Catalog - Table of Index

Policy Statements

This catalog contains current information regarding Misericordia University’s undergraduate and graduate programs, calendar, admissions policies, degree requirements, fees, and regulations. Misericordia University reserves the right in its sole judgment to promulgate and change rules and regulations and to make changes of any kind in its programs, calendar, admissions policies, procedures and standards, degree requirements, and fees whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the scheduling of classes, and cancellation of scheduled classes and other academic activities.

Students are ultimately responsible for knowing and observing all regulations contained herein that may affect their status at Misericordia University.

Misericordia University accords students of any race, color, religion, sex, nationality, or ethnic origin all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students of the university. Misericordia University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, disability, religion, gender, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic, or other university-administered programs.

Misericordia University complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. A copy of the Act is available for inspection in the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office.

The university does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Mission Statement

Misericordia University is a Catholic, liberal arts-based, co-educational university. It was founded in 1924 and it is sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. In 1978, the board of trustees approved a mission statement that describes the nature and purpose of the university (formerly College Misericordia), and in 1994 it was revised as follows:

Misericordia University, a co-educational Catholic university sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, is committed to providing quality education to its students and to shaping its educational programs and policies to express the founding Sisters’ values and attitudes of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality. The university welcomes individuals of all faiths.

The academic development of each student at the undergraduate level is ensured by the university’s commitment to provide a learning experience which cultivates higher-order thinking skills through the integration of liberal arts and professional studies. To emphasize academic excellence and to develop critical thinking, all undergraduate curricula provide a common liberal arts base, the objectives of which are further developed in the students’ major areas of study. The students’ educational programs prepare them for productive careers and continued personal and professional growth.

Graduate programs at Misericordia University emphasize intellectual discourse and focused academic growth. The cornerstone of each program is instruction and practice in methods of critical thinking which promote research and enhanced professional expertise.

As part of its comprehensive educational program, the university is committed to providing a wide range of spiritual, physical, recreational, social, and cultural activities in which all members of the university community can participate.

Misericordia University fosters a cooperative environment in which students, faculty, and staff demonstrate personal oncern for each individual as a valued member of the university community.

Diversity Statement

Misericordia University recognizes the importance of living the mission in our words and our deeds, demonstrating mercy, service, justice, and hospitality, and supporting the ideals of a democratic society. Therefore, we are dedicated to promoting a diverse community in an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation of difference.

We believe, as members of a democratic society, that individuals have not only the right to live their lives according to their own values and beliefs, but also the obligation to respect the right of others to do the same.

We believe all people should be treated with civility, deserving to be heard without demeaning judgments of others.

We believe, as an educational community, that we have the responsibility to learn about each other in order to benefit from our diverse population.

We believe our demonstration of individual integrity and mutual respect sets a standard for the community and exemplifies a broader commitment to human understanding and service.

Accreditations

Misericordia University was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on January 31, 1927, and is empowered to grant the following degrees:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (transition)
Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Master of Science in Physical Therapy
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Social Work
Associate of Applied Sciences

Misericordia University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000

The university is also officially recognized by the following accrediting agencies:

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 4720 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-3425, (301) 652-6611

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Physical

Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (800) 999-2782

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 210-2350

Commission on College Nursing Education, One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20036-1120, (202) 887-6791

Council on Social Work Education, 1725 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-8080

International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, IACBE, PO Box 25217, Overland Park, KS 66225, (913) 631-3009

Pennsylvania Department of Education, 333 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17126 (717) 783-6788

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N.Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL (312) 704-5300

Misericordia University has legal permission from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners to operate a school of nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Various other state education departments also recognize the university’s academic programs.

Misericordia University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission to or employment in its education programs or activities. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to our Title IX coordinator, Pamela Parsnik. The coordinator can be reached at 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612, (570) 674-6310, or at pparsnik@misericordia.edu.