As a theological community of The United Church of Canada, St. Andrew s College commits to these imperatives for 2015-2020: Teaching, Formation & Scholarship We will offer excellence in an integrated academic and experiential preparation for ordained and designated lay ministry; extend opportunities for theological study; and contribute to ongoing theological scholarly enquiry. A Growing, Vibrant Community We will be an inviting and welcoming College that fosters a sustainable community of learners and teachers. Expanded Church and Civic Engagement In faithful, innovative ways we will seek to engage and serve the Church and the world that God loves. Financial Sustainability and Governance We will continue to practice responsible stewardship to ensure financial sustainability and good governance for the life and work of the College. Enhancing our Historic Home We will steward the natural and built heritage of the College as our physical and spiritual home, seeking to live with respect in creation.
Teaching, Formation & Scholarship To ensure that the competency goals of our MDiv program are consistent with those established by the United Church To the integration of excellence in academic preparation with experience in ministry To maintain and strengthen the STU relationship, particularly with respect to our joint STM and DMin programs To seize opportunities afforded by new technologies for teaching and digital and on-line library resources To support faculty with no fewer than five full-time faculty positions with salary parity and ongoing support for research and scholarship Implement strategies to meet anticipated teaching requirements for pastoral care and New Testament studies Fully implement the dual BTh/MDiv program, including a vigorous communication and promotion plan Deepen the welcome, support of and integration of the DLM program into the life of the College Pursue new ecumenical opportunities with the Pentecostal, Roman Catholic and Mennonite Communities Explore further options for intensive courses to meet existing program requirements and to offer opportunities for continuing education
A Growing, Vibrant Community To foster an inclusive community of faith and learning To uphold our mission of living out a justice driven education for Christian leadership To welcome newcomers and deepen engagement with our alumni/ae and other supporters To be an Affirming Ministry of The United Church of Canada To build on international partnerships such as the current Hanshin agreement Identify and lower the barriers to student recruitment Expand the communication effort to invite students into the community in all program areas of the college Establish an annual or bi-annual Seminary for Teens for the engagement of young people Offer support and enthusiasm to The United Church of Canada for the renewal of a culture of call to servant leadership Ensure a succession plan and process is in place for the role of Principal
Financial Sustainability and Governance To prudent stewardship of resources To achieve a long term lease with the University of Saskatchewan Complete the redesign and renewal of the Development Committee of the Board Implement a well strategized and resourced planned giving campaign Increase support to the Second Century Fund to meet the needs of the strategic plan for the building Increase the level and number of Pre Authorized Remittance (PAR) donors Encourage conversations with presbyteries and congregations to promote the College as an option for gifts from sales of congregational properties Review the provisions of the Act and propose any necessary amendments
Enhancing our Historic Home To maintain the natural and built heritage of the College To equip the building with state of the art educational technology Enhance the capacity of the building to financially and physically support the needs of the College Undertake the renewal of the Campus Community Centre Achieve a reduced carbon footprint by undertaking a window replacement program for energy conservation, and explore the feasibility of a solar power component Explore options for greater parking access
Expanded Church and Civic Engagement To provide intensive courses in existing and new areas of study To use technologies such as webinars and skype to extend our reach To explore with the University of Saskatchewan the potential for an expanded understanding of affiliation and more robust program linkages Expand our educational reach by establishing a Centre for Continuing Study to provide continuing and professional education for lay and clergy Develop capacity for coordination of continuing study within our faculty Develop sabbatical packages for clergy Foster authentic and mutual relationships with Indigenous people in partnership with Plains Presbytery Initiate new degree specializations and certificate and diploma programs in new areas (examples might be shared ministry, sacred music, chaplaincy, indigenous cultures and theologies, contemporary expressions of Christianity and spirituality, other faith traditions, service to community based organizations, and organizing for justice)
Some dreams for the future: In addition to the goals identified for 2015-20, we do not want to lose sight of the following for future plans: Explore the possibility of becoming a Theological Centre for the Advancement of Justice Explore the potential of our faculty and program offerings becoming part of the Christian contribution to a School of Religion at the University of Saskatchewan Expand the relationship between the College and the multi-faith community, exploring opportunities to be co-learners with those of other faith traditions Broaden our offerings of lay education programs to fill a need created by the closure of the Calling Lakes Centre Explore partnerships with other theological education institutions