National Guidebook to Colleges Highlights Innovative Learning Opportunities at Top Schools
Walsh University retained its status as one of only three colleges in Ohio to be recognized nationally as a 2016-17 Catholic College of Distinction. Walsh joins The University of Dayton and Xavier University as the only Ohio Catholic colleges recognized by Colleges of Distinction for offering environments that are conducive to spiritual growth while preparing students for the future. For the full list of nationally recognized Catholic colleges, visit collegesofdistinction.com/badge/catholic/
Innovative application of high impact educational practices at Walsh University also earned the school recognition as a 2016-17 NationalCollege of Distinction by the same rating site CollegesofDistinction.com. This is the sixth consecutive year Walsh has been included in the College of Distinction Guidebook. To view Walsh’s profile or to find more information about the schools listed, visit collegesofdistinction.com
Catholic College of Distinction: Across the country, 75 Catholic schools were selected for the 2016-17 distinction which evaluates schools based on quantitative figures, such as graduation and retention rates, and qualitative aspects including first-year experiences, experiential learning opportunities, and core competency measures. Colleges of Distinction features schools devoted to a teaching-centered undergraduate education. Students who attend Catholic Colleges of Distinction obtain an education with a Catholic worldview and learn to implement social justice in their future professions. Community service remains an integral part of Catholicism and Catholic colleges and universities provide valuable volunteer opportunities.
According to CollegesofDistinction.com, some of the "secular" advantages of Catholic schools include smaller class sizes, a greater focus on students’ individual needs, and faculty and staff who do a great job preparing their students for careers and graduate schools. While founded in Catholic faith, these schools are welcoming to students of all religions and backgrounds as well as those with no current religious affiliation.
National College of Distinction: Schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions - Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.
The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction measures.
Since 1999, the Colleges of Distinction website and e-guidebook have recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. CollegeofDistinction.com provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and more for students, parents, and high school counselors.