University Policy
It is the policy of Widener University not to discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy status, age, race, national origin or ethnicity, religion, disability, status as a veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, genetic information, or any protected class in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment practices, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. This policy is enforced under various federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Further, in compliance with state and federal laws, Widener University will provide the following information upon request: (a) copies of documents pertinent to the university’s accreditations, approvals, or licensing by external agencies or governmental bodies; (b) reports on crime and fire statistics and information on safety policies and procedures; and (c) information regarding gender equity relative to intercollegiate athletic programs—Contact: Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013; tel. 610-499-4151. Comments or requests for information regarding services and resources for disabled students should be directed to: Director of Accessibility Services, Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013; tel. 610-499-1266; or Dean of Students, Widener University Delaware Law School, P.O. Box 7474, Wilmington, DE 19803; tel. 302-477-2173.
This publication contains information, policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements that were correct at the time of publication. In keeping with the educational mission of the university, the information, policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements contained herein are continually being reviewed, changed, and updated. Consequently, this document cannot be considered binding and must be used solely as an informational guide. Students are responsible for keeping informed of official policies and meeting all relevant requirements.
The university reserves the right and authority at any time to alter any or all of the statements contained herein, to modify the requirements for admission and graduation, to change or discontinue programs of study, to amend any regulation or policy affecting the student body, to increase tuition and fees, to deny admission, to revoke an offer of admission, and to dismiss from the university any student at any time, if it is deemed by the university to be in the best interest of the university, the university community, or the student to do so. The provisions of this publication are subject to change without notice, and nothing in this publication may be considered as setting forth terms of a contract between a student or a prospective student and Widener University.
Published by the Office of University Relations, June, 2021.
Mission
Empowering our community of learners to discover and create better futures.
Values
Widener University is committed to the core values of respect, integrity, and excellence.
They unite us as we hold ourselves and others accountable to support them through our actions.
- Respect: We care for and honor the dignity of all in our community.
- Integrity: We stand courageously, in thought and action for what is ethical.
- Excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and support others in our community to achieve excellence in all they do.
University Strategy
Building on a bold vision and significant institutional momentum, Widener launched a transformative strategic initiative in 2019—to think about the future of everything we do and to reimagine student support services to meet the demands of a radically shifting world. Using innovative scenario planning, the university’s most creative and open-minded thinkers developed a suite of forward-thinking strategic narratives to ensure the university remains both proactive and poised to respond with agility to emerging changes.
A clear strategy emerged from this work: a focus on institutional nimbleness and the enhancement of the student experience we call “Agility Experienced.” Like its development, the implementation of our strategy is dynamic and bold, with a focus on leveraging the tenets of design thinking and user experience. Implementation teams of students, faculty, and staff from across the university are now using this strategy, as well as market research to put our vision in motion. A metaphor that illustrates their work is that the people of Widener build with “LEGO blocks” rather than “poured concrete.”
In short, through clear-eyed assessment and flexible thinking, we will maximize agility and continuous improvement.
Our work did not result in a published plan. Rather, as intended, it resulted in a strategy that is constantly enlarged and reinforced as we enact it everywhere and invite ideas and input from across the university. As the people and departments of Widener embody the power, reach, and extendibility of Agility Experienced, we’ll increase our capacity to adapt to rapid change and best position the university for continued success.
History
Widener was founded in 1821 as a preparatory school for boys in Wilmington, Delaware. The institution moved to Pennsylvania in 1862 and was granted collegiate powers and privileges via universal charter by the Pennsylvania legislature. From 1892 to 1972, it was known as Pennsylvania Military College, though it had officially become PMC Colleges in 1966 when a nonmilitary, coeducational component was added. The name Widener College was adopted, and the Corps of Cadets disbanded, in 1972. Graduate programs were introduced in 1967. In recognition of its comprehensive offerings, Widener College became Widener University in 1979. Today, Widener is a three-campus university offering more than 150 programs of study. Widener is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, School of Business Administration, School of Engineering, School of Nursing, Delaware Law School, and Commonwealth Law School.
Widener University is a member of the Association for Continuing Higher Education and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
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