Life on Campus

The University of Scranton is a devoted to the Jesuit maxim of cura personalis, or care for each person and the whole person given their uniqueness. The University recognizes the integral role that campus life plays in the overall education of a student. Because in so many ways learning does not stop at the classroom door, the University provides a range of activities and support services for leadership development, for reflection, for spiritual and personal enrichment, and simply for fun and recreation.

Student Services

The University of Scranton recognizes that much of a student’s education at The University of Scranton takes place outside the classroom. The Division of Student Formation and Campus Life is an integral part of the teaching and learning experience, committed to the development of the whole person in the Ignatian tradition. Grounded in humility and a lifelong respect for self, others and community, students are challenged to reach beyond their perceived capabilities and to develop a reflective, passionate and restless desire for excellence.

Residence Life

The Residence Life program includes first-year and upperclass residences that provide secure and comfortable living spaces for study and personal development. Residential first-year students are assigned with their classmates in traditional halls where they are supported in their academic programs through leadership opportunities.

Upperclass students may select from a range of housing options that include suite-style halls with semi-private baths, University houses and townhouse apartments. The University also provides limited apartment-style housing for graduate students.

The main goal of the residential experience is for each student to learn while living in a community environment. The process for this occurs through the active participation of the student in his or her community. Learning occurs best when students attempt to incorporate their in-class and co-curricular experiences.

The individual residential communities are designed for active student participation. A basic expectation is for each student to respect the rights of others. The privilege of living in a residence hall is accompanied by the responsibility of positive community building.

Residence Life stresses the importance of high achievement in the academic and community realm. It is expected that students make healthy decisions regarding substances, stress and time management, relationships, and the exploration of their faith.

The Office of Residence Life is located on the first floor of Condron Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is (570) 941-6226. Additional information is available online at www.scranton.edu/residencelife.

For additional information on room and board, see “Tuition and Fees .”

Residence Life Policies and Guidelines

The University of Scranton requires all first- and second-year undergraduate students to live in campus housing. Exceptions to this policy are limited to students who reside with a parent, legal guardian or spouse; are 21 years of age or older; or present other documented extenuating circumstances. The Admissions Office will determine a student’s residency status upon admission to the University.

The University of Scranton guarantees on campus housing for four consecutive years. Consequently, if a student has never lived off campus, he or she retains that guarantee. If a student has moved off campus, he or she has lost the guarantee and can only be housed on a space available basis. This guarantee applies to all housing offered through the Housing Lottery or through Post Lottery Housing processes.

The University provides in-room access to the campus communication network (cable and internet) in all residence-hall rooms and University houses at no additional charge. In addition, light in-room housekeeping, 24-hour maintenance and 24-hour security are provided.

Students residing in non-University, off-campus housing (within a one-mile aerial radius of campus) can also have access to campus communication services. For more information regarding these communication services, contact the Office of Network Resources, Alumni Memorial Hall, Room 102, or call (570) 941-4357.

Contractual Obligations

Once enrolled in a room and/or board plan, the student is obligated to that plan for the remainder of the academic year including intersession.

Intersession

Resident students taking one or more classes during intersession must live in University housing and, if applicable, continue their meal-plan program if they were enrolled for room and/or board for the preceding fall semester. As noted above, additional fees do apply for meals. For reasons of safety and security, those not enrolled in classes during intersession are not permitted to reside in University housing. Student athletes that are in-season, approved by the Office of Residence Life, may live in their rooms over intersession without taking classes.

Dining Services

Students have a choice of six cost-effective meal plans that provide unlimited, 14 or 10 meals per week.

• The unlimited meal plan provides an unlimited number of meals per day in our Fresh Food Company Monday through Friday, with brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
• The 14-meal plan provides any combination of 14 meals per week, not to exceed 3 meal swipes per day.
• The 10-meal plan offers students any combination of 10 meals per week, not to exceed 3 meal swipes per day.
• The unlimited plus, 14-meal plus and 10-meal plus plans offer students the same amenities as the regular meal plans with the addition of more flex dollars.

All first-year students living in University housing must participate in the unlimited or unlimited plus meals plan during the entire freshman year. Upperclass students living in Redington, Condron and Gavigan Halls must participate in one of the six meal plans. Meal plan participation is optional for upperclass residents of any on-campus apartment or one of the University houses, as well as for students residing off campus.

Off-Campus and Commuter Students

The University makes special efforts to ensure that commuting students and those who live off campus have access to its academic and co-curricular programs and services. The Office of Off Campus and Commuter Student Affairs (OCCSA) serves as a resource and provides information, programs and leadership opportunities that enrich the off-campus living and commuter experience.  

In collaboration with the Commuter Student Association and Off Campus Advisory Board, OCCSA hosts a variety of programs designed to meet the special needs of students who elect to move off-campus in their junior or senior year or commute from home. Additionally, the Student Government has commuter and off-campus representatives in its student senate. These students represent commuter and off-campus issues and concerns to this governing body.

The Office of Off Campus and Commuter Student Affairs is located in room 205C in the DeNaples Center. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and interested students can call (570) 941-6292 or visit us at www.scranton.edu/occsa.

Career Services

Career Services helps students focus on career decisions that are consistent with their unique talents, aspirations, and vision for living. Professional counselors help students discover links between their personal traits and career options through individual counseling, workshops, and many other electronic and hard-copy resources available at the Office of Career Services.

Students who are looking for related work experience while they are attending the University can benefit from a variety of services provided by the office. All students can receive training in resume and cover letter writing as well as interview and job search techniques. They are also able to participate in employer on-campus recruiting visits, employment fairs, and the annual Law/Graduate School Fair. Students and alumni can access a wide range of employment opportunities through the office’s online job posting system.

The Office of Career Services is located in Ciszek Hall and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Evening hours are arranged on a semester basis. The phone number is (570) 941-7640. Additional information is available online at www.scranton.edu/careers.

Multicultural Affairs

Mission: The Office of Multicultural Affairs seeks to cultivate an environment of multicultural competence and advocacy in which all members of the campus community are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued.

Our events and resources (including the Multicultural Center) are designed to provide opportunities for safe, constructive, and transformational experiences that enable all members to move beyond mere tolerance to actively embrace diversity in all forms as part of our daily interactions.  It is our belief that OMA is a resource to ensure that every member of the University community is a cultural ally and supporter of social justice and equality.

Opportunities for Involvement: The Office of Multicultural Affairs employs 4-5 federal work study students each year and welcomes anyone interested in serving as a volunteer staff member. Interested students may call (570) 941-5904.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is located in room 205G in the DeNaples Campus Center. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Interested students may call (570) 941-5904 or visit us at www.scranton.edu/oma

Jane Kopas Women’s Center

The Jane Kopas Women’s Center fosters a campus community in which all genders can live in a climate of mutual respect, understanding, and equality, and where women are encouraged to reach their fullest potential. The center provides a safe, comfortable, and educational environment in which students, staff, and faculty can learn about the current and historical role of women both locally and globally. The JKWC also offers the opportunity for students to engage and explore issues of gender equity, diversity and social justice.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the JKWC programs and events on gender issues such as anti-violence advocacy, body integrity awareness, and women’s leadership and skill. The JKWC offers resources for courses, special projects and personal enrichment including books, periodicals, and films.

The JKWC also provides work study, volunteer, and intern opportunities. Interested students can call (570) 941-6194 or visit the JKWC, which is located in room 205F of the DeNaples Center. Additional information can be found at scranton.edu/jkwc. 

Office of Student Conduct

While participating in the life of the University community, students are expected to learn and develop within the Jesuit educational tradition. Consistent with this tradition, the University community expects students to lead examined lives supportive of the common good. In this regard, students are expected to comply with University behavioral expectations designed to promote respect for self, others, and community. These behavioral expectations are set forth in the University’s Student Code of Conduct. (www.scranton.edu/studentconduct)

The Office of Student Conduct seeks to educate students regarding their behavioral responsibilities as members of the University community and to ensure that the process to adjudicate matters of misconduct is consistent and fair-minded. For more information about the student conduct process, please visit www.scranton.edu/studentconduct or call (570) 941-7680.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides a safe, comfortable, caring and confidential place for students. Sometimes students have personal concerns they may wish to discuss with one of our staff. These may be related to relationships, transition, stress, development, school, self-concept, family dynamics, etc. Other concerns may be alcohol and other drug use/abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, learning disabilities/ADHD and self-harming behavior.

The Counseling Center is staffed by licensed psychologists, counselors, social workers and a part-time psychiatrist who are available to help students make the most they can out of their years at the University. Finding ways to identify and cope with these concerns can make a difference in the life of a college student.

The Counseling Center, located in O’Hara Hall, sixth floor, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Later evening sessions may be available by appointment. The Counseling Center does not provide online therapy services. After-hours emergency crisis consultation with a clinician is available on a 24-hour basis from September through May while classes are in session by contacting The University of Scranton Police Department at (570) 941-7777. For Counseling Center appointments, students may call (570) 941-7620 or stop by the Counseling Center. Our web address is www.scranton.edu/counseling.

Student Health Services

Good health is an essential part of academic and personal success in college. Student Health Services is committed to assisting students in the acquisition of the knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors necessary to attain and maintain an optimum level of personal wellness.

Student Health Services is located on the corner of North Webster and Mulberry Street and is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Friday. All services are confidential and include unlimited visits for nursing assessment, treatment and/or referral for further evaluation and care. Physician and Nurse Practitioner appointments are available daily after initial evaluation by a nurse. Cooperative relationships with community health care providers such as laboratories, pharmacies, hospitals and medical specialists complement the care offered on campus.

University fees cover almost all medical services on campus. A limited formulary of prescription medication is available to students at a reduced cost. Student Health Services does no third party billing. Care by community providers such as laboratory, x-ray, specialists, emergency room visits or hospitalization are subject to the student’s health insurance or private payment.

It is extremely important that students be covered by adequate health insurance and be knowledgeable about that coverage in order to avoid possible financial as well as health risks. Further information may be obtained by contacting Student Health Services (570) 941-7667.

Center for Health Education and Wellness

CHEW is Your Health Connection!

CHEW is the campus source for health information and programs to support academic, social and spiritual wellness.  An open, welcoming place, this Health Promotion office provides students with print, web and in-person resources on everything from stress management to eating vegetarian.  The CHEW crew of health education professionals, student workers and peer educators provide dynamic work-shops, community awareness events and individualized guidance to help students make healthy decisions and live balanced lives.

CHEW health education professionals design, deliver and evaluate wellness and health programs, train student peer educators, and work with other University departments on programming and policies to improve the well-being of students, colleagues and the community.  Through a myriad of programs and campus-wide activities, CHEW staff encourages students to assess their individual health and to create lifestyles that support wellness in all its dimensions.

Residence halls, classes, outdoor events, organization meetings, and trainings are frequent stops for COPE, CHEW’s Coalition of Peer Educators, which includes Specially Trained Peer Educators who serve on programming committees to assist students in getting the most out of their college experience. CHEW’s crew of trained peer educators produce campus health projects and lead active and informative sessions on a variety of wellness topics geared toward the college student population, such as physical activity, late night programming, mental health, and alcohol prevention, to name a few.

CHEW wants you!  CHEW continually seeks students interested in becoming peer educators, who want to learn about health and wellness and make a difference on campus.  Leaders among the student body, CHEW peer educators gain not only valuable health information, but useful presentation skills and leadership ability all while having the option of earning service-learning credit.  For more information, stop by CHEW or apply online!  Check out all that CHEW has to offer you.  Visit us at www.scranton.edu/chew to learn more!

Outside the Classroom

Center for Student Engagement

The Center for Student Engagement encompasses the areas of student programming, student clubs and organizations office, new student orientation, and leadership development initiatives. The Center for Student Engagement offers students a streamlined way to meaningfully engage in co-curricular opportunities at The University of Scranton.

Through various collaborative partnerships throughout the University, the goals of the Center are:  to provide support for transfer and first year students and their families; to offer exceptional educational and social programming; to support and challenge students to become more fully involved in clubs and organizations; and to provide a wide array of leadership development opportunities. Meeting these goals will uniquely allow us to assist in the strategic plan of challenging, empowering and engaging our students through a commitment to be leaders for change.

Programs and services offered by The Center for Student Engagement include:

• Orientation and Fall Welcome programs assisting with the transition into life at the University for first year and transfer students.
• Advisement of The University of Scranton’s Programming Board (USPB).
• The Leadership Development Program including the Scranton Emerging Leaders Program, the Ignite Leadership Conference, Impact! Retreat, Club Transition Summit, and the Student Leadership Awards.
• Club support such as assistance with programming, budget management, leadership development, officer information and advisor support.

Orientation and Fall Welcome

Orientation and Fall Welcome assists all new students, freshmen and transfers, with their transition to life at the University. The program is the link between the Admission process and students’ arrival at the University for their first semester. The emphasis is on class scheduling, academic and social integration and providing a natural connection to the strong sense of community at the University.

The Center for Student Engagement is located in room 205 of the DeNaples Campus Center and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The telephone number is (570) 941-6233. http://www.scranton.edu/cse

Leadership Development Program

The University of Scranton leadership development program’s mission is to facilitate, educate, and motivate students to seek out opportunities to make a significant difference when serving their current and future communities. Through formal organization participation, leadership certificate programs, and various workshops and activities, we strive to develop skills, self-reflect, and make changes through action. More information is available online at http://www.scranton.edu/leadership.

Student Government

Student Government is an organization with the task of maintaining and improving all aspects of student life to provide a productive academic and social environment for the student body. Its familiar faces and widespread involvement give the campus life and energy. Its leadership consists of elected student officers. The Student Government Office is located in the Student Forum (205 DeNaples Campus Center).

Clubs and Organizations

The University of Scranton encourages students to participate in activities, clubs, and organizations supported by the Center for Student Engagement. These clubs and organizations encourage students to become immersed in the campus community. Such activities allow members to develop their leadership skills while meeting the goals of the organization and its members. A complete list of campus clubs and organizations is available on the Web at www.scranton.edu/clubs.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The University of Scranton is a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).  As such, the University is prohibited by NCAA rules to offer any type of financial assistance based on athletic ability.

Since 2006, the University is a proud member of the Landmark Conference, which is comprised of the following institutions:  The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), Drew University (Madison, N.J.), Goucher College (Baltimore, Md.), Juniata College (Huntingdon, Pa.), Moravian College (Bethlehem, Pa.), Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, Pa.), and the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.).  Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.) will join as a full member during the 2014-2015 academic year.

The University consistently ranked in the top half of the Landmark in the President’s Cup standings.  The Cup was created in the inaugural year of the conference to recognize the best overall athletics program. It is based on a formula that rewards institutions for regular season conference standings as well as results in Landmark postseason competition.  Scranton has finished runner-up three times (2008, 2009, 2011) and third once (2009).

Of the 18 sports that the university sponsors, 16 compete in the Landmark Conference.  The men’s golf team is an affiliate member of the Empire 8 Conference and the wrestling team has an opportunity to advance to the NCAA Division III championships through its participation in the NCAA East regional.

The athletics office is located in the John Long Center and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information is available online at www.scranton.edu/athletics.

The University has established a tradition of excellence on both the national and conference level. Scranton has won three national titles, two in men’s basketball (1976, 1983) and one in women’s basketball (1985), while the men’s soccer team has advanced to the semifinals four times, including championship match appearances in 1980 and 1981. The women’s soccer team has played in the NCAA tournament 15 times in its 31-year history, including quarterfinal berths in 2001 and 2003, while seven other Royal teams – men’s cross-country (1975), men’s golf (1974), field hockey (1997), softball (1982, 1983), women’s volleyball (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005), women’s lacrosse (2003, 2004) and women’s tennis (2012, 2013) – have competed in NCAA championships. 

In its first six seasons in the Landmark Conference, Scranton has won 17 titles: women’s soccer (4), men’s basketball (4), women’s swimming (3), women’s basketball (2), women’s tennis (2), men’s lacrosse (1), women’s cross-country (1). 

In its previous affiliation with the Middle Atlantic Conferences, the University captured 82 championships. The men’s and women’s basketball teams led the way with 17 each, followed by women’s soccer (13), men’s soccer (11), women’s tennis (10), softball (7), women’s volleyball (5), women’s swimming (3), field hockey (1) and baseball (1).

The University has also produced its share of All-Americans. Since 1959, 56 student-athletes have earned this prestigious honor. The women’s basketball program has produced 18 All-Americans, while men’s soccer is next with 11, followed by men’s basketball (9), women’s soccer (8), women’s swimming (2), wrestling (2), baseball (1), field hockey (1), men’s golf (1), men’s cross-country (1), men’s lacrosse (1) and women’s lacrosse (1). 

Excellence in all athletic venues has also translated to success in the classroom. The University has produced 31 Academic All-Americans and 16 Royal student-athletes have earned prestigious NCAA postgraduate scholarships. 

Recreational Sports

The Byron Recreation Complex is located at the top of campus, adjacent to the John Long Center. The complex contains three newly resurfaced multi-purpose courts with a 1/10 mile track, four racquetball courts, a six-lane swimming pool, a dance aerobics room, a multipurpose room, locker rooms, steam rooms and saunas. In the fall of 2011 we opened a 14,000 sq ft fitness center, located across campus on the first floor of Pilarz Hall. This stunning facility is home to 46 pieces of cardio equipment, each equipped with individual cardio theatre, as well as 22 pieces of Cybex VR3 selectorized weight machines and a state-of-the-art free weight area.

Housed within the Byron Center, the Recreational Sports Department seeks to provide a comprehensive program of sports activities designed to appeal to the diverse needs and interests of the University community. Intramural leagues begin approximately the third week of each semester and include basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, softball, flag football, walleyball, wiffleball, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, tennis, racquetball, badminton, kickball, corn hole and can jam.

In addition to structured programs there are also many opportunities for individual recreation. Aerobics classes are conducted on a weekly schedule and may be attended on a drop-in basis. The fitness center is open 112 hours each week and there are open swim hours in the pool daily. Whether students are looking for a competitive game of basketball, a high-impact aerobics class, or just a leisurely swim in the pool, the Recreational Sports Department can meet their needs. For more information contact the Rec office at 941-6203.

Student Publications

The University has three student publications with which students can become involved. The Aquinas is the University’s weekly campus newspaper. Esprit, the University’s literary magazine, is produced once each semester. Finally, the yearbook, Windhover, is produced annually by students.

Performance Music

The University of Scranton Bands, Choirs and String Ensembles offer high quality instrumental and choral performing ensemble opportunities in a variety of formats ranging from very large ensembles, to small ensemble and solo performing opportunities. Participation is open to any and all interested university students (as well as alumni, faculty, staff and administration) with no individual audition requirement nor enrollment or membership fee, in the finest liberal arts tradition. 

In addition to performances by the bands, choirs, and string ensembles, the department presents a series of concert and recital performances by outstanding and renowned musicians representing a variety of musical genres. In some instances these guest artists perform as soloists with the student ensembles, and guest artist programming is closely co-ordinated with the Bands, Choirs and String Ensembles to offer special masterclasses, workshops and lectures by our visiting artists.

All performances are free of charge, open to the public, and take place in the magnificently restored concert hall of the Houlihan-McLean Center, which features an excellent Steinway-B performance piano and a recently restored Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ.

Our tradition of guest artists and clinicians has brought to our student musicians, our campus and our community the joyful experience of performing with and hearing a long list of musical masters, among them Wess “WarmDaddy” Anderson; Kyle Athayde; George Avakian; Antonio Ciacca; Jeffrey and Lauren Curnow; Aaron Diehl; Dominick Farinacci; Michael Fine; Wycliffe Gordon (H. ‘06); Victor Goines; Mark Gould; Carlos Henriquez; Riza Hequibal; Frederick Hohman; Caleb Hudson; T. Terry James; Rob Kapilow (H. ‘09); Mark Kosower; Jennifer Krupa; Joanne Lessner; Wynton Marsalis (H. ‘96); Brian McWhorter; Diane Monroe; Thomas Murray; Yasushi Nakamura; Ted Nash; Jee-Won Oh; David Ostwald; Sam Pilafian; Leigh Pilzer; Marcus Printup; Eric Reed; Robert Rodriguez; Joshua Rosenblum; Loren Schoenberg; Jumaane Smith; Tim Smith; Robert Starer; Andres Tarantiles; Warren Vache; Frank Vignola; Lawrence Wolfe; Pamela Wolfe; The New York Trumpet Ensemble; “Travelin’ Light”; David Ostwald’s Gully Low Jazz Band; The National Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars; and members of the New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Minnesota, Cleveland and Dallas Symphony Orchestras, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and The Empire Brass Quintet. Our long and productive relationship with our late composer-in-residence Vaclav Nelhybel continues to be honored through close cooperation between the University and the Nelhybel Estate in the establishment of “The Nelhybel Collection.”

Our annual World Premiere Composition Series performance, the only series of its kind in the nation, has received honor and acclaim from artists throughout the world. Currently in its 31st year, the series has provided our students with opportunities to work and interact with internationally renowned composers and conductors, and has made significant contributions to the wind and choral repertoires. Our programs also include The Nelhybel Collection, which contains the manuscripts of our late composer-in-residence Vaclav Nelhybel; The Scranton Brass Seminar, an intensive two week summer skill building program for high school and college brass players; and The Scranton Brass Orchestra, a fully professional ensemble which offers two to four performances per year during breaks in the academic year.

Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles every year, and are achieving their performance goals in the musical ensemble of their choice.

For more information on any of our Performance Music offerings, please visit our website at www.scranton.edu/music or contact Cheryl Y. Boga, Conductor and Director of Performance Music at music@scranton.edu.

Radio

More than 80 students each year gain valuable experience while operating WUSR, 99.5 FM, which is broadcast at 300 watts with a coverage area of 700 square miles. The broadcast region of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area has an audience of more than 250,000. The format is eclectic with rock, jazz, urban and alternative music. In keeping with the University’s mission the station produces public affairs programming and provides the community with an alternative to commercial radio. Students are encouraged to become involved with all aspects of the station, from on-air positions to management.

Television

The Royal Television Network (RTN) gives students the opportunity for hands-on experience in digital video production. While RTN is part of the academic Department of Communication, all students are invited to participate. Students take the initiative in producing, directing, writing, shooting and editing television programs to express their creativity. These programs range from comedy and sports to news and public affairs. Student-produced programs appear on the campus cable television system. Some programs are chosen to appear on the Comcast Cable college channel.

Theatre

The tradition of theatre and dramatics in Jesuit colleges goes back 400 years. The University of Scranton has played a vital part in that tradition as evidenced by the many theatre professionals who were undergraduates of the University: Walter Bobbie (Broadway actor and Tony Award–winning director), Gene Terruso (director and chairman of Theatre Arts at The University of the Arts, Philadelphia), and the late Jason Miller (Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright/Academy Award nominee).

Today, the University Players produce a main-stage season along with a festival of original one-act plays, and a workshop devoted to new student directors. More than 150 students, from virtually every academic major, participate on and off stage in the productions each year. The theatre program is housed in the McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, a state-of-the-art facility complete with a 300-seat thrust main stage, a flexible studio theatre, fully equipped scenery and costume shops and additional theatre support spaces.

The University Players have historically been host to many prominent guest artists. Oscar-winning actress Glenda Jackson conducted an acting workshop in 1984; the late Richard Harris, another Oscar recipient, directed Julius Caesar in 1988; and, also in 1988, Emmy Award–winning designer and University alumnus Dennis Size created scenic and lighting designs for Aristophanes’ Lysistrata.

Participation in the Players is open to all students, regardless of academic year or major. Interested students should contact the Director of Theatre in the McDade Center, Room 103.

Campus Ministries

The Office of Campus Ministries serves the mission of The University of Scranton by making visible and effective our Roman Catholic and Jesuit identity. Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola, we seek to reach out with love and respect to all and to be a fire that kindles other fires by …

• Nurturing and celebrating our faith through spirit-filled sacramental worship and prayer.
• Educating our students in the faith and teachings of the Church in ways that integrate their educational and personal experiences so as to find God in all things.
• Developing in our students habits of reflection and prayer in order to discern God’s presence and action in their lives.
• Fostering in our students a passion for justice that is rooted in faith and expressed in action.
• Empowering our students to be leaders in ministry and service as men and women for and with others in our community, university, church and world.

Our offices of Campus Ministry, Community Outreach and the International Service Program are located on the second floor of the DeNaples Center. We welcome persons of all faith and those who are searching for faith in our complex and rapidly changing world. Our programs and retreats offer multiple opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. We welcome student initiatives and ideas as we work together to develop new programs and means of experiencing God. We can be reached at 570-941-7419. Click here to access our webpage.

Worship and Prayer

Sacramental Life

The celebration of the Eucharist is held twice each weekday at Chapel of the Sacred Heart and three times on Sunday at Madonna della Strada chapel. Opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation are offered daily at Chapel of the Sacred Heart and also by request. Students find the late-Thursday night practice of the 15-minute Examen of St. Ignatius calming, challenging and helpful.

Liturgical Ministers

Students from all classes serve the Scranton faith community as liturgical readers, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and as ministers of hospitality at Sunday liturgies as well as at University-wide events like Palm Sunday and the Advent Mass.

Music Ministry

Students from all classes, both vocalists and instrumentalists, are dedicated to bringing music into the liturgical life of our community. These musicians provide music for each Sunday as well as at larger liturgical celebrations like Baccalaureate Mass.

Building Faith Communities

Residence Hall Ministry

Five Jesuit priests and several other members of the Campus Ministries staff serve as Residence Hall Ministers, providing counsel and support to undergraduate students in different residence halls on campus.

Retreats

Many different retreats are offered for our students including Freshmen, Search, Senior and JUSTICEplus, as well as three- and five-day Ignatian silent. Retreats are offered to students at our beautiful Retreat Center at Chapman Lake, just 12 miles from campus. We offer 4th Day, outdoor retreats, graduate student retreats and innovative retreats like the Cooperstown Finding God in Baseball retreat, the Praying with Popcorn retreat, and the Harry Potter retreat.   

Call and Commitment

This group is offered for students interested in exploring a call to church ministry as a priest, religious or layperson.

Christian Life Communities (CLC)

Christian Life Communities are small faith-based groups of students who agree to meet on a weekly basis to grow in spirituality, community and service. Through prayer, focus activities and reflection, the groups enhance their understanding of Ignatian spirituality and deepen their personal relationship with God.

JUSTICE Club

A student-led group, the JUSTICE Club strives to bring awareness of and advocacy for justice issues in our world. They help to prove that ours is truly “a faith that does justice.”

Service and Outreach

Center for Service and Social Justice

The Center for Service and Social Justice is committed to advancing the Jesuit tradition of forming men and women for others. The programs sponsored by this office include food and clothing drives, domestic break trips and local service. Each element enables the students to express their faith in reflective service while responding to local and national needs.

International Service Program

Our International Service trips provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to be immersed in cultures and experiences in developing countries of our world. The program revolves around simple living, community, generosity and faith-based reflection. Recent trips have visited the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico and Nicaragua.

Students interested in devoting a year or more of their life to service after graduation are encouraged to speak with a University minister. Each fall, a long-term volunteer fair is held on campus for interested students. For more information, contact Cathy Seymour at catherine.seymour@scranton.edu.

The Jesuit Center

The Jesuit Center, led by Executive Director Ryan Maher, S.J., and Assistant Director Ryan Sheehan, assists The University of Scranton in keeping its Catholic and Jesuit character at the center of the educational enterprise. Dedicated to advancing the University’s strategic vision of “providing a superior, transformational learning experience” for its students, the center does this by:

• Fostering faculty and staff participation in the Jesuit higher educational mission
• Supporting faculty teaching and scholarship that advances the University’s Catholic and Jesuit character
• Promoting Ignatian spirituality within an interreligious context

The Jesuit Center sponsors and cooperates with a variety of programs designed to offer employees of the University the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Jesuit and Catholic educational traditions and to hone their skills in articulating and living out that understanding.  To access our webpage click here.

Christian Education

RCIA

The RCIA program prepares these students interested in becoming Catholic for baptism and/or confirmation, with reception into the Church during second semester.

Spiritual Direction

Those interested in broadening and enhancing their relationship with God through prayer meet with a spiritual director regularly to discuss their prayer life and their ever-changing relationship with God and with Christ in our midst.

Soup and Substance

Offered during Lent, these gatherings encourage conversations among students, faculty and staff about real-world issues related to Catholic Social Teaching.

Liturgy Schedule

Sunday Mass at Madonna Della Strada Chapel: 11:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

Daily Mass at Chapel of the Sacred Heart: Monday through Friday, 12:05 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.

Sacrament of Reconciliation at Chapel of the Sacred Heart in the Reconciliation Room: Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.

The Campus

The University’s 58-acre campus is located in the heart of Scranton, a community of 75,000 within a greater metropolitan area of 750,000 people. Since 1984, the University has built 31 new buildings, acquired 17 and completed over 40 major renovation projects to existing facilities.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library at the center of campus includes a large study area open 24 hours a day with Internet connectivity to the world. There is also a fully equipped television studio with editing facilities in the Communications Wing of St. Thomas Hall, along with the broadcast studios of WUSR-FM, located in the Loyola Science Center.

The John J. Long, S.J., Center and the adjoining William J. Byron, S.J., Recreation Complex house the departments of Intercollegiate Athletics and Exercise Science and Sport. They also have facilities for intercollegiate and intramural basketball, wrestling, handball, tennis, racquetball, volleyball and swimming. Fitzpatrick Field is home to men’s and women’s soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams. Offering lights and an artificial turf surface, it is also used for intramural and club sports.

Thirteen traditional residence halls, primarily for freshmen, are centered on terraced quadrangles at the core of the campus. Francis E. Redington Hall, John R. Gavigan Hall and Christopher & Margaret Condron Hall provide housing for sophomore students. The University also maintains a series of houses and apartment buildings in the vicinity of campus, some of which are organized around academic interests. In all, there are more than 35 housing options for students, who are guaranteed University housing for four years.

Recent additions to University housing for upper-class students is provided at Pilarz and Montrone Halls, Mulberry Plaza, Madison Square and Linden Plaza. This housing style consists of low-rise, multi-building complexes that provide apartment style living in 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units. All units contain kitchens and combined living and dining areas. In addition, there are seven campus houses with various size apartments some of which are organized around academic interests.

Performance and rehearsal space for the Performance Music ensembles and concert offerings is in the Houlihan-McLean Center. The McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts includes a “black box” studio theatre and a 300-seat main theater, classrooms, a writing laboratory and offices for the English Department. The main floor of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Hall houses the University’s main fitness center. A small food service operation and convenience store is located on the main floor of Montrone Hall.

McGurrin Hall houses the Panuska College of Professional Studies and contains classrooms, laboratories, an academic advising center, and offices for the departments of Counseling and Human Services, Education, Health Administration, Human Resources, Nursing, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. 

Brennan Hall is our newest academic building. This 71,000-square-foot facility located in the center of campus provides offices, classrooms and support facilities for the Kania School of Management. Also in Brennan Hall is a 148-seat auditorium and seminar rooms. The McShane Executive Center on the fifth floor of Brennan includes conference and meeting rooms that are technologically equipped, as well as a dining and kitchen area. The main floor of Brennan Hall features the Irwin E. Alperin Financial Center. The center simulates a Trading Floor, complete with an electronic ticker and other news and data displays.

The Retreat Center at Chapman Lake is located 15 miles north of campus. The 20,100-square-foot building includes the chapel, which accommodates approximately 60 people and incorporates beautiful views of the lake, a dining room, kitchen, one large meeting room, five small meeting rooms and 25 bedrooms.

The Patrick & Margaret DeNaples Center, a 118,000-square-foot campus center, opened in January 2008. The building includes dining and meeting spaces, the bookstore, convenience store and mailing services, Student Affairs and University Mission and Ministry, and a unique Student Forum. Its location along Mulberry Street expresses the University’s commitment to engaging the Scranton community by the building’s availability for a wide variety of events.

The Loyola Science Center, a 200,000-square-foot building designed to serve as the home for all the natural sciences research and instruction at the University, was dedicated in September 2012. The facility incorporates today’s most innovative science teaching techniques into a dynamic, modern design that includes inviting spaces for student/faculty collaboration, visible glass-walled laboratories and the efficiencies of using shared instrumentation.

Other notable campus buildings include The Estate, former residence of the Scranton family that was constructed in 1865, houses the office of Undergraduate Admissions; Campion Hall, built by the Society of Jesus for its members in Scranton; Hyland Hall, which houses classrooms, the Hope Horn Gallery and Desktop and Instructional Resources; and O’Hara Hall, which is home to the College of Graduate and Continuing Education and academic departments.

The University of Scranton at a Glance

Students

The student population, including adult, part-time and graduate students, is approximately 5,633. About 85% of full-time freshmen live on campus.

Student Life

• Approximately 2,850 students perform 170,000 hours of community service each year
• More than 80 active clubs and organizations
• 18 Landmark Conference athletic teams
• More than 3,000 student participants in intramural and recreational sports each year

Academic Programs

Faculty

Eighty-nine percent of the University’s faculty hold doctoral or other terminal degrees in their fields. The student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows for class sizes that average 21* students. (*Average size undergraduate lecture sections, fall 2013.)

Economic Impact

The University estimates that 1,788 jobs can be directly or indirectly attributed to our presence in the region. Our students report spending a collective average of $1.4 million off campus each month and, since 2004, the institution has hosted 5,009 community events, waiving more than $539,000 in room usage fees.

Catalog Archives

 The Weinberg Memorial Library’s digital collections include undergraduate and graduate course catalogs, published annually by The University of Scranton (and its predecessor, St. Thomas College). Undergraduate catalogs are available dating back to 1926; graduate catalogs are available from 1967. View the catalogs at www.scranton.edu/library/coursecatalogs.