Extensive Study Reaffirms Accreditation for ICSST

Monsignor Gerard H. McCarren, S.T.D., rector/dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, at Seton Hall University recently announced that the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has reaffirmed its accreditation for another ten-year term. Following two years of dedicated self-study and preparation for evaluation, members of the ATS Board of Commissioners conducted an official comprehensive review that included on-site visits and interviews with students and leaders of diaconate programs for the dioceses of Trenton (Lawrenceville), Paterson (Madison), and Metuchen (Piscataway).

The review concluded with an extensive evaluation of the Seminary's South Orange home campus by a team of five visitors. In sharing the news of the accreditation with the seminary community, Monsignor McCarren summarized the committee's feedback: "The committee was pleased with our cohesive community of learning and formation, representing a diverse array of seminarians, lay students and diaconal candidates, all supported by our caring faculty and staff. They recognized the strong, mutually supportive relationships between Seton Hall University and ICSST, as well as between the Archdiocese of Newark and ICSST. The committee has also provided recommendations to help us advance our mission and maximize the benefits of our strategic planning. They also expressed their appreciation for our hospitality."

“The all-embracing review process involved significant time and effort dedicated to evaluating the school’s mission, goals and programs,” explained Dianne Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., associate dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology. “This experience allowed us to appreciate and identify ways to cultivate our strengths."

The Commission approved the following degree programs for accreditation: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts and Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.

Monsignor McCarren remarked, “The ten-year reaffirmation is an exceptional achievement and reflects the unwavering commitment of so many to the mission of ICSST in providing solid formation for future priests, deacons and lay and religious leaders of Christ’s Church.”

In their final report, ATS stated: “The school demonstrates educational quality and financial stability and provides evidence that its student learning outcomes are appropriate, rigorous and being achieved.”

Monsignor McCarren expressed special gratitude to the ATS Self-Study Committee members, who worked diligently to produce the Self-Study for Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology and coordinated the accreditors' visit. He added: "This enables ICSST to fulfill its unique vision for years to come."

The Association of Theological Schools represents over 270 graduate schools of theology and focuses solely on graduate programs. Through its innovative programming, the Association provides leadership development and networking opportunities for the administrators and faculty of member schools.

For more information, please contact: Michael Burt, (973) 375-2479 and Michael.Burt@shu.edu.