Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 42
University and Health Studies
The Office of Academic Advising oversees the University Studies and Health Studies program. Incoming students may request a major or choose University Studies. The purpose of the University Studies and Health Studies program is to assist students in declaring their major while holistically developing them as college-level learners. Through a lens of exploration, curiosity, and inspiration, the program provides personalized advising and success coaching to support students in reaching their goals. While in University Studies or Health Studies, students navigate pathways of personal and academic success that support their continued development as passionate learners in the Gwynedd Mercy University community.
Program Goals:
• Create an academic foundation for each student based on their needs and interests.
• Provide advising that simultaneously builds upon students’ major interests while fulfilling general education requirements.
• Connect students to academic programs of interest during the major exploration process.
Program Information:
• First-time, first-semester students are required to take UNV 002 as part of the University Studies and Health Studies requirements.
• The University strongly suggests that University Studies students declare a major no later than the completion of 60 earned credits.
• Students will be connected to the program faculty of their intended program before / during their change of major process
• Students who have more than 60 credits may be enrolled in the University Studies or Health Studies program for no more than two consecutive semesters before declaring a major. If, after two semesters in University Studies, a student is not accepted into a major, the student may continue only as a non-matriculated, part-time student.
Griffin Connect: Academic / Retention Alert
The University employs an electronic retention alert system to notify students who may be or become academically at-risk. Students will be notified electronically if one of their faculty members submits a retention alert. Students are then urged to reach out to their advisor, instructor, and the Student Success Center to create and implement a success plan.
Accessibility Services
Gwynedd Mercy University intends for all students accepted into an academic program to have equal access and opportunity to effectively reach their academic and personal goals. Within the bounds of its resources, Gwynedd Mercy University will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the challenges and needs of students with a qualified disability. The Office of Accessibility Services, located on the second floor of Keiss Library, works to coordinate with faculty, staff, and administration to meet the needs of students who have a qualified disability. In addition, Gwynedd Mercy University regularly convenes a University-wide Accessibility Awareness Committee dedicated to identifying barriers of accessibility that prohibit persons with disabilities from experiencing equal access to educational opportunities at Gwynedd Mercy University.