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 40 states and nine 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.

The Mission

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

  • 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.

Accessibility of Programs and Services

Salve Regina University is committed to providing equal and integrated access for students with disabilities to all of its educational, residential, social and recreational programs. Disability services to students at Salve Regina University, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and assistance in order to participate fully in University programs.

The Office of Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services provides support services and reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities so as to provide them equal access to all Salve Regina University programs and services, regardless of disability. The office also provides students with an opportunity to realize their full potential by developing students' self-awareness and self-advocacy skills, and provides them with local and state information and resources.

Specific accommodations are based on the nature of a student's disability as determined by the documentation provided along with an intake interview. These accommodations may include, but are not limited to, extended time for exams, note-taking assistance, e-print and/or audio texts, FM transmitters, service animals, accessible housing and/or classroom locations, assistive technology, assistance with course registrations or other accommodations.

To arrange disability accommodations students must:

  1. Provide documentation of the disability to the Office of Disability Services. Students may bring documentation in person to the Disability Services Coordinator, or may mail documentation to:

    Office of Disability Services
    100 Ochre Point Ave.
    Newport, RI 02840-4192
    Fax: 401-341-2912
    Email: disabilityservices@salve.edu
  2. Make an appointment by calling (401) 341-3150, to discuss accommodations appropriate to the student's disability and receive accommodation forms for faculty.
  3. Provide professors with notification forms indicating the need for disability accommodations. 

For more information, please see Student Accessibility Services.