MADONNA UNIVERSITY
Overview

Madonna University, founded and sponsored by the Felician Sisters of Livonia, Michigan, maintains fidelity to the teaching authority of the Catholic Church through its academic curriculum and student life activities;

The University's faith environment fosters the search for unity and the spirit of ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, and intellectual freedom. Through undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional study, Madonna University provides men and women with opportunities for intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. The University endeavors to develop the capacity of its students to evaluate values and norms of modern society and culture from a Christian perspective in order to give full meaning to human life. Ultimately, the Christian message calls upon all people to witness God's unconditional love to the world through the pursuit of truth, the promotion of social justice, and the commitment to serve others who are less fortunate.

The Madonna University Community supports and maintains an educational environment which is in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ as exemplified in the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The Franciscan ideal encourages a .conversion of heart. away from selfish worldliness toward a Christ-centered vision of creation. The mission of the University receives its spirit from such Franciscan values as:

Christian humanism, taking inspiration from the Judeo-Christian tradition of respect for life, supports the belief that a Higher Being judges and redeems life, thereby encouraging men and women to define their relationship with their brothers and sisters across the globe and throughout history itself. This philosophy recognizes the innate dignity of each person and affirms the human capacity and freedom of will to develop one.s physical, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being to the fullest. In this context, education is a means of empowerment, preparing individuals to reach their full potential.

In order to meet the intellectual, spiritual, and personal development needs of learners within the framework of Catholic and Franciscan higher education, the Madonna University community commits itself to living the following core values:

Madonna University is aware of the responsibility that results from the trust placed by the community in its ability to educate its students effectively. It, therefore, commits itself to quality as it endeavors to fulfill its mission and educational purposes. The University pursues a philosophy of continuous improvement based upon rigorous assessment, focused reflection, and informed decision making.

Madonna University recognizes that each individual.s contribution is vital to achieving society's goals and, therefore, values each person's special talents and abilities. A diversity of races, creeds, cultures, and physical ability enriches the University community, and, by creating a climate of mutual respect and justice, the University affirms each individual's right to dignity and civility.

Madonna University fosters a spirit of belonging, interdependence, and solidarity based on principles of mutual trust, respect for each individual, and social justice. The University strives to be an agent of transformation that, through the power of liberal arts education integrated with career preparation, educates men and women to create positive change in the lives of individuals and the global community.

Since its founding, Madonna University has provided educational access for diverse groups that would not have had ready access to higher education otherwise, regardless of race, creed, physical ability, age, or socioeconomic status. This commitment led to the admission of male students in 1972 and to programs for off-campus and distance education students in the 1980's and 1990's.

The University will continue to be a positive force in society by responding to the educational needs of underserved groups. In addition, Madonna University strives to deliver exceptional value at a cost below national norms for private institutions, thus remaining affordable to all students.

Madonna University creates a learner-centered environment committed to the intellectual, spiritual, and personal development of its members: students, faculty, and staff. It is focused on developing the whole person both for professional employment and a dedication to truth, goodness, and service. Each member of the University community is expected to manifest a commitment to lifelong learning and continued professional development.

The University practices honesty in all matters, including how it presents itself to its various publics and conducts all transactions. By manifesting integrity, the University models this ideal for its students, employees, and the community at large and, thus, fulfills a significant aspect of its teaching mission.

The Madonna University community recognizes that all of its resources are gifts from God. With these blessings comes the responsibility to shepherd resources wisely and responsibly and to optimize their role in achieving the University's mission, vision, and purposes. Animated by the Franciscan spirit of service, the University deploys its resources for the benefit of its members, to foster learning and promote the fulfillment of human potential.

Madonna University believes in the enduring values of the liberal arts, with its curriculum based on the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences as the foundation for the critical and creative thinking, decision-making, and higher literacy necessary for being a responsible and productive citizen in contemporary society. Programs of study are designed to:

Madonna University measures its success by the high level of learning achieved by its students. It focuses on student outcomes and has identified multiple evaluation strategies to assess student academic achievement.

1. Communication: Develop effective communication skills.

2. Religious Values: Achieve an understanding of religious and moral dimensions of human experience.

3. Cultural Traditions: Develop an understanding of and responsiveness to the aesthetic, emotive, and intellectual expressions of human concerns through the humanities and arts.

4. Scientific Inquiry: Achieve an understanding of modern con cepts of science, computer technology and mathematics, and the relationship between scientific and technological realities in contemporary life.

5. Personal and Social Environment: Develop an understanding of the ways in which individuals perceive, experience, and behave in their personal and social environment.

6. World Citizenship: Develop a facility for international and national citizenship skills.

7. Personal and Professional Development: Achieve individual educational goals for personal enrichment and/or career development.

8. Significant Content Knowledge: Master a significant body of content knowledge.