Ursuline College Debuts New Core Curriculum and Adds Nursing Programs

Ursuline College, founded in 1871, is a women-focused educational institution in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Women make up 93 percent of all undergraduate students.

This fall the college debuted a new 40-credit core curriculum. The new core includes seminars rooted in the teachings of St. Angela Merici, the 15th-century saint who founded the Ursuline order. These nine credits are integrated with 31 credits in the arts and sciences, “demonstrating a commitment to teaching in the Catholic intellectual tradition that is lifelong, interdisciplinary, inclusive, collaborative, socially responsible, and spiritual in nature.”

The college also announced additions to its nursing programs. Nearly one half of all undergraduates and half of all graduates are enrolled in nursing programs. The college has added:

• A year-long pre-nursing program, funded by the Cleveland Foundation, to help under-prepared high school graduates transition into the bachelor’s degree in nursing program;
• Two new dual enrollment agreements with community colleges for registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree; and
• A post-master’s program to prepare nurse practitioners for the certification exam to specialize in psychiatric mental health nursing.

Patricia Sharpnack, dean of nursing at Ursuline College, stated that “we know from the research that the most effective programs are those which focus on assisting students to establish high levels of self sufficiency and personal accountability through things like effective study skills, strong support systems, and role models who demonstrate professionalism.”

Dr. Sharpnack is a graduate of Ursuline College. She received a master degree in nursing from the University of Akron and doctor of nursing practice degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.