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USJ History, Mission, and Goals
University of Saint Joseph: A bold beginning
In 1932, the Sisters of Mercy of Connecticut set out to establish the first college for women in the Hartford area. They were determined to develop a curriculum that balances professional studies with the arts and sciences, is focused on service to others, and is infused with the Catholic intellectual tradition while welcoming students of all ages, races, religions, and cultures.
In addition to undergraduate programs for full- and part-time students (which became fully coeducational in 2018), the University of Saint Joseph has grown to include the following programs of study: graduate master’s and certificate programs (introduced in 1959) and professional doctoral degrees (2011).
Two laboratory schools—the School for Young Children (1936), a nationally-accredited preschool; and the Gengras Center School (1965), a special education program for elementary, middle, and high school students—also serve to train University of Saint Joseph students.
As the University of Saint Joseph has evolved into a vibrant educational complex, it has never strayed from its original vision: a steadfast commitment to preparing students for insightful leadership and service to others.
Leadership & Traditions Academic Symbols
Our Mission
The University of Saint Joseph, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in the Catholic tradition, provides a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for a diverse student population in an inclusive environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society.
Core Values
- Development of the Whole Person
The University of Saint Joseph encourages, inspires, and challenges all students to fully develop their intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and leadership potential. - Compassionate Service
The University of Saint Joseph promotes, supports and facilitates caring service as an integral part of all teaching and learning experiences. - Academic Excellence
The University of Saint Joseph provides a value-centered education that prepares students as global citizens, lifelong learners, and informed decision makers. - Respect/Integrity
The University of Saint Joseph demonstrates respect and reverence for all people and fidelity in personal witness. - Hospitality
The University of Saint Joseph is a welcoming community where its relationships are based on openness, inclusivity and mutual respect. - Multiculturalism/Diversity
The University of Saint Joseph is committed to fostering the growth of an inclusive community that welcomes differences among community members and benefits from them. - Catholic Identity
The University of Saint Joseph is grounded in its heritage as a Catholic institution, expressing the Catholic tradition in an ecumenical and critical manner.