The core values of Payne Theological Seminary are:

  • Excellence
  • Tolerence
  • Servant Leadership
  • Spiritual Formation, Growth and Transformation

These values are demonstrated by a passion for high standards, which include: respect, honesty, justice, integrity and accountability. Tolerance is demonstrated through an unreserved acceptance of the concepts of love, justice, forgiveness and a capacity for openness to difference. Further, Payne believes in a servant leadership that is lived out through being a responsible steward who serves with care, humility and strength of boldness as he/she articulates his/her vision and inspires others.

It is recognized that disagreements and misunderstandings will occur within the human community. Therefore, the complaint resolution process is guided by the above values and behaviors and a desire for conflict resolution within a spirit and atmosphere of love and tolerance.

If an issue cannot be resolved by the Seminary’s internal processes, a complaint involving allegations of fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to Payne’s accrediting agency, The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). You may also contact ODHE at odhe-complaints@highered.ohio.gov or call 614.466.6000.

As a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), Payne Theological Seminary is subject to the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) student complaint process for students enrolled in distance education. Students should first attempt to resolve complaints through Payne’s internal process described above. If a complaint involves an allegation of dishonest or fraudulent activity, including false or misleading information, and cannot be resolved internally, a student may file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Payne’s home-state SARA Portal Entity, at odhe-complaints@highered.ohio.gov or by calling 614.466.6000. Students located outside Ohio may also contact the SARA Portal Entity of their own state; contact information is available at NC-SARA’s State Portal Entity Directory.

For academic matters, students should follow the process outlined in the catalog. 

All discrimination, equity issues, equal opportunity obligations and ADA/504 issues should be sent to the Equal Opportunity Committee.