Student Life
At the Qalam Seminary, we are committed to supporting our students in all aspects of their personal, academic, and spiritual growth. The quality of their studies and spiritual development is connected to their mental and physical well-being, which are supported by the various student services offered to our students.
Below are some of the resources that the Qalam Seminary provides. The student body consists of both in-person and online students, and our services accommodate both wherever possible.
Student Affairs
Community Service The Student Affairs department connects students to community service opportunities on campus, allowing them to give back to the Qalam community by assisting with events and helping maintain the campus. Students also have ample opportunities to volunteer at local community events, conferences, and weekend schools.
Social Events Our brothers and sisters committees organize periodic social events on and off campus, fostering ṣuḥbah across the years of the seminary. Socials are also an opportunity for both in-person and online students to interact with and benefit from their instructors outside of the classroom.
Retreats Instructors accompany students on weekend retreats, hosting halaqas and reflective discussions. The retreats serve as a venue for bonding and unwinding, allowing students to cultivate deep relationships, which will – inshāʾAllāh – benefit them in the ākhirah.
Qalam Campus
The Qalam Seminary is housed in a 45,000 square foot facility in Carrollton Texas. The campus is also home to a masjid and other shared community spaces which students benefit from throughout their studies.
Lounges Separate brothers and sisters lounges provide spaces for students to relax and recharge between classes.
Study Areas The seminary floor consists of classrooms and an open-floor library, where students can do their work after class hours and on weekends. We are also in the process of constructing a dedicated library for faculty and students to utilize for research.
Qalam Masjid Five daily prayers and jumuʿah are led by appointed imams and seminary instructors in the Qalam masjid, in addition to post-ʿishāʾ reminders, weekly halaqas, and periodic events open to the community.
Outside Learning
Workshops We organize workshops throughout the year which aim to equip students with knowledge and skills which may not typically be taught in the classroom, but are nonetheless important. These include workshops on preparing a jumuʿah khuṭbah, fiqh of ṣalāh, transliteration, and reading fluency.
Visiting Scholars The seminary hosts visiting scholars – including traditionally trained scholars and academics – to teach weekend seminars to our students. In the past, visiting scholars have delivered lectures on various topics including “Causes for Ikhtilāf Among the Jurists”, “The Muqaddimah of Ibn Khaldun”, and “Ibn Taymiyya on Reason and Revelation”.
Halaqas Seminary faculty members conduct halaqas on campus and throughout the DFW area on a weekly basis. Students are encouraged to attend the halaqas of their instructors, as long as they are able to balance attending halaqas and outside events alongside their studies.
Student Wellness
Lunch & Food Security On school days, the seminary caters food boxes from local restaurants, offered to students at a heavily discounted price. Our on-campus sisters and brothers lounges are stocked with pantry staples, which students can take home to cook healthy meals. The lounges are also stocked with snacks for students to enjoy on campus in between classes.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors In-person and remote students can sign up for free counseling sessions with licensed mental health professionals, who are also Qalam alumni. We believe it is important to receive guidance from religiously educated counselors who are familiar with the student experience.
Free Clinic Students can sign up for appointments with a licensed Muslim physician on campus. Appointments are available on a weekly basis.
Brothers & Sisters Sports Groups Weekly organized physical activities provide a great way for students to maintain their health and foster ṣuḥbah with their peers. The seminary rents out local sporting facilities for both brothers and sisters to play various sports.
Study Support
Study Hall Study Hall is held in the seminary common area and over Zoom Sunday through Thursday, where students can do focused work individually or in groups. An instructor is available to answer questions and assist students with their homework.
Office Hours Instructors, teaching assistants, and academic coordinators offer weekly office hours for students to receive one-on-one study support and general guidance throughout their time at the seminary.
Teaching Assistants TAs play a crucial role at the seminary, serving as the main point of contact for students regarding any academic concerns. They also serve as mentors, offering insights from their own experience as seminary students.