Standards for Institutional Documentation
Table of Contents

The standards described in this section relate to the theological, philosophical, and procedural aspects of institutional life and ministry.

1            Standards for Theology and Philosophy of Ministry

1.1 Each institution must profess adherence to one or more of the historic creeds of the reformed tradition, to wit, the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dordt, the First or Second Helvetic
Confessions, or the 2nd London Confession of 1689.

1.1.1 This creedal identity shall be declared in the institutional catalog and in all documents communicating the mission and purpose of the institution to the public, prospective students, and faculty, and shall serve as the foundation upon which all programs of instruction are developed and offered.

1.1.2 In addition to this creedal identity, each institution shall articulate more specifically its views, purpose, mission, convictions, and other educational and institutional distinctives in the same manner as above. This should include:

1.1.2.1 A statement of institutional mission and purpose;

1.1.2.2 A fuller explanation of theological, philosophical, and educational distinctives, including clear statements of the institution’s commitment to helping students develop in personal piety, intellectual understanding, and ministry skills, as well as its commitment to inculcating a reformed world-view.

1.1.2.3 Appropriate presentation of these statements in relevant documents.

1.2  Each institution shall provide documentation setting forth its policies and procedures, including:

1.2.1 Catalog;

1.2.2 Board Manual;

1.2.3 Student Handbook;

1.2.4 Faculty Handbook;

1.2.5 Policies and Procedures Manual;

1.2.6 By-laws (where applicable).

1.3 Each institution shall conduct regular and periodic internal reviews of all its work in order to determine the extent of institutional adherence to mission and distinctives as elaborated above.

This shall include:

1.3.1 Written reports to Board of Directors;

1.3.2 Staff meetings;

1.3.3 Reports from the field (graduates);

1.3.4 Course evaluations;

1.3.5 Review of course syllabi;

1.3.6 Financial reviews (audit, review or compilation);

1.3.7 Reports to constituents;

1.4 Each institution shall submit to regular and periodic review by outside agencies, such as, session or consistory, presbytery or classis, synod or general assembly, accrediting agencies, at such times and as required by such outside agencies.

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