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The University of Saint Joseph is blessed with spirited students, expert faculty, engaged alumni, and generous donors. In the past year, this was proven once again, as our University community joined together to consider opening full-time undergraduate programs to men. After months of research, interviews, surveys, and discussions, the Task Force on Coeducation presented a report to the Board of Trustees, who met in June and voted to become a fully-coeducational university. I am very grateful to everyone who took part in this project, and for the thoughtfulness and consideration with which it was undertaken. As mentioned throughout the discussion, we would only open the programs to men if it promised to create a more vibrant educational experience for all our students. We truly believe this will be the case.

In addition to the coeducation discussion, there were other exciting accomplishments during the 2016-2017 year:

  • Receiving reaccreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), following a rigorous internal self-study and a campus visit from a team of faculty and administrators from other institutions
  • A series of book signings and readings that celebrated the scholarship of USJ’s outstanding faculty
  • The inauguration of a new honor at Commencement – the Sister Mary Ellen Murphy Faculty Scholarship Award – which acknowledges faculty research, and was presented to Dennis Barone, Ph.D., professor of English and American Studies
  • A new lecture series to enhance student engagement and success, which brought accomplished individuals, such as Emmy Award-winning television reporter Erin Moriarty, to campus
  • The continuation of the Women’s Leadership Center, which held a program in conjunction with the World Affairs Council to mark International Women’s Day
  • Welcoming the inaugural class of the Physician Assistant Studies program to their new state-of-the-art facility in January

As you read on, I hope you will share my excitement and belief that USJ is poised for even greater days ahead. I am truly grateful to everyone who has given to the University this year, whether a gift of time or a monetary donation. Thank you!

Sign Rhona C. Free, Ph.D. President

Mission Statement

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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.

University Finances

IN 2017 WE MANAGED THE UNIVERSITY’S FINANCES
TO ENSURE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

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Strength & Stability

Meeting the needs of the 21st century student

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The number of University of Saint Joseph students participating in different forms of high-impact learning experiences outside the classroom has risen to 92 percent in the past few years. From completing an internship, field study, research, or clinical placements – these opportunities offer ways to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom out in the community and enhance their overall academic experience at USJ.

In the case of USJ Psychology student Annie Foster ’17, she found her internship through a combined effort from the USJ Career Development Center and help from Lisa Kuntz, Ed.D., associate clinical professor of Psychology at USJ.

“My education at USJ has prepared me for this internship through my courses, such as Statistics and Research Methods, and it really helps with the data-mining I do for the market,” said Foster.

Honors Program

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Grateful Family Establishes the Helen and John Fischer Fund for Mercy Service

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Beth Fischer, RSM, ’76, assistant dean of Student Affairs/Community Engagement established the Helen and John Fischer Fund for Mercy Service to honor the compassionate service of her parents during their lifetime and ensure ongoing funding for specific service learning programs at USJ. The Fund will support:

  • Student community engagement and service-learning activities, such as those currently administered by the Office of Community Engagement.
  • Travel to international and  U.S. locations for service activities, including health care, education, and social work, to benefit needy populations.
  • Scholarship support for USJ degree completion by health care practitioners from Guyana or similar regions in economic and medical need.

President Rhona Free, Ph.D., appreciative for all of the service Sister Beth provides the USJ community reflected on this significant gift: “The Fischer Fund is a celebration of a kind and generous family with full hearts, love of community, and hope for all people. We are very grateful for this enduring legacy donation and excited to see it being put to good use where it’s needed most.”