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Guided by the enduring values of the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University is evolving our sponsorship framework to honor our mission of service and commitment to the common good.


The Mount's Sponsorship Transition

On September 14, 2022, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati announced that they are in the process of concluding the sponsorship of their five sponsored ministries, including the Mount. This change is necessitated by the current realities of having fewer Sisters of Charity to serve its five sponsored ministries. 

For reference, in 1960, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati had approximately 1,600 Sisters.  Today, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have less than 200 Sisters.  Unfortunately, these demographic challenges and the demands of active sponsorship require the Sisters to make a change, while remaining deeply connected to and supportive of the mission of all of their sponsored ministries, including the Mount.  

As a result, the Mount is exploring its future Catholic sponsorship options.  The Mount Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that the institution remains Catholic, and, as of April 24, 2023, has decided to only consider sponsorship options that will permit the Mount to remain a Catholic university after the sponsorship transition from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati takes place.

Questions and comments about the Mount’s sponsorship transition can be shared by emailing sponsorship.transition@msj.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mount's Sponsorship Transition

  What does it mean that the Sisters of Charity sponsor the Mount?

The “sponsorship” of the Mount by the Sisters of Charity relates to the institution’s Catholic identity and certain governance matters.  It does not have anything to do with the Mount’s finances or day-to-day operations. 

 

Sponsorship by the Sisters of Charity has permitted the Mount to have a canonical relationship with the Catholic Church. The sponsorship transition requires the Mount to explore other options for maintaining its canonical relationship with the Catholic Church.    

  Will the sponsorship transition change the day-to-day operations of the Mount?
No.  The day-to-day operations of the Mount will not change as a result of the sponsorship transition.
  What day-to-day operations at the Mount will be affected by the transition of the sponsorship?

None.  Currently, the Sisters of Charity maintain a limited governance role with: (1) up to 4 seats on the Board of Trustees, (2) approval of the hiring of the Mount’s President and appointment of members of the Board of Trustees, (3) approval of the annual operating budget, and (4) approval of certain actions of the Board of Trustees through reserved powers, such as approving large investments. 

 

With the sponsorship transition, the Sisters of Charity’s authority over these administrative operations will revert to the Mount St. Joseph University Board of Trustees, as is typical with other private, non-profit universities.  The day-to-day operations of the Mount will not be impacted by the sponsorship transition. 

  Will the Mount have any connection to the Sisters of Charity after the sponsorship transition?
Yes.  The Mount is grounded in the spiritual values and vision of the Sisters of Charity and is committed to honoring that legacy.
  How does the sponsorship transition affect the finances of the Mount?
It does not.  The Mount is and has been financially independent from the Sisters of Charity for many years.  The Mount does not rely on funding from the Sisters of Charity to operate.  Consequently, the sponsorship transition will not impact the Mount’s finances. 
  How does the sponsorship transition affect the property and real estate of the Mount?
It does not.  The Sisters of Charity own certain grounds on and facilities in which the Mount operates. The lease agreements between the Sisters of Charity and the Mount provide that the Mount maintains control and use of these properties and facilities.  The lease agreements are unrelated to and not impacted by the sponsorship transition.   
  Who is leading the sponsorship transition for the Mount?
The Mount’s Board of Trustees has established a Sponsorship Transition Ad Hoc Committee, which will lead the institution through the sponsorship transition process. The Mount community will be kept informed about the process and about key decisions made by the Board. The Sisters of Charity are working closely with the committee as well.  Questions and comments can be shared by emailing sponsorship.transition@msj.edu.
  Will there be opportunities for members of the Mount Community to be involved in the sponsorship transition process?

Forums with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to learn more about the sponsorship transition process and to engage in discussions about sponsorship options are taking place.  Comments can also be shared at any by emailing sponsorship.transition@msj.edu.

  What options for future sponsorship are being explored by the Mount?
The Sponsorship Transition Ad Hoc Committee has explored all sponsorship options available.  As of April 24, 2023, through its thoughtful discernment process, the Mount Board of Trustees has resolved that the Mount will take one of two paths forward: (1) create a group of Catholic institutions of higher education to seek sponsorship through Vatican approval to remain Catholic, or (2) join an existing group of Catholic institutions of higher education who have already obtained sponsorship approval from the Vatican to remain Catholic.  Both of these sponsorship options will ensure that the Mount remains a Catholic institution. 
  Is sponsorship required for the Mount to remain Catholic?
As the sponsor of the Mount, the Sisters of Charity have maintained the Mount’s canonical relationship with the Catholic Church.  As an institution of higher education, to remain recognized as a Catholic institution by the Vatican, the Mount must have a Catholic sponsor that is approved by the Vatican.   
  Will the Mount change without Sisters of Charity sponsorship?

Over its 102 year history, the Mount has evolved and transformed into the world-class living and learning community it is today.  Yet, our mission, vision, and values have remained constant. The Mount is grounded in the spiritual values and vision of the Sisters of Charity and is committed to honoring that legacy.

 

The Sisters of Charity will provide resources and expertise to the Mount as it moves forward in the sponsorship transition process.  While the Sisters of Charity sponsorship will eventually transition, its relationship with the Mount will endure.