Overview
Montana's University of Great Falls Balances Spirituality, Academics, and Personal Growth in Its Undergraduate Program
The leading private, Catholic, liberal arts school in Montana is the University of Great Falls. The school was founded by a collaborative effort among the Ursuline Sisters, the Sisters of Providence, the Bishop of Great Falls, and members of the greater community. All of these people, religious and secular, recognized the social need for quality higher education. In fact, the university has always sought to work with other private and public institutions--in Montana, the nation, and the world--to attain goals that are consistent with both its educational purpose and its core values.
Even as a private, Catholic, liberal arts school, the university is committed to developing professional and career programs that will continue to meet society's present goals and future needs, in Montana and throughout the U.S., with degrees in fundamentally important fields. As a Catholic institution, the university offers undergraduates a foundation for active application of Gospel values and the teachings of Jesus as proffered in the Catholic tradition.
The school proudly serves students of all creeds, and the faculty and staff join them all in an energetic, cooperative search for truth, so that students may develop the following important qualities: character, so they can have a positive impact on the world and in the communities where they live and work; competence, which includes being well established in the basics of their professional fields, with access to ongoing learning; and commitment, so they can participate effectively in society by living in accordance with their moral convictions while respecting the dignity and the beliefs of others.
The McLaughlin Fitness and Recreation Center Offers Everything to Keep the Body Healthy as the Mind Focuses on Learning
The University of Great Falls McLaughlin Fitness and Recreation Center, with a capacity of 1,500, is a comprehensive facility designed and managed to meet the exercise and recreational needs of the whole campus community. Comprising over 6,000 square feet of workout space, a Wellness Center, a juice bar, leisure space, wireless Internet access, couches, and a large-screen TV, the McLaughlin Fitness and Recreation Center really does have something for everyone. Its existence stands as proof of the university's commitment to the education and maturation of the "whole person."
For the many types of people attracted to the university, a large selection of activities and programs are available at the McLaughlin Fitness and Recreation Center. There are strength machines in addition to standard free weights, allowing for both serious bodybuilding work and general exercise for any kind of athlete. Modern cardio equipment enables everyone from novices to starting members of the school teams to benefit from the research incorporated into the strength- and fitness-training equipment. In addition, various classes in yoga, aerobics, Pilates, and other sports regimens are scheduled to meet the many different needs of a diverse campus population.
The McLaughlin Fitness and Recreation Center, in addition to housing the weight rooms and exercise areas, also plays host to the wrestling team, men's and women's basketball teams, and women's volleyball team. Open to all students, it is a key component of the complete education of mind, body, and spirit that is the goal of the university.
Freshman Program Introduces New Students to Campus Life, While the Corps of Discovery Introduces Students to Themselves
The university may have a small campus, but it is big in opportunity and visions and home to a close-knit community of students, staff, and faculty. Help and support is always close by, and Career Services will help students with everything from choosing a major and finding an internship to exploring possible post-graduation careers. Campus Ministry can introduce students to others from the same or different faith traditions, while the Center for Academic Excellence supports the academic component of campus life.
There is always much to do at the University of Great Falls, and campus life is full of variety. First-year students are required to live on campus, and the freshman program of orientation and support will coordinate all the various centers and counseling services to make new students feel welcome and secure. The entire campus community welcomes and embraces each newcomer.
One of the unique programs at the university is the Corps of Discovery, which is required for all full-time, first-year students who are pursuing degrees while living on campus. This freshman program is designed to encourage spiritual, emotional, and physical development through shared bonding experiences across various facets of campus life. Such physical challenges as rafting on the Missouri River will aid in building leadership skills, while the Corps of Discovery will chart a course across students' "inner terrain" to identify core values, key principles, particular purposes(s) in life, and the talents that will get them through.
