SRU named a College of Distinction for the 10th straight year

Slippery Rock University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2023-24 academic year for its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes.

July 10, 2023

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2023-24 academic year. This marks the 10th straight year that SRU received this recognition for its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education focused on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes. Colleges of Distinction is an online resource that provides college profiles and resources for students, parents and high school counselors.

"We believe that engaged students are successful students," said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. "And SRU's dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education."

The Colleges of Distinction selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the COD's four distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. These principles are all informed by the COD's "high-impact practices" to prioritize the ways institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience both inside and outside of the classroom.

To be named a College of Distinction, SRU demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning and community involvement. This evaluation process differs from those of popular college rankings publications, whose formulas grade institutions based on things like faculty salaries, endowment size and peer opinion.

"We don't rank our schools," said Schritter. "Every student has individual needs and flourishes in a specific environment. We prefer to focus on the innovative ways that colleges all around the country are providing an enriching undergraduate experience. SRU's inclusion as a College of Distinction is a testament to the way it caters to its own students' potential and goals, helping them achieve success in unique ways that cannot be ranked against others.

Schritter went on to say, "we are deeply inspired by how SRU immerses students in their academic pursuits, fostering a welcoming community that provides unwavering support throughout their college years and beyond."

In addition to being named a College of Distinction, SRU was recognized by COD in other categories and for excellence in specific academic programs and support services. They include:

• Pennsylvania College of Distinction.
• Public College of Distinction.
• Business programs. 
• Education programs.
• Nursing programs.
• Career Development. 
• Military Support.
• Equity & Inclusion. 

More information about COD and SRU's qualifications are available on SRU's COD profile webpage.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 |  justin.zackal@sru.edu