Concord College institutional audit

Winnipeg, Man.

An institutional audit of Concord College was mandated by the Executive Board of the Canadian MB Conference in January, 1996. The audit has concluded that the school is viable at its present size and and that it has the ability to repay the line of credit held by the Canadian Conference. In order to prosper and fully realize its vision, Concord's enrollment must grow, and its relationship with the constituency must be strengthened.

Terms of reference for the audit were set by the then-serving table officers of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. Richard Kriegbaum (Fresno Pacific College) and Paul Loewen (Loewen Windows) conducted the audit in September, 1996.

The audit was based on information supplied by the College, and on interviews with board members, administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and Conference leaders.

The report concluded that the overall mission and vision for the College is clearly understood by the board, faculty and students and that those who have attended Concord College are loyal and supportive of the College and its mission.

But the report noted that there is less clarity and consensus about Concord's mission in its constituency. It is apparent that a dualism exists in the supporting constituency of the Mennonite Brethren churches about Christian University Education versus Faith Formation.

The report recommended three strategies. First, that Concord actively and systematically listen to its constituency to identify the needs and wishes of prospective students and supporters. Second, that Concord increase its efforts to communicate its vision, mission and accomplishments to its constituency; and that Concord's reports on enrollment and student life include clear definitions which permit easier comparisons to other comparable institutions. Third, that Concord develop a "desired image" statement to describe the college and the experience a student would have on campus.

A major need which surfaced in the audit relates to ownership and governance. The school's location in Manitoba has resulted in a predominantly Manitoba-based board and student pool. Ownership by the four provincial conferences needs to be addressed, and sole Manitoba ownership may be the best alternative.

The report assessed Concord's possible participation in the proposed federation of Mennonite colleges and concluded that the benefits appear to outweigh the risks, and that Concord's Kingdom influence and fiscal strength would be significantly enhanced by such a partnership.

"The audit was a very helpful process for Concord," said Concord board chair Al Doerksen. "We're grateful for the affirmation of our mission and viability, as well as for the recommendations. We are confident that we can build on the observations and recommendations of the audit to create a stronger partnership with our constituency as we work together in the Kingdom."

In summary, Canadian Conference moderator Ike Bergen commented, "We hope the result of this audit will help to clarify the mission of Concord College and also contribute to a clearer understanding of its supporting constituency. We pray for the constituency and the college as they pursue God's mandate in this educational venture."

Statement prepared by Reuben Pauls (Canadian Conference Executive Minister) and James Pankratz (President, Concord College)