Why We’re Unifying
Rationale for Unifying the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Science
Saint Mary’s College is unifying the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Science into a single School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. This strategic step strengthens our academic identity, addresses national and local challenges in higher education, and positions the College for long-term vitality.
The unification is not about reducing programs, eliminating staff or faculty, or diminishing our commitment to the liberal arts. Instead, it is about building a stronger, more integrated academic structure that reflects the complexity of today’s world, sustains distinctive programs, and creates opportunities for students and faculty to thrive.
This move directly responds to three important challenges:
Clarifying the Liberal Arts
Nationally, “liberal arts” is often misunderstood as referring only to the humanities or the arts. By unifying Liberal Arts and Science, Saint Mary’s demonstrates that the liberal arts also encompass the sciences and social sciences. The new structure itself becomes a living definition of the liberal arts, presenting them as the holistic integration of all disciplines.
Breaking Down Silos
In our current structure, housing “liberal arts” solely in SOLA created the impression that sciences were not part of the liberal arts tradition. Unification eliminates this divide by bringing sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts into one academic home. This reframes the liberal arts as the educational foundation of the College, affirming that all disciplines work together to support student learning and intellectual growth.
Strengthening Enrollment
In today’s competitive higher education landscape, clarity and visibility matter. A unified School of Liberal Arts & Sciences aligns Saint Mary’s with the majority of Catholic, Jesuit, and liberal arts peers, providing prospective students and families with a clearer and more compelling academic identity. It also creates new opportunities for interdisciplinary programs, double majors, and innovative pathways that meet student demand and strengthen recruitment.
Beyond addressing these challenges, unification advances several key goals for the College:
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Strengthens Mission & IdentityAffirms Saint Mary’s as a Catholic, Lasallian, liberal arts college dedicated to holistic education that integrates knowledge across disciplines. |
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Supports Faculty ExcellenceExpands opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and program development while preserving and further supporting signature strengths. |
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Enhances Student ExperienceEnsures students have access to a holistic, integrative education that prepares them to think critically, act ethically, and lead with purpose. |
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Improves Fundraising & VisibilityOffers a bold vision that resonates with alumni and donors, providing a strong case for philanthropic investment in academic excellence. |
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Ensures SustainabilityProtects existing financial commitments, streamlines structures for coherence, and builds a stronger foundation for long-term academic vitality. |
Fast Facts
Why We’re Unifying
- Strengthens Saint Mary’s Catholic, Lasallian, liberal arts mission.
- Aligns us with peers and competitors (most have combined Arts & Sciences).
- Positions SMC to grow enrollment and remain competitive.
- Provides a bold vision that strengthens fundraising and donor confidence.
- Creates a clearer identity for prospective students and families.
What This Means for Our Community
- Preserves and further supports signature programs.
- Invests in faculty excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Ensures all disciplines — arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences — thrive together.
- Faculty and staff voices will help shape implementation and the new school’s name.
- The unification and name will be reviewed and affirmed by the Board of Trustees.
What It Does Not Mean
- No elimination of programs.
- No elimination of staff roles.
- No diminishment of faculty roles.
- No erosion of resources.
- No break with our mission.