a more relaxed and less planned experience.

You will have the opportunity to name your study topic when registering, though you may change it at any time. The Study Leave staff will work with you in advance of arrival to solidify your plan for the week and identify the faculty conversations or other resources that might be useful to you during your time on campus. Many Study Leave participants come back year after year, building on their previous experiences.
 
Special Study Leave Opportunities
  •  Study Leave for Groups 
    This experience provides groups (such as staff teams or ministerial colleagues) the opportunity to study and learn together, with a program tailored to the needs of their shared ministry. Those interested in Study Leave for Groups should contact events@div.duke.edu for more information.

What's Included

Your Study Leave experience includes the following amenities and resources:

  • Duke Divinity School Community Activities
    We invite you to participate in lectures, community worship, and other events taking place within the Divinity School or Duke University. Special arrangements can be made for you to audit courses or meet privately with Divinity School faculty.
  • Continuing Education Units
    Each hour spent studying, auditing a class, meeting with faculty, 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.
  • Accommodations
    Four nights lodging at the Homewood Suites are included in the program costs. Additional nights are available, should you wish to extend your stay. A complimentary shuttle service is available to transport participants to and from campus.
  • Meals
    Each participant receives a $75 stipend on a DukeCard to use for on-campus meals during the program. A complimentary breakfast is provided each morning at the hotel, as well as a light dinner Monday through Thursday.
  • Library Access
    Enjoy full borrowing privileges at the Duke Divinity School Library.

Cost

Tuition costs cover a five-day experience, with additional early arrival and late departure options available. Accommodations are included in your registration. Please contact us if you will not need a hotel room during your stay.

 

Full Tuition

Program Cost

Optional Early Arrival/Late Departure

$750

$113.50/day

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 at the following rates. Because scholarships are limited, we encourage you to register early. 

 

Scholarship Tuition

Program Cost

Optional Early Arrival/Late Departure

$150

$113.50/day

Scholarship Tuition is available for:

  • Appointed clergy (elder, deacon, or licensed local pastor) serving rural churches in North Carolina eligible for grants from The Duke Endowment: Am I eligible?
  • 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).

Registration

(SPECIAL NOTE: FALL 2020 AND WINTER/SPRING 2021 HAVE BEEN CANCELLED.)

To register, click on the dates of the session you wish to attend. Please note that all Study Leave participants are welcome to attend more than once per year.

Sessions without links have closed. You may change your session registration within the same academic year with sufficient notice and payment of a $50 change fee.

If you need to cancel from a session, we do accept cancellations and will work with you regarding your specific needs. Please understand, however, that $150 is not refundable.

Fall 2020 Program Dates

 Registration Deadline

September 14-18, 2020 (CANCELLED)

 August 3, 2020

September 28-October 2, 2020 (CANCELLED)

 August 17, 2020

October 26-30, 2020 (CANCELLED)

 September 14, 2020

November 9-13, 2020 (CANCELLED)

 September 28, 2020

Winter/Spring 2021 Program Dates

 Registration Deadline

January 25-29, 2021 (CANCELLED)

 December 14, 2020

February 8-12, 2021 (CANCELLED)

 December 28, 2020

March 1-5, 2021 (CANCELLED)

 January 18, 2021

March 15-19, 2021 (CANCELLED)

 February 1, 2021

April 5-9, 2021 (CANCELLED)

 February 22, 2021