Empyrean Academy

The Empyrean Academy is an academy and research institution located in Leona City. Since its reconstruction in 228 LE, it has also been known as the Royal Empyrean Academy.

History

The original Empyrean Academy was built in the late first century LE, and was a prominent centre of learning within the Leonid Empire.

The Academy was one of the buildings which suffered the most damage during the Sack of Leona in 194 LE, and its reconstruction was forbidden by The Consulate out of concerns for national security. However, in Gynae of 212 LE a small group of former students led by Johannes Astrophel met with Empress Aria Areli for permission in forming the Empress' Protectorate, a secret continuation of the academy's operations.

After the end of The Turf Wars, the protectorate went public and began the process of reopening the Academy. Construction was financed by House Areli, beginning in summer of 227 LE and being completed before the end of 228 LE. The academy began taking new students the following year.

Structure

Students

Students typically begin study between the ages of 18 and 23 after being recommended by a professor at the academy, who becomes their mentor. Professors typically teach one or more pupils or apprentices, though may also give lectures or seminars to more diverse groups of students.

These primary studies usually last between 3 to 5 years, after which the student becomes a journeyman scholar and is encouraged to embark on field studies outside the academy. During this time they will prepare a thesis (either a dissertation or portfolio), which, once approved by the senior faculty, allows the scholar can graduate and take on the title of doctor.

Staff

Academy staff usually consist of graduates or those granted an honorary or transferable doctorate. Staff are broken up into two (often overlapping) divisions; professors, who teach students at the academy, and researchers. Additional professors and researchers may be employed on a contractual basis, these being known as associate professors and associate researchers.

The academy is run by a subset of staff known as the senior faculty, which is led by the academy head.

Members