Upcoming Events

A new chapter in stewardship: ATS welcomes controller Ron Slavonic

As ATS continues to refine its operational structure in support of its mission, vision state, and strategic priorities, we are pleased to welcome Ron Slavonic as controller. Slavonic, who joined the Association this month, leads the ATS business office, guiding financial integrity, strengthening internal controls, and stewarding the resources that sustain both ATS and the Commission on Accrediting. Listen Here.

Grant manager search for capacity building initiative announced by ATS

ATS invites applications for the position of grant manager for the Increasing Capacities to Better Serve Diverse Students Initiative. This full-time, remote role is ideal for a mission-minded professional who enjoys helping schools grow and improve. You’ll work with ATS colleagues to support theological schools across the US and Canada as they serve the students and communities connected to their missions. Applications will be received through May 1, 2026. Listen Here.

The Educational Models and Practices in Theological Education Project: gathering information

Stephen R. Graham, ATS strategic director of context and continuity, discusses how the ATS project on Educational Models and Practices (EMP) contributed directly to the redevelopment of the Commission on Accrediting’s Standards of Accreditation and Policies and Procedures. The EMP addressed a question similar to the one that prompted the organization to develop an accrediting function in 1936: “Is theological education providing the patterns of education that fit the needs and realities of congregations?” Listen Here.

Insights shaping theological education today

ATS Research offers a wide range of special-topic research to help schools understand emerging trends in theological education. From institutional decision making to shifts in enrollment and leadership roles, these studies give members practical data to inform planning and innovation. Explore webinars, data tools, and articles that make complex findings accessible to your entire campus community.

Know your accreditation terms

To help schools better understand language used in the Standards of Accreditation and the Commission Policies and Procedures, the Commission accrediting group regularly updates the Accreditation Key Terms and Definitions page. This page offers both quick and detailed explanations of the accreditation terms most essential to your work.

This is the newest term added to the page:

Accrediting agency

An accrediting agency is an organization that evaluates the quality of higher education institutions or programs. The Commission on Accrediting of ATS is one such agency and is recognized by the US Department of Education for its work to support the enhancement and improvement of theological education. This recognition allows Commission-accredited schools to demonstrate educational quality and, for many, to participate in Title IV financial aid programs.

Visit the page for the full definition.

Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative funds Canadian Center for Catholic Pastoral Leadership at the University of St. Michael's College

The University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) has launched the Canadian Center for Catholic Pastoral Leadership (CCCPL), funded by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. The CCCPL provides continuing education for pastoral leaders in ongoing formation, leadership, synodality and community-building. The center is accessible to a wide constituency of leaders, lay, religious, or ordained. It offers a catalog of topical and evergreen non-degree seminars, workshops, and courses to support ministers engaged with parish work in Canada’s diverse cultural contexts, while also supporting communities of practice.

The CCCPL most recently hosted a talk by Hans Zollner, director of the Institute of Anthropology, Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, at the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology at USMC. Zollner spoke to safeguarding challenges facing both the church and broader society.