Ashford University

The History of Ashford University

· In 1918, Mount St. Clare College was founded as a junior college by the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa.

· Originally an outgrowth of Mount St. Clare Academy (which was founded in 1893), the College was designed to meet a higher education need in Clinton and the surrounding area. MSC held its first formal commencement in 1930 and from 1932 to 1954 the College's teacher education program prepared 62 percent of all teachers who worked in the schools of Clinton County.

· In 1950 the College was first accredited by the North Central Association Colleges and Schools, and has since maintained that accreditation.

· The year 1958 was a year of building for the College -- Construction of a spacious two-story library building was completed. Also being erected at this time were St. Francis Auditorium-Gymnasium and the Mount St. Clare Speech and Hearing Center.

· Expansion continued in the early 1960s - construction of Durham Hall, a residence hall, in 1962 and the Science Building in 1965.

· In April 1979, MSC received approval to award baccalaureate degrees. The first degree offered was Business Administration.

· The Durgin Educational Center was completed in April 1998. The first graduation ceremony was held there in May. Dedication ceremonies were held in September.

· In December 2002, MSC became The Franciscan University and in May 2004 it conferred its first Master's degrees.

· Bridgepoint Education, Inc., a higher education organization, acquired the institution in 2005, and its name was changed to Ashford University.

Where is the University located?

The campus sits on a scenic bluff in Clinton, Iowa (population: 28,000), near the Mississippi River and midway between Chicago and Des Moines.

What academic programs does the University offer?

Ashford University grants the Bachelor of Arts degree in fourteen different majors ranging from Accounting through Visual Arts. You may also select from nine Bachelor of Science majors, such as Biology, Health Science, or Natural Science. Or you may prefer to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree, customized with a core subject area. You are also free to add a minor to any of these Bachelor's degree programs. Ashford University also has an online program.

If you have already completed your undergraduate studies, then you have the opportunity to earn a Master's degree, either in Organizational Management or in Business Administration.

What if I want to transfer from a community college or another 4-year school?

You can absolutely transfer to Ashford University from a community college or university. You will find that Ashford University is a great place to continue and complete your education. Most of your transfer credits from a regionally accredited or approved nationally accredited college or university can be accepted by Ashford University under certain specified guidelines.
Also, you may exercise your rights under an articulation agreement between your previous school and Ashford University. Currently, Ashford University honors articulation agreements from more than a dozen different community colleges and schools.

What is the student-faculty ratio?

You will find your Ashford faculty and staff accessible and easy to work with. The on-campus undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 12 to 1, allowing you plenty of personal time and attention from each of your instructors.

What kinds of academic support and learning resources does Ashford offer?

You have access to Ashford University's modern Library as a member of the Ashford community. Ashford's Library offers a wealth of both hard-copy and online research materials and services, and is an online member of the PrairieCat (formerly Quad-LINC) online public access catalog.

You are also welcome to drop in at Ashford's Flavian Center, which provides free tutoring services by professional staff and peer tutors who have demonstrated excellence in a variety of content areas.

What facilities does the campus feature?

The campus features seven facilities to meet your academic, athletic, recreational, and social needs. The main complex comprises 5 interconnected buildings: St. Clare, the Science Building, the Library, St. Francis, and Regis. Just a short walk away stand Durham Hall and the Durgin Educational Center.

What athletic programs are offered at the University?

The Ashford University Saints compete at a high level as members of the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).The University fields teams in men's baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and track & field, and in women's basketball, golf, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. Men's and women's cross-country will debut in Fall, 2008. The University's teams are known as "The Saints" and Champ, a St. Bernard, is the University's mascot.

What kinds of activities can students be involved in at Ashford?

Outside of class, you can choose from a wide range of social and recreational activities. Ashford University offers many opportunities for you to get involved in clubs and organizations on campus. Campus organizations include service organizations, special interest groups, special event planning committees, support groups, honor societies and recreation clubs.

Can I visit and tour Ashford University's campus?

You may certainly visit their campus. Ashford University is located at: 400 North Bluff Blvd. Clinton, Iowa 52732. Call their toll-free number to schedule a tour: 1.866.711.1700.

Do I qualify for Financial Aid?

You will partner with a Financial Services Advisor to determine whether you can benefit from the various Financial Aid options offered. Financial Aid programs include the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal PLUS Loan and in some cases, the Federal Pell Grant.

Accreditations & Associations

Ashford University® is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation by the commission provides assurance to prospective students that Ashford University has been found to meet the commission's stated requirements and criteria.

Mission Statement

The mission of Ashford University® is to provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions, and communities.

Purposes

To foster a vigorous, diverse learning environment shaped by contemporary awareness, intellectual inquiry, and a shared search for truth in which students gain knowledge and build skills and values useful in their personal and career development.

To cultivate student-centered learning at all levels, supported by technological resources and led by qualified faculty and staff who are guided by contemporary scholarship and professional practice.

To promote the development of foundational values relevant to leadership in the 21st century: self-worth, creativity, interdependence, service, integrity, and effectiveness.

To foster intellectual and personal growth, sensitivity to diversity and human dignity, effective and responsible leadership, environmental responsibility, and lifelong learning.

To provide a traditional liberal arts college experience, accelerated external-degree programs for adult learners, and relevant graduate programs.

To place priority upon institutional effectiveness, excellent value, affordability, responsive student services, accountable administrative processes, continuous assessment of student learning, and curriculum improvement to assure quality in a rapidly changing culture and demonstrate innovative leadership in higher education.

To maintain operational, financial, and strategic strength to ensure the future of Ashford University.