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University of Scranton

Mission Statement

The statement reads in part:

The University of Scranton is a community of scholars whose ministry of education is informed by the vision of life contained in both the Gospel, and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. The University is therefore dedicated to freedom of inquiry, the pursuit of wisdom, integrity and truth, and the personal growth and development of all who share in its life and ministry.

Structure

The Center for Mission Reflection was established May of 1996, in response to a recommendation of the Presidential Task Force on the University's Identity & Mission. Since the last Middle States visit the Mission statement  reworked at their suggestion.

Presently  the vision of the President  has restructured our Mission  Activities such that the  Trustee Subcommittee on Mission, the  Vice- President for Mission and Ministries , the Advisory Committee on Mission, the  Director of  Ignatian  Spiritual Formation , and Campus Ministries, plan and coordinate all Mission  Activities and Programs  for  the University Community.

Orientation Programs

Beginning in 1996, all faculty, professional, clerical and maintenance staff hired in the preceding months participate in a combined orientation session concerning the Catholic and Jesuit identity of the University. An ongoing orientation takes place over the course of the fall semester through smaller group discussions and personal contact with volunteer mentors from within the University community.

Ongoing Educational Programs

The Loyola Lecture Series, co-sponsored by the Jesuit Community brings a speaker to campus each year to address a topic relative to Jesuit higher education.

The Advisory Committee for Mission meets with the Vice- President for Mission and Ministries twice a semester to discuss issues of Mission and assist in planning programs and lectures. Faculty, staff and students serve on the committee

Under the sponsorship of Student Government, a student group coordinates activities to increase awareness of the University's identity and mission in the student body during Ignatian heritage Week.

Intergration of M&I into the Curriculum and Academic Programs

As part of a revised general-education curriculum, introduced fall 1997, most first-year undergraduates are now required to participate in a one-credit seminar designed to facilitate their integration into academic and community life. One week is devoted to Jesuit identity and several members of our university community, Jesuit and lay, provide lectures on a variety of topics related to Ignatian traditions for students in the freshmen seminars.

The Task force on Education for Justice, with membership from all sectors of the University  community, meets to develop recommendations as to how our academic programs can incorporate the education for faith and promotion of justice in the curriculum.

One of the University's undergraduate colleges, the J.A. Panuska College of Professional Studies, instituted a service learning requirement for all of its students. Students work in community agencies and groups and then reflect on the experience as it relates to their academic work.

Spiritual Exercises/Retreats

There are an average of 17  weekend retreats a year  sponsored by Campus Ministry. There are seven types of retreats ranging from Freshman retreats and Search retreat programs to three and five day Silent Directed Retreats at The University  Retreat Center at Chapman Lake or at the Center for Spirituality at Wernersville, Pennsylvania.

The Director of Ignatian Spiritual Formation organizes retreats for Faculty and Staff ,provides opportunity  for 19^th Annotation Retreats, and  on going Spiritual Direction.

Recognition Awards

The Arrupe Award is given to someone exemplifying the character of Ignatian  vision in their work in education. The recipient  gives a lecture . The Award is given during Ignatian Heritage Week which celebrates the Jesuit Tradition of the University  through programs and activities sponsored by administration, faculty, and students.

Publications, Audio-visual Material Developed and/or Used

The University of Scranton prayer book was published with favorite prayers contributed from students, faculty, and staff. All Freshmen receive this each year. The President, working with  University members, has designed a booklet which describes the history and traditions of the University of Scranton and the history and nature of the Jesuits and Jesuit Education which will be made available to the University community.

Miscellaneous

University faculty regularly attend Gatherings, the faculty-oriented discussions with colleagues from the other Jesuit colleges and universities in the Maryland Province .

Posted 7/26/2010