Outside the Classroom 2023

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM RIGHT PLACE ON THE RIVER

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT OPPORTUNITIES— FOR EVERYONE.

Few institutions offer what Mount Saint Vincent does. Our students expand their perspectives through the richness of New York City with the support of a close-knit academic community.

At the Mount, we seek the development of the whole person. This means giving our students plenty of opportunities to explore their passions not only within the classroom, but beyond it.

EXPLORE THE NEIGHBORHOOD

New York City is our backyard. Students are just minutes away from museums, theaters, restaurants, shopping, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Wall Street, the United Nations, and much more.

NYC is fast-paced. It’s a globally influential cultural and economic capital. You’ll learn from the people you meet and the places you frequent—from the High Line to the Guggenheim, the Mount will get you where you want to go.

Students from the Department of Accounting, Business, and Economics often visit venues like Madison Square Garden to learn from marketing professionals in the field.

From its academic, cultural, and professional institutions to the history and dynamics of its diverse population, New York offers countless and unparalleled ways to enrich an education.

Professors encourage student trips to galleries, scholarly collections, museums, and the best of Broadway.

Visual Arts and Experimental Media students complete outdoor photography tours throughout NYC, frequenting landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge.

Biology students conduct ecological studies in the Hudson River and Van Cortlandt Park.

The College’s curriculum utilizes opportunities for students to take their coursework outside the classroom, allowing them to gain practical experience and apply theory in professional settings.

ON CAMPUS

A vibrant campus life is part of our mission. Students immerse themselves into a diverse and supportive community that changes the way they think and helps them realize what matters most. But don’t see what you’re looking for? It’s easy to start your own club and put that passion into action.

Mount Media is for all students interested in journalism or production, offering the programming and tools to get involved in the media world. The club hosts multiple radio and television shows that stream online and on the College’s own TV station.

SAMAHAN celebrates Filipino heritage through projects and events that have both social and educational value. The group, open to all Mount students, focuses on Filipino roots and hosts various traditional events.

It’s easy to get involved at the Mount. We offer more than 40 different clubs and organizations—check out just a few of them here.

CMSV Players offers students interested in theater arts a chance to perform. The group puts on several different types of performances each year, providing opportunities for acting, stage management, and production.

The Underground is the College’s student literary magazine that has garnered submissions from contributors at colleges and universities around the globe.

Model United Nations offers a forum for students to address global concerns in a real-world context. Students travel to conferences at Harvard University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and more.

CMSV was the founding chapter of A Moment of Magic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that invites volunteers to dress as popular characters and visit children in need throughout New York City.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Mount graduates go on to become industry leaders in education, business, healthcare, social justice, and government. There are many ways to hone your leadership skills on and off campus. The strong sense of direction and purpose that carries our students into their careers starts right here.

Student Government

An actively-functioning body of students representing the full-time undergraduate and graduate student populations, the Student Government Association (SGA) promotes leadership on campus, providing an opportunity for all students to become actively involved in the governance of the College through responsible self-leadership.

Oxley Integrated Advising Program

Support from academic advisors in the Oxley Center begins on your first day at the Mount and continues through graduation. You’ll identify your strengths and interests, as well as the range of opportunities associated with them. The Oxley team will help you strategize your academic and professional options, preparing you to launch your career.

Undergraduate Research

The Center for Undergraduate Research sponsors and supports students developing original research across the College—frequently inspired by work that begins in the classroom. From psychology to genetics, students present their nationally recognized projects at conferences across the country.

Internships

At the Mount, we recognize the vital role internships play in your success after graduation. We connect our students with opportunities to explore their chosen field in one of the most diverse cities in the world. We’re just minutes from Manhattan, ensuring you’ll have access to thousands of internships at top businesses, entertainment companies, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and more.

ROTC

Mount Saint Vincent connects interested students with the U.S. Army ROTC at Fordham University and the U.S. Air Force ROTC at Manhattan College. ROTC programs help students earn a college degree, requiring a single term of military service in return. Participants gain an exceptional Mount education, launch a career, and expand their commitment to servant leadership.

Center for Leadership

Ready to kickstart your journey as a leader? The Center for Leadership provides opportunities for students to recognize their own potential and use that discovery to create more meaningful and impactful engagement at and beyond the Mount.

Mount Mentors

The Mount Mentors program pairs accomplished alums, trustees, and friends of the College with exceptional students to help our undergraduates channel their passions and talents toward successful, fulfilling professional lives. Students are often paired with professionals who work outside their field of interest. By developing relationships with such industry leaders, Mount mentees emphasize the transferability and universal nature of the skills that it takes to delve into any career.

LEADERS IN SERVICE

SERVICE—MORE THAN JUST AN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY.

Service is an essential component of the College’s mission—and the charism of its founders, the Sisters of Charity of New York. Opportunities to serve can be found across the campus and throughout the curriculum. At the Mount, students engage in service to pursue knowledge, develop an understanding and appreciation for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and prepare themselves to address the challenges facing our communities, both locally and globally.

Through an integrated and broad range of programs, the College inspires its students to be Leaders in Service—individuals who respect the dignity of every person, freely share the benefits of their experiences and education, and who understand that true charity is an act of love and respect between equals.

Over 1,000 student volunteers complete an average of 10,000 hours of volunteer service annually. In addition, students spend over 3,000 hours in reflection each year—which includes Masses and liturgies, service debriefs, advocacy brainstorming, and more.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Campus Ministry serves the entire College as a center for spiritual enrichment and personal development, fostering a spirit of service and sense of responsibility as modeled by Saints Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton. All faith backgrounds are encouraged to share in advancing a vibrant faith community while empowering servant leaders.

The Office of Mission and Ministry is the hub for spirituality and service on campus—welcoming students into our community with open arms.

LEARNING IN ACTION

MISSION AND MINISTRY TRIPS

These trips are not simply service projects—they are a way to actively live our faith and a testament to the College’s mission. Students are able to engage in a new culture and come to a broader understanding of service and community.

Students help surrounding communities and families around Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia, repairing homes and connecting with homeowners in the Appalachian Mountains. They help people facing homelessness and poverty at the St. Francis Inn, a ministry that serves the local Philadelphia community. They work with the Sisters of Charity’s House of Charity in New Orleans, volunteering with the St. Bernard Project to rebuild homes that are still destroyed from Hurricane Katrina. And they travel to the Sisters of Charity mission in the Sololá region of Guatemala to work in health clinics, responding to the medical needs of the Guatemalan people.

GLOBAL ACTION AND AWARENESS

When Mount alum Todd Gable ’15 first heard about the desperate need for supplies for Ukrainian defenders at the start of their war with Russia, he knew he had to do his part to help. Todd had spent four years in Ukraine as a Peace Corps Volunteer—only leaving the country after a mandatory evacuation at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, to address the issue, Todd raised funds to build IFAKs (or individual first-aid kits) to send overseas. The kits, consisting of a variety of bandages, sanitizers, a tourniquet, a pair of scissors, and more, could help safe a life in the event of an emergency or medical disaster. Todd and his wife—who he met and married in Ukraine— began assembling kits in their NYC apartment. But, the job called for more space. That’s when Todd arranged for space on campus where thousands of IFAKs were assembled over several days with the help of College and Sisters of Charity volunteers. All told, nearly 5,000 IFAKs were sent to Ukrainian defenders.

VINCENT’S TABLE

Recognizing that food insecurity is a problem throughout New York City—and that people living in the immediate area around the Mount’s campus need help— the College and the Sisters of Charity joined together to address this issue through a joint initiative: Vincent’s Table.

Led by coordinator Jordan Douglas ’21 (who is a proud Mount alum!), the program has a simple mission: Vincent’s Table responds to the needs of those who face food insecurity and homelessness in the northwest Bronx and Yonkers by providing them with nourishing food and other assistance when possible, while recognizing the dignity and value of each individual.

It’s a direct expression of our mission.

But Vincent’s Table is committed to more than just addressing the needs of those in the local Bronx and Yonkers areas; it also offers a way for members of the Mount community to live out the College’s mission and get involved with hunger and homelessness advocacy.

Food distribution and outreach opportunities are held several times a month in our local area—giving Mount Leaders in Service the opportunity to engage with those in need right in our backyard. Vincent’s Table has also set up a food pantry and community refrigerator on campus, where Mount community members can leave what they can and take what they need.

And while Vincent’s Table has only just begun to make a small impact in addressing the needs of the local community around the Mount Saint Vincent campus, eager volunteers are doing their part to reach the hands— and stomachs—of those who need their help.

STUDY ABROAD

No matter your major, every Mount student has the opportunity to study abroad. And many even imbue their study abroad experiences with meaningful work and service across the globe.

A SEMESTER ABROAD

Hannah Eschmann ’22 spent nearly five months studying abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece during the spring semester of her junior year. A law and social justice major, with minors in women’s studies and sociology, Hannah always knew she wanted to take the opportunity to travel during her time in college.

Hopping on a plane and settling into her new home, Hannah took classes at American College of Thessaloniki (ACT)—and all the credits she earned at ACT transferred onto her transcript here at the Mount. Her favorite classes? One on Greek culture—where she learned how to speak Greek—and one on women’s literature that featured texts by female authors from all over the globe. Her courses were very diverse and she was elated to learn not only about Greek culture, but about the cultures of her fellow classmates from Albania, Slovakia, and Turkey.

Hannah and her Mount classmate Naomi Juerva ’23—who was also studying abroad in Greece—didn’t just stay in their apartment each weekend. They took time to backpack across Europe, traveling to parts of France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Ireland, immersing themselves in the culture of countries across the continent.

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime trip for many College students, and the Mount makes it possible (and affordable!) for any student in any major to have the experience.

Don’t believe us? Maybe Hannah can convince you:

“ Studying abroad was by far the best adventure I ever had. If you’re even just thinking about the possibility of studying abroad, do it! I know you won’t regret it. ”

We encourage students to live and learn in foreign countries to enhance their development as global citizens through a variety of semester-long and short-term programs. You can study Italian language courses in Rome, forecast economic trends in China, and even conduct research on agricultural technology in Greece.

Interested in studying abroad for an entire semester? The Mount participates in exchange programs with St. Mary’s University in London and Florence University of the Arts in Italy, just to name a few.

Can’t commit to a semester abroad? Travel during our Winter Intersession, Spring Break, or over the Summer. We’ve created a number of short-term study abroad options to fit your schedule, including faculty-led excursions to Italy, Spain, and more.

Mount Saint Vincent’s study abroad programs broaden cultural and intellectual horizons and deepen students’ perspectives on their home country and the world.

Studying abroad can be one of the most beneficial experiences during your time in college—and we’re committed to helping you find an option that works for you.

ATHLETICS AND RECREATION

The Department of Athletics and Recreation is committed to reflecting the values of excellence and achievement to which our institution aspires.

The Mount is a participant of the Skyline Conference and an NCAA Division III affiliate. We currently offer a dozen varsity sports and emphasize athletic participation as an integral part of the overall collegiate experience. We also offer many intramural and club sports that are open to all members of our student body.

The Department complements the College’s mission, emphasizing the holistic development of our students—we encourage honesty, integrity, teamwork, and discipline. We are dedicated to providing the support and resources that our students need to be successful in the classroom, in the arena of competition, in service to our community, and in their chosen profession.

MEN’S Baseball

Basketball

Cross Country

Golf

WOMEN’S Basketball

Cross Country Lacrosse

Lacrosse Soccer

Volleyball

Soccer

Softball

Volleyball

INTRAMURALS

Basketball

Boxing

Dodgeball

Flag Football

Indoor Soccer

Ultimate Frisbee

Volleyball

Wrestling

Our on-campus facilities include a turf athletic field, performance and auxiliary gyms, dance studios, and a 7,500-square-foot fitness center housed in the Peter Jay Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Our residence halls offer a safe and comfortable community that supports academic and personal development. The Office of Housing and Residence Life promotes respect and responsibility— allowing students to establish their independence while living in a dynamic environment.

You can live in a single, with a roommate, or with a group of fellow Mount students in one of our six residence halls. Our buildings are staffed by Resident Assistants who are a great resource throughout your journey on campus. They serve as peer advisors and friends to students.

Living on campus affords many benefits and the Mount is committed to making it a meaningful part of your educational experience. Residential students immerse themselves in their studies, make effective use of campus services, forge friendships, and participate in numerous activities. This kind of personal growth offers students a unique experience, allowing residents to support and learn from each other.

COMMUTER LIFE

Commuter students are vital members of the College community, too. Nearly half of our students commute, but all students feel at home on campus.

There are a number of programs tailored to the needs and schedules of commuter students, including monthly commuter breakfasts and a commuter celebration week. We also offer a Commuter Assistant program, inviting upperclassmen who are involved in campus life to assist first-year commuter students as they successfully integrate into the Mount community. Staff members will guide you and answer questions—plus they’ll even help you find employment on or near campus.

Set activity periods each afternoon ensure commuters can engage in extracurricular events, trips, and activities—so there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer or join different student clubs and organizations! Whether your classes are during the day or in the evening, we encourage you to visit the Alumnae Pavilion Student Center, which houses the Mount’s Office of Student Activities, Leadership, and Commuter Life.

GETTING HERE

We offer two free shuttles, ensuring all students have quick and convenient transportation options. We accommodate 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, B, and D train riders, as well as Bx12, Bx26, Bx28, Bx38, and BxM11 bus riders. Pickup and drop-off locations include: Van Cortlandt Park–242nd Street, Pelham Bay Park, Pelham Parkway, and Bedford Park Blvd.

Plus, the Bx7, Bx10, BxM1, and BxM2 buses stop right in front of the campus’ main gate. Getting to and from campus has never been easier!

DINING ON AND OFF CAMPUS

At the Mount, students have access to fresh, nutritious, and delicious dining options. Meal plans are based on a declining balance system, which allows students to pay only for the items that they want to consume—and teaches them about how to budget and balance their spending.

At Hudson Heights , our state-of-the-art dining hall, you’ll experience first-class dining at a remarkable value. Grab a slice of pizza, create your own salad or sandwich, enjoy fresh fruit, or fuel up at the Starbucks café—the options are always rotating and are endless.

In Founders Hall, Mag’s Kitchen is a grab and go convenience shop that features a selfservice Dunkin Donuts. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack to munch on in between classes or meetings.

The Mount also partners with local off campus dining establishments to provide student discounts—giving you exciting options both within and beyond the campus gates.

MENTAL HEALTH AND COUNSELING SERVICES

At the Mount, we’re dedicated to the personal, interpersonal, and collective wellness of our campus community. Everyone at the College plays an important role in promoting each other’s mental health and well-being. We’re here for you.

The Counseling Center provides a variety of free services—including individual counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, and workshops—which are confidential and available to all registered students.

Counseling is a resource. It’s exploring and processing thoughts and feelings. It’s learning skills and finding solutions. And it’s promoting academic, professional, and personal success. Whether you’re dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, depression, anger, relationship concerns, homesickness, insomnia, grief or loss, body image issues, or something more—the Counseling Center is able to help you navigate through issues both big and small.