ADVANCE SPRING 2021 MAGAZINE - THE LEADING NATIONAL VOICE OF CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION - Council for Christian ...
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ADVANCE
COUNCIL FOR CHRISTIAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
SPRING 2021 MAGAZINE
Campus Stories The International Student Mental
of Innovation Impact of COVID-19 Health in a Pandemic
p. 20 p. 30 p. 38
THE LEADING NATIONAL VOICE OF CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
Are You Ready to Faithfully
Engage with Culture?
1960
We have the opportunity to use our words and our voices for the common good.
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history, we learn how we might embrace writing as an act Emmanuel Katongole, John M. Perkins, and David
of discipleship for today. Wright cast a vision for intellectuals who promote
human flourishing.
“When Christians compose with the aim of enacting “Whether as theologians, scholars, journalists, or
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SUSAN VANZANTEN, Valparaiso University
ELIZABETH VANDER LEI, Calvin University
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FROM THE PRESIDENT | SHIRLEY V. HOOGSTRA
markets. For example, think of Amazon’s
creation of Amazon Web Services (AWS),
its cloud server, which was outside its orig-
Building the Future inal business model of selling books and
other products.
In higher education, our institutions
Embedding Innovation in Your have been successful at incremental and
adjacent innovations that will lead or
Campus Identity have created new revenue or efficiencies.
Take a moment with your senior campus
leaders to mark your success so far. Ask
THE WORD “INNOVATION” conjures up images of a new and bet- the innovations of tomorrow will include air taxis, and record the answers to this question:
ter future. The pandemic allowed us to witness innovation firsthand, quantum computing through an open cloud system, Since the pandemic, what incremental or As the ways we connect with coworkers, customers, families, and friends continue to
whether in vaccines created in record time or in shifting our own robotic cargo unloading, real-time data making work adjacent innovations has our institution change, CCCU institutions have a unique opportunity to train their leaders to sustain a
culture of campus innovation.
campuses’ ability to be online, in-person (while still meeting pan- more efficient, a new generation of control system adopted that have generated new revenue,
demic guidelines), or a hybrid of both. Disruption caused by disease, technology, 3D-printed engine parts, and machine new efficiencies, or the potential for both?
emergencies, or disasters often fuels innovation and invention. Ex- learning to fight cyber-attacks. What opportunities You will be encouraged. 8. Managers are not trained to be innovation leaders.
periencing hardship also spurs human beings to utilize adversity for for our students! 9. Managers immediately look for flaws in new ideas rather than
positive change. FACING THE INHIBITORS OF tease out their potential.
We admire and celebrate innovation. We know it when we see it. WHAT DEFINES INNOVATION? INNOVATION 10. We look at opportunities through internal lenses rather than
But creating a new future is hard work. That’s why I want to explore Innovation is happening all around us, including on While innovations occurred in the midst of the starting with customers’ needs and problems.
types of innovation — and obstacles to achieving it — before laying pandemic’s disruption, an innovation culture must How did you score? Is there is room for improvement? What are
our campuses. How do we keep up the momentum
out a road map for creating and maintaining an innovative culture that continue and grow. Higher education will con- practical next steps?
and implementation to make innovation our culture
I think will be vitally necessary for Christian higher education. tinue to feel disruption even after the pandemic
of the future? The Center for Creative Leadership has
finally ends, and that disruption must be used to BUILDING A LASTING CULTURE OF INNOVATION
drawn a helpful distinction between creativity and
LOOKING TO THE PAST FOR INSPIRATION fuel further innovation. As the People Matters ar- The statements themselves create the guide to new behavior. Create
innovation: “Creativity is the ability to generate nov-
On its website, the History Channel has an article exploring 11 of the ticle suggests, organizations need to go from “graz- within each department, or within the university, a team whose focus
el and useful ideas, while innovation is a successful
greatest innovations that changed the world. Here are just a few: ing” around innovation to creating an intentional, is developing long-term strategic ideas to implement. Do not allow fear
implementation of creative ideas.”
integrated, and optimized culture for innovation. of undermining current ways of doing things to prevent the surfacing
• The printing press. Communicate to the masses and you change Is all innovation the same? In 2018, People Matters
How do we make innovation the DNA of Chris- of new ideas. Reward people who develop and implement an innovative
the world. We have seen this most recently in the blessing and curse identified three different kinds of innovation: incre-
tian higher education? idea. Plan regular retreat time for groups to shift from an “efficiency
that is the Internet. mental, adjacent, and transformational. Incremental
Harvard Business Review identified 10 common focus” of daily routines to a “fresh thinking” focus.
• Steel. Steel fueled the industrial revolution and built modern cities. innovation is improving something we already do —
innovation inhibitors that I suggest would be valu- Do not allow critique and criticism to dominate idea sessions.
• The electric light. All it takes is a power outage for us to remem- certainly important to pursue. Adjacent innovation is able to review with your leadership teams, deans, and One idea is to create a process where red cards and green cards
ber a less workable, bygone era. The innovation of wires to power adding something new to something we do that is department chairs. For each one, think about the ex- are used during meetings. Anyone in a meeting can good-naturedly
early light bulbs led to electrical wiring paving the way for all other already core to our business — like online education tent to which it applies to your campus (never? some- raise a red card on another team member who names the flaws in a
electrical innovations. in addition to on-campus education. Transforma- times? often?): new idea before naming the potential. Raise the green cards to af-
• Antibiotics. This changed medicine forever. Imagining a world tional innovation can be disruptive and involves the 1. Our focus on short-term results drives out firm suggested ideas.
without antibiotics is easier in this moment because of the pan- creation of entirely new businesses that cater to new ideas that take longer to mature. Get your students involved. Create student innovation task forces.
demic. Clearly, the ability to fight infec- 2. Fear of cannibalizing current business pre- Ask your students for their ideas as your loyal, engaged, and self-in-
tion has improved the human condition Innovations in technology have transformed life as we know it, and continuing vents investment in new areas. terested “customers.” Form small groups of innovative students who
without measure. technological advancements mean there is plenty of opportunity for CCCU
3. Most of our resources are devoted to day-to- will regularly be an advisory group to departments and administra-
graduates to impact this important field.
“We can do it,” I think as I read this list. day business so that few remain for innova- tive leaders. Ask students to think about how their needs could be
But it also makes me wonder: What will be tive prospects. met better by the university.
some of the innovations of the future that our 4. Innovation is someone else’s job and not Finally, look outside your campus. Identify the most innovative
students need to be prepared for through their part of everyone’s responsibilities. companies in your immediate locale or from your board of trustees
time studying at our colleges and universities? 5. Our efficiency focus eliminates free time for and do informational interviews on how they have created innovative
For that, I found the insights from Hon- fresh thinking. cultures in their organizations. Perhaps imbed some of your leaders
eywell to be helpful. You might recognize the 6. We do not have a standard process to nur- into business environments to influence habits and future thinking.
Honeywell name from your thermostat, but ture the development of new ideas. The future of Christian higher education depends on the attitude
it is also a premier innovation laboratory. The 7. Incentives are geared towards maximizing “We can do it.” We have done it, and with God’s guidance and grace,
leaders at Honeywell recently predicted that today’s business and reducing risk. we will.
2 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 3
in ADVANCE
THE COUNCIL FOR CHRISTIAN
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (CCCU) is
a higher education association of more
42
than 180 Christian institutions around
the world. Since 1976, the CCCU has
served as the leading national voice
REGULARS FEATURES of Christian higher education. With
campuses across the globe, including
CHARITABLE GIVING & more than 150 in the U.S. and Canada
7 HIGHER EDUCATION and more than 30 from an additional
AROUND THE COUNCIL 19 countries, CCCU institutions are
In a time of economic accredited, comprehensive colleges
News from the CCCU
upheaval for CCCU institutions, and universities whose missions
advocating for tax deductions are Christ-centered and rooted
14 for charitable giving is more in the historic Christian faith.
ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING important than ever. THE MISSION OF THE CCCU is
By Kimberly Battle-Walters Denu to advance the cause of Christ-
By Sara Helms McCarty and
centered higher education
Terry Hartle
and to help our institutions
16 transform the lives of students
ON ACADEMICS by faithfully relating scholarship
By Stanley P. Rosenberg and service to biblical truth.
DISTRIBUTION
Advance is published each year
18
48
in the fall and spring and is mailed to
ON DIVERSITY members, affiliates, and friends of the
By Walter Kim CCCU. It is also available online at
www.cccu.org/magazine. Direct
questions and letters to the editor
64 IMPROVING BOARD to editor@cccu.org.
THE LAST WORD PERFORMANCE ADVERTISING
By Emmanuel L. McNeely
COVER STORY Training and supporting Advance accepts advertising from
20 30
these key leaders is vital for organizations that serve the students,
institutional success. faculty, or administration of our
campuses. For more information
By Bob Andringa and/or to receive a CCCU Media Kit,
please email advertising@cccu.org.
CAMPUS STORIES THE INTERNATIONAL
PEOPLE
OF INNOVATION IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE SHELF Shirley V. Hoogstra
A look at how campuses have How the CCCU's international President
50
met the needs of their students members have adapted to the Greta Hays
amidst a global pandemic. pandemic's challenges. Senior Director of Communications
& Public Affairs
Essay Collection Essay Collection
Morgan Feddes Satre
RESTORING A Communications Specialist &
BROKEN NATION Managing Editor, Advance
38 How CCCU institutions can
help heal a deeply divided
society.
Katryn Ferrance
Art and Brand Manager
& Graphic Designer
STUDENT MENTAL Alan Haven
An interview with Marketing Specialist
HEALTH IN A David French
PANDEMIC Kendra Langdon Juskus
Copy Editor
Students are struggling but
aren’t seeking help in traditional
ways. How are campuses
navigating that reality?
By Abby Perry
BECOMING BRAVE HELPING FACULTY PURSUE
WITNESSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 VOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Stay connected with the CCCU on Twitter,
An interview with Christina Bieber Lake Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
By Sandra Mayo
4 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 5
NEWS FROM THE CCCU
Around the Council
CCCU AND SCIO RECEIVE $2.1 MILLION TO FIVE INSTITUTIONS
SUPPORT STEM RESEARCH JOIN THE CCCU
In January 2021, the CCCU Board
of Directors approved five new
members:
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Lead the Future of
Higher Education Supporting Structures is a new project designed to support and enhance STEM research
among both faculty and students on CCCU campuses.
THE CCCU AND SCHOLARSHIP & CHRISTIANITY IN OXFORD
(SCIO), the CCCU’s U.K. subsidiary, have received a $2.1 million grant from the John
River Forest, Illinois
Help higher education adapt to changing times Templeton Foundation to launch Supporting Structures, a project designed to support
and enhance STEM research among faculty and students on CCCU campuses. An ad-
and influence the next generation of leaders. ditional $256,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust expands the reach of
the project, enabling the project to offer awards to a total of nine CCCU institutions,
who will be selected later this spring.
Ndola, Zambia
This multi-faceted project will incorporate training, support, and events for faculty
members, students, senior administrators, and the communities that feed into and sup-
Ph.D. in Higher Education Ed.D. in Higher port these institutions. It will expand research opportunities among existing, pre-tenure
faculty members in the STEM fields and offer training to deepen their understanding of
For faculty and administrators interested Education Leadership and engagement with issues pertaining to science, religion, and society. Additionally, the
in conducting original research to shape Designed for student affairs professionals project has a specific fund dedicated to help participating campuses enhance diversity
among their STEM faculty.
institutional policies and practices to further looking to provide effective, transformational The project will also bolster unique partnerships between CCCU institutions and
Courtesy of Southwest Baptist University
the impact of higher education. leadership in a rapidly changing higher major research institutions and provide funding for campuses to establish student clubs Taichung City, Taiwan
education landscape. and support undergraduate student researchers in STEM fields, as well as provide oppor-
tunities for administrators and other campus-connected communities to engage science,
religion, and society issues.
LEARN MORE
Apply today! apu.edu/highered For more information, visit www.scio-uk.org/
Plainview, Texas
research/supporting-stem/.
701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, California
Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 7
23995
AROUND THE COUNCIL AROUND THE COUNCIL
THE LATEST UPDATES FROM CAPITOL HILL CCCU STATEMENT ON FAIRNESS FOR ALL AND THE EQUALITY ACT
THE CCCU’S ADVOCACY WORK promotes and protects its institutions’ unique position as Christ-centered, nonprofit
institutions of higher education that are often in the crosshairs of a variety of issues affecting higher education and nonprofit or- IN ADDRESSING THE CULTURAL tension surrounding multifaith and pluralistic world of 21st century America. For
ganizations, and/or challenges to religious character and convictions. In 2020, the CCCU signed onto 109 letters and nine amicus religious freedom and LGBT rights, the CCCU advocates for a faith-based higher education specifically, the Equality Act would
briefs supporting our major advocacy issues. As of February 15, 2021, we have signed on to 10 letters and one amicus brief. Other balanced legislative approach that preserves religious freedom and restrict student choice in an unprecedented way by preventing
highlights of our recent advocacy work include: addresses LGBT civil rights under federal law. middle- and low-income students from being able to take their
The CCCU supports the Fairness for All Act, reintroduced by federal student aid to these institutions. Seven out of 10 CCCU
Congressman Chris Stewart in the U.S. House of Representatives students receive federal funding, and the withdrawal of financial
on February 26, 2021. The bill is both principled and pragmatic: It aid, including Pell grants and federal research grants, would have
is principled in providing a clear and demonstrable way for people a disproportionate impact on low-income and first-generation
of faith to “love our neighbor” in the civic context, and it is prag- college students, as well as students from racial and ethnic mi-
matic in that the bill makes explicit many religious protections nority groups.
that are important to a rich and vibrant civil society. Orthodox
COVID Relief | The COVID-19 stimulus and omnibus bill Immigration | President Joe Biden issued an executive Christian convictions are central to Christian colleges and univer- LEARN MORE
passed by Congress in December 2020 included three ma- order preserving protections for Dreamers under the De- sities, and there must be freedom to practice, teach, and uphold Read our full statement at
jor policy victories as well as about $23 billion in funding to ferred Action for Childhood Arrivals guidance within his www.cccu.org/news-updates/fairness-for-all/
those convictions without penalty.
higher education. The bill included new FAFSA simplification first days in office. This order reinforces the temporary The Equality Act, as currently drafted, fails to do justice to
measures, allowing students to more easily obtain federal status given to undocumented immigrants brought as the rich complexity of moral traditions that are central to the
financial aid. It also lifted the 26-year-old ban on Pell grants children and calls the Department of Homeland Security
for incarcerated individuals. The CCCU has been a longtime to “preserve and fortify” actions consistent with the law.
advocate for better access to education and opportunity Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham also reintro-
for those in our prison systems. The bill also included an duced the Dream Act, championing the push for immi-
extension of the $300 universal charitable giving deduction gration reform in Congress. We continue to advocate for INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTION SPOTLIGHT: KENYA
through the end of 2021, as well as an increase of up to $600 policies that recognize the dignity with which God has
deduction to married couples. endowed all people, regardless of their ethnicity, race, or
AFRICA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
As of late February, the House Committee on Labor and place of origin. We believe a bipartisan, permanent leg-
Education had released a COVID-19 relief bill that would ap- islative solution for Dreamers from Congress is the best Africa International University (AIU) was founded in 1983 by the Association of Evan-
propriate nearly $40 billion to public and private higher edu- means to provide a long-term solution for these young gelicals in Africa in Karen, a suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi. Known as the Nairobi
cation institutions alike. The CCCU continues to advocate on people and their communities. Evangelical Graduate School of Theology, its goal was to provide training beyond the basic
behalf of Christian colleges and universities in order to en- certificate and diploma levels for pastors in the region. Over time, it expanded its program
sure equitable treatment between public and private institu- offerings and received a university charter from the Kenyan government in 2011.
tions of higher education. Today, AIU continues in its mission to educate Christ-centered leaders for the transfor-
mation of God’s people and the world through innovative programs, research, and com-
munity engagement. It offers undergraduate, master's, and doctorate degrees in a variety
of fields, including biblical studies, theology, missions, business, finance, psychology and
IX
counseling, linguistics, interreligious studies, and education.
Photos courtesy of Africa International University and Africa Nazarene University
Judiciary | The CCCU filed an amicus brief in the case of
Fulton v the City of Philadelphia. This case involves Catholic
Social Services, a faith-based agency that has been serv- AFRICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
Title IX | The Department of Education released new Ti-
ing vulnerable kids for 200 years. But the city of Philadel-
tle IX regulations in November 2020, which include “con- Founded in 1994 by the Church of the Nazarene, Africa Nazarene University (ANU) was
phia stopped placing kids with foster parents that partner
trolled by” language that would affect the religious free- the first Nazarene university established outside North America and offered undergradu-
with Catholic Social Services, demanding that the agency
doms of our institutions. The language determines if an ate courses in theology and business, as well as a master’s in religion; a year later, it also of-
change its religious practices or close. We ask the Court to
institution is “controlled by” a religious organization. The fered a bachelor in computer science. ANU has continued to expand its program offerings
protect the freedom of faith-affirming foster agencies na-
regulation promotes free speech at institutions, ensures and received its university charter from the Kenyan government in 2002.
tionwide to maintain their deeply held beliefs while serv- Today, ANU offers 26 academic programs, serving 4,000 students from diverse geo-
equal treatment of religious student groups, and revises
ing those most in need. graphical and economic backgrounds. With over a decade of experience in remote and
discretionary grant programs to specifically include reli-
gious institutions. distance learning, ANU conducted its first fully online semester in May 2020 amid the
pandemic. About half of the student body is currently enrolled in online learning, which
will be a defining element of education delivery at ANU going forward. In September
LEARN MORE 2020, ANU signed a partnership with Coursera that further expanded its online educa-
For more information about the CCCU's tion offerings, providing students with a transformative online learning experience.
advocacy work, visit www.cccu.org/advocacy.
8 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 9
AROUND THE COUNCIL
16 CCCU CAMPUSES AWARDED GRANTS FOR INTERFAITH WORK
THE CCCU AND INTERFAITH YOUTH CORE
(IFYC) have awarded nearly $20,000 in grants to 16
CCCU campuses to integrate a newly developed online
curriculum, “Christian Leadership in a Multifaith World,”
into existing coursework and student leadership develop-
ment programs.
Together, the CCCU and IFYC are committed to el-
evating the importance of religious literacy and bridge-
building. Through generous support from The Arthur Vin-
ing Davis Foundations, the CCCU and IFYC developed an
online curriculum to explore the foundation for interfaith
engagement, build students’ religious literacy, and equip
students to lead bridge-building activities in their com-
munities. Individual $1,000 grants were awarded to faculty A new curriculum developed by CCCU and Interfaith Youth Core aims to
and staff on CCCU campuses to use the pilot curriculum build students' religious literacy and equip them to lead bridge-building
activities in their communities.
with their students and offer feedback to the CCCU and
IFYC on ways to strengthen the activities for future use.
L
LEARN MORE
A
Mat Schramm
B
For more information,
L O
visit ifyc.org/grants/cccu.
The Lumen Research Institute Presents
MENTORING MATTERS
Theological Explorations of Generational
G O G
Transition and the Academic Vocation
Keynote Speakers Include Thursday, September 23, 2021
Tim Clydesdale · Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric & Friday, September 24, 2021
Margaret DuPlissis Diddams · Tim Elmore The Sagamore Institute
Rebecca Hong · David Kinnaman Indianapolis, Indiana
Beck A. Taylor
For further information,
to register, or to submit a proposal, visit
IWULUMEN.ORG/SYMPOSIUM
Faith-integrated, off-campus
study programs for students
10 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021
www.cccuglobaled.org
BY THE NUMBERS
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE STUDENTS WORRY ABOUT:
CAMPUS RESPONSES TO COVID-19 FRIENDSHIPS AND SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
How do students on CCCU campuses rate their institution’s pandemic response? As part of the CCCU’s DOING WELL IN COLLEGE
Collaborative Assessment Project, CCCU campuses administered the “Thriving Quotient” survey in Fall 28%
2020 to more than 4,800 students across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on the support, protection, and
communication students felt they received from their institution in the midst of COVID-19.
34%
Always/Most
24%
A little more
A little more
than/About
half the time
of the time than/About
half the time 22%
29% Sometimes
HEALTH AND SAFETY Always/Most 21%
of the time
Rarely/
OVERALL, MY INSTRUCTORS HAVE THE STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION AT THIS INSTITUTION Never
SHOWN CARE AND CONCERN FOR ME AS HAVE DONE A GOOD JOB PROTECTING STUDENTS FROM
THEY RESPOND TO COVID-19. THE NEGATIVE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF COVID-19.
22% 20%
72% 17% Sometimes
15% Rarely/
78%
Never ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
Somewhat 5%
Agree 6%
Agree or
Strongly 4% I FEEL STRESSED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Agree Somewhat OF COVID-19. 15% 11%
Disagree PAYING BILLS
36% 19% 14% 31%
3% 28% 20% Always/Most
of the time
A little more
than/About
Disagree or Always/Most A little more
Agree or Somewhat half the time
Strongly of the time than/About
Strongly Agree Agree
Disagree half the time
$
Somewhat Disagree or
Disagree Strongly Disagree 59%
15%
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
32%
Rarely/
20%
Sometimes
Sometimes
Rarely/
Never
Never
THE SUPPORT YOU ARE GETTING FROM THIS THE COMMUNICATION YOU ARE GETTING FROM THIS
INSTITUTION TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE INSTITUTION ABOUT ITS ONGOING RESPONSE TO
CHALLENGES OF THIS PANDEMIC. THIS PANDEMIC.
64% 64% 17% 9% 10% ACCESSING AND USING THE
SECURE HOUSING
19% 5%
TECHNOLOGY NEEDED FOR CLASSES
Very Satisfied
or Satisfied
Somewhat
Satisfied
THE INFORMATION YOU ARE GETTING ABOUT HOW
11% A little more than/
16% 16% 20% 48%
Always/Most About half the time
8% CHANGES AT THIS INSTITUTION IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
WILL IMPACT YOUR ABILITY TO PAY FOR COLLEGE.
of the time
6%
Somewhat Always/Most A little more than/
Dissatisfied Sometimes
of the time About half the time
44% 24% 15% 17%
Sometimes Rarely/Never
Very Satisfied Somewhat
9% or Satisfied Satisfied
78%
Dissatisfied or
Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied or
Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied
Rarely/
Never
12 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 13
ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING | KIMBERLY BATTLE-WALTERS DENU, PH.D.
ensued was all about how this Muslim
friend used to sneak to church when
Young Adults Are
Ready to Re-examine
Theological Exclusivity she was younger, and had at some point
prayed the sinner’s prayer, yet stopped
going when her devout Muslim mother
E VANGE L IC AL
in a Multifaith World
discovered her secret and forbade her
to ever go again. Imagine our surprise
when she wanted to talk about Jesus the
PURITY CULT U RE
remainder of the evening!
What’s Love Got to Do with It? So what does this have to do with
Christian higher education, and specif-
ically CCCU campuses? Well it turns
out learning and engaging in interfaith
ON JANUARY 6, 2021, during the height of the work is not only good for society but
COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans and others can also reinforce a student’s Christian
around the world watched in shock and horror as a group of It turns out that faith. According to the 2020 Interfaith
domestic terrorists hijacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt
to overturn the U.S. election results and harm members of
learning and engaging Diversity Experiences and Attitudes
Longitudinal Survey (IDEALS), stu-
Congress. Emboldened by conspiracy theories, hate-filled in interfaith work is not dents who engaged in interfaith work Rachel Joy Welcher
rhetoric, and repeated lies, they sought to take back “their were not only better prepared to en- is a columnist and editor
America” from politicians and people who did not look like only good for society gage a multifaith and diverse society, at Fathom magazine. Her
them, vote like them, or believe like them. but interfaith work reinforced their
What was particularly alarming to many was the fact but can also reinforce a own religious values. In addition, the
writing has appeared in
The Gospel Coalition, Mere
that these self-identified “patriots” flew signs that read “Je-
sus Saves” alongside hanging nooses, swastikas, and other
student's Christian faith. Association of American Colleges &
Orthodoxy, Relevant, and The
Universities found that college gradu-
symbols of hate for “others” who they perceived as adding to ates who have the ability to understand Englewood Review of Books.
the demise of “their” country. Never once did they seem to and work with people who are different
stop to look at themselves and the irony of their actions in street evangelism and witnessing countless comrades do the from themselves are more marketable
relationship to their professed commitment to law and order. same. Yet I know that America is not a country with one to employers because employers want “As an educator of college students for more than three
As an African American woman, devout Christian, and self- religion. In fact, our U.S. Constitution says, “Congress shall to hire culturally competent staff. decades, I understand well the difficulties in helping young
identified peacemaker, I pondered in that moment how the make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or pro- As Christian educators and leaders, people sort through the mixed messages from both the
name of Christ had been both dirtied by the stains of venom hibiting the free exercise thereof.” Simply put, our nation was not only can we help reinforce our stu- church and the culture regarding sex. . . . Talking Back to Purity
and hatred and showcased to non-Christians in a way that founded on the freedom of religion, and while I would like dents’ Christian faith and make them Culture is a book I will recommend over and over, not only to
violently misrepresented Scripture. everyone to know the love of Christ, not everyone will. more professionally marketable, but my students but to all who are striving toward a more holistic
As I reflect on that infamous day, I think about the im- As difficult as this Scripture-based fact is to swallow, ev- through interfaith engagement we can and biblical understanding of human sexuality.”
portant work that the CCCU does in bringing people from eryone is still my neighbor, and I am called to share God’s help them become more culturally as-
different backgrounds and perspectives together. Recently, love with them. For Christians, loving our neighbors as our- tute and religiously savvy and give them Karen Swallow Prior , author of Fierce Convictions
the CCCU was invited to collaborate with Interfaith Youth selves is not simply a biblical suggestion or a humanitarian the tools to build lives that respect dif-
Core on a grant called “Christian Leadership in a Multifaith nicety but rather a clear commandment and evidence that ferences while radiating the light of
World.” As an ordained minister, I first pondered if this one is a Christian. So the answer to Tina Turner’s hit song Christ to a world that desperately needs
would be in contradiction to my faith. Would working on “What’s love got to do with it?” is “everything!” it. Shalom!
a project promoting religious diversity be equated with pro- In 2019, while I was completing a Fulbright in Ethiopia,
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Battle-Walters Denu
KIMBERLY BATTLE-WALTERS DENU
moting theological universalism and the notion that all roads my family and I were invited to the home of a former class- is the CCCU’s vice president for educa-
lead to heaven? Or could this project invite my theological mate of my husband’s for Ramadan. Ramadan is the most tional programs.
exclusivity to sit at the table? I was pleasantly surprised that sacred holiday for Muslims, and although she and her fam-
the latter was true. ily knew we were devout Christians, they invited us to break
LEARN MORE
See, I am convinced that Jesus is the only way by which their fast with them by enjoying Iftar, the meal eaten by Mus-
For more information
one can be saved. I wholeheartedly seek to fulfill both the lims after sunset during Ramadan. For some Christians, this and to apply, visit
Great Commission (sharing the Gospel) and the Greatest might have been taboo, but we knew this was a high honor ifyc.org/grants/cccu.
Commandment (loving God and my neighbor). I have years and, with cultural humility and a healthy dose of curiosity (at
of experience preaching the Gospel coupled with zealous least on my part), we accepted. The dinner conversation that shop ivpress.com
14 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021
CCCU Advance ad, Talking Back to Purity Culture, c6q48k.indd 1 2/18/21 9:07 AM
ON ACADEMICS | STANLEY P. ROSENBERG, PH.D.
publishing from payment at point of
use (e.g., buying journal subscriptions) Let Your
Systems Not Silos: Values Drive Your
to payment at the point of submission
by the author (known as subventions,
i.e., required payments, typically rang-
Leadership
Pandemic Resourcefulness
ing between $500-$2000, but as much
as $11,000). Originating in Europe but
now emerging in North America, this
approach might work for large institu- God Is More Concerned with Your
tions (though that is an open question), Character Than Your Success
but it endangers smaller colleges’ ability
THE HIGHER EDUCATION landscape can sometimes The first response limits opportunities and perhaps to attract bright, young scholars if they
resemble farmland: full of silos. Institutional silos develop wit- undermines enrollment. The second response — if the CCCU lack funding for subventions.
tingly or unwittingly for any number of reasons, like a desire to faculty is not part of the research — means students may not There are systemic approaches that
lighten the load for faculty. Christian colleges and universities witness and work alongside deeply engaged Christians doing could assist in solving this challenge, such
may also be more prone to silos; after all, church history is full top-tier research. The third strategy limits the quality of the as developing a central matching fund for
of examples of a predilection to separate and build silos. experience. It can imply a type of mediocrity, not because the subventions. But for the moment, let me
But if silos are endemic to academia, they can also under- faculty are mediocre but because they are advising outside of point to a pandemic-created opportunity.
mine research. Academic silos tend to contain and constrain their area of competence. Institutionally, we are not setting Open Access publishing has expanded to
thought rather than expand or enhance it. Research requires them up to succeed. All three responses may also convey that the meet access needs for students by making
imagination, creativity, the ability to wonder and wander over students cannot expect significantly informed research guidance many pay-to-use works freely available.
new terrain, and the willingness to break outside of known from their faculty. This can be profoundly discouraging for Thus, a vast quantity of freely available,
boundaries to ask fresh and enriching questions. It also re- faculty morale, unduly limiting to students, and damaging to serious research material is accessible
quires access to diverse resources. Silos inhibit both individual long-term institutional health. electronically.
researchers, access to resources, and the formation of a rich, Thinking like a system provides a solution. Online tools pres- However, navigating Open Access
productive, and effective research culture on a campus. ent the medium for sharing resources by harnessing faculty from — both publishing and using it — is
Treating CCCU institutions only as like-minded peers and across CCCU membership to advise undergraduate researchers complex; so complex, in fact, that major
not as full collaborators can unduly limit us. In North Amer- within their areas of competence. For example, a student at Col- university libraries have dedicated library
ica, the CCCU’s network of full- and part-time faculty is over lege A wishes to engage in research for which the faculty in the staff with specialist knowledge in order
28,500 across a range of disciplines. Already, the CCCU broad- department lack particular competence. Acting within a broad to support faculty and students engaging
ens our collective resources through opportunities like Net- CCCU system, a faculty member with the specific scholarly Open Access. Many small institutions
working Grants for Christian Scholars and Supporting Struc- competence from College B can step in to offer additional, lim- cannot do this alone, but by sharing li-
tures. Perhaps we can expand this further and together embrace ited, informal research advising online (with the student’s col- brary staff expertise across multiple cam-
lege providing needed oversight, faculty of record, etc.).
“Rich Stearns turns the world’s version of
an opportunity to collaborate and share resources. New habits puses, they might accomplish more. On-
and technologies mastered amid COVID-19 make systemic re- Developing such a response requires an expansive view from line meetings make this approach viable. leadership upside down to posit that who
sponses plausible and imaginable, as these two examples show. faculty and administrators to recognize the availability of aca- Some may recall Carl Henry’s vision you are is more important that what you
demic expertise outside their institution, a willingness to draw in the 1950s to create a major Christian
Systemic Support of Undergraduate Research upon outside advisors, and enabling one’s own faculty to serve university. His efforts did not pan out.
achieve. . . . If you are a person who leads
Undergraduate research is important: It attracts and forms stu-
others. We can build a system for communicating and “trad- But we can now do something on a larger teams in the corporate or nonprofit world,
ing” faculty competencies and student research needs. scale with the tools, technology, and an
dents, makes curricula exciting, and offers lasting impact for a new graduate or new employee, a pastor
This isn’t merely a hypothetical example. A group of honors institution — the CCCU itself — that
both students and institutions. Many CCCU programs incor-
program directors and deans along with Scholarship & Christi- he lacked. We can provide the impact or professor, this book is for you.”
porate these opportunities, but their efforts can be hampered
anity in Oxford (SCIO), the CCCU’s Oxford-based subsidiary, and benefits a major Christian university
by the limits of size and scope.
Undergraduate research depends on scholars offering their
have ongoing discussions developing a project — URN, Under- might offer by breaking down silos and —SHIRLEY HOOGSTRA,
graduate Research Network — that seeks to offer a way to fairly working together as a system. In doing CCCU president
research competence to train students. Large universities can
balance concerns and resources. so, we can profoundly enrich our institu-
support a wide variety of student interests. Most CCCU in-
tions’ research cultures and expand our
stitutions, however, are not large. Thus their faculty’s range
Jonathan Kirkpatrick
Open Access, Information Specialists, and a range of offerings and impact.
of expertise is smaller, presenting hard choices in developing
student research opportunities: offer only a few; send students Library System
STANLEY P. ROSENBERG is the CCCU’s
elsewhere for specific opportunities; or press faculty to provide Open Access poses substantial opportunity and danger for vice president for research and scholar-
guidance outside of their particular competence. small colleges as it changes the economic model of journal ship and the executive director of SCIO: shop ivpress.com
Scholarship & Christianity in Oxford, the
CCCU’s U.K. subsidiary.
16 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021
Lead Like it Matters to God pickup ad, CCCU Advance, kew8ge.indd 1 2/22/21 8:52 AMON DIVERSITY | WALTER KIM
The labors of racial justice and reconciliation persist, the research we pursue, educators should continue the hard work of
and will always persist, as long as we live in a fallen peeling back layers of presuppositions to develop curriculum from
Far We Have Come; world. But this work has a conclusion, where distinc-
tions are preserved but divisions resolved: “And they
sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and
different cultural perspectives that refract more fully the marvelous
creativity of our God who is three yet one.
As I consider the needs of the moment and the work of CCCU
Further We Must Go to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your
blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and
language and people and nation. You have made them
institutions, the words of philosopher and diplomat Charles Malik
come to mind. His distinguished contributions to human rights con-
joined a bright theological imagination, understanding of justice, and
to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they commitment to societal transformation. As his faith confronted the
will reign on the earth” (Rev 5:9-10). worst ills in the world with a hope rooted in another world, he insisted
Christian education plays a vital role in the earthly that “the university is a clear-cut fulcrum with which to move the
THE BOSTON COMMON is the most familiar parcel of America Our new government is founded upon exactly the
outworking of that heavenly vision. College campuses world. More potently than by any other means, change the university
to me. For 20 years, I walked across this park thousands of times for my opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its corner- increasingly draw people from many racial and ethnic and you change the world.” Whether you are a student, faculty, staff
commute to work. I sat on its benches for lunches, and I watched its trees stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is backgrounds and provide rich opportunities for rela- or administrator, may God work in and through you to further his
cycle through their beautiful array of colors. This place was home. Then, not equal to the white man; that slavery subordina- tional proximity. Here is a living laboratory to work out work in this world to his glory.
one day, someone yelled a racial slur at me. tion to the superior race is his natural and normal the relational dimension of the Gospel — in crossing
condition. This, our new government, is the first, WALTER KIM is president of the National Association of Evangelicals
Suddenly, I was a stranger in a strange land. racial boundaries, in promoting a biblical vision for jus- and pastor for leadership at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottes-
What transpired at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 made millions feel in the history of the world, based upon this great tice and reconciliation, and in developing the solidarity ville, Virginia. His Ph.D. from Harvard University was in Near Eastern
like strangers in a strange land. How could this happen in America? physical, philosophical, and moral truth. necessary for racial healing. But this work must be in- Languages and Civilizations.
Many factors complicate the assessment of that day, but the challenges This was not simply a matter of individual racism; Ste- tentional and not merely incidental. Since our cultural
of race are involved. We have certainly come a long way in our national phens was seeking to institutionalize image inequality. background strongly shapes the questions we ask and
journey toward justice; instead of the Chinese Exclusion Act, for exam- Pastors joined politicians in this repugnant vi-
ple, we have the Civil Rights Act. Yet the presence of white supremacist sion. Robert Dabney was one of the most significant
groups and the pictures of nooses show there is a long way yet to go. The Southern American theologians of the 19th century.
shocking juxtaposition of waving Confederate and “Jesus Saves” flags He was a religious and civic leader of great influence,
tore scabs off national wounds that had never properly healed. serving as a Confederate chaplain and chief of staff Interested in learning more?
Many discussions about race begin with our equality before God to General Stonewall Jackson. After the Civil War
as bearers of his image (Gen 1:26-27). But the imago Dei is more than ended, Dabney addressed the Synod of the Presbyte-
a premise. It is a prophetic challenge to power. In the cultural context rian Church in Virginia about the issue of ordaining
of antiquity, the notion of a god’s image was not democratically ap- the freed African Americans for church leadership.
plied but rather royally exploited. The king alone bore the image of His argument is clearly theological: “An insuperable
God, as we read in a statement about the Neo-Assyrian King Esar- difference of race, made by God and not by man,
haddon (7th century BC): “A free man is as the shadow of God, the and of character and of social condition, makes it
slave is as the shadow of the free man; but the king, he is like unto the plainly impossible for a black man to teach and rule
Visit the CCCU’s new database of
very image of God ” (emphasis mine). The king concentrated power by white Christians to edification.” Although the Gos-
conflating religion and royal ideology in literature, monuments, and pel was undoubtedly proclaimed by Dabney, it was
cultural symbols. Scripture challenges this potent system of image in- not comprehensively applied. While justification by
Racial & Ethnic
equality and applies the royal language of image to everyone. faith may have been exposited, justice was denied to
What occurred in ancient Mesopotamia recurs throughout hu- Black brothers and sisters.
man history. The dominance of a group can produce an imbalance in Despite the church’s uneven, and at times lamen-
Diversity Resources
what is viewed as the human ideal and can subsequently shape social table, work and witness, Christ remains our hope. And
institutions and cultural practices. Such values are often extremely the Gospel indeed changes lives in precisely the areas of
powerful because they are implicitly embraced and reinforced. Race our nation’s greatest plights. On the day of Pentecost, the
has become a defining feature of normativity, whether it is idealized Holy Spirit gave birth to a multiethnic people who had
beauty, intelligence, or productivity. a common language and life in Christ (Acts 2:1-12). The
for the Christian higher education community.
Photo courtesy of Walter Kim
We see this in our own history as well. As America marched to- apostle Paul then applies the image of God to the hostili-
ward the Civil War, Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Ste- ties of social conflicts and exhorts us to “put on the new
phens delivered his “Cornerstone” speech on March 21, 1861. In his self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image
justification of secession, Stephens repudiated the idea that African of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circum- www.cccu.org/diversity
slavery was “wrong in principle, socially, morally, and politically.” He cised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or
argued with vigor to the contrary: free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Col 3:10-11).
18 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 19CAMPUS STORIES
OF INNOVATION
A look at how campuses have
met the needs of their students
amidst a global pandemic.
AS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has continued on for
more than a year, a new rhythm of campus life has developed.
Administrators, faculty, and staff at Christian colleges and
universities rose to the challenge of adapting life on a college
campus to a new reality. In a far-from-typical year, CCCU
institutions' innovative responses allowed them to help their
students successfully and safely complete their coursework and
other activities. The following is a collection of reflections from
campus leaders across the country on the innovations they used to
live out their campus missions in a unique time.
Illustration by Katryn Ferrance / Source Image: AdobeStock
20 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 21COVID-19 TESTING
Preventing the spread of COVID-19
has been key to keeping campuses
GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY
open and safe. Here's how some CCCU
institutions have tackled testing.
(GREENVILLE, IL)
THANKS TO THEIR TESTING regi-
men, Greenville University was not only able
to successfully welcome students back for an
in-person fall semester; they were able to allow
students who wanted to return for the final two
weeks after Thanksgiving to do so as well.
A partnership with the University of Illinois
Systems SHIELD program enabled GU to test
all students, faculty, and staff every week —
Photo courtesy of Belhaven University; Photo by Maci Bonacorsi/Greenville University
and even twice a week if needed — using rapid-
response saliva testing. Frequent testing on the
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
campus revealed more positive cases in an age
category that is largely asymptomatic. More
than 20,000 such tests were administered over
the course of the fall semester; by the beginning
(BIRMINGHAM, AL)
of December, the university had logged 94 total IN DEVELOPING THEIR testing
unique positive cases, with 36 of those cases be- plan for the academic year, Samford
Belhaven University's on-campus COVID-19 testing center utilizes
faculty and staff to assist in coordinating gathering samples and ing asymptomatic. University was able to utilize a resource
conducting lab tests on thousands of people each week. In addition to testing, GU also utilized con- already on campus: the faculty and stu-
tact tracing and quarantining practices to limit dents at the university’s McWhorter
BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY
the spread of the virus. The university plans to School of Pharmacy.
continue its rigorous testing regimen through To assist its work in tracking the
(JACKSON, MS) the remainder of the academic year. spread of the virus, the university
launched a clinic to conduct focused
BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY built an on-campus COV- Greenville University administered more than 20,000 testing by identifying common factors
rapid-response saliva tests over the fall 2020 semester,
ID-19 testing center in order to track asymptomatic students, enabling students to stay in person the entire semester, among positive cases, such as an event
including after Thanksgiving break.
faculty, and staff. Opened in early 2021, the center utilizes or location, and then identifying others
the expertise of the university’s professors in the chemistry who might share that common factor
and biology departments, who expanded their roles in order and testing them for COVID-19.
to coordinate, test, and conduct labs on thousands of people The program is under the leadership of
each week. the dean of Samford’s pharmacy school,
Belhaven was the only university in Mississippi to build a and the tests are overseen by two faculty
dedicated testing center. Using saliva samples, the center is able members who are supported by Doctor
AdobeStock; Photo courtesy of Joseph Jones
to test hundreds of people daily and have results back in just a Photo courtesy of Samford University
of Pharmacy students. Thus, the students
few hours. This has better enabled the entire campus commu- gain valuable experience in lab procedure
Top: Samford University was able to utilize the knowledge and training of both
nity to be able to have in-person classes or participate in other and conducting tests, as well as experi- faculty and students at the university's McWhorter School of Pharmacy to help
in-person work and activities. encing firsthand the connection between track the spread of COVID-19 and identify potential common factors to better
conduct contact tracing for the campus community.
The center also utilizes the assistance of student workers. Not their studies in the pharmaceutical pro- Bottom: A sign directs members of the Samford University community to a testing
only do they help the campus track any asymptomatic spread of gram and the broader work of public location on campus.
the virus, but they are also able to gain valuable experience for health — even as they help keep the
future work in medicine and public health. Samford community healthy and safe.
22 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 23in order to be successful. We’ve invested
COACHING STUDENTS
USING A RICH TRADITION OF TECHNOLOGY
in emerging technologies and listened to
TOWARD SUCCESS the needs of our students, communities,
TO SHAPE A PROMISING FUTURE and churches. Through this investment,
IN A DIFFICULT YEAR we’ve seen community built and
BY ANGIE RICHEY students persevere through the hardest of
BY SHARRA HYNES LIFE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY challenges. May the lessons learned help
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY us lean into innovation and creativity in
order to equip more students who will
AS COVID-19 continues to reshape logged back on for classes, 150 on-
make a positive difference in the world.
everyday life, industries around the world campus courses had been moved online,
To this end, and to continue to
To help its students succeed in a difficult year, Baylor University's student life and student success teams utilized a are finding themselves at the crossroads a team of success coaches was paired
develop leaders equipped to tackle the
network of support from across campus to assist them in their work. of tradition and innovation, which can be with every student, and the 500-seat
new technological realities of business
a perilous tightrope. For Life Pacific Uni- Simonson Chapel had been converted
and ministry emerging from the crisis,
home, financial challenges, health con- versity, this has been an opportunity to into a temporary digital media studio
WHEN THE COVID-19 pandemic Key to Success: the university recently announced the
cerns, and other stressors). write the next chapter of our nearly 100- for streaming chapels and classes and for
rocked higher education, Baylor Uni- Mission-Driven Support “Media Campaign for Student Success,”
year legacy of innovation. recording webinars, podcasts, and events.
versity recognized that student retention By April 6, 2020, more than 9,000 Important to the program’s overall suc- designed to provide students with
Founded by Aimee Semple McPherson The reward was seeing the LPU
and success are everyone's responsibility, students were receiving a weekly email, cess was the support of the faculty and access to the technologies and resources
in 1923, the university has reinvented community interacting with each other
especially in a pandemic. Even as nation- a text message, or both from their “Bear staff, especially those 390 employees necessary for leadership success in the
itself multiple times over the past century (virtually) as if they were all together in
al trends at private institutions showed Care Coach,” a specific Baylor employee who became volunteers and dedicated modern marketplace. The campaign
on its journey from being a Bible training one room. Students and guests joined via
student retention declining, the reten- whom students could contact if they the time to go through training and en- includes the creation of the Aimee
institute to the international university Zoom or YouTube LIVE, and speakers
tion rate among all Baylor undergradu- needed information, care, or assurance gage meaningfully with students in their Semple McPherson (ASM) Digital Media
system it is today. The first president was had the ability to see their faces and
ates from fall 2019 to fall 2020 jumped of Baylor’s commitment to support care. It was so affirming to know that Center, an expansion of the temporary
an innovator who developed a global engage with them through a chat feature
them. The average volunteer Bear Care I was surrounded by colleagues who all studio assembled to meet needs during
nearly one full point to 92.5%, the high- audience through her use of emerging thanks to larger monitors that are visible
Coach corresponded with 20 students, shared the same mission. This employee the pandemic. As digital communication
est ever for the university. radio and film technologies. She was the from the stage. This opportunity for two-
but some coaches engaged up to 80. Our commitment to mission is an excellent is clearly the language of our future, this
We correlate some of our success to first female evangelist on the radio, using a way engagement was fundamental for
most vulnerable students were paired tool to leverage in supporting students. focus allows LPU students to continue to
the fact that a large group of our stu- station that she owned, and she purposely producing high-quality, virtual events in
with our care team services employees in Also important was the fact that the collaborate with the media marketplace
dents had consistent, individualized integrated film and theatrical elements an attempt to mirror the connection that
student life, who could use their roles to Bear Care program had executive-level throughout Southern California, across
outreach every week through Baylor’s into her sermons because she knew that is found in-person.
support these students more intention- support from its inception. As other the nation, and around the globe, writing
highly successful Bear Care program. dramatic media was the language of the Reflecting on the dramatic, sudden
ally through the spring and summer. As campuses consider student retention the next chapter in LPU’s legacy of
Our goal was simple: Increase com- future. She used any and every technology shift into a digital experience, I believe
the pandemic continued, we knew Bay- and success initiatives, having that sup- developing leaders who serve God in the
munication with students who were available to her in order to keep the Gospel that the changes made will help LPU
lor would be welcoming a group of new port and encouragement from the very Church, the workplace, and the world.
vulnerable or in distress because of the accessible in any situation. reach more people all over the world
students in the summer remotely, so we top is critical.
pandemic and its accompanying re- When COVID-19 forced LPU to for decades to come. We’ve all become ANGIE RICHEY is the president of Life
added those students to the program — Because of the Bear Care program’s Pacific University (San Dimas, California)
strictions, and then support their needs. send students home for an extended more flexible, adaptable, and aware of
bringing our total of students supported success, our student life and student suc-
and a licensed therapist.
With no additional funds or staff, we spring break in March 2020, our staff and the hurdles our students must overcome
to more than 10,000. cess teams can now leverage new ways
focused on using existing resources, in- faculty turned to our founder’s legacy for
Baylor was fortunate to be able to re- to effectively support students, includ-
cluding employees from across the uni- inspiration as we transitioned the entire
open for face-to-face instruction in the ing a successful approach to identify on-campus experience online in just
versity who were working remotely and fall, but with ongoing uncertainties re- students in need and the knowledge that under two weeks. By the time students
felt called to assist our students. lated to COVID-19, we kept our weekly we can call on other staff when needed.
interaction active through the 12th day In a time of great stress, this program al- RIGHT: Daniel Fernandez, Life Pacific University campus chaplain, welcomes
Program Creation of classes. We were intentional about students to a virtual chapel. BELOW: LPU President Angie Richey has a
lowed Baylor to live out its mission to conversation with Marcus Robinson, LPU's director of diversity, equity, and
First, we identified students in need of creating a smooth handoff from the pro- inclusion, in LPU's temporary digital media studio.
educate leaders “by integrating academic Photos courtesy of Life Pacific University
extra support, focusing particularly on gram to our existing care team services excellence and Christian commitment
first-year and transfer students who had staff for students who still needed extra within a caring community” in a mean-
not yet had a full year on our campus. support. This proved vital as our care
ingful and effective way.
We also used data from a campus survey team services staff saw a 68% increase
that included students who self-identi- in their caseload in the fall. Pairing the SHARRA HYNES, Ph.D., is associate vice
Robert Rogers
fied as experiencing particular anxiety momentum of the Bear Care program president and dean of students in the di-
vision of student life at Baylor University
around a number of issues (including the with our existing infrastructures and or-
(Waco, Texas).
transition to online learning, their move ganizations was essential.
24 ADVANCE | SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 | ADVANCE 25You can also read
