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I was reading on the Bethany WEB and saw where the school was applying for their accreditation with the National Association of Private Nontraditional Schools and Colleges. I think this is great. What is the schools status at present with this organization? Has this organization aquired their federal recognition yet?
-- Michael A. Kelly (mandjkelly@juno.com), February 10, 1999
Bethany has completed the first stage of the accreditation process with this organization. However, we were told in 1998 that they planned to appear before the United States Board of Education to seek approval. As of this date, to the best of our knowledge, they have not appeared and consequently have not been approved.We thought it prudent to wait and see if they achieve this goal before we press any further. We are constantly trying to upgrade our course work and we are working on those things that are required, but until we invest a great deal more money, we need to know that it will be worth while.
As far as recognition, Bethany already has had a number of fully accredited institutions to accept our credits as transfer. We have had graduates employed by state governments and even teaching in the public school system in Georgia. If this organization is granted approval, we plan to move forward. But for now, officially, we are waiting to see what is going to happen.
-- Dr. Steve Shuemake (bethanybc@ala.net), February 10, 1999.
RE: NAPNSCAlthough NAPNSC is not yet recognized by the US DOE, due to opposition from traditionalists in the bureacracy, it appears to be a sincere and honest accrediting agency. I was in contact with them several years ago and got a favorable impression. In addition, Dr. John Bear, one of the foremost experts on non-traditional degree programs, has rated them highly, even though they were not recognized by the US DOE. Consequently, I hope that Bethany will continue with the NAPNSC accrediting process.
Although this may be a rather sore subject, I also hope that Bethany will again pursue accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), which IS a U.S. Department of Education nationally recognized accrediting agency. Others, with whom I have discussed this avenue, also feel that Bethany could attain accreditation from TRACS. This would be a tremendous boost to Bethany's status. We students already know the valuable educational experiences we are having at Bethany, but it is always nice to know that others recognize the quality education we are receiving.
L. J. Lamb Ph.D. Candidate (Religion)
-- L. J. Lamb (ljlamb@ficnet.net), March 02, 1999.
with regard to the posts on Bethany's pursuit of NAPNSC accreditation: Several years ago, before I enrolled, I received a Bethany Catalog and they were listed as "Associate" status with TRACS-a USDE recognized accreditor. I was curious as to why the affiliation with TRACS was dropped, and is there a chance it will be pursued again in the future?
-- Mark Jones (mark_jones@peachnet.campuscxiw.net), March 26, 1999.
Seeking accreditation is not bad in itself. But if it is an obsession or if you depend on it as status symbol, it is not right for a Bible institution such as Bethany. This school has been dispensing quality Bible education for decades. Let those who want prestige get their degrees somewhere else.
-- Camilo G. Torio, D. Min. (toresta@hotmail.com), August 14, 1999.
As Bethany Alumni (D.R.E) I believe that it will be very wise to seek for an accreditation. I applied for a Degree at Liberty University when Bethany was seeking accreditation with TRACS and about 6 or 8 credits were transfered to Liberty University. Also Reform Theological Seminary accepted credits from bethany at that time. Today because there's no such candidacy, they don't accept any credits. I'm talking about two great regioanlly accredited institutions. We are approaching a new millenium and things are changing, we new to change and do better for the glory of God. DcBoricua@cs.com
-- Rev.,Dr. David Caraballo, D.R.E.,Ph.D. (DcBoricua@cs.com), September 16, 1999.