Faculty perceptions of their responsibility in fulfilling the academic mission of Ignatian spirituality: A case study in one Catholic midwestern university

Abstract

This study incorporated an instrumental embedded case study design to explore how sixteen faculty members at one Catholic institution of higher education described their responsibility to foster the academic mission of Ignatian spirituality. Interviews included Jesuit, Catholic, and non-Catholic faculty, and the President of Holy University. Transcripts were compared to an analysis of five documents including participant course syllabi, Ignatian Pedagogy: A Practical Approach, the mission statement of Holy University, Ex Corde Ecclesiae, and a Presidential inaugural address. It was determined participants' ability to foster Ignatian spirituality was dependent upon their religious beliefs and a willingness to promote values common to Catholic and Jesuit faith traditions. Challenges to fulfilling the academic mission were also described. A conceptual model was developed demonstrating relationships among academic administration, faculty, and students, and how the interactions influenced the ability to foster Ignatian spirituality and preserve a faith-based identity at Holy University. Additional perspectives from faculty members at Holy University and other Jesuit institutions of higher education need explored to develop a greater understanding of the academic mission of Ignatian spirituality.