Introductory Information

Home - Life at Wilkes - Undergraduate Student Handbook - Introductory Information

Institutional Learning Objectives

Adapted by faculty November, 2007

Students will develop and demonstrate through coursework, learning experiences, co-curricular and extracurricular activities:

  1. The knowledge, skills and scholarship that are appropriate to their general and major field areas of study.
  2. Effective written and oral communication skills and information literacy using an array of media and modalities.
  3. Practical, critical, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills.
  4. Actions reflecting ethical reasoning, civic responsibility, environmental stewardship and respect for diversity.
  5. Interpersonal skills and knowledge of self as a learner that contribute to effective team work, mentoring and life-long learning.

An Educated Person:

  • Seeks truth, for without truth there can be no understanding;
  • Possesses vision, for vision precedes all great attainments; is aware of the diversity of ideas and beliefs that exist among people;
  • Knows that progress requires intellectual vigor, moral courage and physical endurance;
  • Cultivates inner resources and spiritual strength, for they enrich our daily living and sustain us in times of crisis;
  • Has ethical standards which form the basis for creating and maintaining personal and public relationships;
  • Respects the religious convictions of all;
  • Participates constructively in the social, economic, cultural and political life of the community;
  • Communicates ideas in a manner that assures understanding, for understanding unites us all in our search for truth.

About Wilkes University

The institution we know today as Wilkes University began in 1933 when Bucknell University established its Junior College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Bucknell University Junior College (BUJC) attracted eager, highly motivated, and able young persons, virtually all of whom were the first members of their families to benefit from higher education. The Junior College also received support and encouragement from leading members of the Wilkes-Barre community. The stately mansions that are now used as residence halls and offices are a testament to the tradition of community service and generosity characteristic of the Wilkes-Barre area's leadership.

In 1947, Wilkes College was instituted as an independent, nondenominational four-year college, with programs in the arts, sciences, and a number of professional fields as well as a full program of extra-curricular activities. Designation as Wilkes University in 1990 capped an eventful and productive half-century of development and signaled the beginning of a new era of progress as an increasingly distinguished and prominent academic institution.

In recent years, Wilkes embarked on its most ambitious campus revitalization plan yet. Stark Learning Center renovations were completed, including an update to the SLC courtyard. An extension of the gateway that connects S. Main St. to Franklin St also connects the greenway to the Henry Student Center and the rest of the south campus. Outdoor seating areas were added at the rear of the Henry Student Center.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Wilkes University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our community and to ensuring that all educational and employment decisions are based on individuals' abilities and qualifications.

Wilkes University prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, employment, admissions or any activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion , disability, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression , sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Discriminatory conduct including sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct or violence such as rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and coercion will not be tolerated.

Consistent with this principle, Wilkes University will comply with state and federal laws such as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act or other applicable state law, Title IX, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Ethnic Intimidation Act of 1982 (P.L. 537-154) and other laws that prohibit discrimination.

Any member of the Wilkes University community has the right to raise concerns or make a complaint regarding discrimination under this policy without fear of retaliation. Inquiries about this policy statement may be addressed to the University's Title IX coordinator. Anonymous complaints may also be made by filing a report online external website.

Title IX Coordinator
Elizabeth Leo, Esq.

570-408-7788

elizabeth.leo@wilkes.edu

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, please see the address and phone number of the OCR office that serves your area external website, or call 1-800-421-3481.

Graduation and Persistence Rates

Information regarding graduation and persistence rates as required by the Students' Right to Know Act is available at the Office of Student Affairs, the Registrar's Office, the Office of Admissions and the Athletic Director's Office. Consistent with law, this information is disseminated according to regulations.

Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act

The University Police Department prepares, publishes, and distributes this annual report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The "Clery Act"). In addition to Federal and State compliance, this report serves several other purposes:

  • Shows how the University reports, investigates and handles crime and fire emergency situations on or near University property;
  • Advises the University community of the many University resources that are available to assist it in emergencies;
  • Provides tips to mitigate threats to the safety of the University community;
  • Provides other safety and security information to the University community so that informed decisions may be made.

Each year the University Police Department sends an e-mail notification to all current students, faculty, and staff providing an electronic copy of the report along with a web link to access the report. The current Annual Security and Fire Safety Report available on the University Police Department's website: wilkes.edu/safetyreport. You may also request a copy mailed to you.

In order to aid in the prevention of similar crimes, the Chief of University Police (or designee) will develop and issue timely warning notices. The purpose of the notice is to inform members of the community about crimes that have occurred on campus, on non-campus property, or on public property where it is determined that the incident may pose a serious or ongoing threat to members of the University community.

Wilkes University communicates during crisis and emergency situations across multiple means and modalities such as:

  • Mass Notification Text Alerts
  • Wilkes Website
  • Social Media
  • Local News