Founded by George Python, 1889, entrusted to the Dominican Order, and placed directly under the care of the Holy See. The supreme authority is vested in the cantonal department of public education, all expenses being borne by the canton. International in character, the university is governed by the rector elected every year; the professors, headed by the dean, are appointed by the Council of State; women are admitted. There are three colleges for theological students, Albertinum, Salesianum, and Canisianum.