STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES
Mission-Aligned Benefits
OVERVIEW
Joining a Global Community
Dignity for the human person is an important part of campus life at SFU. Each year the University welcomes students and faculty from across the United States and more than 23 countries.
Many of our students also travel abroad as part of their educational experience. We believe that life is made rich by valuing the lives of different individuals, groups, and cultures. Respect, tolerance, and goodwill are the keystones to enjoying the diversity of our world, and we help our students refine these values through curriculum offerings, opportunities to study abroad, on-campus social activities, and other programs.
The Benefits of a Mission Driven Campus
- An inclusive student body has a positive effect on academic achievement and overall college satisfaction.
- Different perspectives in higher education helps students to successfully compete in an increasingly global marketplace.
- Education helps develop important skills, such as flexibility, critical thinking and the ability to work in teams.
- Students who interact in the classroom with students with varied perspectives are more aware of relevant issues.
WE ARE ALL RED FLASH
Saint Francis University is committed to protecting and promoting the God-given rights and responsibilities of all members of the university community in accord with Catholic Social Teaching. Born from our Catholic and Franciscan mission, our commitment arises from our aspirations about the community we want to be, the educational environment we hope to provide, and the moral character that we seek to develop in our students. It goes to the heart of our mission, to who we are and to what we want to become.
Human Dignity
The infinite goodness of God is reflected in beings whom God has created. All human beings, from the moment of their conception until their death, possess an innate and sacred dignity on account of their nature as persons created in the image and likeness of God. The infinite glory of God is also reflected more deeply by the unique gifts which God has given to each person, and which are shown in our differences of age, physical and mental ability, sex, race, ethnicity, vocations, etc.
Community
Each human person has rights and responsibilities which are grounded in their nature as persons made in the image and likeness of God as well as by their vocation and state in life. Equity ensures that the rights of each member of the SFU community are protected, and that each person has just access to the specific resources that they need to fulfill their responsibilities as members of the SFU community. Together, we pursue the common good – the flourishing of each individual and of the entire community.
Solidarity
We are called to live in solidarity with all people, which arises from recognizing that the well-being of each person is a concern for us all. Inclusion ensures that each member of our SFU community, with their unique gifts and backgrounds, are welcomed, cherished and supported in accord with the demands of God’s love and justice. Inclusion fosters the peace that results from a working and learning environment that emphasizes our solidarity with one another on a natural, local, and global level.
Programs and Services
The Office of Student Development serves to support the needs of all students as they transition to University life. We offer programming and activities that promote the development of students to take their place as world citizens. While respect for a range of viewpoints is weaved throughout the university community there are student groups who promote the dignity of all human persons at many levels:
- The American Sign Language Club
- Fusing, Empowering, and Embracing Diversity - FEED Club
- Invisible Children
- International Student Union
The Office of Student Development
Saint Francis University desires to create a campus community characterized by equal access and respectful participation for all groups and individuals; a campus community that not only prepares students for life at the University, but prepares students to be participants in a global community. The Office of Student Development is committed to assisting students in their educational and cultural growth through development and awareness that translates into students overall success. The Office works to coordinate the campus community’s dialogue offering a range of viewpoints and to give voice to all individuals in their adjustment socially, academically, and psychologically to life at Saint Francis University. In turn they will become a positive influence upon life at Saint Francis University.
Contact Us
Lynne Banks
Associate Dean of Students
Division of Student Development
230 Padua Hall
814-472-3002
lbanks@francis.edu