Campus Life

Misericordia University students take their total educational experience seriously. They recognize that their academic experience is richer when they participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which contribute to their total development.

Athletics

Anderson Sports and Health Center

Misericordia University encourages students to be involved in recreational/intramural activities. Those seeking a highly competitive experience and possess the skill set necessary to do so are encouraged to participate in intercollegiate athletics. The intramural program includes activities for men and women in basketball, soccer, golf, softball, tennis and volleyball, in addition to several other activities which are announced.

The intercollegiate athletic program offers competitive opportunities for women in basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, Esports, field hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, STUNT tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. Men compete at the intercollegiate level in baseball, basketball, cross-country, Esports, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.

The University retains membership in the NCAA Division III and subscribes to its principles, policies, and regulations.

A comprehensive statement of all athletic policies is found in the publication titled Student Athlete Handbook. This publication is available to all students online at the MU Athletic website under Inside Athletics.

The Anderson Sports and Health Center is an 80,000 square foot complex which serves the academic, athletic, and recreational needs of the University. Students are encouraged to make use of the gymnasium, racquetball courts, dance/aerobic studio, fitness center, and swimming pool.

With the exception of the swimming pool, athletic facilities are open according to the following schedule:

The swimming pool is open according to hours posted.

For more information on Misericordia Athletics, visit athletics.misericordia.edu.

Mission, Ministry and Service

Mission, Ministry & Service office at Misericordia University serves the Mission of the University by making visible and effective our Mercy Charisms and Catholic Tradition. We seek to respond to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy through advocacy, education and action.

We seek to reach out and respect persons of all faith backgrounds and traditions while inviting them to join us in our mission.

We do this by nurturing and celebrating our faith through prayer and liturgies; educating our students in Christian values, morals, leadership and decision making; developing in our student’s practices of prayer and reflection; fostering a passion for social justice issues that enable our students to be an advocate on behalf of those who are poor and oppressed; empowering students to be leaders in the community and on campus.

Liturgical Ministries

• Eucharistic Ministers

• Lectors

• Liturgical Choir

• Ministers of Hospitality at Liturgy

• Sacristans

Spirituality and Faith Formation

• Faith Sharing/Prayer services are held seasonally

• RCIA

• Retreats ( Retreat in the Flow of Life & Search retreat)

• Agape Latte and Theology on tap

Service to Others

• Adopt a Grandparent at Mercy Center

• Blue Chip Farms Animal Rescue

• Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm

• CEO Food Bank

• Habitat for Humanity

• Hospitality Ministry

• Kids on Campus/ WWC Program

• Food Insecurity Program

Social Justice

• Social Justice Committee

Service Trips

• Jamaica Experience (January break)

• Spring Break Service Trips (March)

• Fall Break Service Trips

• Border Immersion Trip to Texas

• Special Mercy Leadership conferences and workshops for Students

• Mercy Meets the UN conference in NY

• Mercy Justice Advocacy days in DC

Community Outreach Programs

• Community Work Study Program

• Days of service on campus and in the community

• Mercy Leaders Program

• McAuley Market (free food pantry) check for hours

Mass Times and Reconciliation

All Catholic Liturgies are celebrated in the University Chapel unless otherwise noted.

• Sunday Evening Liturgy 7:00 pm

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated a half hour before liturgies.

Contact Information

Mission, Ministry & Service is located in the Banks Student Life Center. For more information about our programs and services, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

Dr. Christine Somers, Director: (570)674-6314; [email protected]

Lindsey Riddell, Assistant Director: (570)674-8041; [email protected]

David Baloga, Coordinator of Volunteer Service/Service Learning: (570)674-6315; [email protected]

Campus Safety

The Campus Safety Department is located in Room #7 on the ground floor at the East entrance to Mercy Hall. Officers are on duty 24/7, 365 days a year, to respond to calls for service.

An operational communications center, security dispatch and remote surveillance system, is maintained at this location. Officers patrol upper and lower campus areas on foot and in vehicles, and will respond to all calls for service. The department command structure includes the Director, Assistant Director, three Supervisors, and 20 full-time and part-time Campus Safety Officers. Officers maintain Pa. Act 235 security certification or equivalent training and are additionally qualified in response to emergency situations, first aid, CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED). Officers work in both an armed and unarmed capacity, and have detention authority when appropriate to preserve a safe and secure campus. Supplemental armed security personnel may be employed during certain events and situations. Response to critical situations on campus, including active shooter and/or mass casualty events, is a carefully coordinated effort between Campus Safety, local law enforcement, and other emergency responders.

Clubs and Organizations

Over 45 chartered student clubs and organizations provide opportunities for personal, intellectual, and social development in a wide variety of student interests. There are academic, special interest and university-initiated clubs and organizations on campus.

Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS)

Mental Health Counselors are available to meet with students to explore a wide variety of issues. Common concerns addressed at CAPS are stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and academic distress. The counseling staff is committed to helping students find appropriate and effective ways of managing their areas of concern.

All students are eligible for at least one initial consultation session to discuss their concerns and receive recommendations about potential services and resources. Regarding individual counseling services, only full-time undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for ongoing individual counseling services beyond the first session. After participating in the initial consultation session, students enrolled part-time may be provided with referral information for local resources that provide individual counseling as well as other services.

All students (i.e., part-time, full-time, undergraduate, graduate) are eligible to participate in all of the other services that the CAPS Center offers, including workshops, group counseling, consultation services, drop-in sessions, referral services, and crisis intervention. The CAPS Center also sponsors a student peer associate group, Active Minds, and offers outreach programming on a variety of personal development topics and issues throughout the academic year.

In addition to in-person services, CAPS Center services are also available via telemental health, utilizing HIPAA-compliant software to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.  Telemental health services are available to all students residing throughout Pennsylvania (on- or off-campus).  For students residing out-of-state, traditional individual counseling services are not available from the CAPS Center due to the restrictions of state licensure laws outside of Pennsylvania.  However, all out-of-state students always remain eligible for all other CAPS Center services, including referral services, Counselor On Call emergency services, workshops, educational/prevention programming, and participation with CAPS peer associate group.

All counseling services are provided free of charge to currently enrolled students. Additionally, the topic of confidentiality is taken very seriously at the CAPS Center, since counseling often involves sharing personal and private information. Confidentiality is maintained in compliance with state and federal laws as well as professional ethics and standards. Client files at the CAPS Center are securely stored separately from students’ academic, medical, or career services records. Information may not be released to anyone without the written consent of the student, except in rare cases, such as dangerousness to self or others, which the counselor will discuss in greater detail at the first session.

The CAPS Center utilizes a short-term counseling model and is not equipped to treat all types of psychological concerns. Therefore, some students may require more specialized or comprehensive treatment than what the CAPS Center can offer and will be referred to resources in the community. If applicable, the counselor will discuss these options in greater detail and answer any questions to support the student in making informed decisions. If desired by the student, the CAPS Center is also available to consult with any current or prospective providers to provide information and help to ensure a smooth transition for continued care.

Counseling appointments may be made anytime online at https://www.misericordia.edu/caps.  Alternatively, students may call (570-674-6408) or visit the CAPS Center, located on the lower level of McGowan Hall, to schedule an appointment during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).  General inquiries about our services can also be emailed to [email protected].

Faculty, staff, or students who would like to consult about a non-emergency concern or refer a student may call (570-674-6408) or walk with the student to the CAPS Center during business hours to ensure access to CAPS Center services.

A Counselor On Call is also available for mental health emergencies 24/7/365, regardless of where the student may be located (e.g., on-campus, off-campus, in-state, out-of-state, nation-wide).  The Counselor On Call is accessed by calling the CAPS Center (570-674-6408, option #4) or contacting a Campus Life staff member.  Students may also visit the CAPS Center (lower level of McGowan Hall) at any time during business hours for walk-in emergency services.

Governing Boards

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is a parent organization to all chartered student groups on campus. It is comprised of an executive board, cabinet members, class officers and club officers. The primary purpose of SGA is to oversee student groups, to sponsor events that meet the needs of the students, and to address concerns of the student body. The SGA office is located in the Banks Student Life Center. 

Email address: [email protected]

Adult Education Advisory Committee (AEAC)

To provide an environment that is open to the ideas of Misericordia University’s adult students in both the undergraduate and graduate programs and to serve as a discussion forum for topics and issues relevant to adult learners.

They will look to help affect change in the adult learning environment with the goal of making it even more conductive and/or responsive to the needs of adult students and to help increase the visibility and participation of adult students on the Misericordia University campus and in the community.

Adult Education Advisory Committee Advisor – Lisa Miller

Health and Wellness Center

The Student Health & Wellness Center, located on the lower level of the Anderson Sports/Health Center, is under the direction of a full-time, Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP, FNP-BC). The staff also includes our medical director, a Registered Nurse (RN) and an Administrative Assistant. As reflected in its name, the Center is dedicated to the health and wellness needs of our students here at Misericordia University. Our goal is to provide the best possible evidence-based health care in a manner which is competent, compassionate confidential, and timely, all within an atmosphere of mutual respect and responsibility without regard to race, gender, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation. The Health & Wellness Center adheres to the principles and standards of ethical conduct endorsed by the American College Health Association: To do no harm, provide services in a caring manner, respect autonomy, protect privacy, maintain competence, promote justice, and respect diversity. Furthermore, the Center strives to be exemplars of the Sisters of Mercy’s charisms of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality in every encounter we have with our patients. The Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse are available by appointment to assess and treat both acute and chronic medical conditions. Faculty members, staff and visitors are advised to seek care from their primary care providers (PCP).  

Electronic Medical Records

The University has chosen to utilize the services of Medicat (Electronic Medical Records) for the collection of all required health forms.

Billing for Services

The Health & Wellness Center is utilizing a billing company, Medical Health Care Solutions (MHS). The Health Center bills 3rd party payers and is credentialed with the following insurance companies: 

 Please check with your insurance company to see if you are covered by our provider or group:

Sandra J Federo, CRNP (NPI# 1447382270)

Group 1366911620

or 24-0795406

Self-Care and Resource Room

Within the Health & Wellness Center is the Self Care & Resource room. This room is designed as a teaching model to encourage and empower our students to be proactive with their health care needs. This room contains a plethora of up-to-date educational materials in addition to basic over the counter (OTC) medications and supplies – all at no cost to our students. 

Health Insurance Requirement

All full-time undergraduate students carrying a minimum of 12 credits are required to have health insurance. Each year, students will be required to either complete a hard waiver or select the University sponsored health insurance plan. Students will be notified in the spring when they can begin the waiver or selection process. For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Life.

Hours of Operation

The Health & Wellness Center is open daily Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

COVID-19

Testing available at the Health Center.  Our PCR fourplex tests for Covid-19, Flu A & B and RSV.  Results are available in 1 hour.

Please contact the Health & Wellness Center at (570) 674-6276 should you have any questions.

Dr. Sandra Federo CRNP, Director and Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Jeanne Torony MD, Medical Director

Jennifer Vallach RN-MSN

Located in the Lower Level of Anderson

570-674-6276

Mission Integration & Institutional Diversity

Misericordia University has identified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a priority and recognizes that diversity is an indispensable element of academic excellence.  Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will aid in the assurance that all students have access and opportunity to learn in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.  Students will leave the university with the skills, perspectives, and abilities to serve as global leaders in their future work, communities, and society. Our office also strives to enrich the working lives of faculty/staff, welcome community members/university visitors, and ensure that all students are aptly prepared to be conscientious citizens in a diverse and interconnected global society. 

Student groups sponsored by our office include:

• The Black Student Union
• The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
• The Multicultural Club
• Latin American Student Association
• Muslim Student Association 
• Jewish Student Organization 

We provide:

• Heritage Month Programming
• Diversity Workshop Series
• Diversity Summit
• Cultural Events and Activities
• Student Lounge Space

To learn more, please stop by our office located in the Banks Student Center, Rm. 115

Campus Life

The mission of the Campus Life Office is to create a safe, happy and healthy environment where all student succeed academically, thrive socially and grow personally by promoting development through community living experiences. The office, through its staff of Campus Life Coordinators (CLCs), Assistant Coordinators (ACs) and Community Assistants (CAs) can address student concerns, ranging from roommate difficulties to the physical condition of a student’s room as well as providing information on support services in a wide array of areas. The staff also provides residents with a wide range of recreational, educational, and cultural programs to enrich their experience. Administrative functions, such as housing assignments and replacing keys, are also handled by this office.

Campus Life is also here to provide you with a rich and engaging social experience with programs that come from our office be them in the Residence Halls or around campus. We are here so you can relax after a day of class and enjoy the company of friends, new and ones already forged. Along with the Insalaco Center for Professional Development and Leadership as well as the New Student and Family Programs Office, under the leadership of the Division of Mission Integration & Student Life, we want to provide you with the opportunity to participate in activities where leadership, community responsibility, intellectual and social interests can enrich and complete a college education. Students are encouraged to assist with the continued development of Misericordia’s programs and services through active involvement in student organizations and activities.

Angelo J. Nudo, Director of Campus Life

Dominick de Matteo, Assistant Director of Campus Life

Joseph Pechulis – Campus Life Coordinator for 1^st Year Experience

RuthAnn Green – Campus Life Coordinator for Student Engagement

Phone: (570) 674-6178

Residential Facilities

At Misericordia University, the residential facilities serve two purposes in accommodating a student’s overall university experience: to live and to learn. Living and sharing with others is a vital part of one’s educational experience at Misericordia.

The Campus Life Office manages six undergraduate residential facilities and four graduate facilities. Our undergraduate facilities include Alumnae Hall, Gildea Hall, MacDowell Hall, McGowan Hall, McHale Hall and the Townhouse Complex. For our graduate housing offerings, we operate homes on Lake Street and the Machell Ave Residence.

• Alumnae Hall – is a traditional co-ed standard double room residence that houses 1st year, transfer and returning students. This residence is connected to McGowan Hall where students share modern recreational lounges, study areas and a full kitchen facility.
• Gildea Hall – are suites for transfer & returning students, co-ed by unit and holding three, five or six occupants. All suites contain a full bath and common room area. The facility is air conditioned with elevator access and offers recreational/study lounges and kitchenettes.
• MacDowell Hall- consists of three and five person apartments for transfer & returning students. The three person apartments have one single bedroom and one double bedroom, while the five person apartments have one single bedroom and two double bedrooms. All apartments are air
• conditioned, have full kitchens (stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher), a furnished living room, and a bathroom. The building has on-site laundry and two lounges.
• McGowan Hall – is a modern double room facility for 1st year, transfers and returning student with a private full bathroom shared with the bedroom next door. The second and fourth floor lounges are equipped with a full-size kitchen and study areas. The third-floor lounge contains all the same amenities minus the kitchen.
• McHale Hall - is a traditional standard double room residence that houses 1st year students. It is co-ed by floor/wing and is equipped with air conditioning and elevator access. Fireside Lounge is located on the main floor and serves as a recreational area with a full kitchen facility.
• Townhouse Complex - consists of eighteen individual townhouse units for transfer & returning students. Each is equipped with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a common living room and full kitchen. This residence is co-ed by unit and houses six students.
• Lake Street Houses – are homes on our lower campus for graduate students that offer the full amenities of a typical household with a kitchen and laundry facility.
• Machell Avenue Residence – this Graduate housing facility consists of 13 singles rooms (some could be doubles if requested). The facility is air conditioned and has a full-size kitchen, living room, on-site laundry, parking and five bathrooms.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

The University has determined that in the best interests of the students, the institution, and the community, that all traditional entering first-year students whose permanent residence is further than a 40 mile radius of the University are required to live in campus housing for a minimum of 2 academic years (4 academic semesters).

On-campus housing is provided for full-time undergraduate (12 credits or more) students under the age of 25 who have not earned an undergraduate degree. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis depending on the circumstance and the availability of space; however, students 25 years or older may not reside on campus. On a space- available basis, part-time students may be provided housing at the discretion of the Director of Campus Life. Campus Life does offer graduate student housing. Space is limited.

Resident students must provide the Health Center with proof of health insurance, meningitis, TB and MMR vaccinations through Medicat. Failure to provide or maintain this status will result in the loss of housing privileges.

Each residential student must sign the Campus Housing Agreement. This agreement is binding for the entire fall and spring semesters and states that the student will remain in residence for the duration of this agreement. Any release from this agreement is permitted only under the conditions of academic withdrawal or other extreme extenuating circumstances, and only with the approval from the Director of Campus Life after review by the University Housing Committee. Any request for release must be submitted in writing to the Director of Campus Life. Request for spring semester release must be submitted by December 1. Percentage of refund of room-and-board fees will be determined by the actual date of departure established by officially checking out and returning all keys to the Campus Life Office.

Graduate Housing

Housing for graduate students is available at our 5 houses on Lake St and the Machell Ave. Residence on a first come, first serve basis until spaces are fully occupied. Space is limited. Students interested in this housing option can complete the graduate housing application which can be found on misericordia.edu under the Campus Life and Housing page. Graduate Housing is based on 5 month, 10 month, and 12 month lease options. No meal plans are required for graduate students.

Student Media

All students may serve as staff members of multiple national and state award-winning student media outlets. Students write, shoot, edit, perform on-air, and do studio work for television programming on the campus television station MCN 87. Staff members of The Highlander newspaper publish a full color broadsheet print version biweekly and an online version each week at https://thehighlandernews.org/. Students also contribute the on-air and studio talent for Cougar Radio, which streams worldwide on www.cougarradio.net. Students can also show off their artistic talents in the literary magazine Instress, which is published each spring. It contains thought-provoking stories, poetry, essays, art, photography, music, and other creative works of both students and faculty.