It was founded in 1899 by fifty-three delegates from Catholic colleges across the United States. Currently the association includes more than 90% of accredited Catholic institutions of higher learning in the United States as well as over twenty international universities. The president or rector of each participating institution serves as voting representative to the ACCU. There is also collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Catholic Educational Association and various other agencies. More than 200 colleges and universities in the United States are designated by their religious congregations or bishops as Catholic institutions. Among their common characteristics: Serve nearly 950,000 students Liberal arts core Large array of distinctive academic programs, as well as scholarly centers and institutes Committed to carrying on the Catholic intellectual tradition What makes our institutions Catholic? In 1990, Pope John Paul II issued Ex corde Ecclesiae, an apostolic constitution that identifies the common characteristics of all Catholic colleges and universities. According to that document, Catholic institutions of higher learning are defined by: Shared Christian vision and goals. Reflection in the light of faith. Fidelity to tradition. Commitment to service.