Dharma Realm Buddhist University onthe road to accreditation

A forum for those wishing to discuss Buddhist history and teachings in the Western academic manner, referencing appropriate sources.
Post Reply
JKhedrup
Posts: 2328
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 8:28 am

Dharma Realm Buddhist University onthe road to accreditation

Post by JKhedrup »

This is really excellent news to rejoice in! I respect the teachers and staff at DRBU tremendously and am glad to see their hard work paying off:
http://www.drbu.org/news/2013/wasc-press-release

Press Release: DRBU Receives Eligibility Toward WASC Candidacy
UKIAH, California, February 3, 2014 — Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU) today announced that the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has granted DRBU eligibility to proceed with an application for WASC Candidacy and Initial Accreditation—a significant progress in the University’s pursuit of regional accreditation.
In its letter, the Commission expressed appreciation for the “preparation DRBU undertook in its application which exhibited depth of consideration and care” as well as the “clear articulation of [DRBU’s] philosophy blending the East and West in a broad liberal arts-based education growing out of Buddhism.” Further, the Commission stated that DRBU’s “strong program with solid academics, a qualified administration, faculty, and staff” and thorough understanding of the accreditation process are evidence of the University’s “potential to achieve accreditation and to show further growth.” The Commission also provided feedback on DRBU’s Eligibility application and highlighted important areas that require additional attention as DRBU works toward WASC Candidacy, which it has “until Fall 2017 to achieve.”
Obtaining WASC Candidacy is a top priority for DRBU, and the University plans on working closely with WASC in the coming years to meet the Commission’s accreditation Standards and Criteria for Review.
About Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU)
The mission of Dharma Realm Buddhist University is to provide liberal education in the broad Buddhist tradition—a tradition characterized by knowledge in the arts and sciences, self-cultivation, and the pursuit of wisdom. Its pedagogical aim is thus twofold: to convey knowledge and to activate an intrinsic wisdom possessed by all individuals. Developing this inherent capacity requires an orientation toward learning that is dialogical, interactive, probing, and deeply self-reflective. Such education aims to make students free in the deepest sense and to open the opportunity to pursue the highest goals of human existence.
To advance its mission, DRBU strives to become a leading teaching university that provides an integrated liberal education at both the undergraduate and graduate level. This liberal education will remain centered around the probing examination of classical primary texts from the East and West, including those from the broad Buddhist tradition. The University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and a Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Classics at its campus in Ukiah, California.
DRBU has applied for Eligibility from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. WASC has reviewed the application and determined that the University is eligible to proceed with an application for Candidacy and Initial Accreditation. A determination of Eligibility is not a formal status with the WASC Senior College and University Commission, nor does it ensure eventual accreditation. It is a preliminary finding that the institution is potentially accreditable and can proceed within four years of its Eligibility determination to be reviewed for Candidacy and Initial Accreditation status with the Commission. Questions about Eligibility may be directed to the institution or to WASC at [email protected] or (510) 748-9001.
User avatar
Huifeng
Posts: 1477
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:51 am

Re: Dharma Realm Buddhist University onthe road to accredita

Post by Huifeng »

Congratulations to DRBU!! :twothumbsup:

I have talked to Rev. Heng Sure and other members of their faculty about this a couple of years ago. They are very keen to get this accreditation as a part of generally providing the best Buddhist education that they can.

The WASC accreditation process is not an easy one. Now the hard work will begin. University of the West down in LA underwent this for many years, trying to meet all their requirements. So, I hope all goes well.

~~Huifeng
User avatar
Wayfarer
Former staff member
Posts: 5150
Joined: Sun May 27, 2012 8:31 am
Location: AU

Re: Dharma Realm Buddhist University onthe road to accredita

Post by Wayfarer »

Seems like an amazing place, that University. I just referenced one of the essays from their excellently-produced online journal in another thread. For anyone interested, it is at http://www.drbu.org/iwr/rew
'Only practice with no gaining idea' ~ Suzuki Roshi
User avatar
Huifeng
Posts: 1477
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:51 am

Re: Dharma Realm Buddhist University onthe road to accredita

Post by Huifeng »

jeeprs wrote:Seems like an amazing place, that University. I just referenced one of the essays from their excellently-produced online journal in another thread. For anyone interested, it is at http://www.drbu.org/iwr/rew
So it goes through the usual double blind two reviewers process?
User avatar
Wayfarer
Former staff member
Posts: 5150
Joined: Sun May 27, 2012 8:31 am
Location: AU

Re: Dharma Realm Buddhist University onthe road to accredita

Post by Wayfarer »

Good question! To tell you the truth, I don't know, but I cited one of the essays in one of mine, and there were no adverse consequences.

This is the editorial board who seem eminently credentialled as far as I can discern.
'Only practice with no gaining idea' ~ Suzuki Roshi
Post Reply

Return to “Academic Discussion”