International Network in Advanced Theological Education (INATE)

2. How does the Network work?

2.1 Exchange of Students and Staff

Student and staff exchange is a main element in the Network co-operation. In order to facilitate such interchange the Network institutions «aim at giving mutual recognition to the academic standard and level of each other’s programmes in advanced theological education. The basic principle for mutuality will be related to student workload measured in time.» (SoC 2.1.2.) Each institution will be invited to send two students (under the network quota) for studies at one of the other Network institutions each year. This number may vary according to interests, needs and available funding. In the selection of candidates for exchange the Network will take into account the concerns of gender justice as well as ecumenical, social and cultural inclusiveness. The responsibility for the selection and organising of the exchange lies with the co-ordinating institution and its Co-ordinator, whereas practicalities relating to each exchange will be arranged bilaterally between home and host institutions. The Network will aim at financing travel costs for the exchange students. For this purpose a Network Exchange Fund will be established. However, the participating institutions commit themselves first to seeking other funding, where available. Study fees, living costs and other costs will normally be sought to be covered within the principle of mutual hospitality between the Network institutions, or by alternative arrangements. Where this turns out to be difficult, however, financial support for living costs and other needs may also be sought from the Network Exchange Fund. Student Application Form: To be provided by Home Institution or the Network Co-ordinator, which also may give more detailed information on the procedures of application.

Application deadlines are:

• February 1st and
• August 1st for the following semester/ term

• April 1st and
• October 1st, both for the following term.

2.2 Curriculum Development, Research and Publications.

The co-operating institutions have agreed to engage in a common process of theological reflection and study with the overall objective of improving their theological education, and gaining new knowledge. This is what is meant by curriculum development.

The objective will be achieved in a twofold manner:

1. by strengthening each other in the development of local curricula for a contextual theology
2. by searching for and addressing common concerns in the development of a contextual and global approach to theological education.

In addition, the Network will work towards common publications based on research done at the different institutions. Also the need for communication between the institutions in terms of computer-links and such, will be emphasised.

2.3 Co-ordination and Information

In order to avoid new and costly superstructures and bureaucracies, the Network has searched for practical solutions in respect of co-ordination. The result has been to appoint one Co-ordinator for the whole Network, stationed at one of the network institutions. The Co-ordinator answers to the Network Committee, consisting of a contact person from each institution or group of co-operating institutions together with the Co-ordinator. The Network Committee oversees and facilitates the work of the Co-ordinator, and carries overall responsibility for the activities of the Network. Unresolved issues within the Network shall be referred to the Network Committee. The Network Consultation asks one of the member institutions to take on the co-ordination of the Network for a period decided by the Consultation. Oslo is asked to take the responsibility of the co-ordination for this present period, until the Consultation set for 2001. It is the co-ordinating institution who appoints the Co-ordinator. The Co-ordinator is responsible to the Network institutions through the members of the Network Committee. The tasks of the Co-ordinator will be i.e. the following: promotion of the aims and activities of the Network, facilitation of student and staff exchange, preparation for consultations, research, development of curriculum, financial matters, reporting, information and evaluation.

2.4 Funding

Although a basic principle for the funding of the Network is the sharing of financial-, personnel- and other resources in mutual accountability between the participating institutions, the Network is dependent on financial support from other organisations and bodies. Such support will be actively pursued. Two organisations, Norwegian Church Aid and Christian Mission to Buddhists, have contributed to the foundation of the Network. But other educational institutions, mission organisations and Church bodies, funding agencies and ecumenical organisations that share the vision of the Network, are also invited to support the Network. These may participate in the Network Consultations in the capacity of consultants.

2.5 Expected Output

1. The programme will contribute to the education of leaders and resource-persons within the church and society in different parts of the world 2. The programme will contribute to mutual competence- and institution building in North and South 3. The Network will provide a new model for global co-operation in advanced theological education, based on a principle of mutual recognition and a system of equation, compatible requirements and standards, and evaluation

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