Indianapolis—Marian University (www.marian.edu) is vowing to assist Saint Joseph’s College students by offering what they call a “seamless transfer process,” including financial assistance that will guarantee current students pay the same out-of-pocket tuition that they are paying currently. Last Friday, the Saint Joseph’s College board of trustees voted to suspend operations due to financial concerns.
“The leadership at Saint Joseph’s College reached out and asked if we could prepare plans to assist their students with a smooth transition during this difficult period,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. “We consider Saint Joseph’s College a sister institution; we share the same mission. We want to help their students, staff and faculty in any way that we can.”
Elsener said that Marian University has established a section on its website (www.marian.edu/saintjoseph) where current and accepted Saint Joseph’s College students can find information about transferring. Admissions representatives from Marian University will be on campus to meet with Saint Joseph’s College this Thursday, February 9.
“We want to make the transfer process for Saint Joseph’s College students as seamless as possible,” Elsener said. “The sooner we can meet with students, provide them with the information they need, and answer their questions, the smoother the process will be. Our goal is for the students to earn their degree in the same amount of time it would have taken them to finish at Saint Joe’s.”
Marian University says it will honor all transfer credits earned with a minimum grade of C-. It will also offer financial assistance guaranteeing that students pay the same out-of-pocket tuition costs that they are currently paying at Saint Joseph’s College. Marian University officials stated there will be a few exceptions, notably student-athletes and students receiving tuition remission.
“We encourage student-athletes who want to continue competing intercollegiately to contact the Marian University coach of their sport,” Elsener said. “St. Joe’s student-athletes are welcome to compete for open spots on the roster. Even if there isn’t an opportunity for them to compete at Marian, we will work to develop financial aid packages that fit each individual financial situation.” Elsener said student-athletes can find contact information for Marian University coaches at www.muknights.com/staff.php.
“There is a long road ahead for our friends at Saint Joseph’s College, and I want to offer prayers and support as they navigate a path forward,” Elsener said. “We will do all that we can to help within our financial, accreditation, and academic limits, and we hope that we will see Saint Joseph’s College emerge from this difficult time as a sustainable and dynamic institution of Catholic higher education.”
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About Marian University Indianapolis
Marian University (www.marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of nearly 3,000 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana’s 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide. Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 33 national championships in cycling, captured the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015, and won the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2016.