News

Advisory Council Fall Meeting Focuses on Strategic Plan

The Seminary Advisory Council gathered for a seven-hour meeting on Tuesday, 2 October 2007.  Metropolitan Basil was present at the meeting which was conducted by Advisory Council chair, Fr. Edward Cimbala.

The Council received a detailed report from the Rector, Fr. John G. Petro, about the recent visit by The Association of Theological Schools.  There were four visitators and two observers from the ATS.  After the visit, they will give a written report to the Seminary, summarizing their visit and making whatever recommendations they deem necessary. They will then make their recommendation to the Commission on Accrediting, and this recommendation will be voted upon in January, and final results will be known by the Seminary within a month.

The Advisory Council is eager to stay attuned to the written report of ATS and to assist the Seminary Board of Directors, Rector, and staff in the accomplishment of the various recommendations.  It hopes to be of assistance in the process by keeping focus on strategic insights.

The Seminary’s new development director, Susan Seiden Carlino, and new librarian, Sandra A. Collins, were introduced to the Advisory Council at this meeting.  The action and enthusiasm of these women were evident as they shared their current projects and some of their particular needs.

Susan Carlino announced that the formation of an Alumni Committee is in progress.  An Alumni Reunion for May 2008 is being considered.  Also, she is researching the attaining of grants and loans for the students.

Much of the meeting was spent reviewing and commenting on reports from the Seminary’s Rector, Finance Officer, and Academic Dean.  The Advisory Council’s committees on Student Life, Finance/Development, Distance Learning, and Marketing also made reports and fielded questions so that they may assist the Rector in their particular areas of concern.

The meeting concluded with a review of Council membership and an evaluation of the meeting itself.  The next meeting is scheduled for May of 2008.