Faculty of Theology Faculty of Theology & ATS

Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungry, Religious
17 November 2011

On behalf of my colleagues at the Faculty of Theology, I write to inform the wider community at the University of St. Michael's College that we have, this morning, concluded our visit from the Association of Theological Schools. We are very happy with the report that we received from the visiting team at the end of a very productive process and a busy three-day visit.

I thank all those who took part in our Self-Study, those from within the Faculty of Theology and the University of St. Michael's College and those outside. In the list of the many who must be thanked, and each by name, I must single out Fr. Darren Dias OP, the Director of our Self-Study.

While the final written report is yet to be delivered, I would like to mention that the ATS congratulated us on our positive and important and historical relationship with the Basilian Fathers, The Loretto Sisters, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. The Kelly Library also received special praise and commendation for its role in theological education at the Faculty of Theology, and so I take this opportunity of congratulating and thanking Jonathan Bengtson and the other Librarians.

We look forward to continuing to play our part in excellent theological education, teaching, research, and spiritual formation. This is an important moment for us at the Faculty of Theology to celebrate our historical place within St. Michael's, and to reaffirm our continued commitment to work for the mission and vision of this Catholic University.

May Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, St. Michael, and St. Basil continue to intercede for the Faculty of Theology and for all the other Divisions of the University of St. Michael's College.

Sincerely,

Fr. Mario O. D'Souza CSB

Association of Theological Schools Self-Study Program

The Faculty of Theology of the University of St Michael's College (USMC) concluded its Comprehensive Visit from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the fall of 2011, along with the Toronto School of Theology and its member colleges. The ATS is comprised of over 250 graduate schools in Canada and the USA that educate persons for the practice of ministry and for teaching and research in the theological disciplines. Accreditation from the ATS ensures that standards of quality are being met and that institutional improvement is being undertaken. The Faculty of Theology has been an ATS accredited school since 1972.

ATS accreditation benefits theological faculties in many ways. For example, students can be assured of a wide recognition of courses and degrees amongst academic institutions, as well as student services and support; faculty is ensured of the academic freedom and resources that quality scholarship and teaching require; administration is affirmed in responsible governance. Accreditation also contributes substantially to public accountability and transparency informing church, academic communities, financial supporters and wider publics about the health of the institution.

In preparation for the ATS visit the Faculty of Theology undertook a self-study in order to gauge our institutional health through an analysis and evaluation of the Faculty and its degree programs. This provides the Faculty with an opportunity to affirm our identity and celebrate our achievements. The self-study also serves as a resource for planning into the future. A report containing the findings of the self-study was made available prior to the re-accreditation visit of the ATS.

The Faculty of Theology has decided on a fourfold structure to accomplish the work of the self-study: a steering committee, a subcommittee on principal activity, a subcommittee on the institution, and a subcommittee on curriculum. Below you will find the names of the members of each of these committees and the purview of the 3 subcommittees.

Steering Committee

Oversight of the self-study process

  1. Prof. Anne Anderson, CSJ, President and Vice-Chancellor, USMC (Self-Study Director 2001)
  2. Prof. Mario DSouza, CSB, Dean, Faculty of Theology, USMC
  3. Prof. John Kloppenberg, Chair of the Department and Center for the Study of Religion, UofT
    (Self-Study Director 1991)
  4. Prof. Michael Attridge, Faculty of Theology, USMC
  5. Ms. Diane Janisse, Chair of the Student Life Committee, Faculty of Theology, USMC
  6. Fr. David Katulski, CSB, Member of Collegium and alumnus
  7. Dr. Veronica OReilly, CSJ, Fellow of St Michael's College
  8. Prof. Darren Dias, OP, Faculty of Theology, USMC (Steering Committee Chair/ Self-Study Director)

Subcommittee on Principal Activity

Learning, Teaching and Research; Library and Information Resources; Faculty; Student Recruitment, Admission, Services, and Placement.

Subcommittee on the Institution

Purpose, Planning, and Evaluation; Institutional Integrity; Authority and Governance; Institutional Resources

Subcommittee on Curriculum

Theological Curriculum

As we begin this major and important work, we welcome, and even rely on, the input and participation of the various constituencies and publics of the University of St Michael's College.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Darren Dias, OP
Director of the ATS Self-Study