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Return to About AJCU > Resources and Publications > Mission and Identity Activity at Jesuit Colleges and Universities in the United States > Table of Contents
Spring Hill College
Mission Statement
Rooted in its Catholic heritage and continuing the 450-year old Jesuit tradition of educational excellence, Spring Hill College prepares students to become responsible leaders in service to others.
We offer our students a thorough preparation for professional excellence. More importantly, we strive to awaken mind and spirit to the pursuit of truth and to an ever-deepening appreciation of
the beauty of creation,
the dignity of life,
the demands of justice, and
the mystery of God's love.
In our community of living and learning, we are committed to the Jesuit tradition of "cura personalis," that is, a care for the spiritual, social and intellectual growth of each individual. Through informed dialogue with the world's cultures, religions and peoples, we promote solidarity with the entire human family. And true to the Catholic and biblical tradition, we nurture both the personal and social dimensions of faith, seeking to draw students into a deeper and more vital relationship with God. Structure
Mission and Ministry Committee
Composed of Jesuit and lay faculty, student affairs, academic and administrative staff, the Committee on Mission and Ministry includes the director of campus ministry, the director of the Foley Center for community service, the assistant to the president/mission and identity officer, the associate dean of student life, vice-president for academic affairs, and the director of human resources. It reports to the president and is connected to the Committee on Mission and Identity of the board of trustees. Its charge is to look at the various structures which impact issues of mission and identity, to assess the effectiveness of mission-related activities and recommend new initiatives. It also articulates a mission theme for the College on a regular basis (annual or biennial is still to be determined).
Orientation Programs
All new full-time faculty and staff, and most new part-time, participate in an orientation program which includes one session on mission. Ongoing Educational Programs
The Mission & Identity officer offered two reflection luncheons on themes related to the historical and theoretical backgrounds of Jesuit education. Both luncheons were very well attended (30-40%) by both faculty and staff. Integration of M&I into the Curriculum and Academic Programs
The Core Development Committee assesses the core curriculum and makes recommendations, taking the mission statement as one of its primary criteria. Mission and Identity Officer currently serves on this committee.
Spiritual Exercises/Retreats
For students: SHAPE retreat and silent Ignatian Weekend retreat.
For students, faculty, administration and staff: Busy Persons retreat and occasional 19th annotation retreats, but nothing systematic. The Ignatian College Experience is a living, learning community that offers a limited number of sophomores the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Ignatian principles, especially in the area of ongoing discernment.
Publications, Audio-visual Materials Developed and/or Used
We have used or adapted materials already available, including the three videos of the Jesuit Vision series and the CDs of the Creighton orientation programs. Recognition Awards
Ignatian Award for alumni who exemplify the ideals of Jesuit education.
Campus Ministry also offers two awards, one for demonstration of leadership in Christian and Ignatian service traditions, the other for dedication and service to both the College and larger community. Evaluation of Effectiveness
The assessment of the mission and ministry is more complex since many areas of the College area involved. The Mission and Ministry Committee by its make-up is involved at all areas of mission across the College. Based on the College Mission theme, the committee evaluates various programs within the various spheres of College life and learning. The mission following Hurricane Katrina was: Weaving the Social Fabric: Restoring, Renewing, Rebuilding the Gulf Coast community. Many college projects developed out of this theme and have been evaluated individually by their various sponsoring constituencies. In general "buy-in" has been very good for this mission theme. Next year's theme merely replaces the sub-theme to: "Facing Poverty."
The Hiring for the Mission program was placed on the web, Spring 2003. All supervisors and vice presidents now use the web site. The web site provides mission related information and mission centered questions. The usability of the web site will continue to be assessed.
Updated: 9/24/2007
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