Case Western Reserve University

What is the history of Case Western Reserve University?

The history of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) can be traced back nearly 200 years, with its roots in the convergence of several independent entities. The university's name is derived from its two primary component institutions: Western Reserve University and Case Institute of Technology.

Western Reserve College, the earliest of the ancestor institutions, was granted a charter by the Ohio General Assembly in 1826. Located in Hudson, Ohio, it was the first college in northern Ohio and took its name from the surrounding region, known as the Western Reserve of Connecticut. The college distinguished itself in the mid- and late-19th century as one of the few institutions that embraced innovation and the sciences.

As Cleveland experienced unprecedented population and financial growth in the late 19th century, the city sought to establish a university. With funding from American industrialist Amasa Stone, Western Reserve College moved to uptown Cleveland in 1882, where it still resides today, and changed its name to Western Reserve University.

Five years prior to Western Reserve's relocation, attorney and philanthropist Leonard Case Jr. had initiated a secret trust to endow a polytechnic school in Cleveland. This school, aimed at training men in engineering, sciences, mining, metallurgy, and more, was established just months after Case's death in 1880 as the Case School of Applied Science. Initially, classes were held in the Case family's downtown Cleveland home until a provision to Stone's gift was fulfilled, requiring Western Reserve University and the Case School of Applied Science to occupy adjoining land. The Case School of Applied Science moved to a location adjacent to Western Reserve in 1883 and changed its name to Case Institute of Technology in 1947.

In 1967, Case Institute of Technology merged with Western Reserve University to form the present-day Case Western Reserve University. Throughout its history, the university has been committed to innovation, excellence, and community engagement, producing notable alumni such as Nobel laureates, business leaders, and prominent scholars. Its faculty members are renowned for their research and scholarship, and the university has a strong tradition of collaboration and interdisciplinary work.

In recent years, Case Western Reserve University has continued to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its research programs. The university has invested heavily in new facilities and technologies and has established partnerships with other leading institutions around the world. As a result, Case Western Reserve University is now recognized as one of the top research universities in the country.

Case Western Reserve University is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". In 2019, the National Science Foundation reported that the university had research and development expenditures of $439 million, ranking it 20th among private institutions and 58th in the nation.

What are the faculties and departments at Case Western Reserve University?

Case Western Reserve University offers a diverse range of faculties and departments to cater to various academic interests. The College of Arts and Sciences, for example, encompasses numerous academic departments such as Anthropology, Art History and Art, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Cognitive Science, Dance, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, English, History, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics, Modern Languages and Literatures, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychological Sciences, Program in Communication Sciences, Program in Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Theater. Additionally, affiliated departments and programs include Biochemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Nutrition, and Strategic Alliances.

Beyond the College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University houses other schools and colleges that provide a variety of programs and courses. The Case School of Engineering features departments such as Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. The School of Law offers degrees such as Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and Doctor of Juridical Science, while the School of Medicine comprises departments like Anesthesiology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Surgery.

In summary, prospective students of Case Western Reserve University have a wide array of options to choose from when it comes to pursuing their academic goals, with faculties and departments ranging from arts and sciences to engineering, law, and medicine.

What is the location of Case Western Reserve University?

Case Western Reserve University is situated in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, a city in the Midwest region of the United States. The campus lies just 5 miles east of downtown Cleveland and is within walking distance of three major hospitals. The University Circle neighborhood spans 550 park-like acres and offers a vibrant urban environment with numerous cultural and scientific attractions.

Prospective students of Case Western Reserve University will find the area highly walkable, with easy access to concerts, theater performances, athletic events, art shows, public lectures, exhibits, and restaurants. Additionally, undergraduates at the university can enjoy free access to Greater Cleveland's Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which has Rapid line access at two nearby rail stations.

What is the mission and vision of Case Western Reserve University?

Case Western Reserve University strives to enhance and enrich people's lives through collaborative research and engaging education. The institution's mission is centered on scholarship and creative endeavors that encompass all forms of inquiry, active and continuous learning, and fostering an inclusive culture of global citizenship. The university's vision is to be internationally recognized as an institution that imagines and influences the future.

To achieve this vision, Case Western Reserve University plans to advance thriving disciplines and interdisciplinary excellence, equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to become leaders in a rapidly changing and interdependent world, and cultivate a community of exceptional scholars who are cooperative and collegial. Additionally, the university seeks to capitalize on distinctive opportunities by building on its special features, such as its relationships with world-class healthcare, cultural, educational, and scientific institutions in University Circle and across greater Cleveland.

The core values of Case Western Reserve University include academic excellence and impact, inclusiveness and diversity, integrity and transparency, and effective stewardship. These values guide the institution's decision-making process, ensuring a measurable impact both within the university and beyond. In summary, the mission and vision of Case Western Reserve University focus on improving lives through research and education, nurturing a community of exceptional scholars, and promoting inclusivity, diversity, integrity, and effective stewardship.

What is the accreditation of Case Western Reserve University?

Case Western Reserve University has held accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission since 1913, making it a well-established institution in the realm of higher education. This commission is one of six regional agencies responsible for accrediting colleges and universities in the United States at an institutional level. In addition to this overarching accreditation, the university also boasts accreditation from various nationally recognized professional associations for its individual programs.

For instance, the American Bar Association accredits the university's Law program, while the American Dental Association provides accreditation for the Dental Medicine program. Furthermore, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business grants accreditation for the Accounting and Business programs at Case Western Reserve University. This diverse range of accreditations showcases the university's commitment to maintaining high-quality educational offerings.

To ensure the continuous improvement of its programs and to enhance the distinctiveness of the university, Case Western Reserve University is dedicated to upholding a comprehensive educational outcome assessment program. This commitment demonstrates the university's focus on providing prospective students with the best possible educational experience, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a reputable and well-rounded institution.