Introduction

Introduction

Mercyhurst University
Mercyhurst University is a fully accredited, Catholic, comprehensive institution founded in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy and dedicated to the principle that
education has the power to transform lives. With an esteemed liberal arts curriculum at its core, Mercyhurst emphasizes the dignity of each person and is committed to an examination of values as well as to quality academic, professional and career training, all within a climate of inquiry, collegiality, diversity and achievement.

Mercyhurst has built a network of distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs that extends far beyond its historical roots. Chief among them are the pioneering Tom Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, which also is the university’s leader in online learning initiatives; a burgeoning Health Professions and Public Health program; the Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics, a rising star among public opinion polling centers; as well as internationally recognized programs in archaeology, forensic anthropology and the fine and performing arts. Ever nimble in preparing students for today’s global marketplace, Mercyhurst strives constantly to be relevant and distinctive in the choice of its academic offerings.

The university enrolls roughly 3,600 men and women and offers more than 65 undergraduate majors with nearly 70 concentrations and pre-professional tracks, eight graduate programs and nearly 20 associate degree programs. It maintains a strong commitment to experiential learning; a vibrant student and cultural life; championship athletic teams; and a long history of service and community engagement. In addition to its Erie campus, Mercyhurst provides certificate and associate degree offerings at branch campuses in nearby North East and Corry, Pennsylvania, and at the Booker T. Washington Center near downtown Erie. It also maintains a flourishing academic center in Dungarvan, Ireland. This breadth gives the university an unparalleled capacity to educate, to build cross-disciplinary academic opportunities and to address complex issues.

Mission Statement
Consistent with its Catholic identity and Mercy heritage, Mercyhurst University educates women and men in a culture where faith and reason flourish together, where the beauty and power of the liberal arts combine with an appreciation for the dignity of work and a commitment to serving others. Confident in the strength of its student-faculty bonds, the university community is inspired by the image of students whose choices, in life and work, will enable them to realize the human and spiritual values embedded in everyday realities and to exercise leadership in service toward a just world.

Mission Integration
Higher education in the United States is changing at an unprecedented pace and Catholic universities confront pressures and challenges specific to their Catholic and sponsorship identity. To help preserve and continue the Mercy charism, the Sisters of Mercy established the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. Mercyhurst University, a member of the conference, has an Office of Mission Integration. Its purpose is to assist the president in promoting the university’s mission with respect to its Catholic and Mercy identity.

Vision Statement
Mercyhurst University seeks to be a leading higher educational institution that integrates excellence in the liberal arts, professional and career-pathprograms, and service to regional and world communities.

Core Values
We are . . .

Socially Merciful
Mercy restores human dignity, expands our social relations, and empowers us to reach out in compassion to others.

Globally Responsible
Globalization challenges us to learn how to steward the resources of the Earth wisely and to act in solidarity with its diverse peoples.

Compassionately Hospitable
Mercy hospitality begins with self-acceptance, welcomes peoples of different faith, ethnic, and cultural traditions, and thus builds communities that transcend mere tolerance.

Intellectually Creative
Generous, inquiring, and critical habits of mind, which support the aspirations for excellence manifested within the academic community, encourage us in our lifelong search for what is true, good and beautiful.

Reflectively Aware
Our Christian environment encourages self-reflection and contemplation of human behavior, promotes balance of mind, body and spirit, and ultimately offers the opportunity to develop a moral compass for a life of integrity.

Ambassadors of service.

University Learning for Today’s Student
Dynamic activity in shaping institutional purpose, planning academic programs, and meeting the needs of students of all ages — these reflect the motto of Mercyhurst University: “Carpe Diem,” or Seize the Day. Dedicated faculty advisors and academic counselors help students make the transition to university learning. Close student-faculty relationships give purpose and direction to students interested in shaping their university education to their goals and interests. The Career Development Center is available to guide students in their career exploration process. Computer laboratories and other modern facilities keep students competitive and up to date for the challenges of tomorrow.

Official Communication
Mercyhurst University recognizes many forms of communication for official university business. University officials may utilize written documentation, telephone conversations, and Mercyhurst-issued e-mail accounts or web documents as formal forms of communication. Official university business includes all actions of the university including but not limited to providing general information, course information, student conduct notices and administrative notices from the university. Mercyhurst provides e-mail accounts to students; these are recognized as official document and notification addresses for university communications. All students are responsible for checking their Mercyhurst issued e-mail accounts and are held accountable for the contents of e-mails issued by the university.