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St.
Augustine College of South Africa
BRIEF HISTORY The idea of founding a Catholic University for South Africa was born in 1993 when a group of Catholic academics, clergy, and businessmen started exploring it. In 1994 an extensive investigation was carried out to test the viability of such a project. This was done through a symposium attended by 33 academics and clergy, and by a nation-wide feasibility study which revealed that there was an overwhelming support for a Catholic university but that the project was too big to be undertaken in its entirety. It would have to be tackled in stages. In 1996 a trust called the Catholic University of South Africa, consisting of prominent business leaders and academics was set up under the chairmanship of Bishop Reginald Orsmond, Bishop of Johannesburg. Throughout the preliminary stages the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) was kept informed. Informal contacts with catholic and secular universities in the United States and Europe were explored and have brought about a growing international interest, especially from the Universities of Notre Dame (USA) and Leuven (Belgium), and from the University of Koblenz-Landau (Germany). Leading academics from these institutions now serve on the Board of Trustees. At the beginning of 1997 two trustees undertook an extensive study tour to some 25 Catholic institutions and universities in Europe and the United States of America to explore the possible affiliation and academic support. The tour was initiated, organised and funded by an overseas donor. The proposal to establish a Catholic University in South Africa was favourably received. Pledges of support, co-operation and staff exchange have been received from several Universities such as: Notre dame, Georgetown, Boston, Boston College, Leuven, Nijmegen, and Koblenz-Landau. In November 1997, St Augustine College of South Africa was established as a legal entity and registered as a Section 21 Company (not for gain). Its Board of Directors now serves an an embryonic Council of the College, while an Academic Board is the forerunner of the future Senate. The name "St. Augustine" was chosen in order to indicate the "African" identity of the college since St. Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430 AD) was one of the first great Christian scholars of Africa. The project was launched in 1998 with a very successful Winter School at the Holy Rosary School in Edenvale. In July 1999, the College was given permission by the Minister of Education to function as a private higher education institution and to offer degrees of Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy. The college was opened on 13 July 1999 by the deputy Minister of Education at a formal academic ceremony, preceded by a solemn Mass. The College started teaching its first students in the same month. LOCATION OF INSTITUTION St. Augustine College is found in South Africa - Johannesburg on 18A Gill Street, Observatory, 2198. OBJECTIVES OF THE St AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF SOUTH AFRICA. As a private college with a Catholic ethos in South Africa, St Augustine College will offer a new and unique contribution, much needed in our society. This contribution will involve:
COURSES OFFERED AT THE St AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF SOUTH AFRICA. The initial emphasis in on postgraduate study, and the following programmes are offered: PhD, Master's by course work, and Certificated modular programmes in the five areas of study. At a later stage an extension into undergraduate degrees will be considered. A degree of Master of Philosophy in the following five specific areas of study is offered:
ADDRESS OF St AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF SOUTH AFRICA. The Vice-Chancellor, 18A Gillstreet, Observatory, 2198 P.O.Box 436, Bedfordview 2008, RSA Tel Number(s):+27 11 487 0301 Fax Number(s):+27 11 648 1877 Email(s): cusa@global.co.za |