University Statement on School of Architecture

STATEMENT ON THE ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN
Jan. 25, 2023

There has been a great deal of discussion recently in campus conversations, group emails and related online posts about certain difficult personnel decisions and related issues within the Andrews University School of Architecture & Interior Design (SAID).

As these in-person and online conversations have continued, Andrews University is frustrated and disappointed that many constituents and friends of Andrews University have been subjected to inaccuracies and outright misinformation when these matters should have remained confidential for all parties involved. Please note that in some cases, Andrews University has wished to clarify and correct specific inaccurate information, but the University has been denied permission to do so.

However, for the overall legal and policy reasons that govern these confidential personnel matters—but even more importantly, as Seventh-day Adventist Christians—we would also never wish to engage in public point-counterpoint style discussions that could be seen as attempting to undermine any individual’s reputation.

Let us also be clear that regardless of any current controversy, Andrews University, with its School of Architecture & Interior Design, remains a flagship Seventh-day Adventist institution that is deeply rooted in and fully committed to our church’s faith tradition and ongoing purpose. Andrews University’s commitment to Adventist principles is steadfast and unwavering.

In the School of Architecture & Interior Design and across our entire campus, our Adventist identity and commitment shine through daily in how we worship with and educate our students. Each day we minister by living that shared commitment as we effectively educate and seek to best train tomorrow’s workforce to change the world for God, regardless of the faith background of our students.

World change originates in a number of settings and departments on our campus. These may include students and faculty helping to design and build orphanages in Bolivia or participating in our Change Day—which inspires thousands of students and employees to reach out to respond to needs in our local community each year. Additionally, our new and transformative International Center for Trauma Education & Care reaches out to those whose lives and communities are directly and actively impacted by trauma around the world.

This commitment to our students, employees and graduates demonstrates the values and ultimate purpose of their Seventh-day Adventist education at Andrews University. For our School of Architecture & Interior Design, and in all of our academic offerings, this also occurs by having a highly educated, accomplished and predominantly Adventist faculty committed to this task as well as through Adventist employees across our campus community who daily inspire our students.

This goal is never fully achieved through one or two of us acting alone on an individual basis; instead, we ultimately reach our common goals, mission and purpose through the power and impact that comes from a collaborative and faithful community that works together.

Ultimately, our mission as an Adventist university and as a School of Architecture & Interior Design is fulfilled on parallel tracks—by providing a competitive education that educates students for the workplace of the future and by teaching students to think deeply and critically about Adventist doctrine and Christian faith. This unique Adventist approach to education impacts our students’ academic disciplines, their careers and lives and, ultimately, our world.

Please know that Andrews University is redoubling and, where needed, renewing its commitment to listen and work together with our students, graduates, parents, faculty and everyone who is passionately supportive of our School of Architecture & Interior Design.

Also, while we are fully committed to our Adventist identity, we continue to welcome students and faculty who are committed to Christian values and who support the philosophy and culture that informs our Seventh-day Adventist university and the Adventist Church. As Christians, we believe we are all called to work together for God’s kingdom. We celebrate and thank our valued colleagues and students who join us in achieving this important goal to serve God and answer His call.

We will also work to strengthen the confidence of our students, the Church and community we serve while forging a path that strengthens the impact and purpose of SAID and of Andrews University. These opportunities to listen and expand our mission and impact continue and will include exciting and inspiring opportunities to talk and work with our students, our faculty and our University as we build for the future.

Together we seek to honor and daily recommit ourselves to carry out the mission and purpose of Andrews University and our Church. Our shared identity as a Seventh-day Adventist university is of central importance to who we are and who we will be. That is combined with a common commitment to God’s influence and the Adventist ideals and values that first inspired the creation of Andrews University nearly 150 years ago.

Please continue to pray for us all, while we work together to understand and effectively respond to these current challenges for our School of Architecture & Interior Design and as Andrews University ultimately continues to seek to fully understand and pursue God’s mission and purpose for each one of us.