2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Apr 16, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Institutes and Programs


Institutes

Institute for Thomas Paine Studies

The Institute for Thomas Paine Studies (ITPS) is an interdisciplinary organization that supports the study of early American history and its relevance today. The ITPS supports students as they engage with local, national, and global history communities, developing both intellectual and professional skills in a wide-range of subjects. Focused on three primary directions - public history, digital humanities, and archival studies - the ITPS is also home to the Thomas Paine National Historical Association Archive (TPNHA), a vast collection of artifacts from the late eighteenth through the twentieth century. Inspired by the legacy of Thomas Paine, the ITPS seeks to promote scholarship, civic engagement, and learning through expanding initiatives. Examples include:

  • Student Opportunities and Curriculum: the ITPS offers a minor in Public History and the Digital Humanities, which includes an internship program. The ITPS internship program provides students with a wide-range of opportunities, ranging from scholarly research and academic training to all forms of public history and museum studies, like curating exhibits, virtual reality projects, promotion and marketing, and non-profit management to multiple forms of history communication, from documentary production, podcasting, blogging, and social media campaigns. Students also have the chance to participate in the McNeil Center Undergraduate Research Workshop (URW) at the University of Pennsylvania and work with our community partners, the Center for Digital History at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum, amongst others.
  • Public and Academic Programming: the ITPS hosts and collaborates on a wide range of events - virtual, hybrid, and in-person, from bi-annual large scale conferences to symposiums to invited-talks and thematic workshops. The ITPS also hosts a vibrant podcast, “Public History in a Virtual Age,” a blog, “Letters from North Avenue,” and a monthly newsletter, “Page of Reason”.
  • Research and Publication: In addition to student opportunities, the ITPS is also a resource for Iona faculty, staff, and broader history-oriented communities pursuing multiple forms of multidisciplinary research. In addition to programming, the ITPS has a robust scholarly profile, including the forthcoming volume with Cornell University Press, The Age of Revolutions in the Digital Age, the ITPS special issue of New York History Journal, and the digital humanities TAP project, and a post-doctoral and dissertation fellowship program. In addition to preservation and access efforts around the TPNHA collection, the ITPS collection also include the Lapidus Collection, a generous donation from Ruth and Sid Lapidus to support secondary research around the archive.
  • Community collaborations: Our projects also include collaborative partnerships with local, state, and national organizations including University of Virginia Press, Cornell University Press, Mount Vernon, the McNeil Center, the Omohundro Institute, and the Kinder Institute for Constitutional Democracy, amongst others. The ITPS is also involved with preparations for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with the New York State historian, Rev250 NYC and RW250, Inc.

For more information, please see the ITPS research portal, http://theitps.org/, or follow us on twitter @TheITPS. For questions or to get involved, please contact Director Dr. Nora Slonimsky at itps@iona.edu.

Special Programs


Air Force ROTC

Iona University participates in an extension of the Air Force ROTC program at Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY, and an extension of the Army ROTC program at Fordham University, Bronx, NY. To learn more about opportunities to participate in the Air Force or Army ROTC programs, students should contact the Office of the Dean, School of Arts and Science at Iona University.

Brother John G. Driscoll Professorship in Jewish-Catholic Studies

The Brother John G. Driscoll Professorship in Jewish-Catholic Studies is a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Jack Rudin ‘86H, to Iona University to honor President Emeritus Br. Driscoll’s fifty years as a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. As a program in Jewish-Catholic Studies, the Driscoll Professorship adds a unique perspective to the fulfillment of Iona’s mission to prize the values of justice, peace and service.

Through an array of programs including course work, interreligious study with in-state area Jewish and Catholic congregations, networking with organizations such as the American Jewish Committee, the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center and the Anti-Defamation League, sponsoring a lecturer series in Jewish-Catholic studies, and building library collections in Judaica and Jewish-Catholic Studies, the Driscoll Professorship dedicates itself to:

  • effecting mutual understanding between the peoples of the Jewish and Catholic faiths;
  • fostering learning about the similarities and differences between Judaism and Christianity;
  • exploring foundations in shared scripture;
  • deepening understanding about the effects and implications of the Shoah; and
  • celebrating the spiritual vitality and gifts of the two faiths.

The department of Religious Studies offers the course “The Holocaust and the Churches” which includes a travel component to Poland to study at the former death camp, Auschwitz.

For more information, please contact Dr. Elena Procario-Foley of the Driscoll Professorship at (914) 637-2744, fax (914) 633-2248.

Child Abuse Identification Workshop

The Child Abuse Identification Workshop is required for all New York State Education Department Certifications. The workshop is 2 hours of training on child abuse identification and reporting. Further information is available at: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/ca.html.

Council on the Arts

The Iona University Council on the Arts is dedicated to sponsoring artistic and cultural programs for the enrichment of the Iona University community, particularly the student body.

With an endowment from the Baron Lambert Fund for the Arts, established by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Murphy, the Council exists to make the arts more present and visible - providing the unique awareness, inspiration, and participation which the arts promote.

Consisting of Iona University faculty, administrators, students, and alumni, the Council on the Arts seeks to expand and deepen the cultural life of our student body. The Council produces and coordinates events whereby students, faculty and administrators may experience the arts communally.

In addition to public performances and conferences, the Council sponsors programs such as Art Quest trips, designed to introduce members of the Iona community to the cultural richness of the community.

For more information, visit https://www.iona.edu/new-rochelle-community/br-kenneth-chapman-gallery/council-arts

Deignan Institute for Earth and Spirit

The Deignan Institute for Earth and Spirit serves the emergence of an ecological civilization to revive and protect our common home through transformative environmental education, spiritual animation, and creative celebration.

Challenged by our planetary crisis and rooted in our inspiring legacy of St. Columba’s monastic university at Iona, The Deignan Institute for Earth and Spirit is committed to fostering an integral and peaceful Earth community in the light of religious faith, evolutionary cosmology, environmental science, and comprehensive justice.

Under the direction of founder, Dr. Kathleen Deignan, CND, and through the generosity of Iona Alumni benefactor Christopher J. O’Connor, The Kathleen Deignan, CND Institute for Earth and Spirit is a collaboration among three current endeavors which she founded at Iona: The Iona Spirituality Center, The Thomas Berry Forum for Ecological Dialogue and The Thomas Merton Contemplative Initiative.

Dignity for All Students Act Workshop

The Dignity for All Students Act Workshop is required for all New York State Education Department Certifications.  The workshop is a minimum of 6 hours of training on providing students with a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. There is a nominal fee for this workshop and completers receive a certificate of completion for registration in their New York State TEACH account. Call (914) 633-2210 or email education@iona.edu for scheduling information, or visit the Iona Education Department homepage. Further information is available at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certficate/dasa-applicant.html.

Inter-Institutional Cooperation

Iona University maintains articulation agreements with several two-year colleges. Details regarding current articulation agreements with Bronx Community College, Kingsborough Community College, Rockland Community College, SUNY Orange, and Westchester Community College are available at those institutions for students who wish to transfer to Iona to complete a four-year degree. 

Iona has special accelerated agreements with the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and the New York Chiropractic college for students who are interested in these careers. Contact the chair of the Iona University Biology Department for further details.

Internships

Internships are available for qualified students in both the School of Arts and Science and the School of Business. Arrangements for internships should be made through department chairs and departmental internship coordinators. lnternships are available in the United States and abroad.

Iona in Mission

The Iona in Mission program is a unique cross-cultural learning experience offered by the Office of Mission and Ministry. This program expands the classroom context by engaging students in service to those most in need through winter, spring or summer break immersion in diverse cultures. Providing ample opportunities for reflection, analysis and spiritual nourishment, Iona in Mission trips introduce students to the causes and effects of violence, poverty and racial injustices. Each year 8-10 Iona in Mission trips are typically offered and these may include, but are not limited to:

  • An urban immersion in Chicago, New Rochelle, or Washington, D.C.
  • A rural immersion in Appalachia or Massachusetts
  • A cross-cultural program with Native American communities in Arizona or New Mexico
  • Christian Brothers outreach sites in Kenya, Bolivia, Zambia or New Orleans.

A brochure detailing these programs is available in the Office of Mission and Ministry (LaPenta Student Union 217) or on the department web page.

Learning in Retirement at Iona

Learning in Retirement at Iona (LIRIC) is an independent, self-governing, life-long learning institute within the college community. LIRIC offers daytime courses and cultural and social activities for men and women of retirement age. The curriculum includes classes and workshops in art, music, current events, history, science, literature, theatre, and film. Field trips and visits to museums and other sites of interest enrich the program. For information and to request a catalog visit the website: www.iona.edu/liric.

Liberty Partnerships Program

Iona University is one of several Liberty Partnership Institutions across New York State, connecting faculty and students from higher education institutions and P-12 schools to provide comprehensive pre-collegiate/dropout prevention programs and services to youth. Iona University’s Liberty Partnerships Program currently partners with the Yonkers School District to serve at-risk students, and their families, at three high schools and two elementary schools. The University provides a range of services both during the school day, after school, and in the summer. Current information about programs can be found at Iona University’s website: https://www.iona.edu/new-rochelle-community/liberty-partnerships-program.

Minor Concentrations

The School of Arts & Science offers minor concentrations in the majority of the majors and in Black Studies, Digital Humanities, Environmental Studies, Ethics, Italian, Neuroscience, Pre-Law, and Physics.  Students may earn a minor in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Studies that qualifies them to sit for the CASAC examination. Most LaPenta School of Business degree programs offer a complementary minor program for BBA degree students. Business minors are also available to students in the School of Arts and Science, including a general business minor, and minors in specific business areas. The NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences offers minor concentrations in Speech Communications and Diversity and Social Welfare. See Academic Programs  for a full listing of minor concentrations.

The Iona Family Therapy Center

The Iona Family Therapy Center is operated by the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy. Individual, couple, and family therapy is available to members of the Iona University community and local neighborhoods. Services are provided by appointment only. Remote tele-therapy sessions are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Currently, in-person appointments are only available on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The Center is located in Egan Hall, 45 St. Paul’s Place, New Rochelle, NY. There is no fee for students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Iona University. For more information or an appointment, please call (914) 633-2418 or email IFTC@iona.edu. 

Pre-Professional Programs

Students interested in admission to the study of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or related areas of professional practice should follow a well-balanced program of study that includes the humanities and social sciences. There is no one major that provides the best preparation for admission to professional schools. Students should choose a major which is best suited to their interests and alternate career objectives, should the decision be made not to enter professional school after graduation from Iona University. However, students who wish to enter medical or dental schools are strongly advised to complete the following courses as they are required prerequisites for admission to many programs: BIO 101  and BIO 102 ; CHM 109  and CHM 110  and CHM 209 CHM 210 , and CHM 220 ; PHY 101  and PHY 102 ; and MTH 231 . Contact the Health Professions Adviser for more information and guidance.

Returning Alumni Program

With the continuing intellectual development of lona graduates in mind, the University has established the Returning Alumni Program. Since this program is designed for personal enrichment rather than for university credit, courses are not reflected on the student’s university transcript. Interested alumni may arrange to take one undergraduate course during either the fall or spring semester for a nominal fee (refer to Tuition and Fee Schedule ). Registration in a course is subject to space availability and/or an acceptable number of regular students registered. Registration and payment takes place at the Office of Student Financial Services on the day preceding the start of the term.

Alumni requiring continuing education credit to submit to an accrediting or professional body will need to pay the full course audit price per the Tuition and Fee schedule and have the course reflected on the student transcript.

School Violence Prevention and Intervention Workshop

The School Violence Prevention and Intervention Workshop is required for all New York State Education Department Certifications. The workshop is 2 hours of training on school violence prevention and intervention. Call (914) 633-2210 or email education@iona.edu for scheduling information or visit the Iona Education Department homepage. Further information is available at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/save.html.

Service-Learning

In the spirit of its dual commitment to academic excellence and social justice, Iona University sponsors courses that engage students in the integration of community engagement and the academic pursuit of specific disciplines.  Semester-long courses that may utilize a service-learning pedagogy include: Theology of Christian Service , Introduction to American Government , Camp Viva , and Non-Profit Marketing.

Study Abroad

Iona University encourages students to broaden their educational experiences and gain cultural perspectives through study and travel abroad.  Options for summer, semester, and short-term programs are available. Students may also study abroad with campus partners.  Earned credits may be transferred to Iona University with prior approval.  Please refer to “Credit for Study at Other Colleges and Universities” in the Academic Information  section of the catalog. Honors Program students can use their six free credits per academic year for study abroad.

For further information concerning study abroad options, contact the coordinator of Study Abroad, or visit Iona’s website at www.iona.edu/academics/study-abroad.

Thomas Berry Forum for Ecological Dialogue

The Thomas Berry Forum is an open and inclusive space for ecological education, exploration, and transformation. In 2009, after the death of the celebrated geologian and cultural historian, Father Thomas Mary Berry, CP, four of his students gathered at Iona University to initiate The Thomas Berry Forum for Ecological Dialogue to celebrate and promote his wisdom and legacy. It is the hope that this Forum will be a creative resource for the entire Iona University community, and for the many other dialogue partners - regional, national, and global - whom we hope to engage in Berry’s Great Work to awaken the ecological phase of human development. In particular, we wish to serve Iona’s interdisciplinary and integral Environmental Studies Program as a hosting platform for conferences, convocations, lectures, retreats, campus sustainability initiatives, and eco-pilgrimages that will enhance our academic enterprise. For more information visit: https://www.iona.edu/academics/schools-institutes/kathleen-deignan-cnd-institute-earth-and-spirit/thomas-berry-forum

Training in the Needs of Children with Autism

The Training in the Needs of Children with Autism Workshop is required for all New York State Education Department Certifications in Special Education and School Building Leadership. Further information is available at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/autism.html.