Life on Campus

The University of Scranton is a devoted to the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, care for the person with respect to their own uniqueness. The University acknowledges the integral role that campus life and co-curricular engagement have in ensuring a transformational student learning experience. For this reason, the University encourages students to immerse themselves in learning both inside and outside of the classroom. The University offers a range of engagement opportunities and support services including, but not limited to, leadership development, faith formation and reflection, health and wellness services and education, and career development. 

Student Life

The Division of Student Life, inspired by our Catholic and Jesuit identity, challenges students to recognize their unique gifts and talents, reach beyond their perceived capabilities, develop a restless desire for excellence grounded in gratitude, and discover and embrace who they are called to be. 

Committed to forming socially responsible, engaged, and reflective men and women, the Division facilitates transformative learning experiences aimed at advancing students’ understanding of and lifelong commitment to: 

• developing adult faith and spirituality,

• fostering a healthy and balanced lifestyle,

• cultivating a sense of personal responsibility and accountability,

• honoring diverse thoughts, perspectives and cultures,

• integrating knowledge into lived experiences,

• engaging in service for and with others, and

• discerning one’s vocation and direction.

Residence Life

The University affords students the opportunity to reside in secure, comfortable living spaces that foster student learning. First-year residential students live with their peers in traditional halls while upperclass students 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 apartment-style housing for graduate students.

Each year, the University offers several Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) coordinated by the Office of Residence Life, in order to best facilitate learning by integrating students’ in class and co-curricular experiences. While RLCs help students to connect classroom learning with their residential experience, all residential students are encouraged to connect their academic study with other experiences and learning opportunities. Students are expected to actively participate in their residential communities, respecting the rights of other community members while embracing the responsibilities associated with positive community building. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring healthy decisions regarding substance use, stress and time management, relationships, and faith exploration.

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

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

Select 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. Students may apply to live off campus for their junior year but must be approved by the Office of Residence Life and the Division of Student Life.

The University of Scranton guarantees on campus housing to undergraduate students for four consecutive years. Accordingly, if an undergraduate student has never lived off campus, he or she retains that guarantee. If an undergraduate student has moved off campus, he or she no longer has the guarantee and can only be housed on a space available basis. This guarantee applies to all housing offered through the housing selection process.

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. 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 Information Technology, 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 unless no longer enrolled at the University.

Intersession

Resident students taking one or more classes during Intersession may 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 during this time. Student athletes that are in-season, approved by the Office of Residence Life and the Athletics Department, may live in their rooms during 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 their entire first 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 local students who commute from home and upperclass students who live off-campus have equitable access to academic and co-curricular programs, services, and opportunities. The Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Student Life (OCCSL) serves as a resource providing information and developing initiatives that enrich both the off-campus living and commuter experience. 

In collaboration with the student-led Commuter Student Association (CSA) and Off-Campus Ambassadors, OCCSL hosts a variety of programs designed to address the unique challenges of our non-residential student population. Additionally, the Undergraduate Student Government has both commuter and off-campus senators who represent their respective student constituency, ensuring issues and concerns are brought forth to the student senate governing body.

The Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Student Life is located in room 205C in the DeNaples Center. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  More information is available on OCCSL’s website, http://www.scranton.edu/occsl or by calling (570) 941-6292.

The Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development

The Roche Center for Career Development provides comprehensive services and programs to address the career related needs of all students.  With a focus on experiential learning and preparation, the career team delivers information through individual appointments, workshops, industry-specific programs, and classroom presentations.  Relevant topics include: career decision making, major choice, resume/cover letter writing, job search, interview preparation, networking, and industry expectations.

Through a strong network of alumni and industry professionals, the Roche Center for Career Development continually seeks out new internship and full-time employment opportunities for students.  In addition to job and internship search practices, students receive advice and coaching to prepare for a variety of post-graduation plans, including: graduate school, long-term or military service, entrepreneurship, etc.

The Roche Center for Career Development is located in Ciszek Hall on Mulberry Street and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Evening hours are arranged on an individual basis.  The phone number is (570) 941-7640.  Additional information is available online at www.scranton.edu/careers.

The Cross Cultural Centers

The Cross Cultural Centers (Multicultural Center & Jane Kopas Women’s Center) are dedicated to creating and sustaining a campus culture that aligns with the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and intercultural understanding. The Jane Kopas Women’s Center provides a safe, comfortable gathering place for discussion about the connection between feminist theory and practice. The Multicultural Center offers a space for all students to explore their cultural identities and develop multicultural competence. The Cross Cultural Centers offer work study, volunteer, intern, and service learning opportunities.

Multicultural Center

The Multicultural Center offers programs that are intentionally designed to foster safe, constructive, and transformational learning. Students are challenged to engage with, respect, and honor diversity in all forms as part of their daily interactions while developing multicultural competence.  The Multicultural Center encourages members of the University community to be cultural allies and supporters of social justice and equality.

The Multicultural Center, located in room 205G of the DeNaples Campus Center. Additional information can be obtained by calling (570) 941-5904 or visiting www.scranton.edu/Multicultural.

Jane Kopas Women’s Center

The Jane Kopas Women’s Center (JKWC) fosters a campus community in which people of all genders can live in a climate of respect, understanding, and equality, and where women are supported to reach their fullest potential. The JKWC offers students opportunities to engage in and explore issues of gender equity, diversity and social justice.

JKWC programs are largely focused on educating students about gender equity issues including, but not limited to, anti-violence advocacy, body integrity awareness, and women’s leadership and skill. The JKWC offers resources for academic courses, special projects and personal enrichment including books, periodicals, and films.

Interested students are encouraged to contact the JKWC by calling (570) 941-6194 or visiting 205F of the DeNaples Campus Center. Additional information can be found at www.scranton.edu/JKWC. 

Office of Student Conduct

As a Catholic and Jesuit University, The University of Scranton challenges students to lead faith-filled lives in support of the common good. To this end, students are expected to comply with behavioral standards that promote respect for self, others, and community. The Community Standards are set forth in the University’s Student Code of Conduct, which is published annually in the Student Handbook.  (www.scranton.edu/studenthandbook)

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

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides a confidential, safe, comfortable, and caring place for students. Sometimes students have personal concerns they might wish to discuss with a member of the staff. These concerns might be related to stress, relationships, transition, trauma, development, school, self-concept, family dynamics, etc. Other concerns may be alcohol and other drug use/abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, learning disabilities/ADHD. Finding ways to identify and cope with these concerns can make a difference in the life of a college student.

The Counseling Center is staffed by licensed professionals including psychologists, counselors, and social workers who are available to help students make the most of their years at the University. We also provide referrals for psychiatric evaluations and consultation.

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. The Counseling Center does not provide online therapy services. After-hours emergency crisis consultation is available on a 24-hour basis from August through May while classes are in session by contacting the University Police Department at (570) 941-7777. For information only, our web address is www.scranton.edu/counseling. Due to the fact that email communication is not confidential, appointments need to be made by calling the Counseling Center at (570) 941-7620 or by stopping by the Center in O’Hara Hall, sixth floor.

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 Avenue 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 medical visits. Student Health Services is staffed by three full-time nurse practitioners and one full-time registered nurse. A consulting physician sees patients on a part-time basis. Nurse practitioner appointments are available daily. Appointments can be made online by accessing the online student health portal under the student tab on My Scranton or by calling the office. A limited number of daily walk-in appointments are available.

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. 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.

For more information regarding forms and immunization requirements please visit www.scranton.edu/studenthealthservices.

Center for Health Education and Wellness

The Center for Education and Wellness (CHEW) promotes a healthier campus community through prevention programs and educational activities. The CHEW crew of health education professionals, student workers, and peer health educators provide dynamic work-shops, community awareness events, and individualized guidance to help students make healthy decisions and live balanced lives.

CHEW professional staff 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 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.

CHEW wants you!  CHEW seeks students interested in learning about health and wellness while making a difference on campus to serve as Peer Health Educators. Leaders among the student body, CHEW Peer Health 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.  

The Center for Health Education and Wellness, located in room 205K of the DeNaples Campus Center, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The telephone number is (570) 941-4253.  (www.scranton.edu/chew)

Center for Student Engagement

The Center for Student Engagement encompasses the areas of student programming, student clubs and organizations, 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 the campus community; 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:

• New Student 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 Leadership Academy.

• Club support such as assistance with programming, budget management, leadership development, officer information and advisor support.

Orientation and Fall Welcome

New Student 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.

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 challenge students to develop skills, self-reflect, and make social change through action. More information is available online at http://www.scranton.edu/leadership.

Student Government

Student Government is an organization charged with the task of maintaining and improving all aspects of student life to ensure 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.

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

Intercollegiate Athletics

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

Since 2006, the University has been 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.), Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.), Goucher College (Baltimore, Md.), Juniata College (Huntingdon, Pa.), Moravian College (Bethlehem, Pa.) and Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, Pa.).

The University consistently ranks in the top half of the Landmark in the Presidents Trophy standings.  The Trophy was created 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 five times (2008, 2009, 2011, 2017, 2018) and third twice (2009, 2015).

Of the 23 sports that the University sponsors, 22 compete in the Landmark Conference.  The wrestling team competes as an independent and has an opportunity to advance to the NCAA Division III championships through its participation in an NCAA regional competition.

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 http://athletics.scranton.edu.
 

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 18 times, including quarterfinal berths in 2001 and 2003, while eight other teams – men’s cross-country (1975), men’s golf (1974), field hockey (1997), men’s lacrosse (2011), softball (1982, 1983), women’s volleyball (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005), women’s lacrosse (2003, 2004) and women’s tennis (2012, 2013, 2014, 2018) – have competed in NCAA championships. 

In 12 seasons in the Landmark Conference, Scranton has won 31 titles: men’s basketball (7), women’s soccer (6), women’s swimming (3), women’s basketball (7), women’s tennis (4), men’s lacrosse (1), men’s soccer (2), 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, 67 student-athletes have earned this prestigious honor. The women’s basketball program has produced 22 All-Americans, while men’s soccer is next with 11, followed by men’s basketball (10), women’s soccer (9), men’s lacrosse (3), women’s swimming (2), wrestling (2), women’s volleyball (2), baseball (1), field hockey (1), men’s golf (1), men’s cross-country (1), softball (1), women’s track & field (1) and women’s lacrosse (1). 

Excellence in all athletic venues has also translated to success in the classroom. The University has produced 35 Academic All-Americans and 16 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 multi-purpose courts with a 1/10 mile track, three racquetball courts, a six-lane swimming pool, a dance aerobics room, a multipurpose room, a spin studio, locker rooms, steam rooms and saunas. A 14,000 sq. ft. fitness center is located across campus on the first floor of Pilarz Hall. This stunning facility is home to 50+ pieces of cardio equipment, most equipped with individual cardio theatre, as well as 20+ pieces of Cybex VR3 selectorized weight machines, a multi-station cross fit station and a state-of-the-art free weight area. 

Housed within the Byron Complex, 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, whiffleball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, tennis, racquetball, badminton, table tennis, kickball, corn hole, and kan jam.

In addition to league 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 more than 100 hours each week and there are open swim hours in the pool regularly. 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 (570) 941-6203.

Student Publications

The University has three student publications with which students can become involved. The Aquinas is the University’s monthly campus magazine. Esprit, the University’s literary magazine, is produced once each semester. Finally, the yearbook, the Windhover, is produced annually.  Information on how to become involved with student publications is available online at www.scranton.edu/spb.

Campus Ministries

Our Mission

Campus Ministries serves the mission of The University of Scranton by making visible and effective our Catholic and Jesuit identity with a spirit of inclusivity of all religious traditions. Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the charism of St. Ignatius Loyola, we offer students opportunities to become women and men for and with others. These opportunities include ways for students to explore their relationship with God, express their faith in reflective service, work toward the transformation of unjust societal structures, and be immersed in cultures and experiences in developing countries of our world.

Sacramental Life

Liturgy Schedule throughout the course of the academic semesters:

Sunday Mass at Madonna Della Strada Chapel:

• 11:00 a.m.
• 4:30 p.m.
• 7:00 p.m.

Weekday Mass at the Chapel of the Sacred Heart:

• Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 12:05 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.
• Thursday, 12:05 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Rosary and Benediction follows the 7:00 p.m. Mass on Thursday

Sacrament of Reconciliation, Reconciliation Room, Chapel of the Sacred Heart:

• Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – noon
• Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Liturgical Ministers

Students serve the University faith community, primarily in the roles of Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, and Ministers of Hospitality. Additionally, students assume leadership roles in communal celebrations of prayer, such as the Stations of the Cross and Reconciliation Services.

Music Ministry

All students have the opportunity to serve the University as Ministers of Music. Students, dedicated to bringing music into the liturgical life of our community, can participate in Music Ministry as cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists. These musicians provide music for Sunday Mass, seasonal prayer services, and University-wide liturgies.

Building Faith Communities

Retreats

Integrating our faith with other activities of life is a constant challenge. To help expedite this element of one’s faith journey, students are invited to join the Campus Ministries staff on overnight retreats each semester. Retreats are designed to empower students to explore more deeply their relationships with God. They are planned and led by student peer facilitators with the Campus Ministries professional staff. Some of our offerings include Connections for First Year Students, Search/Kairos, Athlete Retreats, and Divinely Designed Women’s Retreat. We also offer Ignatian retreats: a three-day silent retreat, and MANRESA. Most retreats take place at our beautiful Chapman Lake Retreat Center located 12 miles from campus. We offer some outdoor retreats: Born to Be Wild – a day hike to Ricketts Glen State Park or Mt. Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap; Outbound – an overnight backpacking pilgrimage in the NY Catskills; and the Desert Experience – a 5-day retreat in Death Valley, CA.

Bereavement Ministry

Our Bereavement Ministry provides support to those who grieve the loss of a friend or family member. A Mass of Remembrance is held in November to remember those who have died in the past year to offer support to those who mourn.

Pastoral Counseling

Many students find campus ministers good mentors who help students reflect on and integrate the experiences of joy and jubilation amidst the strains and sorrows that make up the years of young adulthood - like normal bouts of homesickness, roommate difficulties, young adult struggles with addictions, or family and relationship challenges. We are also here to assist students with questions about God and their faith lives. Because we are rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, we want to be of service to students by offering a listening ear along with advice (when asked) to help them get through trying times. Members of the Campus Ministries team are always available to talk about any problems or issues.

Service and Social Justice

Center for Service and Social Justice

The Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) is boldly driven by a commitment to excellence. We provide transformational learning experiences, preparing students who will, in the words of Jesuit founder St. Ignatius Loyola, “set the world on fire.” The University of Scranton responds to the Gospel call to help those in need. In addition, the University upholds the social justice teachings of the Church as an essential part of the Catholic faith. Catholic social teaching is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and human dignity. This understanding of social justice leads to action—completing service. Service for any person of faith is not optional but a response to a Divine call to help the other in need in order to foster greater peace and justice in our world.

CSSJ offers programming and experiences that help inform the individual conscience and challenge each to work toward the transformation of unjust societal structures. Each year, approximately 2,700 students perform well over 162,000 service hours. Programs include food and clothing drives, poverty and homelessness simulations, and local service opportunities in the Scranton area. Several domestic service trips take place in locations around the country during Spring break – Los Angeles, Baton Rouge, Anchorage, and Washington D.C. among others. Students are empowered to express their faith in reflective service while responding to local and national needs.

International Service Program

The International Service Program provides opportunities for our students to be immersed in cultures and experiences in developing countries of our world, instilling a deep concern for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor and most vulnerable. These transformative seven to ten day service experiences in Central and South American countries take place during May and June at the completion of the Spring semester.

CRS Student Ambassadors

The CRS Student Ambassador program engages Scranton students in tangible acts of solidarity to build a more just and peaceful world. The Scranton chapter of student leaders mobilizes their peers and brings to life the mission of global solidarity on campus by learning about and acting on global emergencies and injustices. Ambassadors organize awareness campaigns, prayer services, candlelight vigils, faith-sharing groups, legislative advocacy, and fundraising campaigns for global emergencies.

Postgraduate Service

Since 1983, a total of 446 Scranton graduates have chosen to spend a year or more in full-time volunteer service immediately after graduation. Campus Ministries provides assistance to graduating seniors in finding placement in one of many long-term service organizations. By serving in the United States as well as the developing parts of the world, participants are able to enrich their own cultural vision and come to a deeper understanding of the Christian principle of justice. Although each organization specifies its own requirements, volunteers are usually asked to give a specified amount of time – often one year – to their postgraduate service commitment. Service is voluntary, but participants are provided housing, meals, and sometimes a small stipend for personal expenses. The Campus Ministries team will help students navigate the many opportunities to engage in full-time postgraduate service or paid nonprofit work.

Spiritual Formation

RCIA

The University of Scranton offers RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and Confirmation Preparation for any students interested in receiving the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist celebrate our membership in the Catholic Church. Through the RCIA program, those who wish to become Catholic, and those who are baptized and now wish to be in full communion with the Church, participate in a preparation process that is intertwined with the liturgical life (Mass), the ministerial life (campus ministries), and the mission life (justice and service) of the University. Because University life flows within the academic calendar, most people begin the process at the beginning of the Fall semester and celebrate the sacraments toward the end of the Spring semester during the Easter season. 

Spiritual Direction

Those students interested in broadening and enhancing their relationship with God can meet with a spiritual director regularly to discuss their prayer lives and their ever-changing relationships with God. Students meet one-on-one with a professional minister, usually for an hour every month or so, to talk about their faith lives. The length and frequency of sessions are determined by the student and his or her director. Meeting with a spiritual companion can help gain a deeper awareness of how God is present and active in the midst of daily life.

Fit and Faithful

Fit and Faithful is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to combine prayer with physical fitness. In this three-circuit, body-weight workout, participants offer the workout for a prayer intention. Prayer workouts begin with Christian-based prayer, but people of all faiths are welcome to join us and to pray in their faith traditions.

For Students who are from Faith Traditions other than Roman Catholicism

Campus Ministries is committed to the faith development of the University family, branching out to embrace the richness of our culturally diverse and multifaith community. In order to discern God’s action in the world, the Campus Ministries’ professional staff seeks to journey with students as each strives to incorporate the beliefs of each person’s faith tradition into daily life. Those who are searching for their place in relation to God, religion, and spirituality are most welcome to explore Campus Ministries’ offerings. All programs offered from Campus Ministries are open to all students. We are also ready and willing to assist students looking to find a house of worship of their religious tradition near campus. An All Faiths Prayer Room is available for students in the Office of Campus Ministries’ for individual or small-group prayer.

As a gift to the Muslim community of Scranton, the University established a mosque on campus in 1996. Located on Taylor Avenue, the Campus Mosque is open to the public for prayer and reflection. Dr. Riaz Hussain, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Finance, serves as imam. The Friday Jum’ah service starts at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Since 1988, the Byzantine Rite Chapel in Ciszek Hall on Mulberry Street has served as a place for personal prayer and Eastern Rite liturgical celebrations. Ciszek Hall was dedicated in 2005 to the memory of Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J., a native of northeastern Pennsylvania and a candidate for sainthood. Fr. Ciszek was imprisoned for 23 years in Soviet prisons and the labor camps of Siberia, where he remained committed to the spiritual well-being of those around him, especially those of the Byzantine tradition.

University Chaplain

The University Chaplain strives to imbue the University community with the living presence of Ignatian Spirituality and Roman Catholic ideals. The Chaplain’s ministry is multifaceted: preaching, teaching, writing, celebrating sacraments, giving retreats, providing spiritual direction, living in a residence hall among students, offering pastoral counseling, and being present and available to students, faculty and staff. The Chaplain’s ministry is one of “The Conversational Word of God.” In collaboration with Campus Ministries and the Jesuit Center, the University Chaplain labors to provide the engaged, integrated, global educational experience that is a hallmark of Jesuit and Catholic higher education. The Chaplain works to make effective and vibrant the University’s commitment to the Jesuit values of Faith, Justice and Reconciliation, and Roman Catholic openness to transformative dialogue with other religious traditions.

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, guest artists perform as soloists with the student ensembles, and guest artist programming is closely co-ordinated with the student 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 excellent Steinway B & L performance pianos, and a fully 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 very long list of musical masters, among them Wess “WarmDaddy” Anderson; Kyle Athayde; David Lao Ball; Eddie Barbash; Joseph Boga; Janet Sora Chung; Jeffrey and Lauren Curnow; Michael Davis; Aaron Diehl; Dominick Farinacci; Marion Felder; Wycliffe Gordon; Victor Goines; Mark Gould; Carlos Henriquez; Riza Hequibal; Frederick Hohman; Caleb and Amanda Hudson; T. Terry James; Rob Kapilow; Mark Kosower; Jennifer Krupa; Brandon Lee; Joanne Lessner; Wynton Marsalis; Kako Miura; Thomas Murray; Ted Nash; Jee-Won Oh; Sam Pilafian; Leigh Pilzer; Marcus Printup; Jay Rattman; Eric Reed; Joshua Rosenblum; Loren Schoenberg; Jumaane Smith;  Tim Smith; Erica von Kleist; Ron Stabinsky; Robert Starer; Andres Tarantiles; Warren Vache; Frank Vignola; Lawrence Wolfe; Pamela Wolfe; Greg Zelek; The New York Trumpet Ensemble; “Travelin’ Light”; David Ostwald’s Gully Low Jazz Band; The National Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars; DIVA Jazz Orchestra; The New Wonders; and members of the New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Minnesota, Cleveland and Dallas Symphony Orchestras, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The Empire Brass Quintet, and The Canadian Brass; and many others. 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.  Since 1984 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 and materials of our late composer in residence Vaclav Nelhybel; The Scranton Brass Seminar, an intensive summer skill building program for brass players and teachers; and The Scranton Brass Orchestra, a fully professional ensemble which offers two to four performances 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 or contact Cheryl Y. Boga, Conductor and Director of Performance Music.
Web: scranton.edu/music
Email: music@scranton.edu.
Facebook: PerformanceMusicatTheUniversityofScranton      
Twitter & Instagram: UofSMusic
Phone: (570) 941-7624

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 University of Scranton Players offer numerous opportunities for students across campus (regardless of major or minor) in their production season. Housed in the McDade Center for the Literary & Performing Arts, Players get hands-on experience working with professionals in the theatre arts in both of our performances spaces, the Royal Theatre & Studio Theatre. Our season offers a mix of classical and contemporary works as well as musicals and student-created projects.

Tied to the Theatre Program, the Players have played host to theatre luminaries like Stephen Karam, Sara Ruhl, Douglas Carter Beane, Caridad Svich, Dennis Size, Richard Harris, and Jason Miller.

Participation on & off stage is open to all students, regardless of academic year or major. Students interested should look for the University of Scranton Players on Facebook, at http://thescrantonplayers.com, or contact the Theatre Program Director in CLP 108.

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 32 new buildings, acquired 18 and completed more than 50 major renovation projects to acquired and existing facilities. (In 1985, the University had 40 buildings with 760,000 square feet. The current inventory is 81 buildings and over 2.4 million square feet.)

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.

In spring 2018 the University completed upgrades to the athletic fields and facilities known as the South Side Sports Complex, which was named the Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus.  The $14 million project was dedicated this spring in honor of the University’s 25th president. The University’s soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and softball Division III NCAA teams will play at the 11-acre athletics campus located along Broadway Street in Scranton. The campus also includes bleacher seating, a field house with team locker rooms and a training room, parking, a community basketball court and a children’s play area.

Thirteen traditional residence halls, primarily for first-year students, 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.

More 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 two, three, four, and five 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 a 71,000-square-foot academic building located in the center of campus that 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 Formation & Campus Life and Campus Ministries, 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 academic and administrative departments, including the Office of Educational Assessment and the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services; and Brown Hall, dedicated in February 2016 to honor Scranton’s first African-American graduate.

Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall was dedicated in September 2015. It houses the undergraduate and graduate departments of Exercise Science, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 116,000, $47.5 million building contains interactive rehabilitation laboratories, flexible teaching facilities, classrooms, tele-health and research facilities. In addition, Leahy Hall is seamlessly integrated with McGurrin Hall to promote interaction with related departments in Panuska College – Nursing, Education, Counseling & Human Services, Health Administration and Human Resources.      

The University of Scranton at a Glance

Students

The student population, including adult, part-time and graduate students, is approximately 5,286. About 89% of full-time freshmen live on campus.

Student Life

• Over 3,500 students provided more than 170,000 hours of service in 2017-2018

• More than 80 active clubs and organizations

• 23 NCAA Division III (non-scholarship) athletic programs – 11 for men and 12 for women

• One Empire 8 athletic team

• More than 1,500 student participants in intramural and recreational sports each year

Academic Programs

Faculty

Eighty-nine percent of the University’s full-time, instructional faculty members hold doctoral or other terminal degrees in their fields. The student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 allows for class sizes that average approximately 20* students.

Economic Impact

The University created nearly $319.6 million in overall economic output and supported 1,953 jobs, including 1,237 employees (as of the end of the 2016-2017 academic year), according to data from an Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development impact study completed in 2018. On average, each student spends $36 per month dining out downtown and, since 2004, the institution has held more than 8,013 events at the University. Student, physician and nurse volunteers in the Leahy Clinic provide free healthcare services to Lackawanna County’s uninsured residents — 1,023 patients in 2017.

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.