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.
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.
2024-25 University Theme
``The community of believers was of one heart and mind.``
Acts 4:32a
Peace.
We live in a world that is so divided. The news, politics, social media—everything seems to separate people into “us” versus “them.”
Even here at Franciscan University, we can find ourselves divided. We are separated into our majors and schools, our households and athletic teams, or in the ways we prefer to study or pray.
Not all these differences are bad. God makes each one of us unique, and that is good! I can’t imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same. But, too often, we can focus on the things that divide us and allow them to put us at odds with one another.
During this academic year, we reflect on the first disciples and how “the community of believers was of one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). At Franciscan, we are an academic and faith community. Despite all our differences, a belief in Jesus Christ is at our core. This fundamental truth goes far deeper than anything that threatens to draw us apart.
Does that mean we are going to think or act exactly alike? Of course not! But God has called you each here at this place, at this time, into this community for a reason. When you find yourself getting frustrated or disagreeing with someone, focus on how we are a community of Jesus’ disciples. With our unique talents and skills, we are called to work together to seek truth and live in charity.
This year, let us journey together. Let us become an example for the world of what it means for people to live with “one heart and mind.”
Know of my prayers for you.
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.