Faculty
Why did Rosemont enter into an agreement to merge with Villanova?
For several years the Board has been considering how to best preserve Rosemont’s mission and legacy in light of the higher education landscape. The Board considered other potential partnerships, but it became clear that Villanova would be our best partner given our shared community, values, traditions, and commitment to Catholic education. This agreement offers the best possible future for Rosemont College, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Will Rosemont faculty positions be reduced or eliminated?
After the transition is completed:
● tenured and tenure-track faculty will receive a contract to serve as faculty at Villanova after they have supported current Rosemont students through graduation.
● tenured faculty will be given 5-year contracts to teach at Villanova, with a minimum 10% raise over their current salary and the option to apply for tenured status following Villanova’s guidelines.
● tenure-track faculty will be given 3-year contracts with a minimum 10% raise and the option to apply for tenured status following Villanova’s guidelines once they reach their third year.
Why was this agreement made now?
Rosemont and Villanova have a long history as neighbors with similar educational missions. Our alumni communities have many families with degrees from both institutions, so this also is a natural fit for our alumni communities. Given the higher education landscape, the time was right to enter into a merger that would best serve our current students, faculty, and staff, and preserve our mission and legacy.
What happens to adjunct faculty?
We are anticipating adjunct faculty will remain an important part of the faculty mix at Rosemont as needed to support our students. Decisions on the support required from adjunct faculty are typically made in May/June for the following academic year, as they will be this year.
Was this decision made due to financial problems at Rosemont College?
Rosemont is merging with Villanova because it creates the best possible future for the College and our community. For several years the Board has been considering how to best preserve Rosemont’s mission and legacy in light of the higher education landscape. The Board considered other potential partnerships, but it became clear that Villanova would be our best partner given our shared community, values, traditions, and commitment to Catholic education. This agreement offers the best possible future for Rosemont College, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Is there a risk that this agreement falls through?
This agreement must be approved by our accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and by the Pennsylvania and federal Departments of Education. We are confident it will be approved.
Who is leading Rosemont now?
Jim Cawley remains the President of Rosemont College.
Rosemont will continue to operate independently with its current Board of Trustees and President, and all current students will have the opportunity to continue their education and graduate with a Rosemont College degree. A phased transition will begin in 2027.
How involved will Villanova be in the daily operations of Rosemont?
Rosemont will continue to operate independently until the end of the Spring 2027 semester and all current students will have the opportunity to continue their education and graduate with a Rosemont College degree. A phased transition will begin in 2027.
What are Villanova’s plans for Rosemont College?
Villanova has not wavered in its intention to honor the legacy of Rosemont College after the transition is complete. Most notably, the campus will be named “Villanova University, Rosemont Campus,” the Chapel will be preserved as a place of gathering and inspiration, and a Rosemont College Endowed Scholarship will be established for a student in need that supports the mission of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.
Will the Rosemont campus be preserved?
Yes, as part of the agreement, the campus will be named “Villanova University, Rosemont Campus,” and the Chapel will be preserved as a place of gathering and inspiration.
I recently made a donation to Rosemont. What happens with those funds?
The College is incredibly grateful for the support of our donors and friends. Please contact a member of our Advancement team who can discuss your specific situation individually.