Rockbridge University (seminary)

I don't remember seeing mention of a new online seminary called Rockbridge University. This is a school with some powerful supporters (Rick "Purpose Driven" Warren and friends), qualified faculty, reasonable tuition, a commitment to seek accreditation, and a slightly different take on what training for ministers should look like. They offer a master of ministry leadership degree.

 

Is it really all that new? I thought it had been around at least long enough to no longer be called "new," but maybe I'm mistaken.

Anyway... Rockbridge has been discussed here. That I do remember. But, of course, I can't prove that because, alas,...

...the search function still isn't working right!

(Sorry. I get a little frustrated with it sometimes and lose my composure a bit.)

I've actually spent some time lookin' around on the Rockbridge site. I was impressed with some things, generally; but I guess its unaccredited status made me consider it in generally the same league as places like Columbia Evangelical Seminary and others similar: Probably credible... but, without accreditation, how to tell?

I will say this, though: Whenever I stumble onto its site, it seems to contain more and more interesting info that tends to make it appear more and more credible. Clearly it's growing and things are happening there.

The way it describes some things on its academic guidelines page, however, can give one pause. There we find the familiar, old "religious exemption" argument; the open-ended, non-specific and been-there-a-long-time claim of accreditation pursuit; inability to transfer any credits into the program... ostensibly because of its "compact nature," whatever that means; no letter grades except "S" (satisfactory), "U" (unsatisfactory), "I" (incomplete) and "W" (withdrawal). And I'm always alarmed by any institution that has the kind of ethical policy that Rockbridge has wherein something as personal as "homosexual behavior" can not only get one written-up or maybe even thrown out, but can also end-up on one's transcript. Once again a "we-have-all-the-answers," oppressive, rigid, retributive, tribal conformity in the name of a loving God.

I dunno... seems to me like just another unaccredited-but-still-probably-credible seminary with no particular denominational affiliation; but which is unmistakably conservative/fundamentalist and, therefore, something for which I would tend not to have a whole lotta' respect... other than for its apparent seriousness of purpose and seeming dedication to doing a good and credible job, of course. But that's just me.

 

This is from an agenda on the Missouri Dept of Higher Ed site. It seems to suggest that even though they have a religious exemption they are voluntarily applying for certification. It would be an early step in seriously moving toward accreditation and perhaps expansion.

Rockbridge University
Springfield, Missouri

This not-for-profit, unaccredited institution is currently exempt from certification program requirements as a religiously affiliated school offering only programs and degrees that are religiously designated. The school is operated by the Compton Institute for Christian Leadership. The school's single purpose is to provide ministry training through an on-line program designed around fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry, mission and worship. This proposal would continue the two programs currently offered by the school (a Diploma of Ministry Leadership and a Master of Ministry Leadership) but seeks voluntary certification of the school to operate, as provided in statutes. Voluntary certification requires the school to meet all certification program requirements and maintain compliance with those standards in order to operate. This school is not accredited.

 

Seems sincere. I like their accreditation statement. I also like their limited curriculum--start small, perhaps build later.

"RA or no way"? Of course not. This is an example of a school making a legitimate effort at starting a program with an intent to get accredited. Of course, the wags on another channel would cry out, saying it would be hypocritical to support such a school when one is on record as saying it is accreditation that determines whether a school is legitimate. Well, all schools start off unaccredited. It is the ones that stay that way that should be avoided and criticized for doing so.

 

I agree...

...which brings us back to the question of how "new" it actually is. I guess that's what was underlying some of my commentary.

Look... it seems credible. If I could get past the oppressive fundamentalism; and if I wanted to preach in some storefront or strip mall church somewhere -- one with no denominational affiliation -- I'm sure I'd strongly consider Rockbridge...

...and, moreover, would not be disapointed. It would appear to require legitimate, rigorous work of its students; and to issue credentials that are actually worth something to at least someone -- and by that, I mean someone credible.

But let's not backpeddle or become apologists just because knuckleheads in other fora (and here, too, I guess... but more so there) keep ringing the "RA or no way" accusation bell. That's clearly not what we're saying here, so it's a stupid and inappropriate accusation to start with. But that doesn't change what we all know to be true: Without accreditation, it's all subjective; and subject to what someone wishing to understand and assess it has time and energy to research. Accreditation makes all that unnecessary and is, therefore, something to lament not being present whenever we talk about places like Rockbridge or Columbia or any of a number of other places apparently credible.

Sure, even accredited schools start out unaccredited. They have to. There's no way around it. But they're alot more credible during the time when they're not accredited if they talk on their web pages that cover the accreditation issue about specific intentions and timelines for implementation. Has Rockbridge been around long enough to earn candidacy with some accreditor? If not, then fine. But if so, then why hasn't it? And if it intends to, then when? And with whom?

Agreed. That would be nice. I would, personally, like to see Rockbridge reach all its goals and earn/enjoy all the credibility it can handle.

Accreditation is one sure-fire way to get that, isn't it.

 

You are absolutely correct, DesElms and the evidence beyond the shadow of a doubt can be found here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14637 and it seems to be a one-post thread placed by oxpecker on 07-05-04 linking us to the Springfield News-Leader, which ran a June 30, 2004 article, "Online University Offers Busy Pastors Many Options." Unfortunately said weblink no longer takes us directly to said article but, if you register for an archives account, and if you are a valid enough person to be allowed to carry that beautiful plastic money (I'm sure as "upside down 7734" not, but that's beside the point), you can sign in and look up said article. Cheers!

 

Hmm. I think I actually remember that thread. But I think Rockbridge was discussed a bit more than that around here. But maybe I'm wrong. Can't really remember... and not terribly sure I care.

 

So Rockbridge is "pursuing accreditation." Just what exactly does this mean? What type of accreditation are they pursuing? USDoE recognized-type? Or the USDoE unrecognized-type?

With professional-type academic programs the issue of accreditation is more than "so-and-so has looked at the program and we paid the expensive price for the recognition process." In these type of programs there is a "what can you do with the degree" kind of issue.

If you are looking for a professional ministry that requires a specific kind of academic preparation (read USDoE recognition, or perhaps the even more stringent - must be an ATS school) going to an unaccredited or a USDoE unrecognized school is not going to hack it. For example, consider specific denominational requirements, or federal chaplaincy guidelines.

So the type of accreditation is very important to many people (not all, but many). After all... what if Rockbridge is "pursuing" ACI accreditation... where the only professional mobility for that recognition is from ACI school to ACI school, or maybe perhaps to some organization that doesn't have standards or doesn't know the difference?

Now if your only concern is what you're going to learn... then anything goes... buyer beware... and if the product is worth the effort (and cost) then there's the match made in Heaven...

 

OK... I wasn't really finished... hand me the soap box again... thanks...

What about their name? Rockbridge University.

This is a seminary, and only a seminary (per the website). In my personal and humble opinion the name of the school should reflect this special ministry... RU sounds like your run-of-the-mill unknown university/college...

Just sounds peculiar to me... and even if this is the first of other degree programs in other disciplines (MBA, MPA, etc.)... the Rockbridge School of Theology (or Divinity, or Ministry, or any other seminary-type title) could be a school under Rockbridge University...

I'm sorry... maybe I'm being too "nitpicky"... but something just doesn't sound right...

PS: Yes, their program does look very interesting... but there's too many "if's" for me to lean that direction yet... but then I have about a year before I finish my current endeavor... so they have some time to show effort and direction of movement before I have to make my decision to start my next adventure...

Soap box anyone?

 

Have to agree with "University"; they hardly seem that.

As for accreditation, recognized agencies frown upon forward-looking statements that talk about the kind of accreditation being pursued. For example, DETC doesn't want its applicants saying they're applying in their literature or on their websites--but school representatives will confirm it privately.

I think their accreditation statement is factual and not misleading.

 

Rockbridge U

I am thinking that this seminary is about 2 years old. I was "introduced" to it about that time when someone asked me my opinion. They know that I was seeking an online seminary after completing my BS degree. However the denomination that I desire to work with requires ATS accreditation so RU is not an option for me. The person who asked me about R U is currently attending and is impressed with the curriculum and what he has learned.

From the RU FAQ page here is a response about their "timeline" to seek accreditation:

Q: "What is your accreditation status?"

A: We are a new school, and accreditation is very important to us. We will seek accreditation through the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. We anticipate about a 5 year process.

On their affiliation, they have decided not to affiliate with any denomination, however their President and several of their supporters come from a Southern Baptist background, so the conservative nature of the institution is not a surprise to me.

Mike

 

And some of us consider the "purpose driven" stuff utter Wieseldreck.

 

John Bear, in his _Bears' Guide_ chapter on "Accreditation," has an interesting section called "Words That Do Not Mean 'Accredited'," in which he writes, "1. Pursuing accreditation. A school may say that it is 'pursuing accreditation' or that it 'intends to pursue accreditation.' But that says nothing whatever about its chances for achieving same. It's like saying that you are practicing your tennis game, with the intention of playing in the finals at Wimbledon."

 

Exactly.

That said, I've always thought that if I were to stumble onto a brand new (less than a year or two old) and unaccredited university web site which contained an accreditation statement saying:

1. that it believes in accreditation by a USDE- and/or CHEA-approved agency and intends to obtain same at its earliest possible opportunity; but that it couldn't apply for it yet even if it were ready because of the mandatory waiting period during which it must operate without accreditation so it can show a potential accreditor that it's worthy of even applying; and,
   
2. that, once said waiting period is over, it will be letting no grass grow under its feet getting the process started; but even then, there's no guarantee that it will actually succeed in its accreditation quest; and,
   
3. that to both improve its chances of succeeding in said quest, and also to ensure that no student is in any way short-changed in the meantime, it's making sure that its operational, financial and academic methods and standards during said waiting period are exactly the same as if it were accredited... and that it can (and will) prove same to anyone who asks; and,
   
4. that, even though it's not yet accredited, it has made sure that it is properly and fully licensed and authorized by its state to conduct business and to grant state-approved certificates, diplomas and degrees (which, while not the same as accreditation, is, nevertheless, intended as an indication of its seriousness and desire to operate lawfully and with as much credibility as it can possibly exhibit right from the outset); and,
   
5. that it is digusted by, and will not, during the waiting period (or at any time thereafter), attempt to fool or mislead anyone by seeking worthless, bogus accreditation from non-USDE- and/or non-CHEA-approved agencies; or, worse, by seeking some sort of responsibility-dodging state or Federal exemption from licensing and/or accreditation; and,
   
6. that so serious is it about accreditation that it has written right into its corporate charter that if USDE- and/or CHEA-approved accreditation cannot be obtained within [pick a number... 5 to 8 or 10, I imagine] years, it will cease operations and, moreover, will expend whatever effort is required to help students successfully transfer their credits into appropriate and fully-accredited programs at other universities wherever possible; and,
   
7. that while students who apply to it may be assured of high quality and rigor of the sort one would expect to find at any accredited institution -- and maybe even transferability of credits earned to institutions that are accredited -- the fact is that until it finally is fully accredited by a USDE- and/or CHEA-approved agency, students should exercise extreme caution, and should check with whatever institution to which they intend to someday transfer their credits to ensure the acceptability thereof, before they apply/enroll; then,[/list=1]I, for one, would be quite impressed...
   
   ...assuming it's all provably true, that is; and that everything about the university's behavior suggests adherence to the above statement in observably good faith.
   
   It seems to me that it would be pretty hard to argue with an accreditation statement like that. Rather than being frowned upon by potential accreditors, you'd think that such candor would be appreciated and applauded... both because it is a full, open and honest disclosure and warning; and also because there's just not a darned thing misleading about it. Not a darned thing! In fact, the accreditation statements of all unaccredited entities should be so straightforward, unambiguous, and expositive!
   
   No?

 

Re: Rockbridge U

Thanks for the update... great catch! I'm happy with this information... although the time frame may not be within my window of opportunity, it is a very reasonable timeline.