November 2022
ATS projects another year of overall stable enrollment
Nearly 90% of member schools reported their enrollment numbers to ATS by the end of November. As a continuing trend during the last five years, total enrollment across ATS schools will change minimally while enrollment in underlying degree categories continues to shift. Read more. Listen to more.
Research examined related factors in ATS schools to predict MDiv reductions
Given the longstanding tradition of offering a three-year program, why have so many ATS schools begun to shorten their MDiv programs? With the gracious assistance of the ATS research team, I was able to explore this issue in depth. My analysis revealed several notable findings that provide context for institutions’ decisions to reduce the lengths of their MDiv programs. Read more. Listen to more.
Association of Religion Data Archives provides free access to data, resources
The Association of Religion Data Archives is committed to providing free access to trustworthy data and resources that will allow you to find answers to the tough but essential questions you are asking about your congregation and community. COVID-19 fundamentally reshaped the organization of American religion and there really is no going back. Leaders need good information to continue adjusting and making decisions. Read more. Listen to more.
Five significant changes to expect for revised Annual Report Form
With fall 2022 marking the start of the implementation phase of the Comprehensive Revision of the Association’s Annual Report Form, a new series of focus groups recently met to review the first set of revised forms. The revisions reflect the large quantity of input received during last year’s information-gathering phase, including the following five most significant changes. Read more. Listen to more.
ATS Alumni/ae Questionnaire on hold until next spring
Are you planning to use the ATS Alumni/ae Questionnaire (AQ) this spring? Please be aware that the AQ will not be available in March and April 2023 while we conduct a second wave of the ATS Alum/Mapping the Workforce Survey. ATS is expanding the pool of respondents to the mapping survey as part of the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative and will be reaching out next month to invite select schools to participate.
Lake Institute offers Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship 
The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving is offering PhD students the opportunity to apply for the 2023-2024 Lake Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, worth $25,000. The Lake Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship supports the last year of dissertation research that engages issues within religion and philanthropy or faith and giving. Applicants representing all fields of study are encouraged to apply. The link to the application, along with more information regarding the fellowship, can be found on the Lake Institute website. Applications are now being accepted until January 31, 2023.
UPCOMING
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The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) is a membership organization of graduate theological schools. ATS Programs and Services offers educational events and resources to assist member schools with best practices, development of peer networks, production of research, and exploration of data. The Commission on Accrediting of ATS accredits the schools and approves the degree programs.