Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University
Motto Achievement, Leadership, Service
Type Private Lutheran
Coeducational
Established 1858
Endowment $151,751,947 (2014)[1]
President L. Jay Lemons
Academic staff
 120
Undergraduates

2,203 [2]

Acceptance rate: 66% (2016)
Location Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, USA
Campus Rural
325 acres (132 ha)
Newspaper The Quill
Colors Orange and Maroon
         
Athletics NCAA Division III - Landmark Conference
Sports 24 varsity teams
Nickname River Hawks
Website www.susqu.edu

Susquehanna University is a four-year, co-educational, private liberal arts university in Selinsgrove, in central Pennsylvania, United States. The university is situated in the Susquehanna Valley approximately 50 mi (80 km) north of Pennsylvania's state capital, Harrisburg.

The academic programs fall into either the School of Arts and Sciences or the AACSB International-accredited Sigmund Weis School of Business. Susquehanna University enrolls more than 2,200 undergraduate students from 33 states and 23 countries,[3] and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1. Most students are required to live on campus all four years[4] and as of 2012, all students participate in a cross-cultural study away or service learning experience known as the GO Program. Noteworthy alumni include several Pennsylvania political representatives and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

The university was founded in 1858 by Benjamin Kurtz as the Lutheran-based Missionary Institute paired with a sister college, the Susquehanna Female College. When the sister college closed in 1873, the missionary institute became co-educational, and in 1895 it became a four-year school renamed Susquehanna University. The school's 325 acres sit in rural Pennsylvania and house 39 residential buildings, six academic buildings, a library, athletic facilities, a health center, and several administrative buildings.

Academics

Susquehanna University is a small, liberal arts college based in rural central Pennsylvania and is devoted solely to undergraduate education. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.[5] Susquehanna maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 with 92% of full-time faculty holding a doctorate or highest equivalent degree.[6]

The university offers more than 100 majors, minors and programs[7] and gives students the freedom to design their own major. Susquehanna balances its liberal arts education with five pre-professional programs in law, veterinary medicine and teaching, and coordinates with Thomas Jefferson University for allied health, Temple University for dentistry and Columbia University for engineering.[8] In 2016, an average of 96% of graduates were enrolled in graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.[9]

Organization and administration

Susquehanna University is split into two main academic departments, the School of Arts and Sciences and the Sigmund Weis School of Business. The School of Arts and Sciences offers the majority of majors, putting an emphasis on a more traditional liberal arts education including science and the humanities.[10] The Sigmund Weis School of Business is geared towards a more technical degree.[11]

Susquehanna University is governed by the president, a governing body of 56 members and a team of administrators.[12]

Selinsgrove Hall in October 2009, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It is the oldest building on campus.

Rankings

Publication Rank Year References
Wall Street Journal 170th Best College 2016 [13]
Educate to Career 59th Best Value College 2016 [14]
Money 313th Best Value College 2016 [15]
Washington Monthly 54th best liberal arts college in the United States 2016 [16]
Princeton Review 11th most popular study abroad program 2016 [17]
Niche 17th Most Conservative College in Pennsylvania 2015 [18]
New York Times 9th Most Economically Diverse College 2014 [19]
Princeton Review Best Northeastern College, with the 14th best science lab facilities, 17th most popular study abroad program, the 20th best health services, and the 12th easiest campus to get around 2013 [20]
US News & World Report 124th best liberal arts college in the United States out of 266 2013 [21]

GO Program

The GO Program, as part of a school policy adopted in 2009, requires all Susquehanna students go off-campus for cross-cultural learning. Students have a choice between GO Short programs of 2–3 weeks or semester-long GO Long programs.[22] In 2013, the GO Program was awarded the Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education[23]

Tuition

The total cost of attendance for the 2016-17 year is $57,650 ($43,160 in tuition and fees plus $14,490 for room and meal plan).[24] More than 99% of students receive some form of financial aid. The total amount awarded for the 2016-17 year numbered more than $83 million, and was handed out in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study Program.[25]

History

Founding and early years

The Missionary Institute’s first building. It is now known as Selinsgrove Hall.

Susquehanna University was founded in 1858 as The Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church by Benjamin Kurtz. Having already assisted in the founding of Gettysburg Seminary (now Gettysburg College), Kurtz wanted to create another institution to expand the form of American Lutheranism that he and his contemporaries Samuel Simon Schmucker, founder and first president of Gettysburg College, and Samuel Sprecher, second president of Wittenberg College, advocated.

His mission was to “educate men for the gospel ministry … who cannot take a full course of training adapted to their age and circumstances; a course so thorough in Theology as will qualify them to be able and faithful ministers of Christ.” The American Lutherans of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania pledged $22,000, 50 students and the provisional use of its church facilities.[26] However, they stipulated that the Missionary Institute be expanded to a junior college and that a sister college, Susquehanna Female College, also be formed. Kurtz’s own personal mission was the foundation of the institute’s theology department, which he led as the first professor of theology. The school’s official description, as read in the official founding charter, was “An American and Lutheran College.”[27]

Drawing of the Missionary Institute sister college Susquehanna Female College.

On Wednesday, September 1, 1858, the Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and its sister college Susquehanna Female College were born and legally recognized 23 days later. Benjamin Kurtz was officially recognized as the first president. It had two departments, the theology department headed by Benjamin Kurtz and Henry Ziegler, and the classical department. By 1873, the sister college disbanded and the Institute became coeducational. In 1895, the institute officially became known as Susquehanna University.[28]

20th century

The 20th century brought many changes. The school had just recently transitioned into a full four-year college, offering bachelor degrees and changing its name to Susquehanna University in 1895. Notable benefactors of the university during the turn of the century were Samuel Seibert and Charles Steele, both of whom would have buildings named after them.[29] In 1903, the board approved Susquehanna’s colors, orange and maroon.[30]

By the 1920s, student enrollment skyrocketed, accommodations were refurbished and the campus expanded, academic departments and offerings enhanced, and new benefactors such as Charles Fischer and Martin Hassinger emerged, both of whom also have buildings named after them.[31]

Campus

The Path at Susquehanna University.

The Susquehanna University campus spans 325 acres (132 ha) in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. There are more than 50 buildings on campus, two of which, Selinsgrove Hall and Seibert Hall, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.[32] The campus buildings are primarily in the style of Georgian architecture.

Seibert Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Students are guaranteed housing all four years, and nearly all students live on campus. Students can choose from traditional corridor-style halls, suites, townhouses, apartments and family-style houses, each requiring no more than a 10-minute walk to class.[33]

Selinsgrove and Seibert Hall

Selinsgrove Hall is a  3 1⁄2-story brick structure constructed in 1858 in the Italianate style. The roof features a wooden cupola and the structure is featured on the university seal. Seibert Hall is a  2 1⁄2-story brick structure constructed in 1902 in a restrained Colonial Revival style.[34] Both buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.[32]

Natural sciences center

The newest addition to the Susquehanna campus is a $32-million complex that houses Susquehanna’s biology, chemistry, and earth and environmental science programs.[35] The building received Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.[35] The 75,000-square-foot (7,000 m2) building was dedicated on October 23, 2010.[36]

Student life

Susquehanna University offers more than 150 student clubs and organizations, a variety of honor societies and professional organizations, and 11 Greek Life organizations.[37]

Traditions

First-Year Students' Move In Day welcomes first-year students by sending orientation team members out to carry all new students' belongings into their dorm rooms. Many faculty and staff will also assist with the move-in process.[38]

Thanksgiving Dinner is held prior to students leaving for Thanksgiving vacation. Students are served a turkey dinner by faculty, staff, and the University President.[39]

Christmas Candlelight Service is one of Susquehanna's most cherished traditions. Held in Weber Auditorium in early December, the service includes songs, readings, and prayers and finishes with everyone in attendance holding a lit candle.[40]

Twas the Night Before Christmas read by President Lemons. Students come to the campus center dressed in their pajamas and indulge in cookies and cocoa while enjoying a reading of the classic Christmas tale.[41]

Clubs and organizations

Academic interest

There are a variety of academic interest clubs and organizations in the fields of business, education, music, sciences, foreign languages, and communications.[42]

Diversity

Susquehanna's cultural interest organizations work to promote the awareness, education, and support of race, ethnicity, and gender issues.[43]

Publications and media

Performing arts

In addition to the student-run clubs and organizations that focused on music and dance, many ensembles are university sponsored and count toward major or elective credit requirements.[51]

The University Choir, Chorale, and Chamber Singers are the three vocal performance groups open to all students by audition, and the instrumental offerings (many of which are also open to all students through an audition process) range from small ensembles to pep bands to the University Symphonic Band.[52]

The theatre department also holds performances throughout the year with four large and several small productions a year.[53]

Religious life

There are eight religious life organizations at Susquehanna. In addition, students as well as the general public have the opportunity to attend Lutheran services held Sunday mornings on campus.[54]

Special interest

Susquehanna students have more than 30 special interest organizations to choose from with focuses ranging from Shakespeare to gaming, crafting to the paranormal. Students have the option to come before the SGA with a proposal for a new organization if they have an interest in starting a club.[55]

Volunteering/service

There are 10 clubs and organizations that focus on volunteering or service.[56]

Student programs

Susquehanna's on-campus, student-run night club is TRAX. The facility offers a stage for live bands, comedians and other performers as well as a dance floor, bar, pool tables, an outside patio, and a DJ booth.[57]

Susquehanna University also has Charlie's Coffeehouse, a student-run café on campus named after the university's benefactor, Charles Degenstein. Students work as baristas, while the management team consists of five students who are responsible for the coffee shop's finances, marketing, programming, stocking, and managerial duties. This non-alcoholic venue offers a variety of programming every night of the week. Charlie's also works in partnership with the student activities committee to bring in outside entertainers and host movies before they are released to the general public.[58]

Greek life

There are four NPC sororities: (Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Delta, Sigma Kappa and Zeta Tau Alpha); five NIC fraternities: (Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi, Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Mu Delta); and two NPHC organizations: (Sigma Gamma Rho and Phi Beta Sigma).[59]

Safety

College Prowler gives Susquehanna University a B- for health and safety.[60] The University's 2013 Clery Report lists one stalking incident, seven burglaries, two robbery incidents and two sex offenses.

Athletics

Susquehanna competes in 23 varsity sports in Division III of the NCAA. Most sports compete as part of the Landmark Conference with other Northeastern colleges. Susquehanna competes in the Centennial Conference for football and women's golf and the Empire 8 for men's golf. Cheerleading is Susquehanna's 24th varsity team.[61]

Susquehanna offers intramural sports that are free of charge to all students.[62]

The Goal Post Trophy and it goes to the winner of the annual football game with rival Juniata College.[62]

Susquehanna also plays Lycoming College for the Amos Alonzo Stagg's hat (bronzed) trophy.[63]

Susquehanna University was the focus of attention when it suspended 11 athletes from their teams after they produced an "internet parody video".  based on the "Harlem Shake."[64][65] The students were given a plan of action outlining the pathway to reinstatement to their teams.[66]

In October 2015, Susquehanna University's board of trustees elected to remove the Crusaders nickname and mascot.[67] On April 2, 2016, the University announced River Hawks as the new mascot and nickname. Other finalists included Bobcats, Explorers, River Otters, and Phoenix.[68]

Notable alumni

Notable faculty and administration

References

  1. ↑ "SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" (PDF). Susquehanna University.
  2. ↑ "SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, Enrollment of Students". Susquehanna University.
  3. ↑ "Required: Fact Sheet" (PDF). Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  4. ↑ Zalaznick, Matt (May 2014). "Required: On-campus housing, all four years". University Business, Professional Media Group. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  5. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/our-leadership/provosts-office
  6. ↑ http://www.susqu.edu/admissions/1088.asp
  7. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/academics/schools-at-susquehanna
  8. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors
  9. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/admission-and-aid/discover-susquehanna/success-after-susquehanna
  10. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/academics/schools-at-susquehanna/school-of-arts-and-sciences
  11. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/academics/schools-at-susquehanna/sigmund-weis-school-of-business
  12. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/our-leadership
  13. ↑ . Wall Street Journal. 2016 http://www.wsj.com/graphics/college-rankings-2016/. Retrieved November 22, 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. ↑ . Educate to Career. 2016 https://www.jobsearchintelligence.com/etc/college-rankings.php. Retrieved September 23, 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  15. ↑ . Money. 2016 http://new.time.com/money/best-colleges/rankings/best-colleges/. Retrieved September 9, 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. ↑ "Best Colleges – National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings". Washington Monthly. 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Susquehanna University". The Princeton Review. 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Most Conservative Colleges in Pennsylvania". Niche. 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  19. ↑ . New York Times. 2014 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/09/upshot/top-colleges-that-enroll-rich-middle-class-and-poor.html?_r=0&abt=0002&abg=1. Retrieved September 8, 2014. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  20. ↑ "Susquehanna University". The Princeton Review. 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Best Colleges – National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Study Away and Service Learning". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Institute of International Education". Institute of International Education. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  24. ↑ "Susquehanna University - Tuition and Fees". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Susquehanna University - Tuition and Fees". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  26. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. p. 18. ISBN 978-1-57591-112-0. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  27. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 18–19. ISBN 978-1-57591-112-0. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  28. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 29–30. ISBN 978-1-57591-112-0. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
  29. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 105–125. ISBN 978-1-57591-112-0. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  30. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. p. 120. ISBN 978-1-57591-112-0. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  31. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 157–165. ISBN 978-1-57591-112-0. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
  32. 1 2 National Park Service (2009-03-13). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  33. ↑ "Housing and Dining". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  34. ↑ Philip Bareiss and Mark Blake (March 1978). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory — Nomination Form: Selinsgrove Hall and Seibert Hall" (PDF). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  35. 1 2 "School of Arts and Sciences Facilities". Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  36. ↑ http://www.susqu.edu/natural-sciences-center.asp
  37. ↑ "Clubs and Organizations". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Traditions". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  39. ↑ https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/history-and-traditions/thanksgiving-dinner. Retrieved November 22, 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  40. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. p. 359. ISBN 978-1-57591-112-0. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Poster: The Night before Christmas Storytelling". Blough-Weis Library, Susquehanna University. Retrieved October 2014. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  42. ↑ "Academic Interest Clubs". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Diversity Clubs". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  44. ↑ "Essay". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Rivercraft". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Susquehanna Review". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Topic Specific Publications". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  48. ↑ "The Quill". Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  49. ↑ [hhttps://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs "WQSU"]. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  50. ↑ "The Lanthorn". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  51. ↑ "Performing Arts". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  52. ↑ "Performance Opportunities". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  53. ↑ "Productions". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  54. ↑ "Religious and Spiritual Life". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  55. ↑ "Special Interest". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  56. ↑ "Volunteer and Service Clubs". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  57. ↑ "TRAX". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  58. ↑ "Charlie's". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  59. ↑ "Greek Life". Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  60. ↑ "Susquehanna University". Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  61. ↑ http://gosusqu.com/sports/cheerleading/index
  62. 1 2 http://gosusqu.com/information/club-and-intramural-sports/index
  63. ↑ "Amos Alonzo Stagg Trophy". Lycoming Tops SU, 37-23, Keeps "Stagg Hat.". Susquehanna University. 2009-09-19.
  64. ↑ http://fox43.com/2013/02/17/harlem-shake-video-gets-11-susquehanna-university-athletes-booted-from-teams/#axzz2LUvegBaz
  65. ↑ http://www.brobible.com/sports/video/susquehanna-university-harlem-shake-statement
  66. ↑ http://www.susqu.edu/news/45843.asp
  67. ↑ http://wnep.com/2015/10/27/susquehanna-university-drops-crusader-from-nickname/
  68. ↑ http://www.newsitem.com/news/2016-04-02/Breaking_News/Susquehanna_University_announces_new_nickname.html
  69. ↑ http://thebiglead.com/author/tim-ryan/
  70. ↑ https://medium.com/@TheSportsHernia
  71. ↑ https://sports.vice.com/en_us/contributor/tim-ryan

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Coordinates: 40°48′00″N 76°52′26″W / 40.8°N 76.874°W / 40.8; -76.874

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