Opening Doors to New Faculty, Programs
and Students

The James J. Maguire '58 Campus is bustling with new curriculum and experiences that are enriching academic programs while helping Saint Joseph's attract the brightest and best students.

For fall 2011-12, new facilities have enabled SJU's Colleges of Arts and Sciences to add three new majors and four new minors. Students of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics and social sciences now have a choice of 34 majors and 42 minors.

Saint Joseph's new major in communications studies is preparing students with writing, web and visual skills, as well as ethics, for employment in the fast-paced, technology-driven industry. To date, 16 students have declared communications studies as their major. "As the program is promoted and becomes more widely known, 30 to 40 incoming freshman are likely to choose it," said Owen Gilman, Ph.D., director of the communications studies program.

In the arts, Saint Joseph's now offers a separate music major, as well as a theater and film major. The Department of Fine and Performing Arts was split into an expanded Department of Art and a newly created Department of Music, Theatre and Film. "Now the University can tailor each major specifically to better meet student needs," said Suzanne Sorkin, Ph.D., Music Department Chair. "This fall, 22 students declared majors in the new Department of Music. I expect that number to double by next year."

While expanded course offerings help attract new students, the newly renovated Campus Commons building is creating an excellent first impression as the new welcome center for admission programming.

Previously a spartan space used as Episcopal Academy's chapel, the glass-enclosed iconic building's interior has been transformed into a more inviting space with comfortable furniture and high-tech presentation equipment. Prospective students and their families see a multimedia presentation that brings to life our burgeoning University in an environment that can be configured especially for each group. At the same time, the Campus Commons' windows offer sweeping views of the lively Maguire Campus, a perfect starting point for admissions tours.

"The Campus Commons enables us to provide a more welcoming, consistent and customized experience for prospective students and their families," said Cary Anderson, Ed.D., Vice President for Student Affairs. "We are better prepared to make an indelibly positive first impression." After recruiting hours, the Campus Commons will provide a much-needed additional venue for speaker's series, senior recitals, concerts and other events.

The opening of each new facility and inception of each new program on the Maguire Campus is setting off a chain reaction of profound progress for the University. Thanks to the vision and generosity of the Maguire family and major donors, Saint Joseph's is taking full advantage of every new opportunity to enhance the student experience and is moving forward toward the realization of its full potential.