Vision International University

Infobox University
name = Vision International University


motto = "The Whole Word to the Whole World"
established = 1990
type = Private
president = Stan E. DeKoven
city = Ramona, California
state = CA
country = USA
faculty = approx. 30 (full and part time)
website = [http://www.vision.edu/institutions/viu]

Vision International University is an unaccredited institution in Ramona, California offering academic degree programs designed to prepare men and women for professional service in Christian ministry. The university offers distance education and online learning programs.

The institution traces its roots to Vision International College (alternatively known as "Vision Christian College"), which was founded in 1974 in Launceston, Tasmania by Australian theologian and author Ken Chant. [ [http://www.vision.edu/about/history.asp Vision International Education Network - History] ] Together with Vision International College, Vision Internet Bible College, and several other Christian educational institutions, Vision International University is a member institution of the Vision International Education Network. [ [http://www.internetbiblecollege.info/affiliates/content.php?content_id=74 Vision International Education Network - Affiliates] ]

Academics

Vision International University is an interdenominational, non-sectarian institution which offers ministry training and theological education to students from a wide variety of faith backgrounds. Vision International College began in Australia in 1974 as a Pentecostal-Charismatic institution without specific denominational affiliation. Vision now cooperates with many Christian denominations and ministerial fellowships to provide a "primarily biblical education to both students preparing for vocational ministry and those who seek a stronger theological foundation for the ministerial context in which they find themselves" [http://www.vision.edu/about/doctrine.asp Basic Beliefs (official site)] ] . Vision welcomes students from any denominational background.

The curriculum of Vision attempts to maintain a non-dogmatic perspective, allowing students to study a wide variety of theological issues to formulate their own beliefs in an academic context. Vision maintains a strong emphasis on church planting, community service, and Christian character development .

The university offers a Bachelor's Degree Completion program and a small selection of focused Master's degree programs [ [http://www.vision.edu/institutions/viu/ VIU Programs (official site)] ] .

Accreditation

Since 1990, Vision International University has maintained authorization to grant degrees by religious exemption in the State of California. In 2005, Vision International University submitted its application for State Approval by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) to be recognized as a degree-granting institution. In April 2007, Vision International University received approval to operate from the BPPVE [ [https://app.dca.ca.gov/bppve/school-search/view-school.asp?schlcode=76587409 BPPVE School Detail - Vision International University] ] through December 31, 2011, as a degree-granting institution.

Additionally, Vision International is a non-accredited affiliate member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, a recognized accreditor of higher education institutions in the United States. However, Vision International does not have educational accreditation from any accrediting agency approved or recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). [ [http://www.vision.edu/institutions/viu/authorization.asp Authorization] on Vision International website (accessed August 28, 2007)] As a result, its students are not eligible for federal government student assistance, its degrees and credits might not be acceptable to employers or other institutions, and use of degree titles may be restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions. [ [http://www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/diplomamills/accreditation.html Diploma Mills and Accreditation] , US Department of Education website]

Controversy

In October 2002, Vision International received a cease and desist order from the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education, which found that the school had offered degrees and certificates in Bible study without being authorized to operate as an institution of higher education in the state. In response, Vision International withdrew its contracts with three Connecticut organizations that had been offering its programs. [ [http://www.ctdhe.org/info/pdfs/ReportUnlicensedSchools.pdf Actions Against Unlicensed Colleges andPrivate Occupational Schools in Connecticut, Fall 2001-Spring 2003] , Board of Governors for Higher Education,Department of Higher Education, State of Connecticut, February 2003 (accessed September 10, 2007)]

In July 2007 a Mexican newspaper reported that the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) of Mexico had issued a warning against Vision International and ten other foreign institutions identified as having committed academic fraud. [ [http://www.correo-gto.com.mx/notas.asp?id=33377 SEP alerta sobre universidades “patito”] , "Correo", El Diario del Estado de Guanajuato, July 20, 2007 (In Spanish)]

Notable alumni

Meadowlark Lemon, former member of the Harlem Globetrotters, holds a Doctor of Divinity degree from Vision International University.

References

ee also

* Ken Chant
* List of unaccredited institutions of higher learning
* School accreditation

External links

* [http://www.vision.edu/ Vision International University] official website
* [http://www.cpec.ca.gov/collegeguide/Institution.asp?id=E0575A Vision International University] in "Guide to California Colleges and Universities", State of California