Introducing

Dear Prospective Student, You may have heard that Mercyhurst submitted a formal application to become a university (if not, you heard it now!). Today, I’m excited to let you know that our bid was recently accepted—which means you’ll be a part of the very first incoming freshman class to Mercyhurst University.

In understanding why we made this decision, I’m reminded of our motto of “Carpe Diem.” These two simple words—which mean “seize the day” in Latin—always inspire us to help Mercyhurst reach its fullest potential. Whether it’s adding a new, state-of-the-art facility to campus (see the second-to-last page to see what I’m talking about!), welcoming world-renowned experts to our faculty or adding exciting new programs to our academic offerings, it’s always our goal to seize opportunities every day.

In the past few years, this spirit guided us to pursue the incredible opportunity to transition into a university institution. It was a big decision for a place known as a college since its founding in 1926—but one that students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, trustees, community members and prospective students like you wanted to work toward being that Mercyhurst already functions much like a university by offerring associate degree programs at three branch campuses, seven graduate degree programs, online classes and off-site graduate certificate programs.

These reasons, along with the fact that a “college” typically refers to a high school among our sizable international student population and that this designation will let us grow as an institution, led us to formally submit an application to be granted university status.

This January, we were thrilled to receive notice that the Pennsylvania Department of Education accepted that application.

You might be thinking, great—but what does this mean for me and my Mercyhurst experience? I’m glad you asked, because many of the things that attracted you to Mercyhurst, such as our small class sizes, high level of personalized attention, strong liberal arts core and focus on undergrads, will not change. So, in many ways it’s the same school with just a different name.

Knowing this is big news to digest, we created this booklet to help you get a better idea of how this transition will play out. I hope it answers all your questions and sincerely hope we can welcome you to campus this fall. Feel free to check out mercyhurst.edu/university or call our Office of Admissions if you have any questions about this or anything else—and, as always, Carpe Diem.

Best wishes,

Thomas J. Gamble, Ph.D. President

From College to University: The Reasons for the ChangeFrom our start as a small, all-women’s, four-year college, Mercyhurst has truly grown by leaps and bounds over the past 86 years. From one campus and a few courses of study, we’re now spread out over five campuses to offer seven graduate programs, 52 undergraduate programs, 24 associate degree programs, seven one-year certificates, and online and off-site classes.

With so many different kinds of academic offerings, we already function much more as a university than as a traditional undergraduate college. (In fact, both the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education and U.S.News & World Report changed our classification from “baccalaureate college” to “master’s university.”) So one big reason for the change is to assume a name that more accurately reflects who we really are.

Transitioning to a university also allows us to... • Boostourreputation. Being a university is seen as a mark of prestige— especially among our sizable international student population. (Did you know that Mercyhurst is the 15th most internationally diverse regional university?) For these students, a “college” typically refers to a “high school” in their home country.

• Expandourprograms. We’ll be able to more easily grow all of our programs—especially our associate, adult, graduate, online and off-site programs.

• ReinvigorateandpositionMercyhurstforthefuture.With increased prestige and more programs, Mercyhurst remains well-positioned to continue to attract high-caliber students from all over the world.

College, university—what’s the difference?While there’s no black-and-white difference between a college and a university in the United States, there is a general consensus that a college almost exclusively offers four-year baccalaureate degrees. A university, meanwhile, typically does many things—especially when it comes to awarding graduate degrees.

What’s more, a “college” usually refers to a high school in countries outside of the United States while a “university” refers to an institution of higher education.

What It Means for YouThough the move to university will usher in many exciting changes, you can be sure that the things that most attracted you to Mercyhurst will remain the same. This means you’ll still enjoy small classes, a high level of personalized attention and classes that are always taught by professors, never graduate students. Ditto for continuing to promote the core Mercy values on which Mercyhurst was founded and the focus on hands-on learning.

As you can see, very little about the Mercyhurst experience will change— and the things that will change will only benefit you and your education even more. Turn the page to learn exactly how!

The Best of a University…• World-classfaculty.Mercyhurst professors truly are leaders in their field. Here, you’ll learn from respected authorities who regularly share their expertise in local and national media outlets, pen articles for the most prestigious academic journals in the country, write well-reviewed books and lead cutting-edge research and investigations.

• State-of-the-artfacilities. We’re big believers in continually investing in our campus and its facilities. That’s why we have all kinds of modern labs, a world-class performing arts center and incredible athletic facilities. It’s also why we’re putting the finishing touches on our brand-new Center for Academic Engagement (read more about that on the next page!) and why we welcomed the Audrey Hirt Academic Center, a new exercise physiology laboratory and Warde Hall, a truly luxurious, just-for-freshmen residence hall, to the Mercyhurst Erie campus in the past 10 years.

Mercyhurst North East also got major upgrades with its three new science labs, a modern, 150-bed residence hall and the Hirtzel Human Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory.

• Afullarrayofacademicprograms.Mercyhurst already offers seven graduate degrees, 52 undergraduate degrees with 67 concentrations, 24 associate degrees and seven one-year certificates—and has plans to expand that list even more. As a university, this will be even easier to do, which will give you even more options for choosing—or continuing—a course of study.

To help organize all these different degrees, Mercyhurst University will encompass three distinct colleges: the College of Associate Degree Studies, the College of Baccalaureate Studies and the College of Graduate Studies.

…and the Best of a College• Smallclasses.We’re proud to offer small classes—typically 25 students or less—that only professors, not graduate students, teach. We’re very aware of the many benefits of personalized attention and classroom discussions in which everyone can take a turn, and we won’t be changing any of this as a university.

• Astrongnetworkofsupport.Mercyhurst has a reputation for offering an exceptional level of support that lets each and every student reach his or her potential. From our academic tutoring services to our writing and career centers to our counseling services, we’re dedicated to making sure you have all the support you need to succeed. This also means we’ll maintain our Learning Differences program for students with learning, sensory and physical disabilities, and our Asperger Initiative.

• Hands-onlearning. No matter which major you choose, you can be sure you’ll be exposed to all kinds of hands-on experiences. Going into business? Then expect to write business and marketing plans for real businesses. Education major? Then know you’ll be in classrooms from your first year onward. Thinking about intelligence studies? Then know you’ll be working on real government contracts as a student.

Mercyhurst is known for promoting learning experiences that happen outside the classroom, and we’re confident that you—and your future employers—will appreciate the real-world knowledge you’ll gain from going out into the world.

The Center for Academic EngagementBesides becoming a university, our Center for Academic Engagement on the Erie campus is one of the most exciting new developments at Mercyhurst. This brand-new, four-story home for our Intelligence Studies and Hospitality Management programs, the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society and the Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics boasts eco-friendly touches like solar panels, energy-efficient lights, a high-performance heat recovery system that relies on a geothermal well field and environmentally responsible interior materials.

Just as impressive as the Center’s green features and gleaming glass exterior are the amenities within its 31,000-square-foot interior. Both Intelligence Studies and Hospitality Management majors will be able to take advantage of specially designed classroom spaces and labs equipped with the latest tools and technology. The building also features a student gathering area with a coffee kiosk, a banquet area with seating for 160 guests and state- of-the art kitchens. And, for the final touch, our design plans include a skywalk spanning East Main Drive that connects the Center with the Hammermill Library.

We’re thrilled about this latest in a long line of additions to our campuses and look forward to many more to come!

VIEW FROM 38TH STREET

Why We Support Mercyhurst University

“The transition to university status is a natural progression for Mercyhurst. At a time when many small colleges are struggling to survive, Mercyhurst has grown larger, improved its faculty and facilities, and strengthened its curriculum.

Becoming a university is just another indication of the quality of the faculty, facilities and education offered to current and future students. I am proud to be associated with this fine institution of higher learning.”

PierreW.PriestleyVice President & Division Manager Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. Class of 1981

“The university transition has given me many great things to look forward to. It adds a sense of greater pride for the institution and creates a deeper sense of tradition; I am sure it will change some things, but I know it will still have the same Mercyhurst qualities that everyone knows and loves.

I am excited to be a student during the transition—and I look forward to becoming a proud alumna of Mercyhurst University.”

MeghanHessMercyhurst Student Government President Class of 2012

“I think the transition to university status is completely positive for the Mercyhurst community. It’s changing our status and name to something that we already are, giving more clout to degrees and making students more competitive as we enter the workforce. This change will only benefit the school and all of the students here in the long run.”

BrianLombardoClass of 2013

“Becoming a university shows the consistent growth that occurs here at Mercyhurst. In the best way possible, the school that I arrived at is not the same one from which I will graduate. I feel that university status will help Mercyhurst reach new heights and consistently excel to the next level without losing the small-school charm that captivates so many students.”

MeghanNyeClass of 2012

“I am confident that the transition to Mercyhurst University will preserve Mercyhurst’s most treasured qualities—namely, the student-faculty bond—while strengthening its reputation abroad and in academia through the continued development of innovative graduate programs and advanced research opportunities for undergraduate students.”

KristenHudakSenior Publicist, ESPN Class of 2005

“The transition from Mercyhurst College to Mercyhurst University represents a synthesis of the institution’s two primary assets. By preserving the small-college environment in which faculty and students can form intimate intellectual relationships while at the same time providing opportunities for research and study that are more common to universities, Mercyhurst has risen to a new level of excellence by enriching its students with a greater range of academic programs and a higher quality education.”

Dr.MichaelP.FedericiProfessor of Political Science

“Transitioning from Mercyhurst College to Mercyhurst University gives us all the advantages of a small college with all of the opportunities of a university. A university traditionally offers a range of programming not usually available at a college; along with the numerous offerings we have, the transition will provide us with a greater opportunity to expand. This change is the reality of our achievements.”

KimberlyJ.Zacherl,MBAHuman Resource Management Program Director and Assistant Professor Class of 1985

501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546

introducing...

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