The Franciscan University of Steubenville

Now the university is only really held by the good intentions of hopeful students and well-meaning patrons. The docility of the students opens them up to a hopeful environment in which critical thinking is not fostered or respected.

The result of mediocrity within this institution has been the appropriation of an extremely legalistic and pharisaic community.

The professors at this University have had no real say within this corporate model of running a Franciscan university.

The spirituality for which this place is known has also degraded due to the nepotistic and pharisaic minds that now run this institution. An example of this is the leading of spiritual events on campus by an unqualified couple known and Christy and Bob Aborn. Their only qualifications being their own self appointment by the power of the Holy Spirit. Having no formal proper formation regarding Catholic spirituality, these individuals have been allowed to lead spiritual events for the students on campus. It only takes one to look at the curriculum vitae of this couple- as found on the university's web-site- to understand the lack of qualification of these individuals in leading spiritual events.

Self proclaimed spiritual gurus are accepted within this now pharisaic society through the guise of good intentions and nepotistic relationships.

The legalistic mentality, with which this institution now functions, leaves the students without the personalist approach to their problems that this institution markets. It is horrible! If a student falls slightly away from what is expected for a franciscan student to be, they are quickly discriminated, shunned, disregarded, and avoid... all for the sake of saving the image of the institution. I am grateful for the experience in dealing with so many administrative pharisees.

It is only really worth studying philosophy or theology at this University. Within these two faculties you can find great professors. Psst... "you can simply support them by buying their books..."

I only give thanks to God for allowing me to experience, I think, all possible brands of pharisees; which I think are found at Franciscan.

The utopia marketed by the university is very harmful to the student-body in general. It is a playing with that which is most precious in life; one's spirituality.

Before I end, be careful with the office of Student life. The individuals that run this office, within the University, have held their positions for a very long time. This the worst part of this institution. The individuals running this office run the school (including the dorms) with gestapo-like surveillance. The main job of these individuals is saving face for the University. They really don't care about the student-body. The image of this university is everything. "selling a human being for 13 pieces of silver" is not an understatement with these pharisees. Catherine Heck is extremely overdue for getting fired, along side every one of the Rd's on the ohio campus. I cant talk for the current Rd's in austria. Sooner or later their wicked ways will come to light.

Much harm is done at this institution under the guise of good intentions.
Most students that come into this university come from being brain washed at the university summer conferences across the country. They are told that Franciscan university is the place to come to be truly catholic. They are told that going to another University will lead them to loosing their faith. They are also told that Franciscan University is "the" place to find a mate.

The most Christ-like individuals at the Franciscan University were by far some of the Sudexo/cafeteria workers and some of the professors.The best part of Franciscan was learning how awful people can be within the church. "how to deal with pharisees 101." enjoy your class. I did!!