GENERAL
INFORMATION
HISTORY AND IDENTITY
Daemen
College is a private, nonsectarian, co-educational, comprehensive college in
Amherst, New York. Its attractive suburban location offers convenient access to
the cultural amenities of metropolitan Buffalo and the scenic outdoor
recreation areas of Western New York, the Niagara Frontier, and the Great
Lakes. In addition, the College is near Canada, with cosmopolitan Toronto in
easy driving distance.
The College
was established in 1947 as Rosary Hill College by the Sisters of St. Francis of
Penance and Christian Charity, whose foundress was
Magdalene Daemen, a Dutch woman dedicated to working with the poor. Her faith
and courage have inspired many to give themselves to the service of others. The
College has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
since 1956. Institutional accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2006. Originally
a liberal arts college for women, the College became co-educational in 1971,
extending its commitment to academic excellence to the education of both men
and women. In 1976, the College became independent and nonsectarian, changing
its name to Daemen College. In 1992, New York State amended the college’s
charter, authorizing the award of graduate level degrees as well as
baccalaureate degrees.
Committed to
an academic atmosphere that leads to open inquiry and debate, Daemen has
achieved a creative balance between programs providing career preparation and
education in the liberal arts. Programs in the major and the competency-based
core curriculum encourage students to expand their horizons beyond the
classroom through internships, service-learning, clinical and field
experiences, collaborative research with faculty, and study abroad. The Core
Curriculum is designed to develop students’ skills and competencies in seven
areas that will benefit them personally and
professionally throughout their lives.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission
of Daemen College is to prepare students for life and leadership in an
increasingly complex world. Founded on the principle that education should
elevate human dignity and foster civic responsibility and compassion, the
College seeks to integrate the intellectual qualities acquired through study of
the liberal arts with the education necessary for professional accomplishment.
This integration which recognizes equal value in liberal studies and
professional programs aims at preparing graduates who are dedicated to the
health and well-being of both their local and global communities.
With a Daemen
education, students will acquire the skill to solve problems creatively and
think critically. They will be comfortable with diversity and will recognize
the importance of a global perspective. They will be able to work with others
and be invigorated by environments that present challenges and demand
innovation. Daemen students are expected to be active participants in their own
education and informed citizens who understand that learning is a life-long
journey.
At the heart
of Daemen’s integrated learning experience is the
relationship that can develop between the College’s faculty and its students.
Daemen prides itself on maintaining a student-centered atmosphere and a close
professional and collaborative association among all members of the College community.
Assisted by a supportive faculty, Daemen students are encouraged to pursue
goals beyond their initial expectations, to respond to academic challenges, and
to develop habits of mind that enrich their lives and their community.
Learning Outcome Goals
Daemen
College graduates students who:
1. Are
informed citizens, prepared to play productive roles in local and global
communities both as effective participants and leaders.
2. Are
prepared to work collaboratively as well as independently in the pursuit of
knowledge and problem resolution.
3. Engage in higher order thinking.
4. Make reasoned ethical choices and
consider connections between values and behavior.
5. Can
effectively access, evaluate, and apply
relevant and valid information using a variety of information resources.
6. Have
writing and speaking skills necessary for effective communication.
7. Are
well prepared to pursue meaningful career opportunities or advanced study.
