According to the publishing company Penguin/Random House, in 2020-2021, more than 470 schools had some type of common reading experience on their campuses. University common read programs serve as a model for the type of intellectual discourse expected in college, emphasize the importance of reading as part of the college curriculum, and create common ground for discussion that respects diverse viewpoints and cultivates relationships between new students and faculty members. Scholz closed out his message by inviting those affected by the closing to contact him at He also pointed viewers to a landing page on the school’s website about the closing, although at the time of writing it was still being populated with information.Hundreds of American colleges and universities have common reading programs that are based on the belief that reading the same book brings people together as a community and creates a shared intellectual experience for college freshmen.

We are all proud of this legacy, and we will celebrate it.” “For more than 85 years,” he continued, “Stritch has been an excellent resource for a liberal-arts education grounded in our Franciscan values: showing compassion, reverencing all of creation, making peace and creating a caring community - the hallmarks of an incredible place for learning. The school plans to go ahead with its final commencement ceremony May 21 at the Wisconsin Center, with Scholz saying, “It most certainly will be bittersweet, but we want to recognize the achievements of those earning their degrees.” Scholz noted that employee-assistance programs for faculty and staff will continue, and that Cardinal Stritch will “work closely with them on employment matters.” He also said the school is “finalizing partnerships with local colleges and universities” so other students can transfer their credits and continue their education. “Now, our attention will turn to helping our students, supporting our faculty and staff, and doing the best we can in winding down operations at our beloved university.”įor the students, Scholz said Cardinal Stritch will provide academic services “to a limited number of students” who are close to completing their academic programs and to the extent that finances allow, giving them a chance to fulfill their graduation requirements. “In the end, it was determined that we could no longer continue to provide the high-quality educational experiences our students rightly deserve,” he continued. The motivation behind the decision seems to be entirely financial, as Scholz cited declining enrollment, a shortage of resources, and operational and facility challenges that added up to “a no-win situation.” Francis of Assisi that the school “suspend and cancel all educational services, activities and programs effective May 22, 2023.” He reported that the board of trustees recommended to the Sisters of St. Dan Scholz, the university’s president, broke the news in a message posted on the Cardinal Stritch website.

On Monday evening, Cardinal Stritch University announced that its 85-plus years of educational services will soon come to an end.ĭr.

Cardinal stritch