YOU
If you’re reading this, you already know you don’t want a typical college experience, and Brenau is anything but typical. As soon as you set foot on campus, you’ll enter a place where we celebrate differences and devote ourselves to your success. You’ll explore your passions, meet your closest friends and make memories you’ll treasure.
STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO (ON AVERAGE)
EDUCATING STUDENTS
1ST-GENERATION FRESHMAN STUDENTS AVERAGE INCOMING FRESHMAN
GPA YEARS145+
60% 90% 3.4
OF ORIGIN COUNTRIES 26 OF STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
1. Grab a selfie with HJ, our fearless mascot
2. Have a picnic on the front lawn
3. Attend a performance in Pearce Auditorium 4. Explore the bamboo forest
THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR FIRST YEAR
why
BRENAU
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Bachelor’s Degrees
• Accounting (B.B.A.)
• Acting for Stage & Screen (B.F.A.)
• Biology (B.S.)
• Communication & Media Studies (B.A.)
• Conflict Resolution & Legal Studies (B.A.)
• Costuming for Film & Theatre (B.F.A.)
• Dance (B.A.)
• Dance (B.F.A.)
• Elementary Education (B.S.)
• English (B.A.)
• Exercise Science (B.S.)
• Fashion Design (B.F.A.)
• Fashion Merchandising (B.A.)
• Finance (B.B.A.)
• General Studies (B.S.)
• Health Science (B.S.)
• Health Science Pre-OT (B.S.)
• Health Science Pre-Nursing (B.S.)
• Healthcare Management (B.B.A.)
• History / Political Science (B.A.)
• Hospitality Management (B.B.A.)
• Human Resource Management (B.B.A.)
• Interior Design (B.F.A.)
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management (B.B.A.)
• Management (B.B.A.)
• Marketing (B.B.A.)
• Mass Communication (B.A.)
• Middle Grades Education (B.S.)
• Music (B.A.)
• Music Education (B.A.)
• Musical Theatre (B.F.A.)
• Nursing (B.S.N.)
• Organizational Leadership (B.A.)
• Psychology (B.S.)
• Psychology Pre-OT (B.S.)
• Risk Management & Insurance (B.B.A.)
• Special Education (B.S.)
• Studio Art (B.F.A.)
• Theatre (B.A.)
• Theatre Design & Technology (B.F.A.)
Minors
• Conflict Resolution and Legal Studies
• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Dance Movement Therapy
• Education
• English
• Entrepreneurship
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Merchandising
• Film Studies
• Gender Studies
• General Business
• Gerontology
• Graphics and Digital Arts
• History / Political Science
• Human Resource Management
• Interior Design
• International Studies
• Mass Communication
• Music
• Organizational Leadership
• Organizational Psychology
• Psychology
• Sports Broadcasting
• Studio Art
• Theatre
• Women’s Leadership
Doctoral Degrees
• Advanced Practice Nursing (D.N.P.)
• Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Elementary Education (Ed.D.)
• Healthcare Education Specialist (Ed.D.)
• Higher Education Teaching & Learning (Ed.D.)
• Leadership & Management (D.N.P.)
• Leadership in Higher Education (Ed.D.)
• Middle Grades Education (Ed.D.)
• Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.)
• Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
• Special Education (Ed.D.)
Master’s Degrees
• Accounting (M.Acc.)
• Accounting - Public (M.B.A.)
• Applied Gerontology (M.S.)
• Business Analytics (M.B.A.)
• Clinical Counseling Psychology (M.S.)
• Communication & Media Studies (M.A.)
• Digital Marketing (M.B.A.)
• Elementary Education (M.A.T.)
• Elementary Education (M.Ed.)
• Executive Women’s (M.B.A.)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (M.S.N.)
• Finance (M.B.A.)
• General Business (M.B.A.)
• Healthcare Management (M.B.A.)
• Health Services (M.S.)
• Human Resource Management (M.B.A.)
• Interior Design (M.F.A.)
• Leadership in Global Environments (M.B.A.)
• Management (M.B.A.)
• Middle Grades Education (M.A.T.)
• Middle Grades Education (M.Ed.)
• Nursing (M.S.N.)
• Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.)
• Organizational Leadership (M.S.)
• Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.)
• Project Management (M.B.A.)
• Psychology (M.S.)
• Secondary Education (M.A.T.)
• Special Education (M.A.T.)
• Special Education (M.Ed.)
College of Business & Communication
College
To learn more about our academic programs visit brenau.edu/programs
FOUNDED IN 1878
GEORGIA BAPTIST
FEMALE SEMINARY AS THE BRENAU CONSISTS OF
THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE
COED UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL
SIDNEY O. SMITH JR. GRADUATE SCHOOL
50 YEARS EDUCATING MEN FOR OVER
OUR MASCOT
IS NAMED AFTER OUR 3RD PRESIDENT HJ PEARCE
LUCILE IS THE LARGEST BRONZE GOLDEN TIGER STATUE IN THE WORLD
become a part of our
145+ YEAR LEGACY
Bren + Au = Brenau
Brennen, German verb for “to burn.”
Au, derived from the Latin word “aurum,” meaning gold This combination embodies our motto, “As gold refined by fire.”
WELCOME home
hisis
MARLON GALVIZ,
DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS SAFETY & SECURITY
He and his team work 24/7 to make sure you’re safe on campus and can focus on making the most of your college experience.
Hear our security team’s top 5 tips for campus safety
Where the action is
Living on campus puts you in the middle of all Brenau’s activities! You’ll be within walking distance to your classes, our dining spaces and any on-campus events.
RAs who have your back
While living on campus, you’ll have a Resident Assistant (aka RA) who monitors your living space around-the-clock to ensure your safety and comfort. Lock yourself outside of your residence hall or need solid advice? Don’t worry, your RA has got you.
ROOM
1. Keurig for those who need coffee or tea to function
2. Decor that makes your room feel like home
3. Power strips!
4. Mini fridge for your chilly snacks
5. Mattress pad because comfort is key
6. Reusable water bottle (hydrate, don’t die-drate)
7. Full-length mirror to check your fit
8. Cleaning supplies (you’re an adult now)
9. Extra-long twin bedding set
10. Microwave to make your ramen (600-800 watts)
CAMPUS dining
Need a quick coffee or looking for a bite between classes? Look no further.
BRENAU’S TEA ROOM OFFERS tea the room
BREWED AWAKENINGS
a coffee shop with Starbucks options
P.O.D. MARKET
a general store with food and school supplies
BURGERS + FRIES
fast-dining that serves burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches and more
Dining Hall Hopkins the
Our all-you-can-eat dining hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, and brunch and dinner on weekends.
ROTATING MENU including
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
TACO TUESDAYS
FRIED CHICKEN WEDNESDAYS
ROTATING INTERNATIONAL DISHES
DESSERT BAR
WOK STATION
SALAD BAR
PIZZA
clubs & organizations
SGA is a great place for students to feel safe and secure in voicing their concerns. Having this space allows students to take charge of their own experiences, which is very important for students as they’re preparing to lead their adult lives. That is what I love most about SGA. We are for the students, by the students!”
Ari Hatcher
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
On our little campus, joining Greek life is one of the best ways to get plugged in and build a community. My chapter is my home away from home, filled with the most hilarious, encouraging best friends you could ask for.” Jenna Patton
greek life
30 + clubs
Whether you’re a fan of gardening, community service, creative writing or even ghost hunting, we’ve got a club for you. And if we don’t already have a club that matches your interests, we will work with you to create one!
Brenau University Garden Society
Women’s College Athletics
T he leadership skills, drive, and mental fitness that you build are very rewarding for your future. Being a part of a Brenau team has added value to my college experience, and there are memories from being on my soccer team that I will carry with me forever.”
Kory Rodas
Brenau is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
15
WOMEN’S TEAMS
BASKETBALL
JV BASKETBALL
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
COMPETITIVE CHEER
CROSS COUNTRY
GOLF
SOCCER
SOFTBALL
JV SOFTBALL
SPIRIT CHEER
SWIMMING & DIVING
TENNIS
TRACK & FIELD
(INDOOR/OUTDOOR)
VOLLEYBALL
explore Gainesville
Take a five-minute walk from campus, and you’ll be on the Gainesville square— the city’s hub for local shops, restaurants, arts and entertainment.
Lucky for you, Brenau students can get discounts at some great businesses in downtown Gainesville, including:
AVOCADO’S RESTAURANT
DILETTO BAKERY
DRESS UP: GAINESVILLE
HIGH DEFINITION BARBERSHOP
HOPSCOTCH RESTAURANT
JOHNNY’S PIZZA
ONWARD RESERVE
THE SOUTHERN BAKED PIE COMPANY
There are also fun events on the square throughout the year where you and your friends can see what Gainesville has to offer, and you may even sneak a peek of Brenau’s mascot, HJ, out on the town.
CRAVING THE OUTDOORS?
Waterfalls and mountainous views are less than an hour from campus. And if you want to stay in town, you’ll find lots of spots around Lake Lanier for kayaking, canoeing and just lounging by the water!
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS TO ENJOY NATURE:
Brenau Bamboo Forest (on campus)
City Park (10 min walk)
Ivey Terrace Park (15 min walk)
Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville (10 min drive)
Lake Lanier Olympic Park (10 min drive)
Elachee Nature Science Center (20 min drive)
Don Carter State Park (20 min drive)
Amicalola Falls (50 min drive)
Sending you to the world and bringing the
world to
you!
STUDY ABROAD
Through the Miller Institute for Global Education, Brenau can help you plan and pay for your study abroad trip so that you can broaden your horizons and bring new perspectives back to campus.
GO GLOBAL costa rica
SOME OF OUR LOCATIONS CANADA
Study Abroad Locations
International Students
BRAZIL
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS INITIATIVE
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENTS
WORLD DANCE POP-UP PERFORMANCES
INTERNATIONAL FOOD SHOWCASE
INDIA
picture yourself at Brenau
small CLASS SIZES
PROFESSORS WITH DIRECT
industry experience
internship & career FOCUSED
OPPORTUNITIES
Graduate ready to thrive in your dream industry
At Brenau, opportunities are at every corner — all you need to do is reach for them. Our professors know what it takes to succeed in their respective fields, and that’s why they expose their students to hands-on learning and industry experience before graduation.
Across all of our colleges, you’ll have access to internships, guest speakers, volunteer opportunities and other experiential learning, so you can leave Brenau prepared to dive into your chosen career.
help need you the
health & wellness
Your mental and physical well-being is our top priority at Brenau, and that’s why we offer both free therapy and medical care for all students!
The Center for Health and Well-Being offers:
• Medical care
• Confidential individual and group therapy
Therapy dogs visit campus every semester
Come and see me on a good or bad day, and tell me all about it. I’m here to provide a comfortable, relaxing and safe space for all students.”
Gay Baldwin DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING SERVICES
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
At Brenau, we believe it’s important to ask for help when you need it.
W ant to get ahead on a research paper, need some help with the math problems you can’t get the hang of or just need someone to talk to when you’re feeling stressed? We’ve got you covered.
Center for Academic Success
Free tutoring services and academic coaching for all students
The Writing Center
Peer review support for all written and oral communication projects at any stage in the process
Brenau Trustee Library
Assistance with finding both hard-copy and online sources for your classes and assignments
Student Development & Engagement
Our SD&E team is here to make sure you’re having the college experience you’ve always dreamed of
Office of Accessibility Services
Individualized accommodations for students with documented disabilities, including quiet rooms for test-taking
Relaxing Safe Spaces
Brenau’s counseling services offer several comfortable spaces for students to enjoy a quiet environment and escape their daily routines. This includes an expressive arts room, two calm rooms, and a prayer/meditation room for all religions.
TOP 5 STUDY TIPS
from THE CENTER OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS
1. Take thorough notes and label them.
2. Break up your studying into chunks.
3. Plan out your study schedule for the semester.
4. Complete lots of sample problems (for your math classes).
5. Make use of your instructor’s office hours.
Experiential learning
You’ll not only learn from local industry leaders, you’ll work directly with them to help find solutions for their businesses.
89.1 WBCX & The Pod
Learn what it means to be the “Voice of Brenau” by gaining hands-on skills in all areas of radio and podcasting.
Career-specific certificates
Set yourself up with a certification to make yourself even more marketable for job placement before you graduate.
Industry-experienced faculty
Every professor has worked in the industry they teach about, so you’ll gain an insider’s view into your desired field.
Tt hisis
Learn
here is such a wide variety of jobs you can get as a business student. Even if you decide you want to go back and do something else, having a business background is going to help you. I think that business is one of the best majors to teach you life skills.”
Angelica Richards
‘23 BUSINESS
A mass communication grad who played basketball and served as president of her sorority at Brenau.
PAYTON HICKS
more about her story
Teach
Tiger Tales
Work alongside local elementary schoolers to help them publish a book full of their stories and illustrations of Brenau’s beloved tiger statue, Lucile.
Faculty who care
Your professors don’t just teach you the curriculum, they’re here to embrace who you are, nurture your talents and help you shine.
First-hand knowledge
All of Brenau’s full-time education faculty have taught in public and private schools, so they’ll give you the real-life K-12 learning experiences you need to succeed.
Teacher Advisory Council
Support at Brenau doesn’t stop at graduation. While you’re starting your career, you’ll have access to a network of teachers ready to offer guidance.
Children are our future, and I want to help them learn, grow and succeed. Brenau University provides all the classes and resources I need for my degree, and it’s helping me make connections and offering advice.”
Annabeth Vandiver ‘23 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
A mother-daughter duo who earned their education degrees at Brenau.
ABIGAIL & SANDRA BROWN Learn more about their story
Create
High Museum of Art Student Exhibition
Each year, Brenau students are invited to showcase their artwork and interior design concepts at this renowned museum in Atlanta.
The Elixir
Publish your next poem, illustration or even short story in this literature and arts magazine that celebrates students’ talents.
Intercollegiate Mediation Team
Hone your public speaking skills, build meaningful connections and resolve conflicts with people from all around the world.
Pearce Auditorium
Bring the house down on the stage where Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Sr., Jane Fonda and The Vienna Boys Choir have performed.
I’ve kind of always had that creative side to me, and I wanted to do something that I enjoy. Everyone in the Interior Design program was so welcoming and helpful, both the teachers and my classmates. It was just like a little family.”
Giselle Lucas Delacruz ‘23 INTERIOR DESIGN
A Provost Scholar and theatre design & technology alum.
LUCIUS GARDNER
Heal Ivester College of Health Sciences
Research opportunities
Take a topic you’re passionate about to the next level by conducting research and even publishing your own paper.
Simulation labs
Our nursing and psychology students have access to state-of-the-art technology that simulates real life experiences.
Move into a grad program
If you want to further your education, you can easily transition into a graduate program aligned with your bachelor’s degree.
Fieldwork experience
Practice your health care skills and gain real-world experiences through internships with local organizations and businesses.
You never know who’s going to walk through the door and what they’re going through. Having a psychology background as an occupational therapist is going to help me tackle anything.”
Samir Huete
A nursing grad who became the first in his family to graduate from college.
Women’s College the
Signature GOLD Program
Enter the exceptional GOLD Program, exclusively for women. You’ll spend a year focused on each of the following: gender, ownership and personal responsibility, leadership, and diversity.
Greek life
Join a lifelong sisterhood where you’ll meet your dearest friends and thrive in a community of inspiring women.
Competitive intercollegiate athletics
Continue playing the sport you’re most passionate about by becoming a Golden Tiger athlete.
Traditions
Take part in Brenau’s meaningful and spirited traditions, many of which date back to the founding of the university.
Connections, connections, connections
Tap into a network of professional mentors and successful alumnae who are ready to help you succeed.
We’ve been empowering women for over 145 years, and we don’t plan on stopping.
For women at coed institutions, there’s research that indicates that by the end of their sophomore year, their confidence levels have gone straight down. The trajectory is the opposite for students at women’s colleges in that by the end of their sophomore year, their confidence levels have grown dramatically.”
Debra Dobkins
DEAN OF THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE
Throughout my time at Brenau, the one thing that stood out to me and made my experience unique was the close-knit family that was created by my professors, colleagues and mentors. With this community, I was able to produce my best work, be authentically myself and make mistakes.”
Janan
Mirza DANCE ‘22
this you
could be
“Brenau has a very good reputation in the community. While we were working in the hospital (Northeast Georgia Medical Center), they always thought very highly of Brenau nursing students because most of the nurses at the hospital went to Brenau.”
Martis Ferguson
NURSING GRAD / ADMINISTRATIVE NURSING SUPERVISOR
Prepare to follow your dreams after graduation, just like these alumni!
semester at Brenau
Graduated from Brenau with her bachelor’s in education and started her career as a middle school teacher
“I think the smaller numbers at Brenau make for that actual interactive diversity, not just diversity on paper. Because when you’re in a smaller space, you actually interact with everyone in that space. And, that is how growth and change come around.”
Zoë Metelerkamp
“The first time I was ever the president of an organization was at Brenau when I founded a small online magazine to serve the campus. I was afforded a safe space to share my wildest dreams. I'll always be grateful that Brenau University is part of my journey.”
Kenya Hunter MASS COMMUNICATION GRAD / REPORTER (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
6TH GRADE VICE PRINCIPAL PICKNEYVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Published her first children’s book
“My Teacher Looks Like Me”
doctorate from Brenau
The most fulfilling part of my experience at Brenau was being able to develop valuable friendships and meaningful connections with the Brenau faculty and staff. Brenau will forever have a place in my heart!”
Autumn Dodson
ENGLISH AND DANCE ALUMNA/ LITERATURE GRAD STUDENT
Financial Aid Affordability
AN AFFORDABLE PRIVATE EDUCATION IS POSSIBLE AT BRENAU
Paying for college can seem daunting, but we’re here to help you through every step of the financial aid process. Your admissions and financial aid counselors will guide you, so you and your family can make sound financial decisions and feel confident in how you pay for college.
Did you know that most Brenau undergraduate students receive financial aid?
90%
Check out Brenau’s Net Price Calculator to get a preliminary estimate of the scholarships and financial aid programs you may be eligible for at Brenau. during the 2023-24 academic year. OF STUDENTS RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID
You’ve applied to Brenau, what’s next ?
THINGS TO DO RIGHT AWAY
□ Request that your official transcripts from your high school, or all colleges you have attended if you are a transfer student, be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
□ Apply for Financial Aid.
□ Make sure to complete your FAFSA and select Brenau using our school code: 001556.
□ If you have any questions, contact your admissions counselor.
□ Come see us! Schedule a campus visit if you haven’t already!
THINGS TO DO ONCE YOU RECEIVE YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER
□ Complete the Enrollment Intention Form in your applicant portal.
□ Pay your enrollment deposit through your applicant portal.
□ Complete your Student Financial Agreement.
□ Make sure and request that your final high school or college transcript be sent to us.
□ If you will be living on campus, submit your Housing Application and Housing Contract.
□ Attend one of our ROAR orientations.
□ Register for classes. You will meet directly with your academic advisor and register during your scheduled ROAR orientation. Contact your admissions counselor for more information.
ONCE YOU’VE COMPLETED THESE STEPS, HEAD TO OUR NEXT STEPS WEBPAGE TO SEE WHAT YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE ARRIVING ON CAMPUS!
R
EADINESS,
O RIENTATION, A DVISING & R EGISTRATION
At ROAR, you will…
• Register for your first semester of classes.
• Hang out with your future classmates and current students.
• Spend some time getting to know the campus and Gainesville.
• Meet a few of your professors.
• Learn about campus resources. Get ready for the best fall ever!!!
