Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

If you're researching private universities in New York City, you'll no doubt stumble upon  

St. John's University

 . For campus tour-quality insight, The CollegeBound Network turned to the school's provost, Julia A. Upton, RSM, Ph.D. to answer five questions about St. John's University...

CB: If you only had a minute to tell prospective about St. John's University, what it they be?

Upton: We are one of the most diverse universities in the nation. We are truly a reflection of the world. St. John's University is a vibrant academic community providing for and supporting the educational and lifelong learning needs of a multicultural student body. Our academic and social programs prepare students to adjust through a lifetime of social, professional, and technological changes. As a University community we seek to inspire our students, faculty, and staff to be of service to all members of society, especially the poor and oppressed, in local New York City communities, nationwide and around the world.

CB: What are some ways that students can learn more about St. John's University on the web?

Upton: St. John's University currently offers online chat sessions where prospective graduate and undergraduate students can interact with admissions counselors and faculty, and, in fall 2008, we will debut our first-ever virtual open house. For our current students, Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Vice President for Student Affairs, maintains a blog, designed to inform the student body of policies and upcoming activities and events.

CB: What are some unique academic programs offered at St. John's University?

Upton: Programs that are gaining popularity and growing in enrollment include Actuarial Science, Risk Management Insurance, Asian Studies, Anthropology and Illustration.

CB: What are some other opportunities/support services students at St. John's have beyond academics?

Upton: St. John's University's Freshman Center guides first-year students through their transition from high school to college. An additional resource for freshmen is the Alpha Mentoring Program, a year-long academic mentoring program that uses team mentoring and peer leadership to provide an environment for first-year students that encourages academic excellence, leadership development, graduate education, career advisement, community service, and cultural awareness through field experience.

As part of St. John's University's commitment to providing all students with opportunities to understand and appreciate cultures and political and economic systems other then their own and preparing them for leadership roles in today's interdependent world, The University offers its Discover the World program. It takes students to three countries in a single semester, and offers a multi-faceted perspective on foreign culture and politics. Classes transform these host cities' cultural and historic resources by making them key components of the learning experience. Discover the World features an innovative, modular class format that splits the 15-week semester into three, five-week sessions with one or two courses in each city.

Academic Service-Learning at St. John's University is a classroom-based program that uses community service as the vehicle for the attainment of students' academic goals and objectives. Students engage in a service activity that benefits the common good.

Many of St. John's University's academic programs offer for-credit internships, as a way to gain career-related experience while still in college. The University's Career Center offers a team of dedicated career educators who serve as a resource to internal and external constituents offering career counseling, experiential learning, and employment programs and services.

5. What sets St. John's University apart from the many excellent private colleges in New York?

Upton: As a faith based institution, guided by the Vincentian beliefs, St. John's University provides a holistic college experience, while developing students academically, socially, professionally, spiritually, and morally. St. John's is the perfect choice for affordable, high-quality private education that blends academic study, service learning opportunities, professional training and real-world experience within a diverse and highly supportive community.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments