MANSFIELD, PA—Students earning college credit and valuable life
experience while participating in study abroad programs, service learning opportunities and other new educational paradigms, has earned Mansfield University a place among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction for 2015-16.
“Colleges of Distinction is delighted to honor Mansfield University for its success in expanding programming by developing competencies relevant to graduates’ lives,” Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction, said. “Active engagement is well recognized as a key to ensuring that undergraduates get the most out of their educations, and it has proven correlation with on-time graduation as well. Students increasingly demand access to hands-on learning, and Colleges of Distinction congratulates Mansfield for leading the way in the development of new methodologies that prepare students for the future.”
“It is an honor for Mansfield University to be considered among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction,” Mansfield President Fran Hendricks said. “It is gratifying to receive validation for what we see as our stated mission and commitment to student success.”
“I have frequently described Mansfield University as a diamond in the rough,” Ralph Meyer, chair of the MU Council of Trustees, said. “This national recognition affirms the excellent opportunities that Mansfield University offers to its students. Its small size, outstanding academic programs and superb faculty makes Mansfield University the distinctive university that resulted in this honor.”
To qualify to be a College of Distinction, schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions—Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.
The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction measures.
“Colleges of Distinction provides more than just a ranking or a tally of test scores,” Schritter said. “We identify colleges that offer every student an educationally rewarding experience. The Colleges of Distinction have earned solid reputations for nurturing and serving their students across every measure. Like Mansfield, our member schools provide the affirming undergraduate experience every student deserves.”
To view MU’s profile and find more information about the innovative learning experiences it offers, and to find out more about the Colleges of Distinction program, go to collegeosfdistinction.com