Benedictine University at Springfield
Former names |
Springfield Junior College (1929–1967) Springfield College in Illinois (1967–2003) |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1929 |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Students | 1,023 |
| Undergraduates | 904 |
| Postgraduates | 119 |
| Location |
Springfield, Illinois   |
| Campus | Suburban, 25 acres |
| Colors |
Red Black |
| Nickname | Bulldogs |
| Affiliations | Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities |
| Website | http://www.ben.edu/springfield/ |
Benedictine University at Springfield, formerly known as Springfield College in Illinois (SCI) or Springfield College, is a progressive liberal arts university offering a Ph.D., master-, bachelor- and associate-degree programs located in Springfield, Illinois. The school was founded in 1929 by the Ursuline Sisters and was called Springfield Junior College until 1968.[1][2] In January 2003, SCI entered into a partnership with Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, which led to a merger between the institutions.[3]
The partnership with Benedictine University resulted in the first bachelor's degrees being awarded on the SCI campus, in line with the guidelines of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education.[1][3]
The institution was also partnered with Springfield's Ursuline Academy High School.[4]
On October 23, 2014, the university announced that it would discontinue its undergraduate program for traditional students ages 18-22 at the end of May 2015. With this change, the university will lay off 75 of its 100 full-time employees and shift its focus to adult education.[5]
Athletics
Benedictine–Springfield teams, nicknamed athletically as the Bulldogs, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since the 2009-10 season, primarily competing in the American Midwest Conference since the 2011-12 season. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball and volleyball.
After a hiatus of several years, athletics returned to SCI in 1991 with men's soccer and in 1992 with women's tennis.
Benedictine–Springfield re-instated its men’s basketball program for the 2012-13 season and added women’s basketball that same season. Benedictine–Springfield discontinued its men’s basketball program in 2000 due to budget reductions. The program also was dropped in the late 1970s for financial reasons; it was re-instated in 1993.
References
- 1 2 Ellersten, Peter. History of SCI, Springfield College, Illinois. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
- ↑ "Currently or Previously Affiliated Institutions: Springfield College in Illinois". Chicago: Higher Learning Commission (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). Retrieved 2009-01-29.
- 1 2 Springfield College in Illinois, Benedictine University, 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2007.
- ↑ About SCI/BU/UA, SCI. Retrieved 10 March 2007.
- ↑ ""Benedictine University to lay off 75, end undergraduate program for traditional students"". Springfield, Ill. State Journal-Register. 2014-10-23.
External links
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Coordinates: 39°49′12″N 89°38′42″W / 39.82000°N 89.64500°W