Going Small Can Yield Big Results By Steve Tabor
Going Small Can Yield Big Results
By Steve Tabor
Marymount California University is a private Catholic four-year university situated on the picturesque bluff on the Palos Verdes Peninsula that once served as an all-girls Catholic high school and a Catholic two-year junior college. MCU embraces is Catholic identity in the tradition of its founding order, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The chapel on campus conducts weekly services and special holiday masses which the community is welcome to attend.
Approximately a decade ago, MCU’s Board of Trustees decided to transition the school from a two-year program similar to those offered by community colleges to a four-year university offering bachelor’s degrees in nine subject areas: accounting, business, management, marketing, digital communications media, biology, psychology, criminal justice, and multidisciplinary studies (formerly liberal arts studies) and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Another enhancement was to design an MBA curriculum that allows undergraduate students to earn both their bachelor’s degree and MBA in five consecutive years.
In addition, MCU has extended its elective course offerings to include an honors program. Students wishing to participate in the honors program must maintain a 3.5 grade point average throughout their collegiate career. Courses are designed to challenge students while they pursue topics that spark their interest. Students successfully completing the program receive special recognition on their diploma and academic record.
Originally, MCU was founded as Marymount Palos Verdes College in 1968 separating from the original Marymount College in Westwood. Marymount College in Westwood later merged with St. Joseph’s College and then Loyola University to form Loyola Marymount University. In 1986, Marymount Palos Verdes College changed its name to Marymount College. In 2011, MCU opened its waterfront campus in downtown San Pedro. Between the two campuses, the number of students was limited to 1,100. However, due to operational constraints and logistical considerations the San Pedro campus was closed, and all instructional programs were moved back to the Palos Verdes campus. In 2013, the school changed its name to MCU reflecting its transformation to a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree granting institution. Currently, the student population is limited to 940 students under the conditional use permit issued by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. But, the Board of Trustees and the school’s president, Mr. Brian Marcotte, looked at the small number of students as an opportunity to provide a more hands-on college experience with lots of personal attention that demonstrates “we care, and you count.”
MCU’s educational approach is one of “Small Means More” and begins with two strongholds. The first, MCU’s average class size is 17 students per class. Additionally, MCU guarantees graduation in four years, provided they complete and follow a specified degree plan and course load.
Marcotte says the typical MCU student is looking for a comfortable, friendly alternative to the large student bodies found at many urban campuses. A place like MCU fosters a strong sense of community where students have more chances to interact with their instructors and develop closer one-on-one relationships with them as well as explore opportunities to apply their academic learning in real-life situations. The small campus is not overwhelming, yet it offers the facilities that will support their educational goals. A large percentage of the student population lives within 20 miles of the campus. Approximately, 15% of the students originate from outside of the United States.
MCU’s tuition is $35,158 per year. Marcotte indicates that approximately 90% of MCU’s students receive some form of financial assistance. On average, students have 40% of their tuition covered by federal sources, internal financial aid or from school benefactors. MCU has a diverse student population, including many Hispanic students who are the first generation in their family to attend a university.
Marcotte explains the major benefit of a small college may very well be the intimate class environment that encourages students to ask questions, participate in discussions and learn from a professor who actually knows who they are. MCU’s instructional staff of 31 is small by university standards. Marcotte says with small class sizes professors become mentors.
Students can meet with instructors. Even in this time of distance learning, faculty hold virtual office hours, making themselves readily available online, by telephone or email. Instructors become very aware of a student’s strengths and weaknesses as well as their academic and personal goals. This type of relationship is beneficial inside and outside the classroom.
MCU has established several internship opportunities with businesses, nonprofit organizations and other agencies throughout the Los Angeles area that provide students an opportunity to extend their academic learning into real-life situations. Instructors are instrumental in assisting students with selecting an internship that complements educational experience and exposes them to their chosen field of study. Twenty-seven percent of the student body participates in an internship experience, and by graduation, 60% of the graduating class will have an internship experience. Entrepreneurship is a popular emphasis for many students who are interested in pursuing their own personal projects; and seek assistance from their instructors who prove to be a vital resource. Marcotte asserts that these mentorship relationships extend well beyond graduation and may remain in place throughout the student’s lifetime.
Marcotte indicates that visitors to the MCU campus are constantly astounded with the students’ interactions in the classroom as well as in informal campus settings. Visitors remark how polite and engaged students are not only with visitors but among their peers and the positive supportive atmosphere resonates throughout campus.
A central figure in maintaining the school’s welcoming nature, inclusivity and tradition, is Sister Antoine Marie Baurier. The last of the founding religious order, Sister Antoine has been a fixture on the campus since 1968, influencing multiple generations of students who fondly remember their matriarch and friend. Sister Antoine has served as an administrator, faculty member, advisor, historian and member of the Board of Trustees for the past five presidents. Her wry wit and unfailing energy have earned her legions of fans.
Although student residences are not maintained on the Palos Verdes campus, there is student housing available in San Pedro. There are no traditional dorms; students live in two and three-bedroom townhomes. The resort-style residential complex, known as the Villas, features a swimming pool, sand volleyball court, a fitness center, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, around-the-clock security, dining options, a convenience store and a central pavilion with organized activities to encourage social interactions. Units come with free wifi, central air, furnished living rooms and kitchens, patios, and garages, Some houses are living learning communities where students are grouped by their interests, such as gaming, athletics and honors program, to share social and academic experiences together.
Usually, a university of this size would forego intercollegiate athletic programs, but MCU not only has 16 women’s and men’s athletics teams, but many of the student-athletes receive scholarships. Marcotte is a strong advocate of college sports. He sees that each MCU’s student-athlete demonstrates positive leadership skills, team building, excellent time management and discipline. He insists that, regardless of their future endeavors, these skills will provide a solid foundation for success. Currently, MCU offers women’s and men’s cross country, golf, soccer, track and field, and tennis programs. Surfing and ESports teams are co-ed. Additional sports include women’s indoor volleyball and beach volleyball and softball and men’s baseball. Marcotte is a self-admitted baseball fan and confesses that when his schedule permits, he loves attending MCU’s baseball games and other athletic events.
It is easy to recognize that MCU’s core values and beliefs are personified in Marcotte. He says the size of the small number of students and the university’s physical size makes it easy to find time in his day to chat with students on a walk across campus, over lunch or at an athletic event. One of his personal goals is to know the names and individual information about each student attending MCU. Prior to his appointment as President 2½ years ago, he served as one the members of the Board of Trustees. But, his introduction to MCU was a little more personal. His daughter attended MCU. After visiting several campuses, it was clear that MCU was the best fit. And, she graduated in four years.
Marcotte strongly acknowledges that going small yields large benefits in the forms of robust academic preparation, individualized learning, stackable degrees, lasting friendships and a guarantee of graduation in four years!
Steve Tabor Bio
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.
Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.