The Seventh-day Adventist Church has launched its first-ever comprehensive survey of Adventist colleges, seminaries, and universities around the world.  The data, according to church leaders, will provide invaluable information about the current performance and future needs of the church’s rapidly growing education system.

“As our system grows, we need to make sure that we are operating in the most efficient manner possible, that the schools emphasize the unique Adventist values of our church, and that they support the church’s mission,” says Humberto Rasi, education director for the Adventist world church.

During the past decade, the number of Adventist colleges has almost doubled to 101, with rapid growth occurring in developing areas of the world.  These schools now have more than 60,000 students in 58 countries—from Argentina to Zimbabwe.

Adventist higher education exists, according to Rasi, with two purposes.  In addition to teaching the standard content most colleges teach, he says, Adventist education must infuse Biblical principles of truth and service into every class. 

“If Adventist schools aren’t uniquely Adventist, they don’t have much reason to exist,” says Rasi.

The Commission on Higher Education is gathering information on enrollment, faculty, degree programs, school finances, and the integration of faith and learning.  Each school will do a self-assessment that identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for the school.  The commission will review the data to look for duplication in institutions and programs and will consult with world divisions of the church.  Initial requests for information were sent out early August and the commission’s final report is due early 2003. 

The commission’s report, according to Rasi, will cover three areas.  One is to outline the conditions necessary to establish new institutions, or new programs at existing institutions.  A second is to recommend strategies that will strengthen the unity, integrity, and financial viability of the Adventist system of higher education.  The third area is developing a global plan for Adventist higher education’s consolidation and growth. 

“Adventist schools have a unique mission.  We have to give our students knowledge and skills that at least compares with other colleges, but we must also teach Biblical principles of truth and service,” says Rasi.  “That’s a tall order, and the commission is reviewing how well that is being accomplished today.”