Introduction

History

In 1934, the state of Rhode Island granted a charter to the Sisters of Mercy of Providence for a corporation named Salve Regina College. In 1947, following more than a dozen years of careful preparation, the turn-of-the-century Newport mansion Ochre Court was gifted to the college corporation, enabling Salve Regina to welcome its first class of 58 students that Fall. Salve Regina became coeducational in 1973 and achieved university status in 1991, at which time the school's charter was amended to change the name of the corporation to Salve Regina University.

Salve Regina's story continues today with faculty and administration preparing students for active roles within a global society. The University enrolls more than 2,800 men and women from 44 states and 28 nations and boasts over 14,000 alumni. The rigorous course of study integrates responsible citizenship and public service, while the interconnection of academic programs forms a foundation for students to reflect and learn within the context of mercy values.

Mission of the University

As a community that welcomes people of all beliefs, Salve Regina University, a Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, seeks wisdom and promotes universal justice.

The University, through teaching and research, prepares men and women for responsible lives by imparting and expanding knowledge, developing skills and cultivating enduring values. Through liberal arts and professional programs, students develop their abilities for thinking clearly and creatively, enhance their capacity for sound judgment, and prepare for the challenge of learning throughout their lives.

In keeping with the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy, and recognizing that all people are stewards of God's creation, the University encourages students to work for a world that is harmonious, just and merciful.

Accreditation

The University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Accreditation of an institution of higher education by NECHE indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer review process. An accredited College or University is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation. Accreditation by the Commission is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution. Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals also may contact:

New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425 7785
E-mail:  info@neche.org

Specialized Accreditations

State Authorization

Salve Regina is authorized to offer online education under the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, which covers 54 states and U.S. territories and is administered by four regional education compacts. Salve Regina is a member of the New England Board of Higher Education compact. Professional licensure disclosures may be found at this link: State authorization and professional licensure.  

Memberships

The University is a member of the following organizations:

  • American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
  • American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO)
  • American Council on Education (ACE)
  • Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
  • Association of Governing Boards (AGB)
  • Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Rhode Island (AICU-RI)
  • College Board
  • Conference for Mercy Higher Education (CMHE)
  • Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
  • Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
  • Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)
  • National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
  • National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)

The University participates in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and its regional subdivisions.

Disability Accommodations

Salve Regina University is committed to providing equal access for students with disabilities to all of its programs and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you have a disability that entitles you to instructional or other accommodations, you must register with Student Accessibility Services and arrange to provide them with documentation of your disability. The Office is open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm EST, and can be reached by phone (401-341-3150) or via email (accessibilityservices@salve.edu). Student Accessibility Services will provide you with letters of accommodation for your professors as appropriate. You should arrange to speak with the professor as soon as possible (ideally within the first few weeks of class) to discuss arrangements for implementing your accommodations.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

As a Catholic institution of higher learning under the sponsorship of the Sisters of the Mercy, Salve Regina University exists to provide educational opportunities for students who choose to live a more perceptive and fulfilling life. The University's purpose is to prepare men and women for responsible lives by imparting and expanding knowledge, developing skills, and cultivating enduring values. It encourages students to develop their abilities for thinking clearly and creatively, to enhance their capacity for sound judgment, and to prepare for the challenge of learning throughout their lives.

Students are expected to treat all members of the University community with respect and civility and to exercise guaranteed freedoms in a responsible manner consistent with the goals and traditions of the University. Students should acknowledge the interdependence of the University and the surrounding community and should take responsibility for their learning and collective welfare. Upon enrollment, the student becomes a member of the academic community and thereby accepts both the rights and responsibilities associated with that membership.

It is the student's responsibility to know the policies, procedures, standards, and regulations which affect student rights; and it shall be the student's responsibility to obtain and act appropriately on such information. Ignorance of the information made accessible to the student shall not be cause to waive policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.