Mission
Fontbonne University, a Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides transformative education committed to the common good, inspiring students to become global citizens who think critically and act ethically to create a more just world.
Vision
Fontbonne University will develop leaders to serve a world in need.
Core Values
Fontbonne University promotes Catholic identity and honors the heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet by fostering respect, integrity, community, excellence, service, justice, and faith.
Commitment
Fontbonne University is committed to:
- Achieving academic and educational excellence.
- Advancing historical remembrance, critical reflection, and moral resolve.
- Promoting dialogue among diverse communities.
- Demonstrating care and respect for each member of the community.
- Serving the larger community.
- Preparing individuals to be an ethical and responsible presence to the world.
University Learning Goals
Fontbonne University Graduates will:
- Develop critical thinking, professional ethics, dispositions, and knowledge of core concepts relevant to one’s field of study and the pursuit of life goals.
- Apply knowledge, ability and skills in contribution to the common good and the development of right relationships.
- Articulate and act upon a personally authentic ethical framework which honors the values of integrity, diversity, inclusion, respect, justice, and service to others.
- Demonstrate ability to critically analyze, synthesize, and communicate information both within and across areas of learning, personal development, and expertise.
Catholic Identity Statement
Fontbonne University is a Catholic university founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Our core values are grounded in and inspired by our faith tradition including contemporary Catholic Social Teaching. We share a commitment to the common good for all, regardless of creed.
The word “catholic” means “universal” and “throughout the whole.” At Fontbonne, we commit to know, love, and serve the truth that unites faith and reason, nature and grace, the human and the divine. What makes us truly human helps unite us with the divine as we seek to serve God and neighbor without distinction.
The universal nature of Catholicism gives rise to our mission and vision. Because Fontbonne is Catholic, we embrace openness, inclusiveness, and diversity. Because Fontbonne is Catholic, we work for solidarity and justice. Because Fontbonne is Catholic, we recognize the presence of God in all creation and participate in the continuing transformation of ourselves and a world in need.
Diversity Statement
Fontbonne University maintains a strong commitment to diversity to increase the number of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds. Every person, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity.
Therefore, Fontbonne University will strive to:
- Create a learning environment that promotes, nurtures, and supports the understanding, recognition, and appreciation of contributions to society made by diverse individuals and groups
- Increase recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff
- Promote and foster effective communication and interaction among diverse populations
The Fontbonne core documents may be viewed at: https://www.fontbonne.edu/about/fontbonne-mission/ and the diversity statement at: https://www.fontbonne.edu/campus-life/service-diversity-and-social-justice/
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Fontbonne University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in employment or in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, educational programs, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other programs and activities. Furthermore, Fontbonne University prohibits retaliation against anyone who either opposes unlawful discrimination, assists or participates in an investigation of a complaint of discrimination, or exercises that person’s rights under any law that forbids discrimination.
The Fontbonne University coordinator for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination is:
Director of Human Resources
Fontbonne University
6800 Wydown Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 889-1493
Email: SLoher@fontbonne.edu
The Fontbonne University Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 are:
Title IX Coordinator
Janelle Julian, Dean of Students
Fontbonne University
6800 Wydown Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone (314) 719-8057
Email: jjulian@fontbonne.edu
Deputy Coordinator for Athletics
Danielle Doerfler
Director of Athletics
Fontbonne University
6800 Wydown Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 889-4540
Email: ddoerfler@fontbonne.edu
Deputy Coordinator for Employees
Steve Loher
Fontbonne University
6800 Wydown Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 889-1493
Email: SLoher@fontbonne.edu
Questions about this non-discrimination policy and any complaints of discrimination shall be directed to the appropriate coordinator. Fontbonne University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-380, as amended.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all schools that receive funds from the United States Department of Education. Education records are records that contain information directly related to a student and that are maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. Education records do not include private notes, law enforcement records, medical and counseling records, employment records, or alumni records.
In accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act, certain information designated as “directory information” may be released without the prior consent of a student, unless the student has forbidden its disclosure in writing by completing a Request to Withhold Release of Directory Information form available in the office of the registrar. This form must be turned in to the registrar’s office within two (2) weeks of the start of the semester. It will stay in effect until the fall term of the next academic year. The university will assume that a student does not object to the release of directory information unless the student files this written notification.
A complete listing of directory information items is included in the FERPA policy which is posted on the Fontbonne website at: https://www.fontbonne.edu/academics/registrar/
Students should read the FERPA policy to know their rights and responsibilities as they pertain to their education records. Questions should be directed to the office of the Registrar.
An Institution of Higher Learning
Past and Present
Fontbonne University derives its name from Mother St. John Fontbonne, founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph after the French Revolution, who, in 1836, sent six sisters from France to open a mission at Carondelet in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1917, the state of Missouri granted a charter for a liberal arts college to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province. A college for women was the inspiration of Sister Agnes Gonzaga Ryan, CSJ, the superior general who initiated the purchase of the land at the corner of Wydown and Big Bend Boulevards in 1907 and 1908. College classes began at the Carondelet Motherhouse in 1923 with nine students and nine faculty members. Ground breaking at the present site took place in April 1924; 44 students moved to the new campus in 1925. The original campus comprised five buildings: Ryan Hall, the Fine Arts and Science buildings, the gymnasium, and the powerhouse. Additional buildings and ongoing interior and exterior modifications to the buildings preserve the classic style of the original campus. The original Fine Arts building is now referred to as the East building and houses academic departments, classrooms, and the newly developed Center for Teacher Therapist Education (CTTE). The former Southwest Hall has been totally renovated for the Fine Arts Center.
Founded as a college for women, Fontbonne evolved into a coeducational institution, admitting male students to all degree programs in 1974. The college provided undergraduate degree programs until 1975, when the first master’s degree in communication disorders received approval. Since then, Fontbonne has developed additional bachelor’s and master’s degrees and programs in traditional and accelerated formats for both traditional-age and adult students. Fontbonne College officially became Fontbonne University on March 14, 2002.
In 2007 Fontbonne was approved to offer its first online master’s degree program. Fontbonne University has continued to experience significant changes, such as the development of a computer commons on the first floor of the the Jack C. Taylor Library, the addition to the curriculum of a theme-oriented dedicated semester each fall, the creation of a center for excellence in teaching and learning (CETL), the addition of the social work department, restructuring of the university into three colleges, including the Eckelkamp College of Global Business and Professional Studies, the College of Education and Allied Health Professions, and the College of Arts & Sciences, and the creation of new majors, minors, concentrations, and certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including online degree programs.
The 2011 renovated science building, now Anheuser-Busch Hall, houses the first of the three colleges, the Bonnie and L.B. Eckelkamp College of Global Business and Professional Studies, the department of Social Work, the department of biological and physical sciences, the department of family and consumer sciences, the Monsanto greenhouse, and a student lounge.
Campus/Off-Campus Sites
Situated in a residential section of Clayton, Missouri, the 16-acre main campus makes an attractive addition to the area. Red Missouri granite, trimmed with Bedford stone, enhances the majority of the ten campus buildings.
In addition to the main campus in Clayton, Fontbonne offers the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in Kansas City, Missouri and in St. Paul, Minnesota through cooperative agreements with Avila University and St. Catherine’s University.
A Learning Environment
Fontbonne University is a vibrant academic community dedicated to a holistic education for all students. In an atmosphere committed to excellence, students are challenged to think critically, act ethically, and communicate effectively both in and out of the classroom by faculty who are both scholars and mentors. Graduates of Fontbonne are well-equipped to play a leadership role in meeting the challenges of a global society.
First-time, transfer, and adult learners all have a home at Fontbonne. The University offers dozens of undergraduate degree programs in face-to-face settings, and graduate degree programs in both face-to-face settings and online.
The evening programs attract students who are interested in completing their degrees through accelerated formats. Regardless of their choice of major or degree, students at Fontbonne are part of a caring community.
Students are offered the opportunity to learn outside the classroom as well. Study abroad opportunities are available during the academic year, for the summer, and over spring break. Service learning trips are scheduled at both national and international sites. Practicum and internship experiences are a part of many academic programs. Students have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research, help to set up language screening programs in Central America, work in classrooms in England, and participate in experiential learning at sites throughout the metropolitan area.
The main campus, in the heart of Clayton, is in close proximity to many cultural and business venues that contribute to out-of-classroom learning. The zoo and museums of Forest Park, the business community of downtown St. Louis, the county government center of Clayton, nearby concert locales, educational and health care institutions, and non-profit organizations play a vital role in a Fontbonne education.
Academic Convocation
At the beginning of the academic year students, faculty, staff, and administrators gather to recognize, celebrate, and strengthen our identity as a Catholic institution of higher education and to focus the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph into one mission/vision: educating leaders to serve a world in need. The celebratory event includes a keynote speaker, a commissioning ceremony, and the bestowing of stoles and pins on students; students attending for the first time receive a stole and returning students receive a pin representative of the university.
Jack C. Taylor Library
The Jack C. Taylor Library provides materials and resources to support research, instructional assistance that complements the curriculum, and attractive and comfortable spaces for reading and research. Library resources concentrate on student learning and faculty teaching.
The Library subscribes to hundreds of journals and magazines and several newspapers of local and national interest in paper format. More than 65,000 unique journal titles are available in full text through the library’s many subscription databases, including JSTOR, Business Source, Academic Source, and PsycARTICLES. More than 90,000 items are available in the library, including books, audiovisual materials, curriculum resources, and juvenile collections. These resources are supplemented by more than 220,000 electronic books, streaming videos, and online reference resources. Through Fontbonne’s membership in MOBIUS, the Missouri academic library consortium, Fontbonne students have access to millions of books, which can be delivered to Fontbonne within a few days.
Faculty librarians teach the course LIB 199 Information Literacy in Higher Education for credit and provide library instruction sessions upon request. Librarians are actively involved in demonstrating the use of library resources and research strategies to both groups and individuals.
The Information Commons area includes 46 student-access computers, several printers and scanners, and assistance in using the equipment. Laptops and tablets can be checked out as needed. The library also houses individual and group study rooms and tables, meeting rooms, and lounge areas.
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Fontbonne University is committed to academic and educational excellence. In order to uphold such a commitment, it is imperative that our faculty members are aware and stay well-informed of the best practices in higher education. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning seeks to foster an academic community where student learning and effective teaching are valued, and provides programs and resources to faculty on the latest pedagogical strategies.
Kinkel Center for Academic Resources
The Kinkel Center for Academic Resources is located on the third floor of Ryan Hall. Open seven days a week, the Center provides academic support for all Fontbonne University students through academic tutoring, coaching on academic matters, workshops, placement testing and disability support services. Tutoring is provided at no cost to the Fontbonne student. For more information about the services in the Kinkel Center, please contact the Kinkel Center staff at 314.889.4571 or view its website at https://www.fontbonne.edu/academics/academic-resources/kinkel-center-for-academic-resources/
Charles Jeffers Glik Testing Center
Dedicated in 2007, the Charles Jeffers Glik Testing Center, located in the Kinkel Center, provides out of class testing opportunities for students who have made the proper arrangements, and placement testing for incoming students.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Fontbonne University offers academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Any Fontbonne student is eligible for academic accommodations if:
- The student self-identifies that he/she has a documented disability and needs an academic accommodation.
- The student submits a request for an academic accommodation to the Director of the Kinkel Center for Academic Resources, along with any supporting documentation as soon as reasonably possible; and
- The student provides reasonable, appropriate, and verifiable supporting documentation of the documented disability at the time of the request for an academic accommodation or within 30 days after the request, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
For requests or inquiries regarding other accommodations, including auxiliary aids or services, or modifications of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity, or the existence and location of services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, please contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 314.719.3627.
Student Complaint Policy
Fontbonne University is dedicated to providing an excellent educational experience for all students. The university recognizes the importance of resolving student concerns and grievances in a timely and effective manner. In registering concerns and filing appeals, Fontbonne students must follow the policies and procedures that have been established by the university or within the unit about which the concern is being filed. Generally, these policies and procedures require that students begin by discussing the matter with the staff, faculty, or department in which the issue originated. Notable exceptions include complaints alleging discrimination or harassment.
If a student believes that a policy or procedure has been incorrectly or unfairly applied in his/her particular case, or a complaint does not fall within a specific policy, and efforts to resolve the concern have not been successful, the student may file a formal complaint.
A formal complaint is defined as any nontrivial complaint, either academic or nonacademic, that is submitted formally in writing by a student to a member of the Executive Leadership Team or the Director of Human Resources either through:
A written complaint
An email sent from a verified student email account
The Fontbonne University complaint form
One of the mechanisms defined for Title VI, Title VII, Age Discrimination, Section 504 complaints, or any other complaint covered by Fontbonne’s Notice of Non-Discrimination.
Not every written communication from a student is considered a complaint. For example, the following would not be considered a complaint: requests for exception to university policies, written letters expressing a general dislike of a university policy, and complaints submitted to a person other than a member of the Executive Leadership Team or Director of Human Resources.
Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the office or person that receives the complaint will acknowledge the complaint. Formal complaints about a faculty or staff member in an academic department or regarding a course or academic program will be directed to Academic Affairs. Other formal complaints will be directed to the Vice President responsible for the department or individual against which the complaint is made. Formal complaints about a Vice President will be directed to the Office of the President. Each person or office who receives a complaint will maintain a record of when the complaint was received, any actions taken, and the final resolution. Students should receive an official response to complaints within 30 days. The receiving office will send notice of the final resolution to the Office of Academic Affairs, which maintains a record of all formal complaints. The Executive Leadership Team will semiannually review formal complaints to improve university processes.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to be construed to modify any procedures for handling complaints covered by Title VI, Title VII, Age Discrimination, Section 504 complaints, or any other complaint covered by Fontbonne’s Notice of Non-Discrimination.
Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) serves as the clearinghouse for complaints concerning colleges and universities authorized to operate in the State of Missouri, acting on those within its purview, and forwarding those that are not to other entities for their appropriate action. Per MDHEWD policy, exhaustion of all informal and formal institutional processes, including both campus processes and any applicable system processes, is a prerequisite to filing any formal complaint with the Department. The complete MDHEWD complaint policy may be found https://dhewd.mo.gov/policies/documents/POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION-reviseddraft.pdf.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office website may be found at http://ago.mo.gov.
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