During the 2018-2019 academic year, Holy Cross participated in a Mission Priority Examen (MPE) to consider how effectively we are accomplishing our mission as a Jesuit college and how we may be able to improve in the years to come. The College is next due to participate in the MPE Process in the 2025–2026 academic year.
The Mission Priority Examen, a process that all Jesuit institutions are undertaking in conjunction with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) and their sponsoring Jesuit province, offers Holy Cross an opportunity to engage in institutional reflection on the mission and to commit to a set of priorities for faithfully and creatively promoting our Catholic, Jesuit identity and values.
Self-Study
A self-study is created as part of the MPE process. The primary document guiding this reflection is the publication, “Characteristics of Jesuit Higher Education” (PDF, revised 2021). This document, approved for use by the Provincials, was generated by the AJCU in collaboration with Bishops of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The College looked to identify strengths and opportunities of the institution’s mission effectiveness, evaluate its current mission priorities, and determine appropriate goals for improvement. To create the self-study, the committee sought input from a variety of constituencies, including faculty, staff, students and trustees.
Download the previous Self-Study (PDF)
Peer Review
The process culminated in a visit in February 2019 by a delegation of faculty and administrative peers from four AJCU institutions who interviewed members of the community and engaged in dialogue about the insights gleaned through the self-study and the mission priorities established by the College. The visiting team recommended affirmation.
Read the previous Visitors Report (PDF)
Confirmation of Our Catholic and Jesuit Identity
After reviewing the documents, Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, confirmed Holy Cross’ Catholic and Jesuit identity.
View the letter (PDF)
Committee for the 2018–2019 MPE Process
Chair
William R. Campbell, S.J., '87, former Vice President for Mission
Members
Robert Bellin, Professor, Biology
James Hayes, S.J. '72, Associate Chaplain for Mission
Paul Irish, Associate Dean of Students/Student Affairs
Marybeth Kearns-Barrett '84, Director of the Office of the College Chaplains
Daniel Klinghard, Professor, Political Science
Michelle Sterk Barrett, Director, Director of the J.D. Power Center for Liberal Arts in the World