HLC Public Disclosure from The Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 16 March 2017

HLC Public Disclosure from The Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 16 March 2017

Message from President Neil Blair
Greetings from Saint Paul School of Theology. We hope that you visit www.spst.edu frequently and stay aware of what's happening. Everything that we accomplish today stands on the foundation that was formed over 50 years ago.
With some different words than the first mission statement, we continue to say that, as a seminary of the United Methodist Church, Saint Paul School of Theology is devoted to providing strong theological education for the professional formation of students. The current Saint Paul mission statement declares a commitment to "the formation of people for innovative, creative ministry through rigorous academic life; the exploration of Scripture, tradition, and ministry practices; and diverse, contextual experience."
Those of us who work and study at the seminary are blessed daily. The quality of students is high, and the classroom and online learning experiences are dynamic. Expertise in teaching by video conferencing builds a strong learning community across two campuses. Faculty are publishing significant articles and books and lecturing at major universities across the U.S. and internationally. Faculty and students are excited about new degree and certificate options:

• A new D.Min. program opportunity in partnership with the Academy for Spiritual Formation;
• Training for deaconess and home missioner candidates in partnership with United Methodist Women; and
• A Certificate in Theological Formation for laity and seekers who want to enhance their service to the church and communities while enhancing their personal growth.
• To assure that seminary programs and performance are held to the highest standards of the church and academy, the seminary maintains affiliation with diverse agencies that set standards and monitor performance. The seminary is approved by the United Methodist University Senate, which requires accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the regional Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which assess compliance with Department of Education regulations.

The process of internal evaluation accompanies assessment by external accreditors, and most of the time the process ends positively. Recently, however, Saint Paul has, alongside most other theological schools, faced declining enrollments in the M.Div. program and challenging financial conditions in the U.S. While the seminary has seen some improvement, the recent routine comprehensive site visit by the Higher Learning Commission resulted in the determination that Saint Paul is not compliant with the HLC criterion concerned with resources, planning, and institutional effectiveness.
Saint Paul's accreditation status has been changed from "Accredited" to "Accredited-On Probation." The Higher Learning Commission's Board based the decision to designate Saint Paul as "Accredited-On Probation" because of concerns about resources, governance and administrative structure, strategic planning, and systematic improvement.
Schools remain accredited while on probation and have the opportunity to remedy concerns. Probation is a short period of time, not more than two years, dedicated to improvement, which is the constant goal of educational institutions. Saint Paul is slated to provide reports to the HLC that document the improvements by July 2018, so that the HLC Board might restore full accreditation in their February 2019 meeting.
Because Saint Paul contributed its own evaluation to HLC, we were disappointed, but not entirely surprised by the issues raised. What this means is that the seminary was already working to make change, to redefine governance, to establish stronger planning processes, and to better integrate assessment and decision-making. Saint Paul is embracing this opportunity to better realize our mission and emerge a stronger seminary.
Saint Paul remains committed to preparing students for creative, innovative leadership, ministry, and service. Student learning and support are the seminary's highest priorities. We continue to receive federal financial aid. Academic life continues with accreditation by ATS and HLC and with approval by the University Senate. All degree programs and courses, all worship and extracurricular activities, and all partnerships and collaborations continue without interruption.
We invite you to be present with us in this process. Feel free to visit www.spst.edu/accreditation to learn more details. You can support the seminary by recommending prospective students, donating financial gifts, and through prayer.
Sincerely,

Rev. Neil B. Blair, President
Saint Paul School of Theology
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Saint Paul: United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States 
(913) 253-5000
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University
2501 North Blackwelder Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106, United States 
(405) 208-5757
Saint Paul School of Theology

4370 West 109th Street, SUITE 300

Overland Park, Kansas 66211, United States
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