While respecting academic freedom, the Catholic Franciscan values are reflected in our academic curriculum where and when appropriate. In addition, religious studies is one of the required General Education modules. Students must, therefore, take at least one religious studies course. Among those course offerings is a class in Franciscanism.
On the nonacademic side, there are numerous activities and events in keeping with our heritage. Students and parents are introduced at orientation to the story of Mother Colette Hilbert and St. Francis. This is expanded upon in the freshman Foundations Seminar classes. St. Francis Week activities include a Peace Walk, a Franciscan speaker, and blessing of the animals. A Live Nativity is an annual event in December. There is also much involvement in community service projects through Campus Ministry, the Hilbert Honors Program, and campus clubs. And service learning is a component in a variety of courses.
Moreover, there are visible symbols on campus that are reminders of our religious affiliation. Among these are banners imprinted with the Franciscan values that hang in the campus quad; the college’s St. Clare Chapel; Tau crosses in the classrooms; a large San Damiano crucifix that hangs in Franciscan Hall, the college’s administrative building; and a 50-foot long wrought iron outdoor sculpture depicting the life of St. Francis adorns the front of Franciscan Hall, to name just a few.