FAQs

Northside U replaces the School of Ministry as an expansion of Northside's learning communities, offering more courses and costing less than the previous program.  The rebranding reflects the broader scope of learning opportunities without having to commit to the whole program.  You can take as few or as many courses as you'd like.  And, Northside U is open to all, even if you're not thinking about pursuing ministry.

No, Northside U is not an accredited institution or program, nor does it offer college level degrees.  We do, however, recognize the hard work, commitment, and successful completion of certain tracks or combinations of courses by awarding Northside U certificates. Certificates only certify completion, and do not qualify the recipient as an expert in a subject. See detailed info about the certificate program on the Certificates tab on the main page.

No, you can complete a course in one track and then jump to another in the next term. Your commitment is only for the number of weeks in that short-term course.  Jump around or take a break.  It's up to you. You may want to continue within a track if you desire to receive a Certificate for completion of the track.  See the Certificates tab from the main Northside U page for more info.

Unless you are reserving a table for friends or a Life Group, most courses will allow you to sit wherever you choose. Choose your table group wisely, since our desire is that you continue with the same table group throughout the course.  If you discover that it's not a good fit after week one, go ahead and make a change, but then try to stick with that group for the remainder of the course.

Yes!  That's a fantastic idea!  Assuming you want to sit together at a table, simply respond YES to the question "Are you registering to participate with your small group?"  and give us the name of your group leader to let us know that you want to reserve a table.  Tables will have seating space for 8 people. Each household will need to register separately, we will reserve a table for you based on the group leader name submitted on the registration.

Each household will need to register separately.  You won't be able to register your group together for a course. However, if you answer YES to the question "Are you registering to participate with your small group" we will reserve a table for your group.  Let us know the group leader's name in the follow up question.

This course is being taught by a variety of great instructors, which is why you don't see names listed for this course.

Most classes will have reading assignments to be completed prior to each week’s class, in order to discuss the learning with your table group as part of the course experience. Writing papers or reports is not a typical part of this program.  You likely won't take tests either.  You'll get the most out of the course when you complete all of the weekly pre-class assignments. 

No letter grades are given. Rather, participants are credited for attendance and participation. A check-in system allows for attendance tracking. For those who wish to earn a Northside U certificate, a minimum 80% attendance is required for credit of a course.

The tuition cost for each short-term course covers books, resources, and instruction. Scholarships are available if the cost is prohibitive. Contact us to request a scholarship.

Yes, we don't want finances to keep you from taking a course that may have a positive impact on your faith journey.  At the bottom of this page, click on the email button to send a message to Julie Probst with a message requesting a Northside U or KidCare scholarship.  

Yes, you'll need to register in-person to pay with cash or check.  Checks can be made payable to: Northside Christian Church, memo: Northside U.

If you need to cancel before week one of your course, let us know and we can refund your tuition payment in full.  After week one of the course, however, your books/resources have already been purchased and distributed. If you return your books, we can transfer your tuition toward another future course.  If you transfer to another course already in session, the new books/resources for that course may not be available.

All Northside courses are designed for adults, but there is not a minimum age requirement.

It's not recommended. We purchase all books and resources just after registration closes, two weeks prior to the start of class.  It's likely that if you want to transfer to another class, books and resources won't be available for your desired course.  You're welcome to ask, however.  And you won't want to transfer too late, or you'll miss receiving credit for attending less than 80% of the course's sessions.

For most courses, books and resources will be distributed on the first day of class when you arrive.

When you register for KidCare, you're committing to the total number of weeks of your course, even if you don't need every week.  This is because we hire KidCare workers in advance based on the number of weeks of each course.  We have found that it's way too difficult to hire KidCare workers on a week-to-week basis.  For more info on KidCare, go to the KidCare tab on the main Northside U page.

When registration closes two weeks prior to the start of the course, we'll assign the room at Northside based on enrollment and room availability.  We'll contact you at least one week before class begins via email with important info and reminders.

No. While the Old Testament and New Testament courses are sequential as we study through the Scriptures, there is not a prerequisite to complete a previous course before taking the next.  Feel free to jump in at the beginning of any Part 1, 2, or 3 at any time when offered.

Yes, for the Leadership Development track you do.  This is a progressive track that builds on the previous course.  It's kinda like 101, 201, 301.  So if you plan on taking a Leadership Development course, be sure to jump in at the beginning, Leading Self.

Well, not all marriages have kids, or kids still at home, and not all parents are married.  It just makes sense not to offer a certificate that requires taking both courses.