Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities AFCU

Overview

The Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) is a nonprofit organization comprising 22 higher education institutions in the United States, each rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan traditions. Established in 1997, AFCU serves as a collaborative network dedicated to promoting Franciscan values in higher education. Its member institutions range from large universities to smaller colleges, primarily located in the American Midwest and Northeast regions. According to uniRank, AFCU represents a diverse array of institutions committed to integrating faith, reason and service in their educational missions.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

Informal networking among Franciscan colleges and universities dates back to 1995, facilitated through meetings of the Franciscan Federation and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. This collaboration culminated in the formal establishment of AFCU on February 4, 1997, during a meeting of Franciscan college presidents at the Washington Theological Union. Ten of the current 22 member institutions were present at this organizational meeting, marking the beginning of a unified effort to explore and promote the integration of Franciscan values in higher education.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

The mission of AFCU is to support its member institutions in their commitment to Catholic higher education, characterized by Franciscan values such as love and respect for all creation, recognition of God as the Father of all persons, a commitment to the search for truth and service to those in need. The association aims to:

• Provide a forum for dialogue on matters of importance to member institutions.
• Foster and facilitate collaboration among members to enhance educational practices and outcomes.
• Support the integration of Franciscan values into the academic and social life of member institutions.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

AFCU operates as a voluntary association, with each member institution represented by its president or a designated delegate. The association is governed by a Board of Directors and led by an executive director. While maintaining its independence, AFCU collaborates with other organizations, such as the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the Franciscan Federation, to advance shared goals in Catholic higher education.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While AFCU does not grant accreditation, it plays a significant role in supporting member institutions through the accreditation process. The association provides resources and guidance to help institutions integrate Franciscan values into their accreditation materials and institutional assessments. AFCU also facilitates discussions among Accreditation Liaison Officers (ALOs) at member institutions to share best practices and strategies for maintaining institutional identity during accreditation processes.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

AFCU is affiliated with the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), fostering global collaboration among Catholic higher education institutions. Through this affiliation, AFCU engages in international dialogues, shares best practices and supports global initiatives that advance Catholic higher education. Additionally, AFCU maintains relationships with various religious and educational organizations to promote the values of Franciscan education worldwide.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

AFCU continues to influence the landscape of Catholic higher education by:

• Advocating for the inclusion of Franciscan values in educational policies and practices.
• Providing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to enhance their understanding and application of Franciscan principles.
• Facilitating research and scholarship that explores the integration of faith and reason in higher education.
• Supporting member institutions in their efforts to address contemporary challenges through a Franciscan lens.

Looking forward, AFCU aims to strengthen its role as a leader in Catholic higher education by expanding its services, enhancing member engagement and continuing to advocate for the unique contributions of Franciscan institutions to the broader educational landscape.

7. Summary

The Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities is a pivotal organization in the United States, dedicated to promoting and supporting Catholic higher education rooted in Franciscan values. Through advocacy, professional development and fostering collaboration among institutions, AFCU ensures that Franciscan colleges and universities remain true to their mission and continue to contribute positively to society.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the AFCU?
  AFCU is a nonprofit organization representing 22 Franciscan higher education institutions in the United States, focusing on promoting and strengthening their Catholic and Franciscan identity and mission.
• How many institutions are members of AFCU?
  AFCU represents 22 degree-granting Franciscan institutions across the United States.
• Does AFCU grant accreditation?
  No, AFCU does not grant accreditation but supports institutions in maintaining their Catholic and Franciscan identity during accreditation processes.
• Who leads AFCU?
  AFCU is led by an executive director, supported by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from member institutions.
• Is AFCU affiliated with any international organizations?
  Yes, AFCU is affiliated with the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), promoting global collaboration among Catholic higher education institutions.

Organization Name

Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities

Acronym

AFCU

Year of Establishment

1/01/1948

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

22

Address

400 Saint Bernardine Street
Reading
19607 Pennsylvania United States

Phone

+1 (610) 796 3016

Fax

+1 (610) 796 8233

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities's Facebook page

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Wikipedia Article

Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities's Wikipedia article

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