Benedictine University at Springfield

Benedictine University at Springfield
Established 1929
Type Private
Religious affiliation Roman Catholic
Students 1,023
Undergraduates 904
Postgraduates 119
Location Springfield, IL
Campus Suburban, 25 acres
Former names Springfield Junior College (1929–1967)
Springfield College in Illinois (1967–2003)
Colors      Red
     Black
Mascot Bulldogs
Affiliations Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities
Website http://www1.ben.edu/springfield/

Benedictine University at Springfield, formerly known as Springfield College in Illinois (SCI) or Springfield College, is a progressive liberal arts university offering master-, bachelor- and associate-degree programs located in Springfield, IL. The school was founded in 1929 by the Ursuline Sisters and was called Springfield Junior College until 1968.[1][2] In January 2003, SCI entered into a "partnership" with Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, which has led to a merger between the institutions.[3]

The partnership with Benedictine University resulted in the first bachelor's degrees being awarded on the SCI campus, in line with the guidelines of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education.[1][3]

The institution was also partnered with Springfield's Ursuline Academy High School.[4]

Contents

Athletics

After a hiatus of several years, athletics returned to SCI in 1991 with men's soccer and in 1992 with women's tennis.

In October 2009, Benedictine-Springfield became a member of the NAIA and in August 2011 joined the American Midwest Conference.

Benedictine University at Springfield is reinstating its men’s basketball program for the 2012-13 season and adding women’s basketball that same season. Benedictine discontinued its men’s basketball program in 2000 due to budget reductions. The program also was dropped in the late 1970s for financial reasons; it was reinstated in 1993.

As of fall 2012, the Bulldogs participate at the intercollegiate level in 5 men's sports and 6 women's sports:

Men's sports

  • Baseball
  • Basketball (fall 2012)
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer

Women's sports

  • Basketball (fall 2012)
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Volleyball

References

  1. ^ a b Ellersten, Peter. History of SCI, Springfield College, Illinois. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
  2. ^ "Currently or Previously Affiliated Institutions: Springfield College in Illinois". Chicago: Higher Learning Commission (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). http://www.ncahlc.org/index.php?option=com_directory&Itemid=192&Action=ShowBasic&instid=1160. Retrieved 2009-01-29. 
  3. ^ a b Springfield College in Illinois, Benedictine University, 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2007.
  4. ^ About SCI/BU/UA, SCI. Retrieved 10 March 2007.