All Dreams Welcome. Now, Dream Even Bigger.

Colleges typically are smaller institutions that emphasize undergraduate education with a broad range of academic areas of study, while the definition of a university is that of a larger institution, offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as housing various colleges and schools—which means that, technically, the Mount has been a university for a few years, offering multiple master’s degree programs.

On January 26, 2022, the New York State Board of Regents amended its definition of university to enable colleges that provide advanced academic offerings to apply to change their designation. With close to 4,000 students and a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs, the designation of university will not only enhance our reputation, marketability, and opportunities—both nationally and internationally—but will allow us to continue to grow and look ahead to the next 175 years and beyond.

The College of Mount Saint Vincent will remain the University’s primary undergraduate division. Undergraduate students will continue to receive an exceptional education rooted in the tradition of the liberal arts, providing a foundational education with selected majors and professional fields of study. Now, our renowned undergraduate curriculum will be backed by all the resources of our newly established university status.

This change will only impact the Mount Saint Vincent community in a positive way! Our mission and core values remain the same—we are an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, independent liberal arts institution, founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York. In the spirit of Saints Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we will continue to foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other. We remain committed to providing a strong undergraduate core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, various professional fields of study. This moment in our history reflects the growth and transformation of the Mount into a highly competitive, regional leader serving the students of the Bronx and beyond.

As the University of Mount Saint Vincent, we remain committed to exceptional quality and authentic value. We lead the region in affordability, with 100% of our first-year students receiving scholarships and financial aid—and that will not change. Additionally, the change in designation from college to university will have no impact on your financial aid status, packaging, or disbursement.

Degrees conferred after January 1, 2024 will be from the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Transcripts ordered after January 1, 2024, will also say University of Mount Saint Vincent.

Yes, you may request a new diploma. More information regarding the process and fees will be shared with the community as it is made available.

Of course! All of our alums should be even more proud to be Mount Made—especially as all who have graduated have been significant participants and pivotal in the growth of Mount Saint Vincent. We encourage you to share that you graduated from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and note, when appropriate (or as you feel most comfortable!), that you attended at a time when we were formerly known as the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

Yes, ID cards that read ‘College of Mount Saint Vincent’ are still valid on campus. This includes students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumnae/i.

No, Vinny the Dolphin isn’t swimming anywhere anytime soon—we wouldn’t be the ’Phin Fam without him! As we update visual identity elements, you may notice changes across campus, including with our mascot, so keep an eye out as our school spirit splashes to new heights. As for our student athletes, new uniforms and apparel that reflect the updated brand will be shared with the community as they are made available.

This is an exciting time for Mount Saint Vincent! We truly appreciate our community’s support as we embark on this journey to refresh our visual identity and brand assets that help define the institution that is so near and dear to our hearts. But don’t worry—we will still be cheering for the white and the gold! Many of the changes you will see moving forward will be subtle, while others may take us in a slightly different direction. We ask that you please be patient with us, as this will take some time. We anticipate launching elements of our rebrand as they are available, beginning in January of 2024, with other guidelines and information announced and available for the entire community through the 2023-2024 academic year.

We’re transforming traditions at the University of Mount Saint Vincent and you’re a part of this—your opinion matters! There will be plenty of opportunities for our community members—students, employees, alumnae/i, trustees, friends, and more—to engage in the process and share feedback. We will host discovery sessions, focus groups, and much more. More information will be shared in the coming weeks. If you are unable to join us for any upcoming university and rebranding conversations, we encourage you to get in touch with us via email at branding@mountsaintvincent.edu.