2009–2010 Academic Catalog - Concordia University Ann Arbor

Concordia University Ann Arbor 2009–2010 Academic Catalog
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY ANN ARBOR
Concordia University is a Christian educational institution where the Lutheran understanding of Scripture and
the Good News of Jesus Christ permeates the culture and is shared with everyone. Our primary enterprises are
learning, teaching, and scholarship grounded in faith. We are a community that expresses concern and care for
every individual.
Located in the heart of Southeast Michigan, Concordia University offers an intimate, stimulating campus
environment in the midst of a cosmopolitan university community with an international flair. Concordia
students enjoy a challenging academic environment dedicated to the intellectual, social, and spiritual growth of
each individual in a supportive Christian community.
Our History
Concordia University stands on 187 acres overlooking the Huron River. Once a home to peoples of the
Chippewa, Ottawa, Potawatomi, Huron and Miami nations, the campus is bisected by Geddes Road, formerly
the Potawatomi Trail, an old Indian highway. In the spring of 1680, the French explorer LaSalle became the
first European to view the campus site. The earliest settler of the land was Elnathan Botsford, one of the first
residents of Ann Arbor, who arrived in 1825. In 1917, Harry Boyd Earhart purchased the property. A
philanthropist, Mr. Earhart’s interests focused on education, religion and charity. In the late 1950s, the Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod began a search for a site to build a college. The Earhart estate was purchased in the
early 1960s and construction commenced. Concordia College, Ann Arbor was dedicated in 1963 as a junior
college. That year, Concordia was granted the right to award the Associate of Arts degree by the State of
Michigan. The expansion of the college to a four-year institution with the right to award the Bachelor of Arts
degree was approved by the State in 1976. In 2000, the State approved the graduate program and awarding a
Master of Science degree. In July 2001 the name was officially changed to Concordia University.
The University offers a variety of pre-professional programs, in addition to degree programs. These programs
prepare students to enter professional schools or are for those who desire a two year course of study.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Within its distinctly Christian environment and its academic community dedicated to excellence, Concordia
University serves as a liberal arts University of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, preparing men and
women for a life of service in the church and in the world.
Vision
Concordia University will enable learners to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Concordia will be:
• committed to faith and values formation
• focused on learner-centered achievement
• populated with diverse scholars
• engaged locally and globally
Accreditations and Affiliations
Concordia University is a member of The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. North Central
granted initial accreditation of Concordia’s program in 1968. The North Central Association most recently
reviewed the expanded academic program in 2001. Accreditation of the four-year program has been in effect
since July 1976 and the graduate program since 1999. In addition, Concordia University is accredited by the
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Documents are on file in the Office of
the Vice President, Academics and may be reviewed by appointment.
Concordia holds membership in: the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America; the Association of
Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan; the National Association of Independent Colleges and
Universities; the American Council on Education; the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers; the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers; the
American Association of Higher Education; the Michigan Association for Colleges of Teacher Education; the
National Research Center for College and University Admissions; the National Association of Christian
College Admissions Personnel; the Lutheran Admission Counselors of the Missouri Synod; the Association of
Lutheran College Faculties; the National Christian College Athletic Association; and the National Association
of Intercollegiate Athletics.
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