The Sheridan Center for Classical Studies forms minds and hearts by promoting the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition. The Center introduces students to the power of a living tradition to renew culture and to transform individuals through the intellectual and moral virtues (conversatio morum). In this way, the Sheridan Center advances Benedictine College’s identity as “heir to the 1,500 years of Benedictine dedication to learning.”

The Sheridan Center’s graduate degree programs are designed to equip and develop educators seeking to lead in the renewal of classical liberal arts education.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Benedictine College to award the Master of Arts in Classical Education and the Master of Arts in Classical Leadership.

Master of Arts in Classical Education

Master of Arts in Classical Leadership 

Governance

The Graduate Studies Committee is the policy-making body for graduate programs. Management and oversight of the individual programs reside within the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of nine (9) credit hours taken at another institution may be applied to degree requirements. Transfer hours, with a grade of “B” or better from an accredited institution, may be accepted subject to the approval of the Program Director and the Director of the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. Students seeking approval of transfer credit shall contact the Program Director. The Director shall consider the request and make a recommendation to the Director of the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. Authority for acceptance/ rejection of such requests resides within the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. Official transcripts are necessary for final approval of transfer credits.

Due Process Procedures

A student contesting a decision by the class instructor should first consult with that instructor. If a satisfactory resolution does not result, the following procedure shall be used:

1. The student meets with the director of the graduate programs and verbally explains his or her complaint.
2. The director informally attempts to solve the problem or explains the Center's position to the affected student.
3. If still unsatisfied, the student drafts a letter to the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies and Graduate Studies Committee explaining his or her complaint.
4. At its next meeting, the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies forwards a recommendation to the Graduate Studies Committee, which then determines an appropriate course of action and provides a written explanation to the student.
5. If still unsatisfied, the student may appeal the decision to the Dean of the College.

N.B. The Graduate Studies Committee does not review complaints specifically related to a student’s status as a graduate teaching fellow. After review by the Sheridan Center, the matter proceeds to the Dean of the College as stated in the Teaching Fellows Handbook.