July 25, 2019
La Roche University Championed As a College of Distinction
PITTSBURGH, July 25, 2019 – La Roche University has received national recognition as a College of Distinction for the eighth consecutive year.
The designation recognizes La Roche for exhibiting excellence in the classroom and for incorporating high-impact practices in every student’s undergraduate education. The University’s student-centered programming include: study abroad experiences included in the cost of tuition; novel research as part of the La Roche Honors Institute; internships; service learning experiences; and project-based course assignments that serve the local community.
Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction Tyson Schritter said, “Colleges of Distinction knows that a truly valuable education can’t be measured by rank or reputation. Students learn and thrive best when they embrace hands-on learning in a vibrant, welcoming community. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see La Roche take such an innovative approach with its curriculum. Its high-impact educational practices ensure that the undergraduate experience is worthwhile and unique.”
La Roche is recognized as a Pennsylvania College of Distinction, a Catholic College of Distinction and a Career Development College of Distinction.
Career development is integrated into the academic experience at La Roche, with credited coursework, co-curricular activities and personalized advising sessions. From freshman year to senior year, students follow an engagement plan to master the core competencies that employers expect from college graduates. The Office of Career Development empowers students to achieve professional success, offering career-readiness programming, employer networking events, and internship/employment application support throughout the year.
Becky Rosswog, assistant director of student academic support services, and coordinator of career development, said La Roche takes a strategic approach to preparing students for life after college.
“Through structured co-curricular assignments, activities and career guidance, students gain a sense of self that allows for a more targeted exploration of major and career options,” she explained. “Once major and career goals are set, we teach students to design and implement a personal action plan of engagement to support the development of the competencies and soft skills employers prefer. Ultimately the La Roche graduate is one who demonstrates both content knowledge in their major and evidence of competency proficiencies. Our students learn who they are, where they want to go and how to achieve their goals.”
Ms. Rosswog added that this approach has resulted in 94 percent of La Roche graduates achieving positive career outcomes one year post-graduation. “La Roche yields confident, entry-level talent capable of showcasing their credentials to hiring employers,” she said.
The new Colleges of Distinction e-guidebook highlights La Roche’s business, education and nursing programs with Fields of Study badges, which are awarded to colleges offering first-rate programs with recognized professional accreditations.
Since 1995 La Roche’s business programs have been accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. These accredited programs include management, finance, international management, accounting, marketing and management information systems.
La Roche’s nursing programs are accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc. and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The University’s education program, offering post-baccalaureate certifications in special education and advanced studies in autism, is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“La Roche puts the student experience first, providing all the tools and opportunities they need to become lifelong learners who are ready to take on any challenge in today’s ever-evolving society,” Mr. Schritter said.
Since 2000 the Colleges of Distinction website and guidebook have honored schools throughout the U.S. for their excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The cohort of schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. The website and annual guidebooks provide dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents and high school counselors.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts institution in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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