Students thrive in a one-of-a-kind, vibrantly Catholic culture where they are formed, through lives of charity and ongoing conversion, to lead and to evangelize each other and the world.
Student Life
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Unlike Anything Anywhere
Our Vision for Student Life
Living Your Faith
Based on the life of Christ, Student Life at Franciscan University is an integral part of how Franciscan forms you to be the child of God you were made to be.
Living on Campus
Life on Campus at Franciscan University provides your home away from home. Friends for life, activities and services that keep you on track, and so much more.
Leading and Serving
The world needs good leaders, and good leaders are good at serving others. Student Life at Franciscan University gives you opportunities to grow as a leader, and as one prepared to serve others.
Living Well
Your physical and mental wellness is an integral part of becoming whom God has called you to be. We provide dedicated professionals to help, plus opportunities to stay fit on your own or with friends.
Households
Groups of students of the same sex who commit to help each other, hold each other accountable, pursue a common charism and prayer life.
Baron Athletics
NCAA D-III athletics mean our men's and women's teams compete against the best, while learning about virtue and team work.
The Mission of Student Life
- Promote the moral, spiritual, and religious values of our students and the integration of Christian faith and right reason into their daily lives.
- Support students in their primary academic vocation by encouraging and fostering intellectual development and progress towards their degree.
- Foster the development of friendships and community life as essential aspects of personal development.
- Develop leaders who will engage society through humble service and evangelization.
- Promote and support physical and mental wellness as essential components of the human person’s well-being.
- Assist students with discerning their unique calling from God and living out that calling.
- Support student development by supporting the work of other University departments and helping them to fulfill their roles in serving the University and its students.
2025-26 University Theme
“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5
When I was praying about the theme for this academic year, I kept coming back to one idea, or rather one person: Jesus.
You might be saying, “Well, of course, Father Dave. Everything has to do with Jesus. But what else should I focus on?”
The answer is still Jesus.
We can do so much to grow our faith life. We can do Bible studies, go on mission trips, and pray Rosaries and novena after novena. These are very good things. (Please, keep doing them!) However, sometimes we can get caught up in the busyness of what we’re doing and miss the Who at the center of it all.
As Scripture reminds us, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). Jesus is the One who draws us closer to the Father’s love. And he wants us to let him do that.
At Franciscan, we’re blessed to have physical reminders of how Jesus longs to be fully present in our lives. We have the new Christ the Teacher Hall, which reminds us to invite him into our studies and professional pursuits. We also have the beautifully renovated Christ the King Chapel, which reminds us to invite him to reign in our hearts and souls.
This year, no matter if you’re in the classroom or the chapel, the dining hall or the fieldhouse, invite Jesus to be with you. He sees you, loves you, and chooses you. And when we seek to encounter Jesus first, we come to know and live the truth of the Gospel better in everything else we do.
Peace,
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR
President
Franciscan University of Steubenville
New Student Orientation
A great first year at Franciscan begins with a great start at Orientation. Our Residence Life staff, move-in teams, and Orientation staff will make your first days at Franciscan some of the most memorable and easy days of your life.