Wisdom Tree Collective School of Spiritual Direction Policies for Year One & Year Two

 

Overview

Wisdom Tree Collective’s training program includes Year One: Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Year Two: Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
All students enter through the same application and begin together in Year One. Those who desire the full Spiritual Direction Certificate will engage in a discernment process prior to Year Two.

 

Admission

Year One: Certificate in Spiritual Formation

  • Prospective students must complete and submit the application and $35 application fee.

  • Applicants must provide the spiritual formation reference link to a person who can speak to their spiritual maturity, capacity for reflection, and readiness for communal formation.

  • After materials are reviewed, a 15–30 minute interview will be scheduled (in-person or online).

  • Applicants will receive notice of acceptance, denial, or referral to a future cohort within two weeks.

  • Acceptance is first-come, first-served once the application process is complete.

  • A $100 reservation fee is required to secure a spot in the cohort and will be credited toward tuition. If a reservation fee is not received within the specified timeframe and another applicant is waiting, the offer may be rescinded.

Year Two: Certificate in Spiritual Direction

  • To enter Year Two, students must demonstrate readiness through:

    • Completion of Year One requirements

    • Self-reflection and discernment conversation with an instructor &/or Wisdom's Way Companion

    • Confirmation of at least six months of spiritual direction prior to beginning Year Two

  • Students who have not met the spiritual direction requirement may be invited to begin spiritual direction and apply for Year Two at a later date.

 

Attendance

Monthly meetups begin at 9:00 am CST.
If a student does not notify the facilitator prior to the meeting that they will be late, it will be recorded as a missed session.
After three missed sessions, the student may be disenrolled from the program (see “Disenrollment”).

 

Communication & Community

All participants are required to abide by the Wisdom Tree Collective Communication Policy, rooted in hospitality and mutual respect.

 

Communication Policy

Within an atmosphere of hospitality, all are welcome just as they are. As individuals and as a community, we seek:

  • To uphold the dignity of all, whether in agreement or disagreement.

  • To be a safe place for one’s authentic self to emerge without judgment.

  • To hold space for the honest expression of the full range of human emotion.

  • To be timely and compassionate in our communication—written, verbal, or nonverbal.

 

Conflict

Conflict is inevitable and can be an opportunity for wisdom.
Participants are asked to practice “Negative A-ha,” noticing internal negative responses before reacting, and seeking deeper wisdom before speaking.

Program-related conflict:
Participants are encouraged to speak with their facilitator, Wisdom's Way Companion, mentor, or instructor. If unresolved, a meeting with two Leadership Council members may be requested.

Interpersonal conflict:
Participants are responsible for resolving interpersonal conflict so it does not disrupt the program. This may include working with a spiritual director, Wisdom's Way Companion, mentor, or counselor, setting boundaries, or having a private conversation with the person involved. Persistent disruption may result in a warning and potential disenrollment.

Note:
The School of Spiritual Direction exists to train people in spiritual formation and spiritual direction. It is not intended to meet personal needs (e.g., personal counseling, business networking, or building relationships beyond program requirements).

  

Zero-Tolerance for Bullying

Aggression of any form will not be tolerated.
Bullying includes behaviors that are threatening, humiliating, intimidating, isolating, controlling, or coercive, including spiritual or religious language used to manipulate or demean.

Participants who experience or witness bullying should report it to WTC staff promptly.


Confidentiality & Privacy

Students have the right to confidentiality in appropriate settings. Confidentiality policies are discussed at the start of the program.

  • Personal information will not be shared without written consent.

  • Communications with WTC staff are kept confidential.

  • Online sessions and group gatherings will not be recorded without permission to protect privacy.

  • WTC may disclose information without consent only when required by law (e.g., risk of harm).

All course materials are proprietary and may not be shared outside the program.

 

Disenrollment

Students may disenroll at any time, and are encouraged to discuss the decision with their Wisdom's Way Companion and instructor(s).

Disenrollment may occur for:

  1. Not a fit — the program or cohort is not the right fit after discussion.

  2. Behavioral issues — disruptive behavior continues after a warning.

  3. Incomplete requirements — requirements are not completed in a timely manner.

Students must complete all Year One requirements to be eligible for Year Two.

If a student falls three months behind in requirements, they may be disenrolled.
Certificates are forfeited if requirements are not completed within three months of the graduation date.

 

Re-Enrollment Policy (Former Students)

Students who have previously disenrolled or been disenrolled may apply for re-enrollment once. The re-enrollment process includes:

  1. A brief written reflection (1–2 pages or 500–800 words) responding to a set of guided questions provided by Wisdom Tree Collective.

  2. A 30–45 minute interview with an instructor and/or mentor to discern readiness for re-entry into the program.

The purpose of re-enrollment is to assess readiness for the program, confirm the student’s capacity to engage fully, and ensure that the program is a good fit at this time. Re-enrollment is not guaranteed and is determined by the Wisdom Tree Collective leadership team based on the reflection, interview, and available capacity.

 

Tuition

Tuition and scholarship information is provided on the website and in the application.

 

Tuition Refunds

Tuition is charged one year at a time. The $100 reservation fee is non-refundable. If a student chooses to disenroll or is disenrolled during Year One, tuition will be prorated based on the number of completed months in the program. No refunds will be issued after the midpoint of Year One. The same applies to Year Two.

 

Agreement

By submitting the application, students affirm they have received, read, and agree to abide by WTC policies and SDI’s Guidelines for Ethical Conduct.

Â