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U.S. News & World Report's 2017 Best Colleges rankings recognized ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ�'s Service Learning programs among the best "Academic Programs to Look For." Fairfield shares the distinction with schools that include Brown University, Cornell University, Duke University, Stanford University, University of Notre Dame and University of Pennsylvania. The service-learning accolade recognizes schools that integrate community service and required student course work.

“We are thrilled to see ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� recognized for our commitment to and advancement of service learning. Service learning fits seamlessly with the mission of Jesuit higher education and, at Fairfield, we focus on building community around this work. When faculty, students, staff, administrators and community partners gather around issues of common concern and bring their strengths to bear, great things can happen. So, this recognition is a real testament to that community of stakeholders that has grown over the years,” stated Melissa Quan, director of The Center for Faith & Public Life.

Last Spring 2016, U.S. News & World Report “invited college presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools to nominate up to 10 institutions with stellar examples of service learning. The list of schools represents colleges and universities that were mentioned most often. Service learning programs incorporate educational experiences that link academic study with community service where students participate in service activities that are relevant to course work and meet identified community needs.

At Fairfield, service is a central component of the University’s mission and Jesuit tradition encompassing a commitment to education for social responsibility and the common good. While developing partnerships in our local area and around the world, participants in service learning programs at ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� gain a deeper understanding of course content, the root causes of injustice and developing a response to it, and experience an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

In addition to recognition for Service Learning among Best “Academic Programs to Look For,” the 2017 U.S. News & World Best Colleges report ranked ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� #2 among Regional Universities North and #1 Best College for Veterans, also among Regional Universities in the North.