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Misericordia University is a small and distinctively personal Catholic university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). Originally founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, today the university offers more than 50 academic programs in a variety of formats. Achieving national notoriety for student retention, Misericordia faculty and staff engage and collaborate with students in ways that form strong bonds and lead to successful student outcomes. The university takes a purposeful approach to create a campus community where everyone is challenged to do their best and supported to do so at every step in their academic journey. Widely known on campus, our core values of Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality are evident in all of our interactions. Misericordia University students become professionally competent, collaborative, socially aware, and lead lives of character and impact after graduation.

Speaking Points Broken Down

History

Established in 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy
First four-year college in Luzerne County
Founded as an all-women's college to create paths for career success for young women
Located in Dallas, Pennsylvania with a 127+ acre upper campus. An extended lower campus was later developed.
Enrolled both traditional students and adult learners at inception
Lowest list tuition for a private institution in NEPA

Academics

37 degree programs (with new programs in development)
3 academic colleges including the College of Health Science and Education, College of Business, and the College of Arts and Sciences feature over 50 academic programs total, including certificates and related courses.
40+ clubs and organizations
119 full-time faculty, 78% with a doctorate
10:1 Student-Faculty Ratio
Average class size: 18; 18% of classes have 9 or fewer students; 46% of classes have 19 or fewer students
More than 35% of seniors have worked with a faculty member on a research project (NSSE 2021)
Each year, approximately 15 undergraduate students participate in a 10-week summer research training program known as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program
72% of seniors have participated in an internship or field experience (NSSE 2021)
Almost 80% of seniors have reported that at least some courses included a community based project (service learning) (NSSE 2021)
More than 75% of seniors completed or plan on taking a culminating senior experience (NSSE 2021)

Athletics

27 sports for Men and Women (including esports)
1 Esports national champion
Member of the Middle Atlantic Conference - MAC Freedom
77 Conference Championships since 1990
42 NCAA Tournament appearances
4 individual NCAA Champions
402 MU student-athletes named to the 2021-2022 MAC Academic Honor Roll (among the MAC leaders)
All athletics facilities located on the campus
Dedicated athletics field house and training facilities

Student Success Data

Brand Personality

Caring

Mercy institution founded on charisms of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality
Mission Statement
- Misericordia University, a Catholic liberal arts institution founded in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, cultivates a transformational educational experience that promotes intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in a supportive and inclusive community, inspiring all students to engage in a life of service and global citizenship.
Values Statement
- As a community, we are committed to integrity and the values of the Sisters of Mercy as the foundation of university life. Our values are:
  - Mercy Through: Compassion; Love; Caring
  - Service Through: Selflessness; Sacrifice; Action
  - Justice Through: Fairness; Acceptance; Advocacy
  - Hospitality With: Dignity; Respect; Openness
Misericordia means “heart of mercy”
Classroom size is carefully maintained to ensure personalized attention. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 10 to one, allowing instructors to identify individual students' needs and develop a partnership for academic success.
Office of Mission Integration and Institutional Diversity advocates for underrepresented identities on campus to ensure that all community members feel welcomed on campus.
- Promote an inclusive community by providing education that values mutual respect, appreciation, and acceptance of diverse identities
The Office for Mission, Ministry and Service at Misericordia University serves the Mission of the University by making visible and effective our Mercy Charisms and Catholic Tradition. We seek to respond to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy through advocacy, education and action. We seek to reach out with love and respect to persons of all faiths and backgrounds and invite them to join us in our mission.
Weekly service opportunities with 15+ community partners
80% of seniors have participated in service learning (15% higher than all other private institutions) - (NSSE 2021)

Engaging

More than 35% of students have worked with faculty on research projects by senior year; almost 50% of seniors have worked or plan to work with faculty on a research project (NSSE 2021)
Nearly 90% of seniors have participated or plan on participating in an internship or field experience (NSSE 2021)
60% seniors reported working with other students on course projects or assignments (NSSE 2021)
70% of seniors believe that MU provided opportunities to be involved socially (NSSE 2021)
60% of seniors report attending campus activities and events (performing arts, athletic events, etc.) - (NSSE 2021)
26 NCAA DIII sports for men and women
The Office of New Student & Family Programs believes that a vital part of the education process at Misericordia University is involvement in student clubs/organizations and co-curricular activities.
- Students are encouraged to assist with the continued development of Misericordia's programs and services through active involvement in student organizations and activities. (ie. Orientation; Family Weekend; Homecoming; Annual David A. Evans Color Run)
Campus Life provides students with a rich and engaging social experience with programs in the Residence Halls or around campus.
- Provides students with the opportunity to participate in activities where leadership, community responsibility, intellectual and social interests can enrich and complete a college education. Students are encouraged to assist with the continued development of Misericordia's programs and services through active involvement in student organizations and activities.
- Campus Life sponsors or co-sponsors a wide range of special events throughout the year (ie. Welcome Week; Cougar Activity Council (CAC) Events; 5 Days of Give-a-ways; Midnight Breakfast; Local Fairs, Movie & Other Event Tickets
  - Cougar Activity Council or CAC, is the student programming board of Misericordia University. CAC meets regularly and discusses upcoming programming as well as new ideas on campus. They are an active presence at many of the university's events and annually attend a fall activities conference.
The Student Government Association also helps to run various activities on campus in conjunction with Student Engagement. The executive board helps to run events including their annual Spring Fest Weekend and Glow-Dodge Ball Tournaments.
- 40+ clubs and organizations

Challenging

87% of seniors say that Misericordia emphasizes spending significant time studying and on academic work (NSSE 2021)
MU seniors reported spending an average of 16.4 hours per week preparing for class (compared to 15.8 for other PA private institutions) - (NSSE 2021)
98% of seniors believe that MU provided either a high or moderate challenge to them to do their best work (NSSE 2021)
84% of first-year students and 77% of seniors used learning support services - tutoring services, writing center, etc. (9% and 10% greater than all other private colleges respectively) - (NSSE 2021 Engagement Indicators)

Supportive Campus Environment

More than 75% of freshmen believe that MU provides the support to help them succeed academically (NSSE 2021)
84% of freshmen used learning support services (tutoring services, writing center, etc.) - (NSSE 2021)
More than 75% of seniors have used learning support services (tutoring services, writing center, etc.) - (NSSE 2021)
More than 70% of freshmen believe that MU provides support for their overall well-being (recreation, health care, counseling, etc.) - (NSSE 2021)
Almost 70% of seniors believe that MU provided support for their overall well-being (recreation, health care, counseling, etc.) - (NSSE 2021)
Almost ¾ seniors believe that MU provides the support to help students succeed academically (NSSE 2021)
More than half seniors talked about career plans with a faculty member (NSSE 2021)
The Health & Wellness Center is under the direction of a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Our staff is dedicated to the health and wellness needs of our students with our goal being to provide the best possible evidence-based health care in a manner which is competent, compassionate, confidential and timely, all within an atmosphere of mutual respect and responsibility without regard to race, gender, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation.
The mission of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS Center) is to foster the holistic development of student wellness, mental health, resilience, and optimal success by offering short-term clinical services, outreach and educational programming, and consultation services in a non-judgmental inclusive environment where all are welcome.
The Misericordia University Student Success Center (SSC) enhances learning through our collaborative, compassionate, and personalized approach. We seek to empower students through the development of academic and social skills, connection to resources, and the encouragement of self-efficacy. As campus liaisons, we strive to create an environment that welcomes all, and to develop relationships that promote student persistence and success.
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) - Misericordia University is committed to creating an environment where all are welcome and does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, educational process, or treatment of students. In the spirit of hospitality and justice, we comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended.
- Students may also elect to apply to Misericordia University's Alternative Learners Program (ALP). ALP is designed to provide support to students with disabilities that extend beyond those accommodations required under the University's Section 504 program.

Student Success

2019–2020 Average GPA – 3.36
80% First-Year to Sophomore
67% Four-Year Graduation Rate; 74% Six-Year Graduation Rate
College of Health Science License Exam Pass Rates - Range from 88% to 100%
TED 2019-20 Pass Rates (Program Completers)
- Early Childhood (PK-4) Modules 1, 2, 3 - 95% Pass Rate
- Special Education (PK-8) Modules 1, 2 - 90% Pass Rate
402 MU student-athletes named to the 2021-2022 MAC Academic Honor Roll (among the MAC leaders)
Guaranteed Placement Program - 100% success rate
87% overall placement rate (based on 2021-2022 academic year alumni survey)
Over 33 Psychology majors have been accepted into the graduate program of their choice in the past 3 years

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