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This year, Conrad Grebel University College and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) came together to explore new pathways for learning by offering cross-listed graduate courses in which students from both institutions could enrol.

In fall 2022, Carol Penner, Assistant Professor and Director of Theological Studies at Grebel, taught the course “Abuse in the Church” online and had three CMU students joining Grebel MTS students on a virtual platform. This semester, seven Grebel students are enrolled alongside CMU students taking the course “Gender, Class and Ethnicity in the Pauline Letters” taught by Sunder John Boopalan, an Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at CMU.

“The most important part is co-operation between Mennonite institutions, because we are all seeking to provide quality graduate theological education,” said Penner. With this arrangement, students can seek wisdom from esteemed professors in a variety of specialized topics. “Every institution has professors that have areas of specialization. By offering these cross-listed courses, we can widen the range of courses we are offering,” she noted.

These classes have been held online, offering the same experience for students from both institutions. The classes take place through Zoom, and the students get to know each other in breakout rooms and discuss difficult, yet important, issues. “I was happy to share this course with CMU students in a virtual way,” noted Penner.

Karl Koop, a Professor of History and Theology and Director of the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry at CMU, advocated for this arrangement throughout the negotiation process. He expressed the benefits of this arrangement for everyone. “Students are clear winners in this collaborative effort in course sharing between CMU and Grebel, but faculty also benefit from the wider exposure to students and their varying perspectives,” he said. “Theological students across Canada, the United States, and indeed around the world are potential beneficiaries of this cooperative effort. This is Anabaptist education for the global church.”

Zachary Stefaniuk is a student who is familiar with both institutions, as he graduated from CMU with a Bachelor of Theology and has come to Grebel for a Master of Theological Studies. He was a participating visitor in Penner’s class and was delighted to learn about the teaching arrangement. “Grebel and CMU working together to bring new learning experiences to students is so important to me because it builds a stronger sense of community,” he said.

Grebel and CMU are paving the way for other Mennonite graduate institutions to come together, simplifying the process of sharing rich education with each other's students, and serving church and society.

By Farah Jurdi