ASU, U-Mary collaborate for unprecedented academic endeavor
Arizona State University has entered into a collaborative agreement with the University of Mary (U-Mary) that will provide an opportunity for ASU students to take courses from U-Mary in theological studies or Catholic studies as a complement to their ASU degree.
In addition to taking single courses, ASU students may earn a major or minor in theological studies or Catholic studies through U-Mary.
ASU students will need to discuss with their academic advisors the transferability of any U-Mary courses they wish to take, as not all courses will transfer for credit.
The courses will be taught at the Newman Center in Tempe, adjacent to the ASU campus. Classes will begin in fall 2012.
“ASU, as a model for a New American University, is dedicated to the inclusion of all,” said ASU President Michael Crow. Since he arrived at ASU in 2002 he has expressed that all faith-based groups are welcome “to plant their flags deep at the university.” That has resulted in major expansion of the LDS Institute at ASU and new construction at the Newman Center.
“This exciting collaboration with Arizona State University serves students in an entirely new way,” said University of Mary President Father James Shea. “Through what we believe to be an unprecedented academic partnership of public and Catholic higher education, ASU’s impressive offerings are expanded and some of U-Mary’s best degree programs find a new home. We’re thrilled to be part of this endeavor.”
The agreement between ASU and U-Mary, an institution of 3,100 students located in Bismarck, N.D., provides an opportunity for Arizona students wishing to continue their Catholic education or interested in studying theology to do so without going out of state.
While it is not uncommon for students to take courses at more than one institution of higher education at the same time, there are several benefits of this new collaboration that will make it easier for ASU students to take U-Mary classes.
Class schedules between ASU and U-Mary will “mesh” in terms of both the calendar and the start and end times of courses so that students should be able to plan a reasonable class schedule.
ASU students who wish to take courses from U-Mary during their program of study at ASU may register at U-Mary as non-degree seeking students without formal application or acceptance. Students then register for courses through U-Mary and pay tuition and fees directly to U-Mary. Students who are co-registered at both institutions will pay their bills separately for each institution. However, if they are recipients of federal aid, ASU will serve as the generator of the financial aid consortium agreement.
New and continuing students are eligible for this new collaborative program. Interested students and parents may contact David Fleischacker at (701) 355-8174.
Arizona State University is the largest public research university in the United States under a single administration, with total student enrollment of more than 70,000 in metropolitan Phoenix, the nation’s fifth-largest city. ASU is creating a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application, blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
The University of Mary was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation and is North Dakota’s only private, Catholic university. Programs are currently offered at 18 sites in six states, through the University of Mary Centers for Accelerated and Distance Education, as well as the new campus in Rome, Italy. U-Mary offers undergraduate degrees in 53 majors, eight master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, as well as 16 varsity sports to its students.
Written by Sharon Keeler
Media contact:
Skip Derra, skip.derra@asu.edu
480-965-4823