FAQ
SERVICE PARTICIPATION FAQ
Q. How many affidavits would you recommend I earn?
A. We suggest you earn as many positive affidavits as possible. You may choose which ones to use to qualify for your certificates. The minimum required is five (5) for Healing and five (5) for Mediumship. At the time of certification, all affidavits not used will be given back to the student. If a more worthy affidavit is received at some time in the future, the affidavit may be substituted for ones kept on file.
Q. How do I track my participation in services?
A. Each student is responsible for maintaining a record of services they participate in. A student may request a Participation Log from the Education Office. If the student chooses to individualize the format, make sure it contains all the necessary information.
Q. What information is important to have on the Participation Log?
A. It is important to have the following information given legibly: student name, type of service, date of service, place of service, name and contact information of the presiding minister
Q. Do I need to get someone to verify my participation in services outside of HGSA?
A. Yes, service participation outside of HGSA needs to include the legible signature and contact information of the presiding Minister. This may be included in your Participation Log.
AFFIDAVITS FAQ
Q. What is an affidavit?
A. An affidavit is a statement written by a recipient of either a healing or a message given by a student worker. It verifies a positive effect of the healing or the accuracy in mediumship of the reading received.
Q. How are affidavits obtained?
A. At Institute services, the recipient of a healing or message will have an opportunity to submit an affidavit to the designated instructor. At the Institute Student Psychic Fair, affidavits will be at the sign-in table with a designated instructor. If a student is working away from HGSA, the presiding minister may request affidavit forms from the Director of Education prior to the service. It is important for the validity of the process that the student is not the “carrier” of an affidavit to be used for certification purposes.
Q. How are the affidavits handled?
A. After a recipient submits an affidavit to the designated instructor at HGSA, it is placed in the student’s file in the Education Office until the student needs to review them for Certification. To be used for certification, an affidavit must be dated within three years prior to the certification date. If a presiding minister not at HGSA has requested the form, instructions for returning it to the Education Office are given at that time.
GENERAL FAQ
Q. Do classes need to be taken in a particular order? Do I have to finish healing classes before starting mediumship classes or can I take a mix of both?
A. While there are classes with prerequisites, you can mix the two disciplines. See Certification Requirements and Course Description Brochure for prerequisites and preferred order of courses. If you need further assistance to plan a schedule, contact the Director of Education.
Q. Would you recommend taking classes for credit, even if I don’t want certification?
A. Yes, because the required participation is very easy to complete at the time the class is taken. If a student doesn’t complete the requirements, credit for that class cannot be given at a later time.
Q. I’ve changed my mind, and now I want certification. What do I do?
A. Our experience shows that people often change their minds. At this point, the class must be re-taken as credit can’t be given retroactively.
Q. What help is available if I need extra help in a particular area?
A. Contact the Director of Education to discuss your needs. It is possible to set up tutoring or join an ongoing development class to get further practice.
Q. How do I submit my ideas/suggestions for Education?
A. There is a student representative on the Education Committee. Give your ideas to her or send your suggestions directly to the Director of Education. In addition, evaluation forms at the end of each Institute provide space for student input.
Q. Are scholarships available?
A. While there is no scholarship fund, the Education Program occasionally receives private donations to assist qualified students. Qualified students are students currently enrolled and who have been working to finish a certification program.
Q. Is there a student dress code?
A. Classroom attire can be respectfully casual. Appropriate service attire is defined in the student packet as professional business attire.
Q. Do I have to be a member of HGSA to take classes?
A. No, you do not need to be a member to take classes. They are open to seekers over the age of 18. However, you do need to be a member to receive and maintain certification.
Q. If I’m going to be working on the platform, how far in advance should I expect to be told?
A. Always come prepared to work. On any given day you may be asked to serve. Whenever possible, instructors will advise you ahead of time.However, advance notice is not always provided. Wise students heed the following statement in the brochure. It is recommended that all students bring at least one change of clothing that is professional and would be acceptable for platform, healing and/or psychic fair work.
ADVANCED FAQ
Q. Is there a process for transferring classes, and what do I need to do?
A. Yes, there is a process. To initiate this process, you need to consult with the Director of Education. Be prepared with transcripts of courses taken, course descriptions, hours spent, content, name and contact information of instructor, etc.
Q. When should I meet with the Director of Education to request transfer of classes?
A. It is advisable to do it as soon as possible since most of the transferable classes are at the beginning levels. An exception would be a student who is holding equivalent papers to the A.M. Certificate and wishes to sanction in at HGSA for the remaining ordination work.
Q. Can I begin taking Associate Minister Classes before completing my Mediumship and Healing certificates?
A. Mediumship and Healing certificates are prerequisites for the Associate Minister’s classes. However, overlapping studies may be approved at the discretion of the Director of Education.