George Williams College of Aurora University Viewbook 2017–2018

George Williams College of Aurora University

Discover what matters. And build your life around it.

At GWC, you’ll become part of a close-knit group of students, faculty and staff.

You’ll work with classmates and professors to analyze real-world problems and find solutions.

You’ll immerse yourself in a living-learning community that encourages you to change your life and the lives of others.

You’ll transform into a difference maker.

Join us at George Williams College of Aurora University.

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FAST FACTS 4-YEAR private, nonprofit, fully accredited university

98%+ of students receive financial aid

7 miles from downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

3 on-campus residence halls

120

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

200

GRADUATE STUDENTS

10:1 student-faculty ratio

$28 MILLION+ in financial aid awarded in 2016–2017

137 acres of pristine lakeside campus

2

ACADEMIC SEMESTERS (FALL & SPRING)

+1

STUDY IN MAY SESSION

+

MULTIPLE SUMMER SESSIONS

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS We go beyond the books providing you with opportunities to apply theory in real-world situations.

Hands-on experiences and meaningful internships will complement your classroom knowledge. As a result, you will graduate with a well-rounded education ready to begin a rewarding future in your chosen field.

Business

Environmental Studies

Nursing

Psychology

Social Work

Undecided

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Join a legacy of service to others.

You have a passion for helping others and a desire to make a difference in your community. You are looking for an inventive program that focuses on body, mind and spirit.

At GWC, you’ll discover an innovative approach to nursing education. As the need for health care expands, we’ll assist you in achieving your goals as a nurse.

Aurora University has a long history of preparing highly qualified graduates in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. In the nursing program at George Williams College of Aurora University, you’ll experience our collaborative approach to teaching through our unparalleled expertise and genuine desire to nurture your success.

You’ll find a cutting-edge learning environment in our new state-of-theart nursing simulation and skills labs.

You’ll learn in on-campus settings that replicate real-world practice, and you’ll have the opportunity for hands-

on learning through your clinical experiences and internships at area hospitals and clinics.

Through individual and group work, you’ll acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to succeed in today’s ever-changing health care environment. You’ll be immersed in your major, while also exploring GWC’s broader curriculum.

Learn more at gwcnursing.aurora.edu

Submit your free application online at gwc.aurora.edu/apply

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Meet Julia

Sophomore pre-nursing major I’ve known I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was in the sixth grade, when I was hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy. It was painful, but the nurses who cared for me made me very comfortable. I knew I was in good hands.

I chose to enroll in the nursing program at George Williams College for the same reason. During my visits here, the atmosphere seemed genuinely welcoming and homey; it’s a comfortable place to be.

I expected to have a hard time getting to know other students, but when I got here everyone came up, introduced themselves and asked me about myself — I really got into the groove of things quickly, and that surprised me. Everyone here is very open; it’s easy to make friends and there’s plenty to do to have fun. I’m already part of the Student Activities Board and I’m thinking about joining the new Social Justice Club. I also work part time in the library.

I appreciate GWC for all it has to offer, which includes preparing me for a career caring for babies. I come from a family of eight siblings, so I’ve had a lot of experience with infants. Ideally, I’d like to work in a hospital as a labor and delivery nurse. GWC’s new nursing simulation laboratory will help me prepare for that role. One of the lab’s “sims” is a pregnant woman, so I will have plenty of opportunities to train in lifelike birthing situations.

The nursing program, like the college as a whole, is small, so I get a lot of one-on-one attention from my professors. They are always willing to help me. What I’m learning now I know will be essential to my success after graduation, so GWC’s small teacher-to-student ratio is really important to me.

To hear more about GWC, visit gwc.aurora.edu/experiencegwc

1/3

HIGH-FIDELITY

of students work on campus

skills and simulation labs

100+

PROJECTED NURSING SHORTAGE

student life activities each semester

20,000 in Wisconsin by 2035

6

18,240 in Illinois by 2030

medical simulation manikins

1,051,000 nationwide by 2022

97%

Data provided by Wisconsin Center for Nursing, United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card (2012) and the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

pass rate on the NCLEX exam in 2016

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Submit your free application online at gwc.aurora.edu/apply

Discover your new home.

Whether you live in one of our spacious lodge suites or commute to campus, you’ll find a welcoming community at GWC. Our residence halls are more than just places to sleep — they’re a great way to stay connected to what’s happening on campus and will help you develop meaningful, lifelong friendships.

You can also hang out with fellow students in the Beasley Campus Center or the College Inn, where you can play games between classes or grab a bite to eat. GWC has meal plan options for both commuter and resident students, freshman through senior year.

You’ll also find accessible computer labs, library resources and spaces throughout campus to study and chat with friends.

Our student life team provides a professional counselor and campus safety officers who are trained to work with college students. And GWC staff members are always available to ensure you stay safe, happy and healthy.

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Home Sweet Campu Academic Halls: Brandenburg, Lewis, Lowrey, Meyer and Winston Paul Beach Beasley Campus Center and College Inn

Event Venues: Ferro Pavilion and Seabury Room Fire Pit Fitness Center

us Geneva Lake Shore Path

Residence Halls: Emery, Hickory and Oak

Hamlin Welcome Center

Scott Library

Mabel Cratty Building

Weidensall Administration Building

Research and Education Farm PAGE 11

Meet Samantha

Senior social work major What first attracted me to George Williams College was the academics. The social work program here is one of the main majors and has a wonderful reputation. Being able to learn from professors who are both inspiring teachers and practicing professionals is extremely important to me. They’re always current on what’s going on in the field and bring their own experiences into the classroom. I enjoy the hands-on learning I am offered because of that. Students also benefit from faculty members being connected with local agencies that offer internships.

I transferred to GWC as a junior from a community college in Illinois. When I visited the GWC campus for the first time, I immediately fell in love. The beautiful scenery provides a relaxing atmosphere that takes away some of the stress from being in college.

Everything I learn during my time at GWC will help me succeed both in the classroom and in my career.

The master’s program in social work has an advanced standing option of completing the degree in one year, which I plan to pursue upon graduating with my bachelor’s. From there, I would love to work in children and family services, but I am also highly intrigued by crisis counseling. I am keeping an open mind as to where my career path will take me. I also have a longterm goal of completing my doctorate through GWC.

To hear more about GWC, visit gwc.aurora.edu/experiencegwc

50+

90%

campus events each year

of GWC students participate in immersive learning, including internships, research and service projects

BSW + MSW = 5 YEARS complete a BSW and MSW in our CSWEaccredited advanced standing program

95+

DEDICATED FACULTY

agencies partner with GWC to host social work interns each semester

who are experts in their field

50+

11

HOURS PER WEEK

academic support staff are available to help

student clubs and organizations

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Discover your future.

We understand you are constantly seeking, ever challenging and always looking for a spark that will ignite your passions and set you on a path toward your future.

At GWC, you’ll explore what it means to know yourself and others. You’ll work with your professors to find new ways to approach learning and gain the skills you need to succeed in any profession. And you’ll take on real-world experiences that bring learning to life.

GWC student organizations and extracurricular activities engage your interests and help you find new ones.

They provide opportunities to get involved on campus and meet new friends along the way.

that allow you to excel no matter what field you are studying.

You’ll also be able to apply what you have learned in the classroom to internships and other practical experiences. And through our general education curriculum, you’ll learn skills

On campus and off, you will become part of a larger community that supports your dedication to learning and success. You’ll gain valuable experience and knowledge, and the world will benefit from your direction and involvement.

Submit your free application online at gwc.aurora.edu/apply

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Meet Justin

2016 GWC graduate

I chose George Williams College because it was a better fit for me than a larger school. For me, the smaller classes created a more intimate atmosphere for learning. I wanted a close relationship with my professors. They got to know me and took a personal interest in my success.

And they held me accountable, helping me focus on what really mattered — my education.

Location was a big factor in my choice, too. The campus is right on Geneva Lake, which was huge for an environmental science major like me. The professors used the lake and the land around it like one big classroom.

We took trips to the local land conservancies — prairies, woodlands and wetlands are all close by — to learn the techniques that professional ecologists and biologists use when they’re out in the field.

I had always been interested in organic food production, but before coming to GWC I had never been close to a farm.

I started working on the school’s Research and Education Farm as a freshman and worked there all four years. What I learned at the farm and in the classroom really ignited my passion – and because my professors knew my interests, they helped fan that flame. They even used their networks after graduation to help me land a job at a local farm that specializes in growing organic tomatoes.

I believe it’s important for our own health and that of the environment that we begin to change the way we produce food in this country. I was fortunate at GWC to have had professors who provided the foundation needed to pursue an environmental career. They did a great job helping me transform from the classroom to the workplace.

To hear more about GWC, visit gwc.aurora.edu/experiencegwc

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40+

on-campus honey beehives

varieties of produce grown at the student-run Research and Education Farm

ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES including kayaking, fishing, ropes course, hiking and sailing

INNOVATIVE CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY

3

including hydro, aero and aquaponics

open-air fire pits

5,262

NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES

ACRE LAKE

for hands-on experience through volunteerism, student clubs and unique events

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right outside your door

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We believe in learning by doing.

Whether studying the lake through a science class, learning how to sail in the first-year experience course or volunteering at the farm stand, our students participate in a variety of activities, allowing them to explore their interests beyond the classroom.

Participating in game nights and special dinners, going fishing or kayaking and hanging out with friends by the campfire are all part of the GWC experience.

Submit your free application online at gwc.aurora.edu/apply georgewilliamscollege

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Your adventure begins here.

We know that the cost of a college education is a crucial matter for you and your family. That’s why we offer scholarships and generous financial aid packages. In fact, more than 98 percent of GWC students receive some form of financial aid.

Rolling Admission Policy GWC reviews applications as they are completed with official transcripts and/ or test scores, and students are notified about admission decisions shortly after applying. High school students who have a strong desire to attend George Williams College of Aurora University are encouraged to apply early in their senior year.

Scholarships Merit-based scholarships for incoming undergraduate students are awarded based on previous academic achievement. You will be automatically considered for scholarships when your application for admission is complete.

Need-based Aid State and federal grants and loans are based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to file your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 for maximum consideration of available aid.

For more information, visit gwc.aurora.edu/financialaid

Submit your free application online at gwc.aurora.edu/apply georgewilliamscollege

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georgewilliamscollege @gwcofaurorau @gwcofaurorau geowilliamscollege georgewilliamscollege 910367-1711

And build your life around it.

Submit your free application online at gwc.aurora.edu/apply