Cathedral University
As a full program of the Valley of Indianapolis, it will be offered to the general membership at no cost as a Membership Benefit. It will be facilitated and administered by a new Body of the Valley of Indianapolis, to be known as the College of Deans.
Application
To begin your journey please complete the Cathedral University enrollment form.
Program Overview:
The program will consist of a total of six (6) modules covering the following materials:
- General Masonic Knowledge
- General Masonic Philosophy and Symbolism
- Masonic History and law through the founding of the Grand Lodge of Indiana
- The First Three Degrees – Entered Apprentice
- The First Three Degrees – Fellow Craft
- The First Three Degrees – Master Mason
- General Scottish Rite Knowledge
- General History of the Scottish Rite
- History of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
- Structure and Historic Degrees
- Understanding an Evolving Ritual
- Adoniram Lodge of Perfection
- History of the Lodge of Perfection
- Historic Degrees: 4° – 14°
- Modern Degrees: 4° – 14°
- Saraiah Council, Princes of Jerusalem & Indianapolis Chapter of Rose Croix
- History of the Council and Chapter
- Historic Degrees: 15° – 18°
- Modern Degrees: 15° – 18°
- Indiana Consistory
- History of the Consistory
- Historic Degrees: 19° – 32°
- Modern Degrees: 19° – 32°
- Independent Research Project (Optional)
Participants in Cathedral University will enroll by requesting the course packet for Module 1, providing basic contact information and proof of membership. The College of Deans will issue the course packet, consisting of the syllabus, reading list, and exam for Module 1. Participants may study and complete the modules at their own pace, but they are encouraged to form regular study groups with other members of the Valley. Additionally, formal study sessions will be facilitated through the College of Deans.
Upon successful completion of Module 1, the participants will receive Modules 2 through 5. These may be completed in any order, but all four modules must be submitted to meet the requirements of the program.
The modules will be satisfactorily completed upon passing an open-book exam, consisting of 50 multiple choice and short answer questions, with one additional short essay question. A passing score of 60% out of 100 will guarantee completion. Each multiple choice and short answer question will be worth 2 points; the short essay question will serve as a bonus question and provide up to 10 additional points. All exams will be scored by a committee consisting of members of the College of Deans.
Module 6 will be offered as an optional module to all participants who have successfully completed the previous five modules. This module will require the submission of an independent research project on a Masonic topic of the participant’s choice and approved by the College. Submissions will consist of a properly cited paper of not less than ten pages of original scholarship. The research project will be assessed by members of the College of Deans, and scored out of 100 total points. Work must contain proper citations; plagiarism will not be tolerated. Citations may be made in the style most familiar to the participant, although Chicago and MLA styles are preferred.
Participant Levels
Canon – Any member currently enrolled in the program.
- This title will be conferred on all participants currently enrolled in, or who have successfully completed the Masonic Education and study program of Cathedral University.
Chancellor – Primary grade level; title conferred upon completion of Module 1.
- This title will be conferred upon all participants who have successfully completed the requirements of Module 1. Upon completion of this module, Chancellors will receive a certificate acknowledging the same.
Precentor – Secondary grade level; title conferred upon completion of Modules 2 – 5.
- This title will be conferred upon all participants who have successfully completed the main body of the program, Modules 2 – 5. Upon completion of these modules, Chancellors will receive a diploma acknowledging the completion of the course and conferring the new title of Precentor upon them. Precentors will be eligible to wear the black hood at any function of the Valley of Indianapolis.
Dean – Advanced grade level; title conferred upon completion of Module 6 (Optional).
- This title will be conferred upon all participants who have successfully completed the requirements of the optional research project outlined in Module 6. Upon completion of this module, Precentors will receive a diploma acknowledging the completion of all levels of the course and conferring the new title of Dean upon them. They will automatically become a full voting member of the Valley of Indianapolis body known as The College of Deans. Membership in the College of Deans will qualify the participant to score exams and projects submitted by other Canons. Deans will be eligible to wear the red hood at any function of the Valley of Indianapolis.
Certificates, diplomas, and regalia for all levels will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the College of Deans. All certificates and diplomas awarded by the College of Deans will be signed by the College President and Executive Secretary of the Valley of Indianapolis. Those Brethren, who have completed the requirements to be elevated to the rank of Dean in the previous year, will be invited to share their research with all members of the program at this annual meeting.
The College of Deans
The College will serve as the facilitator and administrator of Cathedral University, and is answerable to the Executive Committee of the Valley of Indianapolis. It will be responsible for tracking enrollment, distributing program material, grading submissions, and awarding certificates and diplomas. Full membership is restricted to individuals who have attained to the rank of Dean by successful completion of the six modules of the Cathedral University program, and are members in good standing in the Valley of Indianapolis.
For additional questions regarding Cathedral University, you can contact the College of Deans at collegeofdeans@gmail.com.