Newman Theological College receives unconditional accreditation

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the regulatory body of theological schools in Canada and the United States, recently accredited Newman Theological College for another 10 years - with no conditions attached.

The last time the college was accredited, conditions were placed on it.

Two year study

But the college undertook an exhaustive two-year self-study based upon standards set by the ATS to determine how it could better serve the community and prepare men and women for ministry.

A condition-free accreditation of 10 years is rare, says Father Don MacDonald, the academic dean.

"It means our programs and degrees are solid," said MacDonald. "From a theological point of view, it's a recognition that we are a viable and credible theological institution. We are equipped to prepare people for ministry, whether it's for the priesthood, lay ministry or just faith development for people who want to deepen their faith."

A steering committee, headed by former president Kevin Carr and former faculty member Shirleyan Threndyle, and representing faculty, students, alumni, the senate and the board, met regularly for two years to discuss the numerous areas ATS would examine prior to accreditation.

"ATS looks at the purpose, planning and evaluation of the institution. They want to find out if you have a clear mission statement - and they determined ours was very clear," MacDonald said.

Institutional integrity, learning, teaching, research and theological curriculum are looked at. The new library was part of the study, which MacDonald said received "flying colours."

Newman's faculty, student recruitment and services along with authority and governance were also considered.

"Accreditation is a very challenging thing," MacDonald said.

Institutional resources regarding human, financial and physical resources had to be addressed. The study also looked at a broad area of instructional technology that included on-line courses for distance education.

Newman College started its on-line bachelor of theology degree program two years ago. The college is now one of the most advanced in the ATS regarding distance education, he said.

"One of our challenges that they recognized was that we have such a huge area (Western Canada and the North). They saw how important distance education is for us."

The study was submitted to the ATS, which received a glowing review, MacDonald said.

A four-member team representing the ATS was dispatched to the college recently to determine if what was said in the study was actually in place.

"The important thing about the self-study is to be honest," MacDonald said.

Approved!

Before the ATS team left, they advised the college it was approved for accreditation.

"They told us immediately our accreditation was re-affirmed for 10 years and all of our degree programs were approved." MacDonald said.

So, what's next?

"Something the ATS is concerned about is that what you do during the self-study in an intensive way, you continue to constantly assess and evaluate yourself," MacDonald said. "For the time being, our major concern is solidifying and improving what we have."

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