Sarah Mitchell
The Catholic University of America has been regarded as adhering to conservative principles, with critics pointing to its unorthodox hiring practices as evidence. The university has faced a battle over its 'Catholic identity', with some accusing it of favouring conservative Catholics in its hiring processes. However, the university's officials have vehemently denied these claims, stating that they do not require applicants to make statements about their Catholic identity or discuss hot-button issues of faith during interviews. The Catholic University of America is the only US university with an ecclesiastical faculty of canon law, established by the Holy See in 1923, and it offers a liberal arts curriculum in arts and sciences combined with courses in a student's major field of study.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size of Campus | 173 acres |
| Number of Schools | 12 |
| Number of Research Centers | 21 |
| Number of Programs for Undergraduate Degrees | 72 |
| Fields of Study for Undergraduate Degrees | Architecture and Planning, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Music, Nursing, Philosophy |
| Fields of Study for Graduate Degrees | Canon Law, Catholicism and Human Nature |
| Environmental Sustainability | LEED-compliant newest building, Opus Hall; 30% of electricity from green sources; participation in Earth Day, Casey Trees tree planting, and Campus Beautification Day |
| Political Leanings | Conservative |
| Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity | 19% of students say the student body is very diverse |
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What You'll Learn
The Catholic University of America's conservative principles
The Catholic University of America has been known for its conservative principles, which are rooted in its Catholic identity and mission. The university was established in 1887 with the mission of instructing Catholicism and human nature at the graduate level, with the aim of strengthening and enriching Catholicism in the United States.
The university has been committed to maintaining a Catholic environment in its hiring practices, as noted by former vice president Richard Conklin, who acknowledged the debate over how prominent Catholicism should be at the university. This commitment to Catholic identity has led to accusations of unorthodox hiring practices, with some claiming that the university gives preference to conservative Catholics. However, university officials have strongly rejected these claims, asserting that they do not require applicants to make statements about Catholic identity or discuss "hot-button issues" of faith during interviews.
The Catholic University of America has also been characterised by its conservative principles in other aspects of its operations. For example, the university has raised funds from politically conservative sources, and it is the only American university to have been visited by three popes. The university's campus ministry and pastoral staff also play a significant role in shaping the conservative Catholic principles of the institution.
The conservative principles of the Catholic University of America are further reflected in its academic offerings. The university offers a liberal arts curriculum in arts and sciences, combined with courses in major fields of study. This approach allows undergraduates to explore a variety of subjects while also receiving a comprehensive Catholic education. The university also offers graduate programs in fields such as canon law, which further emphasises its commitment to Catholic teachings and principles.
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The university's libertarian donors
The Catholic University of America has been known for its conservative principles and unorthodox hiring practices. The university has been criticised for its conservative leanings, with some arguing that it gives conservative Catholics preference in its hiring processes. However, the university's administration has denied these claims, stating that they do not require applicants to make a statement about their Catholic identity or discuss "hot-button issues" of faith.
Despite these assertions, the university has received criticism for accepting funds from politically conservative and libertarian sources. One such donor is Tim Busch, a successful lawyer and owner of luxury resorts, who co-founded the Napa Institute, which promotes a mix of conservative theology and libertarian economics. Busch has been an advocate for unbounded economic ambitions, wrapping his ideology in a veneer of Catholic piety. He has also been accused of attempting to fashion a church that conforms to his ideology. The university has also received donations from Donors Trust, a group that funds libertarian efforts at Catholic colleges, among other causes.
These actions have sparked concerns among some Catholics, who worry about the influence of libertarian donors on the university and the broader Catholic Church. Critics argue that libertarianism and the Catholic faith are inconsistent, as libertarianism promotes an atomistic view of the individual, which is at odds with Christian teachings. There are fears that the university and the Church are becoming politicised and influenced by far-right agendas.
While the university maintains its commitment to Catholic social and political teachings, critics highlight a growing emphasis on libertarian economic policies on campus. This tension between libertarian capitalism and Catholic social justice teachings has led to a battle over the university's and the Church's identity.
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The Catholic identity of staff and students
The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church in America. It was founded in 1887 by the bishops of the country with the approval of Pope Leo XIII, who granted the university its charter and established its mission as the instruction of Catholicism and human nature at the graduate level. The university is the oldest Catholic research university in the nation and is one of two pontifical universities of the Catholic Church in the United States. It is also the only American university with an ecclesiastical faculty of canon law.
The Catholic University of America has a strong Catholic identity that is reflected in its staff and students. The university is committed to upholding the traditions of the Church and serving its nation. 84% of undergraduates and 59% of graduate students identify as Catholic. The campus ministry has a dedicated team of pastoral staff and full-time campus ministers, including lay people, priests, and religious sisters, who are available to the community daily. The campus also has over 100 student ministry leaders.
The Catholic University of America provides many opportunities for students to live their Catholic faith on campus through the sacraments, service, and community. The campus has many sacred spaces, including chapels and other sacred spaces that offer Mass, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration. The Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America, is located next door to the campus and is home to more than 80 chapels and oratories. It is open for worship for the community and students. The campus ministry staff and sacraments are an important part of the student experience at the university. Campus Ministry chaplains participate in the University's daily life and are always there to support the students.
While the university has a strong Catholic identity, it also welcomes students from all faith backgrounds and walks of life. The university offers a welcoming home for diversity and multiculturalism as part of its Catholic identity. However, the university has been criticised for its unorthodox hiring practices, with some accusing it of favouring conservative Catholics in its hiring decisions. The university's administration has denied these claims, stating that they do not require applicants to make a statement about their Catholic identity or discuss "hot-button issues" of faith during the hiring process.
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The Catholic University's environmental sustainability programs
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of two pontifical universities of the Catholic Church in the United States and the only institution of higher education founded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The university offers a variety of environmental sustainability programs as part of its commitment to improving the environmental well-being of its campus and the wider community.
The Catholic University's Sustainability Plan outlines various initiatives and actions that promote environmental education and research, preserve resources, reduce expenditures, and generate positive environmental change. The university's environmental and sustainability practices are integrated throughout its campus community.
One notable initiative is the West Campus Solar Array, which is the region's largest urban ground-mounted solar array, covering an area of approximately 19 football fields. This project is estimated to save 7.115 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to removing 1,547 cars from the roads or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from nearly 800,630 gallons of gasoline. The solar facility will also produce 7.5 megawatts-DC/6 megawatts-AC of renewable energy, benefiting both the campus and the local community.
Recycling and composting are also important components of the university's sustainability efforts. The Community Garden on campus involves students and staff in producing fruits and vegetables for those in need. The Student Government Association's Environmental Initiative and various Environmental Student Groups actively participate in the cultivation of the Community Garden.
In addition to its environmental initiatives, the Catholic University offers academic programs focused on sustainability. There is a Minor in Sustainability within the School of Architecture and Planning, which combines liberal arts and sciences with courses on sustainability practices. This minor is open to the entire undergraduate student body and offers a strong foundation in Catholic teaching alongside an understanding of current scholarship and practical skills. The university also offers over 150 courses related to sustainability across multiple programs, internships, and special initiatives.
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The university's ecclesiastical faculty of canon law
The Catholic University of America is the only university in the United States with an ecclesiastical faculty of canon law. The School of Canon Law, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the twelve schools at the university and one of three ecclesiastical schools, along with the School of Theology and Religious Studies and the School of Philosophy. The School of Canon Law is housed in Caldwell Hall on the main campus in the Brookland neighbourhood of Northeast D.C.
The School of Canon Law was established by the Holy See in 1923, although the university was empowered to grant ecclesiastical degrees in canon law by the apostolic letter of Leo XIII Magni nobis gaudii on March 7, 1889. The School of Theology issued canon law degrees until the establishment of the separate faculty of canon law in 1923.
The School of Canon Law offers several ecclesiastical, civil, and dual degree programs. These include the Licentiate of Canon Law and the Doctor of Canon Law ecclesiastical degrees. The school also jointly accepts certain credits from the Juris Doctor program toward the degree requirements for the Licentiate of Canon Law with the Columbus School of Law. As such, graduates receive two separate degrees: one civil (J.D.) and the other ecclesiastical (J.C.L.).
The School of Canon Law supports the mind, teaching, and discipline of the Church, with graduates going on to work in dioceses and other Catholic organizations around the world. The school provides a unique and vital role in filling the great need for well-trained canonists globally. Students can gain practical experience serving in dioceses while training to implement the law and fulfilling their commission to the Church. The school also hosts lecture series, annual seminars, summer workshops, and other events.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic University of America has been known for its adherence to conservative principles, which it enforces through what some call unorthodox hiring practices. However, the university has also been accused of favouring conservative Catholics in its hiring process, which the university vehemently denies.
The Catholic University of America's President, John Garvey, has stated that libertarianism and the Catholic faith are inconsistent. He affirmed that the university is a Catholic institution committed to the fullness of church teachings on social and political matters.
The Catholic University of America is committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church on social and political issues. The university's mission is to instruct Catholicism and human nature together at the graduate level, developing new leaders and knowledge to strengthen and enrich Catholicism in the United States.
The Catholic University of America has been known to discuss "hot-button issues" such as abortion, the death penalty, religious liberty, and immigration. However, the university's leaders have stated that these discussions are not indicative of a political stance but rather a reflection of the Catholic faith and the university's commitment to academic freedom.
The Catholic University of America was established with the support of Pope Leo XIII, who granted permission for its establishment in 1887. The university has also been visited by three popes: Pope John Paul II in 1979, Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, and Pope Francis in 2015. The university is the only one in the United States with an ecclesiastical faculty of canon law, established by the Holy See in 1923.
