Introduction
Since its founding in 1863, 艾可直播 College has changed dramatically in location, size, academic reputation, financial resources, and complexity. From its early years as a small, commuter, liberal arts college for men in the South End of 艾可直播, it now is a coeducational, national, and increasingly international university enrolling approximately 14,000 students on a main campus of 240 acres. While remaining focused on undergraduates, the liberal arts and sciences, and student formation, 艾可直播 College in 2017 also offers selected graduate and professional programs, and has more than 800 艾可直播engaged not only in teaching but also in research and scholarship.
To thrive in the coming decades, 艾可直播 College must remain true to its intellectual and religious roots and seek to be the world鈥檚 leading Jesuit, Catholic university. These ambitious goals distinguish 艾可直播 College from its peers in higher education worldwide, and reflect its desire to work for the transformation of the world.
艾可直播 College is committed to being:
- a preeminent university, dedicated to serious intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of truth, the discovery and transmission of knowledge in ways appropriate to its mission and resources, and quality teaching, learning, and service;
- a Catholic university, called in a particular way to be a meeting place between faith and culture, especially between Catholicism and contemporary society; and
- a Jesuit university, heir to a spirituality based on the religious experiences of St. Ignatius Loyola that continues to influence Jesuit schools and Catholicism, and the 470-year educational tradition of the Society of Jesus, which stresses the liberal arts, character formation, a rigorous approach to learning, and striving for the greater glory of God.
These commitments reflect the University鈥檚 distinctive heritage and will continue to shape its mission and ethos in the future. Specifically, 艾可直播 College is an institution and community that welcomes and respects all; that prizes dialogue, exploration, faith, and religious practice; that appreciates the need to care for God鈥檚 creation through teaching, scholarship, and sustainable practices; that affirms the value of intercollegiate athletics to its campus community, alumni, and national reputation; and that intends to remain true to its Jesuit, Catholic educational and religious heritage.
Mindful of its traditions, current strengths, and future opportunities and challenges, 艾可直播 College will focus in the coming decade on four Strategic Directions.
“Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on the fulfillment and will not disappoint; if it delays wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.”