Initial Action

1. An interested person contacts the Associate Director for more information.
2. If there is interest in becoming an SSND Associate the person is invited to participate in associate gatherings.
3. After at least two such experiences, the prospective associate may request an application form from the Associate Office.

Application Process and Review

1. A prospective associate sends an application and two recommendations to the Associate Office.
2. The associate leadership team reviews the application and recommendations and an initial interview is scheduled with the applicant.

Pre-associate: Acceptance, Orientation, Ongoing Decision Making Process

Acceptance

1. The decision to accept a person as a pre-associate is made by the associate leadership team.
2. If accepted, the person is welcomed with an acceptance ceremony during an associate gathering.
3. If not accepted, the person is notified of that by the associate director.

Orientation and Ongoing Decision Making Process

1. The associate leadership team, in dialogue with the pre-associate, assigns a companion, who may be a vowed member or an associate, to accompany her/him through the pre-associate period.
2. The pre-associate and companion continue the pre-associate process during a time span of 12 to 18 months, or until the pre-associate feels ready to request covenanting or decides to leave the program.