I recently received this letter from Kepler College but I've only just got around to reading it properly. It deserves a public platform so I'm posting it here.
Claire
An Open Letter to the Astrological Community
Recently the head of the Higher Education Coordinating Board of Washington stated that he believed Kepler College was a grand experiment and one he hopes will continue to grow and thrive. Through donor support, and the efforts of faculty, administration and students, this grand experiment has grown and continues to develop and evolve, with new programs and offerings for our students and for astrologers everywhere.
This year Kepler College's survival is at stake. Changes in Washington State law require that Kepler College receive accreditation in order to remain authorized. We must show significant progress toward that goal in our reauthorization this coming March.
Accreditation is a positive goal. It ensures that our degrees are accepted and that our students can receive federal financial aid. As many of you know, Kepler College has been and is working at achieving accreditation. But the choice to offer degrees in astrological studies within the liberal arts framework is, to say the least, controversial. We know we meet the standards required for our academic and administrative structures. But we also need to show that we have not only the good wishes but the strong financial support of our constituency.
Kepler is grateful to past donors, who helped the College spread the word that astrology is an important, complex and multi-cultural activity that deserves a place in academia. Kepler faculty members have attended the History of Science conferences in the United States, conferences at the Warburg Institute in London, and elsewhere. They have shown other academics that knowledge of astrological history and astrological techniques can help us better understand world history and culture.
Donations also benefited the astrological community as Kepler students, alumni and faculty have shared their learning by speaking at conferences, writing articles for astrological magazines, and talking with astrological organizations worldwide.
We know you care about seeing astrology get the respect it deserves. Kepler Colleges helps all astrologers in this effort. Every dollar you give makes a difference.
This year's campaign seeks to raise a minimum of $200,000 toward accreditation, re-authorization, scholarships, purchase of library resources, and continuing to build the infrastructure needed to support a growing college.
This is a crucial year for Kepler, and we ask that you consider joining all who care about the future of astrological studies by visiting us at www.kepler.edu/ISupportKepler.htm and making a generous donation.
Thank you for your support!
Enid Newberg, President, Kepler College