St. Stephen's University
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[edit] General
[Taken from the St. Stephen University (SSU) website] St. Stephen's University is a small Christian trans-denominational university located in the border town of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. Just a few miles down the river is St. Croix Island, where the 400th anniversary of European settlement was celebrated in 2004. The French expedition which wintered there in 1604 included a Roman Catholic priest and a Protestant minister, to provide for the spiritual needs of the little community and to begin evangelism among the people of the area. SSU is inspired by that first trans-denominational community planted in this very area, beside the river ‘St. Croix’ named for the Cross of Christ. Planning began in 1971 for a new centre of Christian higher learning in Canada—one that would reflect a Biblical world and life view in all its activities. In 1975, the first students were enrolled in St. Stephen’s University. In 1998, SSU received a charter from the Province of New Brunswick to grant Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Liberal Arts and Ministry Studies. The University campus includes two historic 19th century buildings. Park Hall, which includes residence and academic facilities as well as the University chapel, overlooks the St. Croix River separating St. Stephen from Calais, Maine. The Governor Todd Mansion, a block away, provides additional residence space. In addition to the historic buildings, the N.D. Lea Ministry Centre provides residential and study facilities for full and part-time Ministry Studies students, and St. Croix Hall provides additional residence facilities and a classroom. St. Stephen’s University offers a setting and programs that are unique. The two study abroad programs are normally required for each student, but, unlike travel study programs at other universities, they are not a financial burden to the student. We are proud of our graduates, both those who have entered the work force, as well as those who have continued their education by entering graduate and professional programs in the US and Canada. The University is a community of faith and learning characterized by: 1. the centrality of its worship; 2. the pattern of its community life; 3. academic programs in Arts and Ministry that are international, intercultural, and interdenominational in scope.
[edit] Community
There is a direct connection between success in academic studies and one’s spiritual and emotional well-being. Our student body is small (under 100 students) intentionally. The small size enhances close relationships between students, faculty, and staff, and fosters a maturity of character and faith that expresses itself both inside and outside the classroom. Students come to SSU in order to acquire an integrated body of knowledge and to develop their ability to reason, reflect and understand. This vital process takes place in the midst of their life together. St. Stephen’s University is a place where people grow in their Christian discipleship. Each member learns to live and work with others, develops gifts and skills in a supportive atmosphere, and prepares to exercise leadership in society through a deepening awareness of what God is doing in the world. Because the homes of the faculty are close at hand, and their offices only a few steps away from the daily life of the students, the casual sharing of little concerns and big questions among students and faculty is the normal pattern. The term Student Community is used to describe the student body. The Senior Community consists of faculty, staff, Board Members, and spouses. Members of the community as a whole meet regularly for mutual encouragement, fellowship, and prayer support. In such an extended family atmosphere we can grow into a deep relationship with God and one another. A full explanation of the responsibilities of living and learning as a member of SSU’s Intentional Christian Community is contained in the Student Handbook, which can be read on-line at www.ssu.ca.
[edit] Academic Programs
St. Stephen’s University operates as a private Christian University and is chartered by the Province of New Brunswick. The Liberal Arts program of the University consists of the Foundation Year Diploma and the four year Bachelor of Arts Degree. The integrated SSU approach to studies in the Liberal Arts is rooted in the view that all truth is God’s truth. The program is academically challenging, and is alive to contemporary issues. The program includes two terms of study abroad and is designed to develop in every student an appreciation of the history, philosophy, and cultures of the world in which we live. The program also highlights small class sizes, usually between 8-15 students, which guarantees that all students have the opportunity to fully participate in the class and engage in meaningful dialogue with their professors. The Ministry Studies program of the University offers a Diploma in Christian Studies, a Diploma in Ministry, and the degrees of Bachelor of Ministry, a Master of Christian Formation, and a Master of Ministry. In addition, the University offers a Diploma in Correctional Ministry in cooperation with Corrections Canada.
Planning for the institution began in 1971 and the first students enrolled in 1975. In 1998, the university received a charter from the provincial government to grant Bachelor and Master's degrees in Liberal Arts and Ministry Studies.
[edit] External links
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New Brunswick universities |  |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Public universities | |||
| Moncton | Mount Allison | New Brunswick | St. Thomas | |||
| Private universities | |||
| Atlantic Baptist | Bethany | St. Stephen's | |||
