Engaged Students

“USF students become very close. Everyone gets to know each other. Being at USF has enabled me to understand my purpose in life.” –Jessica Nayder, nursing student

USF students are those who want to be engaged and active in their campus community. Whether a freshman or transfer student, resident or commuter, all USF students have countless opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

• 40 undergraduate majors, 34 undergraduate minors and 14 graduate programs in areas of business, health care/nursing, education, arts and sciences.

• 19 athletics teams with 390 student-athletes who compete in Division I of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

• Clubs and organizations, including USF’s nationally competitive Mock Trial team, provide students with ways to pursue passions and interests while preparing them for professional responsibilities.

• Duns Scotus, USF’s honors society, challenges students to excel academically and exhibit Franciscan tradition. Students receive an annual scholarship and housing discount.

• Semester-long study abroad courses are offered in England, Italy and France and annual mission trips occur in the United States and Bolivia.

To learn more go to www.stfrancis.edu/admissions

Great Teaching

“My professor has a passion for encouraging students. She’s more than a teacher; she’s a counselor, advisor and a friend.” –Carlos Arechiga, mass communication student

USF’s professors and professionals in Student Academic Support Services are focused on creating an atmosphere that facilitates critical thinking and exploration. The benefit of USF’s small size is that no student gets lost in the shuffle. Learning is personalized and student success is of utmost importance.

• The USF Summer Academy provides new students with an experience designed to ease the transition into college life and ensure academic success.

• USF’s Success Scholars is a program designed for first-generation college students in order to prepare them as leaders and prime them for academic and social success.

• College of Nursing students utilize the SIM Lab and Skills Lab where they get hands-on experience in a simulated hospital environment before working with real patients.

• USF’s cadaver lab provides biology and pre-health sciences students will the opportunity learn first-hand about human anatomy through dissection of a human cadaver.

• College of Education students participate in the Chrysalis Retreat where students have the opportunity to reflect about themselves and their passion to become a teacher.

To learn more go to www.stfrancis.edu/admissions

Vibrant Community

“I knew USF was the place for me as soon as I walked on the campus.” –Tara Rodriguez, biology student

Once prospective students visit USF, they quickly discover how they will fit into the university’s close-knit community. Students have the opportunity and are encouraged to take leadership roles in the many campus clubs and organizations. Internationally known guest speakers, researchers and performers are invited to campus each semester to further enhance the educational experience.

• USF is located in the historic Upper Bluffs area on the west side of Joliet. Surrounded by historic homes, USF’s main campus features SMART classrooms, a digital audio recording studio, a SIM nursing lab and state-of-the-art library.

• USF’s city center campus located adjacent to the Rialto Square Theatre in downtown Joliet is the home of the visual arts program and offers unique spaces for art and design students.

• About 400 USF students live on campus, which is just 35 miles southwest of Chicago. The Saints Shuttle bus can take students to and from the train station, city center campus, and USF’s Health and Wellness Center in downtown Joliet.

• USF’s Health and Wellness Center is the first nurse-managed primary health care center in Will County. Funded by a federal grant, the center provides students and the community with needed examinations, physicals and screenings.

• All USF students are provided with a free membership to the Joliet Park District’s Inwood Athletic Club. While there is a fitness room on campus, the club also has an expansive fitness floor, weights, group classes and open swim.

Successful Outcomes

“USF has sharpened my critical thinking skills and, with a semester of study in Paris, has given me an international perspective.” – Nick Purchase, business management student

A USF education prepares students for professional success and to become contributors to the world through service and leadership. USF has a network of 44,000 alumni nationwide in all 50 states and 8 foreign countries. Among USF’s alumni are influential CEOs, attorneys, doctors, nurses, teachers and social workers who all strive to make a difference locally and globally.

• USF students can utilize the Academic Resource Center for encouragement and guidance in strengthening their diverse talents and skills. Tutoring, supplemental instruction and various workshops will improve a student’s academic outcomes.

• USF students are well prepared to pass professional examinations. USF nursing students have a pass rate of near 100% on the NCLEX examination. Accounting students and future teachers also have a high level of success in achieving their certifications.

• The Career Services staff helps students create resumes and prepare for job interviews. Career Services and the Alumni Office coordinate to create a variety of networking opportunities for students and alumni alike.

• Companies employing USF grads include Argonne National Laboratory, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hillcrest Educational Centers, Mayo Clinic Radiology and RedBox Automated DVD.

• Among the graduate and professional schools attended by USF graduates are Loyola Medical School, Midwestern University, University of Illinois, University of Tennessee, New York Art Institute and, of course, University of St. Francis.