Official Handbook Source Text

(d) Concordia University System may, upon finding a church work preparation program to be in breach of the Standards, either on the basis of a regular visitation report or of a focused review, place the program on probation for up to a one -year period. If Conc ordia University System determines that substantial progress has been made and that verifiable plans and resources are in place to bring the program into compliance, then Concordia University System may extend probation once for up to one year, but to no more than two years total. Concordia University System may lift probation earlier if the program is brought into compliance. A program not in compliance at the conclusion of the probationary period is no longer affirmed by the Synod and therefore its gr aduates cannot be declared as qualified for initial placement and the program cannot be commended or acknowledged as a suitable program of pre-seminary preparation.

(e) An institution or program under probation has not lost affirmation but is not “in good standing with the Synod” for purposes of these Bylaws.

3.6.6.4.2 After input from its Institution Advisory Council, the Concordia University

System Board of Directors shall implement and maintain policies governing, and shall supervise, the process of formal visitation for the Synod’s colleges and universities on the basis of the Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcomes Standards.

(a) In preparation for visitation and affirmation review, each institution and church work program shall provide, on the basis of a thorough self-study, a written report evidencing compliance with the criteria and core components of the Standards, as evaluated by the stated measurable factors, as well as indicating any relevant explanatory factors and initiated or planned efforts to improve specific aspects of performance relative to the Standards. It shall especially address any issues noted in previous re views or specifically requested by Concordia University System. The self -study shall be delivered to and reviewed by Concordia University System.

(b) A visitation team, assembled by Concordia University System upon review of the self -study report or recommendation of its Institution Advisory Council, shall itself review the self-study report and then visit the institution, interacting with its board of regents, administration, faculty, campus ministry staff, and students. An effective visitation, with broad and unimpeded access to campus program information, policies, and personnel, shall be facilitated by the institution. Each implemented or proposed church work and pre -seminary program shall receive specific attention.

(c) The visitation team shall prepare a report of its visit and associated findings, which it shall provide to Concordia University System and the institution within 60 days of the conclusion of the visit. After allowing 60 days for the institution to respond in writing to the team’s report, Concordia University System shall, with regard to the institution and each of its implemented or proposed church work programs: (1) affirm without concerns; or (2) affirm with concerns (notice); or (3) place the institution or program on probation; or (4) disaffirm, in the case of an