The work of God’s hands is evident in the halls and classrooms of this university, in the weekly chapels drawing students to worship him and in the stories of hope you’ll read in this issue of Resound. He is good and faithful.
In a noisy world with so many things vying for our attention, now more than ever, the university needs to be clear about its mission and vision. After a consultative process with Redeemer’s board, faculty and staff, I’m excited to share Redeemer’s new mission statement: Preparing students to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling. This, of course, speaks of the work Redeemer has been doing for over 40 years and communicates it with fresh clarity. Read more about the new vision and mission statements.
I’m excited to share Redeemer’s new mission statement: Preparing students to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling.
As Redeemer approaches the end of its current strategic plan, Learn. Forward., we are completing a number of academic initiatives. Building on the strong foundation of a four-year liberal arts and sciences university degree rooted in the Reformed Christian tradition, the institution will look to expand and diversify its program offerings over the next five to 10 years. As part of the strategic priority to innovate for student and graduate success, the university has been engaged in exploring new program pathways and delivery models to meet the changing needs of today’s students for tomorrow’s world. Read more about flexible formats for new microcredentials and certificate programs and how Redeemer is making plans for its first master’s programs.
The university is also exploring partnerships with other institutions that will help more students serve God in their chosen fields. Last fall, we reached an agreement with Dordt University to help applied social science students advance their education. Students who graduate from Redeemer University with a degree from the applied social sciences honours program can fast-track their path to a master of social work at Dordt. Agreements with Tyndale University and Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College to allow students to transfer credits and complete Redeemer degrees in biology, health sciences, psychology and business faster have also recently been approved.
… the university has been engaged in exploring new program pathways and delivery models to meet the changing needs of today’s students for tomorrow’s world
Overall, it has been a tremendous year at Redeemer as we have lived into the theme of Learning in Christ. It has been a blessing to welcome two new chaplains to Redeemer (learn more about them in “Meet the Chaplains“) as we support and the heart of Redeemer’s mission: the discipling of students into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We seek to do this work holistically, rooted in the Reformed Christian worldview that all of life falls under God’s sovereignty and can be claimed for his Kingdom. Even as we build new academic program opportunities, we also invest in mental and physical health and wellbeing, networking and career preparation for students, modern sustainable facilities and meaningful worship and spiritual growth opportunities across campus. Read about the significant investments being made to care for student mental health.
Looking forward, I am excited that work on the next strategic plan has already begun. As an institution, we remain committed to the founding mission and purpose of Redeemer. We are excited to see the new and innovative ways in which God will lead us to work out that mission over the coming decade. We remain grateful and appreciative for the ongoing support and prayers of the wider stakeholder community and we give God praise for the amazing ways that he has blessed Redeemer and is using it to make a transformative difference in the lives of so many.