St. John’s College Junior College School of Professional Studies is a post-secondary division of St. John’s College that offers to adults and traditional students, an education that challenges the intellect and fosters the development of men and women in the service of others. Our academic programs which are rooted in the liberal arts tradition, seek to prepare students to make meaningful contributions for the benefit of others, self and to the development of Belize.

JESUIT COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DEANS
OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

Jesuit Vision

The founder of Jesuit Education began his university studies at 35, with no financial aid, attending four colleges over the course of nine years before earning his degree by examination. Ignatius of Loyola demonstrated his own commitment to education by walking from Barcelona to Paris so that he could study at the best university of his time. He perceived clearly that development of one’s full potential is a necessary prelude to service and social change.

In the Jesuit mission of today, higher education in all of its diversity still seeks a common goal: to embody the Creator’s love for humankind through self-improvement and service to others. With its spiritual foundation, its insistence on excellence, its capacity for adaptation, Jesuit education is committed to students of all ages in multiple learning formats and to service to the community at large.

Adult and continuing education is marked by the diversity of people who seek educational opportunities. Its hallmarks are seen in the need to adapt programs to changing times and to develop strategies that help people achieve their learning goals in a world jarred by change and turmoil. Adults are seeking to improve career opportunities while enhancing personal and professional goals. No single path can satisfy the time constraints, career aspirations, and personal needs of adult learners, which are as varied as the age, socio-economic status, and ethnic background of the individuals involved.

At the heart of the Jesuit vision and tradition is “cura personalis”, care for the whole person, a commitment to excellence, and a spirit of community. It is this vision and tradition which is embodied within the people and programs of lifelong learning on Jesuit campuses.

DACE Mission

In the Jesuit tradition of care for the whole person, commitment to excellence, and a spirit of community, the mission of the Deans of Adult and Continuing Education is to provide programs in a variety of formats to a diverse adult student population. Jesuit education must be open to the demands of diversity and work with individuals in their pursuit of excellence. Any academic discipline or any art of the practitioner that shares in this vision and allows for service to humanity is a legitimate endeavor within the Jesuit tradition.