Accreditation Self-Study

Luther Seminary is a degree-granting institution accredited by both The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools/ The Higher Learning Commission (NCA).

As part of the review process for renewal of accreditation, Luther Seminary has been engaged in a process of "Self-study" and has prepared a Self-study report in anticipation of a site visit scheduled in the fall of 2004, November 15-17.

The Self-Study Report: A Work in Progress

You may view the final version of the Self Study Report completed in September, 2004. Reactions and comments on the report may be sent to James L. Boyce, Coordinator of the Self-Study Process, at jboyce@luthersem.edu.

Overview of the Task

Luther Seminary's self study process has been conducted as part of an ATS project on Character and Assessment of Learning for Religious Vocation. As such it is shaped by the following project goals:

1. Increased understanding of the character of theological learning
    
2. Increased skill in assessing the attainment of learning for religious vocation

These goals envision work especially on assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching and learning through the seminary's program and support structures in the following two principal areas:

• Careful consideration of the educational goals of Luther Seminary's degree programs in the context of the ATS standards and Luther Seminary's stated missional objective.
   
• Development and implementation of a system of assessment of student learning and the educational effectiveness of Luther Seminary's various degree programs for achieving the end of equipping missional leaders.

A Shared Framework for Planning and Assessment

The report notes that as we continue to work together to seek ways better to assess our work in the two areas stated above, we are guided by the three-fold framework of faithfulness, effectiveness, and efficiency already identified in the Strategic Plan, "Serving the Promise of our Mission."  These three areas growing out of the Strategic Plan are the guiding framework of the Self-study Report.

Assessment according to this framework will continue to monitor key indicators (Dashboards) to provide feedback regarding institutional effectiveness and to guide our decisions and actions in response. The measurement of our success in these areas will be derived from comparing what we are actually accomplishing with what we profess in our mission and vision that we intend to accomplish.