| CATHOLIC … IN THE
FRANCISCAN TRADITION
We read it on the flags that line our driveways. It's printed on
our stationery, brochures, catalogues, and advertisements. We refer
to it as our Point of Difference. Outsiders tell us that it's what
makes Neumann unique and an attractive option for students. But
do we really know what it means to be Catholic… in the Franciscan
tradition? Can we explain our Point of Difference to others?
How does it distinguish us from the other colleges and universities
in the area? How is our workplace different? How are our classes
different? What added value does a Neumann graduate bring to the
"real world?"
These questions cannot be answered easily. However, if we are to
be true to who we say we are, they are worth pondering. Being
Catholic … in the Franciscan tradition does not require
that we are all Catholic or Franciscan. It does require that we
espouse certain values and strive to create a distinctive culture.
It suggests that our policies, procedures, and curriculum are shaped
by a particular worldview. In the coming months we will be offering
opportunities to examine more closely our claim to be Catholic…
in the Franciscan tradition. Those interested in exploring our
institutional identity may find the following resources helpful:
www.americancatholic.org
www.nccbuscc.org
www.educationforjustice.org
(Contact the Neumann Institute or the library for our password.)
www.cfit-esc-ofm.org
AFCU JOURNAL: A FRANCISCAN PERSPECTIVE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
In 1999 the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities
was founded to promote collaboration and the integration of the
Franciscan values and tradition within Franciscan institutions of
higher education. Dr. Rosalie Mirenda currently serves as President
of the AFCU. In 2001, Father Michael Ledoux, OFM, former director
of the NIFS, proposed that the AFCU develop and disseminate a journal.
The first issue of the journal was distributed to the Neumann College
Management Team on February 25 with suggestions for use with the
Neumann community. Hopefully, the journal will provide AFCU member
institutions with a deeper understanding of the Franciscan Intellectual
Tradition and its applications and implications for higher education.
As editor of the journal, I welcome your comments and encourage
you to consider contributing an article, poem, or artwork for a
future issue.
ACADEMIC SERVICE LEARNING REVISITED
During the 2002-2003 academic year, 35 administrators and faculty
members participated in educational sessions on academic service
learning. In June 2003, with the encouragement and support of Dr.
Thorpe, ten faculty members took part in an intensive four-day workshop
in preparation for integrating service learning into the curriculum.
From Fall 2002 to Fall 2003, engagement in service learning increased
significantly: from 83 to 206 students; from 7 to 12 faculty members;
and from 8 to 16 courses.
Conversations among interested faculty have continued this year.
Excellent models for integrating service learning and for encouraging
reflection have been shared. Concerns have also been raised, including
the desire for a Neumann College philosophy of service learning;
the need to clarify practical issues, such as required hours, finances,
travel, and liability; and the difference between academic service
learning and other forms of service and outreach, such as volunteer
service, internships, clinical and field placements.
One of the greatest testimonies to the value of service learning
came from a senior nursing student commenting on the projects of
sophomore nursing students: "The presentations were actually
quite impressive. I felt a pang of jealousy that this class got
to have hands on experience so early in their education and that
they were being taught the Franciscan educational values right from
the
start. What a wonderful foundation this class is getting."
Look for announcements of future academic service learning workshops
and dates for another intensive summer experience. Also take a moment
to explore the following websites:
www.compact.org
www.aacu-edu.org
www.aahe.org
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS REFLECT ON CARE FOR CREATION
In keeping with the college theme of Care for Creation,
faculty who teach English 101, a required core course, included
a "wilderness" unit exploring the meaning of reverence
for creation and encouraging environmental awareness and responsibility.
Students explored several resources, including selections from Franciscan
Theology of the Environment: An Introductory Reader edited by
Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF (2002). The English 101 Proficiency Exam invited
students to share insights about the meaning of reverence for creation
and to offer practical ways that college students can further the
mission of the Franciscan Center for Earth Education.
After the English professors finished reading and grading the exams,
Sr. Margaret Oman, OSF, a volunteer in the NIFS office, collated
noteworthy suggestions and comments. Not only do the essays reveal
that students learned from the readings and class discussions, but
also that students integrated learning from other classes. The summary
of the student responses is being shared with student life, academic
affairs, and campus ministry.
FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP
The early English settlers considered the establishment of a college
necessary for producing a cultured population and developing an
informed citizenry. The promotion of democracy and encouragement
of engaged citizenship remain important goals of American higher
education.
These goals are certainly consistent with our tradition as Catholic
and Franciscan. In this election year, it is important that we encourage
our students to vote and that we provide resources to assist them
in making informed decisions. The following websites provide valuable
information:
www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/faithfulcitizenship03.htm
www.networklobby.org
NEUMANN COLLEGE BOOK
Over the years the Mission Office has developed excellent resources
related to the history, mission, and values of Neumann College.
In an attempt to assemble the best mission pieces, the Mission Office
and the Neumann Institute are collaborating to produce a user friendly
Neumann College mission Book. With an anticipated date of publication
in July 2004, the Book will include: the history of the college;
mission and vision; college seal; explanation of the core values;
introductions to the lives of Francis and Clare, St. John Neumann
and Mother Francis Bachmann; information about the Sisters of St.
Francis and Franciscan Orders worldwide; relevant timelines; and
prayers from the Catholic and Franciscan traditions.
We would like to personalize the Book with prayers and artwork
from the Neumann College community. Prayers may be on any theme
related to college life and appropriate for personal or communal
prayer. Artwork should relate to the life and mission of Francis
and Clare of Assisi, Mother Francis Bachmann, and St. John Neumann,
or any of the five college values - academic excellence, integrity,
respect and love, service, and social responsibility. Look for an
invitation from Sr. Marguerite with information about how to submit
prayers and artwork.
NEED RESOURCES?
One of the services of the NIFS is the identification and dissemination
of resources to support the Catholic and Franciscan tradition both
for personal enrichment and for integration within the curriculum.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Neumann Institute for assistance
in locating resources and/or speakers. When designing courses or
assignments which invite students to reflect on the Catholic and/or
Franciscan perspective on any issue, please contact the Institute
and we will be happy to arrange information sessions or displays
for individual students or for classes.
NIFS phone: 610-361-5407
E-mail: hutchisp@neumann.edu
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