Converse College Viewbook

FIND YOUR THE CONVERSE ADVANTAGE

VOICE

“I love the sense of community at Converse. Even when things become challenging, I always have someone here to support me and encourage me to do my best.”

Addie Ledbetter ’17

Hometown Summerville, South Carolina

Major Biology, Vanderbilt Nursing Program

my Converse Valkyries IHSA Equestrian Team (2014-2015 Team Captain) Student Ambassador Converse Activities Board Representative

Pursuing Your Passion “After enrolling in Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing and obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing, I plan to become a Nurse Anesthetist.”

“As a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, an award that represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouts and challenges young women to change the world, I was able to further develop my leadership, public speaking and project management skills. Converse has only reinforced those lessons as my professors and peers push me to step into my own strengths.”

Want Results? As a women’s college, Converse can provide a better educational experience, better opportunities and better outcomes.

SEIZE

THE ADVANTAGE

It’s a Fact!

• There are more female role models and mentors at women’s colleges • More women’s college students enroll in traditionally male disciplines • Student leadership roles at women’s colleges are more accessible to women leaders • Graduates of women’s colleges are twice as likely as female graduates of co-ed institutions to earn a PhD, attend medical school, be involved in philanthropic activity, attain higher positions in their careers and earn higher incomes

For the Record

2x

In the National Survey of Student Engagement, Converse scored in the top 10% of colleges in the nation for enriching educational experiences.

• Discuss their career plans with faculty • Study abroad • Interact with faculty on activities other than coursework • Have discussions about ideas from classes with others outside of class

CLASS of

2014

56%

Had jobs or grad school acceptances upon graduation

54%

Participated in independent research or independent creative project

39%

Served as an officer in a campus organization

40%

Are the first in their family to graduate from college

converse.edu/ConverseAdvantage

THE CONVERSE ADVANTAGE

as many Converse students

A BETTER TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIPS

VALUE

“Converse provides me with an environment conducive to growth and exploration. It has instilled in me a firm belief that I can make things happen”

Anja Golden ’15

Hometown

Greer, South Carolina

Major

Double major in Psychology and Philosophy with a double minor in Women’s Studies and English

my Converse

Co–president, GSA Vice-chair, Converse Diversity Initiative Secretary, Ally Club Treasurer, Civitas Nisbet Honors Program Orientation Leader Writing Center Peer Consultant

OFF CAMPUS

Intern at Brown & Brown Consulting, Philadelphia, PA

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“As part of the Bonner AmeriCorps Program, I volunteered with Spartanburg’s SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition. This opportunity allowed me to apply my studies to my service. I hope to continue to help victims of domestic and sexual violence by using my degree to obtain a position advocating for those without a voice.”

USA TODAY

Making

THE NEW YORK TIMES MSN NOW CBS NEWS THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

NATIONAL NEWS

for all the right reasons Voice. Value. Vision.

2014 Tuition $ 16,500 Room and Board $ 9,500 $ 26,000* * Before financial aid and scholarships.

Betsy Fleming, Converse College President

Great school, great price

converse.edu/TuitionReset

It’s all about the benjamins Got Talent? Generous support from Converse alumnae and donors and a strong endowment allow us to provide a wide array of scholarships and need-based grants.

• Merit Scholarships • Converse Scholars Invitational • School of the Arts Scholarships • Athletic Scholarships • Scholarships & Grants for SC Residents

Rated a

Best Value in the South

Types of Aid • Scholarships • Need-based grants • Loans • Work-study and payment plans

Check out our Net Cost Calculator to estimate your bottom line. converse.edu/NetCostCalculator

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TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIPS

“At Converse, we believe in both the value and the affordability of higher education.”

Converse made headlines with news that we cut tuition by 43% …proving that a top-ranked private college can be affordable.

A SOLID

MAJORS AND DEGREES

VISION

“There are so many opportunities for development at Converse.

I’m trying things outside my comfort zone and becoming a more well-rounded leader.”

Emily Patterson ’15

Hometown Belton, South Carolina

Major

Deaf Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education

my Converse President, Pi Lambda Theta Secretary, Civitas Dance Ensemble Omicron Delta Kappa Mortar Board

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

“The education program at Converse has allowed me to do my clinical work and field experience at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. Having the opportunity to use my sign language skills in the community has been extremely rewarding.”

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Converse.edu

MAJOR

POSSIBILITIES Whether you are still exploring your options or already set on a career path, you’ll reach your full potential with the possibilities offered at Converse.

TOP SIX MAJORS • Psychology • Biology • Business Administration • Interior Design • Art Therapy • Theatre and Musical Theatre

MAJORS

21

Minors

11

Pre-Professional Programs

distinctly

CONVERSE

• The southeast’s only undergraduate program in Art Therapy • South Carolina’s only undergraduate program in Deaf Education • South Carolina’s only BFA in Creative and Professional Writing • The country’s only women’s college with a comprehensive School of Music • One of only two colleges in South Carolina offering a degree in Music Therapy

TAKE A CLOSER

LOOK

Check out our newest academic offerings ings.

• Genetic Counseling • Sports Management • Collaborative Piano • Musical Theatre

converse.edu/Majors

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MAJORS AND DEGREES

35

STUDY ABROAD AND INTERNSHIPS

MAKE hands-on HAPPEN “To say my experience at Converse has been positive would be an understatement. Never have I met people so dedicated to helping students to aspire to ideals of themselves, which they probably never thought possible.”

Kathleen Hines ’15

Hometown

Mayesville, South Carolina

Major English

my Converse

Model League Debate Team Writing Center Peer Consultant Mortar Board Historian Director of Publicity, Delta Omicron Music Fraternity

The Road Less Traveled “This fall I’ll be moving to Dallas, Texas to pursue a sixyear PhD program at Southern Methodist University.”

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“I had the opportunity to go abroad for 10 days with the Converse Chamber Singers and Converse instrumentalists. We traveled all over the Black Forest in Germany and sang at a wonderful local festival!”

Ready for the real world

Vampires in Eastern Europe, Japanese business culture, the economics and marketing of Harry Potter at Universal Studios – these are just a few of the opportunities that await you at Converse. Students at Converse are known for exploring the world and gaining real-world experience. Last year, students traveled everywhere from an orphanage in Belize to a Vacation Bible School in Haiti.

ICELAND West virginia

CHARLESTON

HAITI

scotland ITALY

Buenos aires

converse.edu/Travel

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STUDY ABROAD AND INTERNSHIPS

LONDON

CELEBRATE

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

THE ARTS

“I first picked up a violin at five years old. It’s a part of me. The faculty at Converse have nurtured that love. I have a great respect and closeness to my professors.”

Mallory Hayes ’16

Hometown

Whispering Pines, North Carolina

Major

Violin Performance

MY Converse

Concertmaster, Converse Symphony

Bravo!

2014-2015 principal second violin, Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra 2014 regional finalist, Music Teacher’s National Association Competition 2013 winner, Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium Concerto Competition 2013 winner, Converse Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition

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“Converse has taught me to be a strong individual. I hope to use that determination and resilience as I work towards attending a music conservatory for graduate school.”

SCHOOL OF

THE ARTS

Petrie School of Music

No other women’s liberal arts college in the country has its own comprehensive professional school of music. With more than 150 recitals, operas, concerts and other performances staged annually and a 7:1 student to faculty ratio, you will find ample opportunities for hands-on learning.

Performance Opportunities • Converse Symphony Orchestra • Converse Wind Ensemble • Converse Chorale • Spartanburg Festival Chorus • Converse Opera Theatre

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

The collaborative synergy within the School of the Arts creates a dynamic hub for aspiring artists.

Department of art and design

In our 30,000 square foot award-winning Milliken Fine Arts Building you will learn at the hands of dedicated professional artists, award winning educators, and skilled professionals in their fields. We encourage Converse women to not only learn art and design, but to live art and design!

Department of Theatre and dance

Students in the Department of Theatre and Dance are engaged by rigorous intellectual challenges that prepare them for careers in the arts, allied health professions or advanced studies. Our new Musical Theatre major enhances student learning by providing additional opportunities for collaboration with the School of the Arts.

converse.edu/Arts

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SEE FOR

YO U R S E L F

10 10

Converse.edu Converse.edu

Take a Closer Look at Converse converse.edu/VisitUs

Converse.edu 11

GOOD TIMES

HAPPEN

CAMPUS LIFE

“My professors constantly challenge and encourage me, and I love all of the great friends I have made. The campus is beautiful and not an intimidating size; these were the first things that attracted me to Converse.”

Lily Sanchez ’15

Hometown Houston, Texas

Major

Philosophy and Spanish

my Converse

Treasurer, Hispanic Awareness Association Converse Student Ambassador

a new role

“In my freshman year I was in a play called Los Papeles del Infierno. It was my first time being in a theatre production and I found it to be exhilarating. As introverted as I can be, I never imagined I would act on a stage. I loved the experience and am proud of myself for participating in something I thought I could never do.”

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“Negative connotations sometimes arise when the word ‘different’ comes up, but at Converse I don’t worry about that. There are a multitude of organizations on campus that are dedicated to promoting diversity, and there are students and staff who embrace it without conscious effort. I feel at home at Converse alongside my friends, peers and professors. I know I wouldn’t be happier or more comfortable anywhere else.”

UNPACK YOUR BAGS Whether it’s debating on our Model Arab League team, performing with the Palmetto Players, or fencing – there’s a club for you.

Student Sound off “Converse is my home away from home. Even the dining hall serves home-cooked meals and has lots of options so that everyone can be satisfied.”

– Jordan Raska

Williston, SC

“My advice for incoming freshman, is to be yourself! The people you meet will become lifelong friends.”

– Meghan Johnson

Eau Claire, WI “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! College has many opportunities - just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s bad. Give it a try! ”

– CJ Ramirez

Tampa. FL

MORE THAN

80 OVER 60 RANKED #5

ELECTED SGA POSITIONS

STUDENT CLUBS

TOP 5 FRESHMAN MUST-KNOWS 1. Get involved in campus organizations 2. Be active to burn stress and stay healthy 3. Create study hours 4. Ask for help when you need it 5. Get to know the faculty and staff

converse.edu/CampusLife

Explore Your POteNTIAL The Daniels Center for Leadership and Service offers opportunities to learn by understanding leadership, building teams, becoming agents for social change and helping others in the community.

The Emerging Leaders Program: A ten-week co-curricular course that prepares freshmen and sophomores to become agents for campus change and innovation Bonner Leaders: Provides scholarship money to selected sophomores and juniors who commit to serve others through 750 hours of community service over the course of two years Daniels Leadership Program: A four-year leadership program especially designed to prepare women for ethical and effective roles of leadership Leadership Library: Materials focusing on team building, leadership skills, goal setting, diversity and icebreakers are available for checkout

MASTER’S UNIVERSITY

Want to create positive, sustainable change in the world? Learn more about LC15, a FREE leadership retreat for juniors and seniors in high school.

IN THE NATION FOR RESEARCH, SERVICE AND SOCIAL MOBILITY BY WASHINGTON MONTHLY

Positive Sustainable Change

converse.edu/Lead2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

“Living in the dorms is awesome! I love how close knit each hall is. You get to know those ladies as if they’re your sisters!”

– Jennifer Barksdale

Mountville, SC

Breaking the college code:

Sisterhood

STARTS HERE

TRADITIONS

“I experience courage, kindness, sisterhood, acceptance and friendship everyday – Converse is the ultimate environment to succeed!”

Laura Morales ’15

Hometown Belton, South Carolina

Major Philosophy

my Converse Valkyries Tennis Team Student Ambassador

CHILDHOOD ASPIRATION

“When I was a kid, I use to envision myself attending Converse – I’m literally living my dream life! I am majoring in my preferred field of study. I am playing my favorite sport and I get to help with admission events. I LOVE IT!”

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“Converse has taught me to dream big, set goals, believe in myself and trust that I am capable of accomplishing anything. I feel so empowered being surrounded by other amazing young women.”

125 YEARS of TRADITION

DID YOU KNOW? The Class of 2019 is Ravishingly RED!! Learn more about Pink Panthers and Red Devils.

Converse is rich in tradition – creating closer friendships among students and instilling a sense of campus pride.

converse.edu/PanthersVsDevils

10 EVENTS You Don’t Want to Miss

TRADITIONS

Big Sis/Lil Sis

1889 Spirit Week

Spring Concert

Casino Night

Senior Candlelight

Freshmen Pinning

Hats on and Hats Off Parties

Honor Code Signing Sophomore Ring Ceremony

Festival of Lessons and Carols

on the

FAST TRACK

ATHLETICS

“Converse offers opportunities to learn new skills. I am pushed to achieve excellence and because of it, I have grown as an individual.”

Ashly Sutherland ’16

Hometown

Cowpens, South Carolina

Major

Double major in Psychology and Theatre

my Converse

Valkyries Cross Country Team Valkyries Track Team Secretary, Class of 2016 Theatre Converse

setting the

Pace

“Running for Converse is such an honor. In my first Outdoor Track season, I set a conference championship record in the 800m and was the first Cross Country runner in Converse history to qualify for Nationals.”

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“From academics to athletics, I am inspired every day to work harder in every aspect of my life.”

REAL WOMEN SWEAT.

Converse is a member of Conference Carolinas and is the only women’s college to compete at the NCAA Division II level.

9 NCAA + 1 IHSA = 10 DIVISION II TEAMS

EQUESTRIAN TEAM

+

REASONS to CONVERSE COLLEGE VALKYRIES

The Marsha H. Gibbs Field House opens fall 2014.

converse.edu/Valkyries

ATHLETICS

WELCOME TO AROUND TOWN

SPARKLE CITY THE

SPARTANBURG SCENE From live music to bike trails, from local dives to public art displays - Hub City has it all.

5 Entertainment Musts

Art, culture and music all have a home here.

• Music on Main • Jazz on the Square • Jam in the Park • Spring Fling • Retro Fest

FOR CREATIVE

SOULS

• HUB BUB offers more than 100 nights of art, culture, and entertainment a year • One of the largest artist co-ops in the region, West Main Artists Co-Op, is open to the public twice a week.

• Home to 10 organizations, the Chapman Cultural Center brings together performing and visual arts, science and history.

• The Hub City Writers Project has published more than 400 writers in 60 books and given away more than $15,000 in scholarships to emerging writers.

VisitSpartanburg.com

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Top 10 Eats & Treats • Cribb’s on Main • Wild Aces • Monsoon Noodle • Mellow Mushroom • The Coffee Bar • Cakehead Bakery • Willy Taco • Main Street Pub • Miyako Sushi • Groucho’s Deli

DID YOU KNOW? • More than 80 pieces of outdoor art are on display in the Spartanburg area • The Beacon claims to sell more onions and more sweet tea than any restaurant in America • The Carolina Panthers train in Spartanburg during the summer • BMW’s only North American manufacturing plant is located in Spartanburg County • The Spartanburg Regional Classic, a multi-lap cycling race, takes place in the heart of downtown during Spring Fling weekend

FOR NATURE

LOVERS

You’ll find rushing rivers, rugged hiking & biking trails, miles and miles of roads for riding, plus disc golf, yoga and a few more surprises.

• The Cottonwood Trail gives nature lovers a 115-acre green place to play. the path of the very first train that came to the Hub City in 1859.

• Once an army training base, Croft State Park offers biking and hiking trails, camping, as well as fishing and boating in one of two lakes.

• Glendale Shoals’ has a little bit of everything: waterfalls, a climbing wall, gothic-looking towers from a ruined cotton mill and hiking trails.

TAKE IT ON TWO WHEELS!

Want to go for a ride but don’t have a bike? Converse is home to one of four B-Cycle stations in the community.

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AROUND TOWN

• Walk, run, skate or bike the 1.9-mile Rail Trail and you’ll be traveling

IN THE CENTER OF IT ALL! A day at the beach, a weekend in Altanta, an evening of fun in Greenville, or outdoor adventures in Asheville – Spartanburg is in the sweet-spot, within easy driving distance of these and other urban areas.

Revered by his students as the guru of Philosophy, Dr. Kevin DeLapp was recently honored with the SC Excellence in Teaching Award. When he’s not in the classroom, this dynamic and highly revered teacher can be found doing fancy footwork as the Coach of the Converse Fencing Club!

Professor Susan Tekulve’s newest novel, In the Garden of Stone, is getting rave reviews on the national literary scene. As an award-winning author, she brings to the classroom the scholarship of an acclaimed writer along with the experience of a published author.

Lovingly called “Dr. Mad” by her students, Madelyn Young not only drives students to success in the study of business and economics, she leads a number of study abroad programs. So far the list includes; Finland, Russia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, England, Italy and Japan!

Dr. Joe Dunn will tell you he was put on the planet to help students unleash their talents as leaders. It’s no wonder then that this professor of history and politics was named SC Professor of the Year in 2013. Dr. Dunn is the third Converse professor to receive the award since 2006.

Known for wearing bright purple Crocs on a daily basis, Dr. Mirko Hall is also recognized as one of the most popular professors on campus. Honored recently with a SC Excellence in Teaching Award, he brings a unique brand of flair and fun to the study of German and Arabic.

AWARD WINNING

FACULTY

ALUMS

Maya was awarded a tuition waiver and stipend through the Appalachian Bridge Scholar Program, providing an all-expense paid trip to Eastern Kentucky University to pursue an MS in Biomedical Research.

IN ACTION Recently featured in a Huffington Post blog about her research on sharks and her choice to attend a women’s college, Jordy is attending graduate school at the College of Charleston with a teaching assistantship position to study Marine Biology.

Maya James ’14 Augusta, GA

Jordy Taylor ’14 Summerville, SC

Mahal Woldetsadik ’08 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mahal is back home in Africa working for the UN Women’s Liaison Office.

With a passion for advancing social justice, she’s using her degree in politics to work with the UN on improving the reproductive health of women in developing countries.

Arnisha White ’14 Jacksonville, FL

Arnisha grew up in a low socio-economic environment but will tell you that music opened her eyes to a world of possibilities. Currently working with Teach for America in rural Mississippi, she plans to establish a non-profit symphony orchestra for low income children.

Recently named one of 20 TEDGlobal Fellows for 2014, Tharanga earned her Master of Music degree in voice and opera at The Juilliard School in 2008, and in 2010 completed Juilliard’s requirements for an Artist Diploma in Tharanga Goonetilleke ’05 Opera Studies. She is also a member of the Badulla, Sri Lanka NY City Opera Company.

CONVERSE AT A GLANCE Ranked: A “Best Value” in the South by

Athletics: Only women’s college in the nation

Converse Distinctions:

U.S.News & World Report; and #5 Master’s

competing at the NCAA Division II level with nine

• Southeast’s only undergraduate program in Art Therapy

University in the nation by Washington Monthly

sports and an IHSA equestrian program.

• South Carolina’s only undergraduate program in Deaf

Founded: In Spartanburg, South Carolina

Admission: Early action applications due

in 1889 (among the first 15 women’s colleges

November 15; regular decision applications due

founded in the United States)

March 15; applications for transfer students due

Students: 1,333 total enrollment (744

June 1

undergraduate and 587 graduate); 30 states and

2014-15 Tuition and Fees:

12 countries represented; approximately 16%

Tuition $16,500; Room and Board $9,500;

minority undergraduate enrollment

Total Comprehensive Fee – $26,000 (includes

Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1, among the best in the nation, ensures personal attention and mentoring

Academic Profile: Over 94% of entering students have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; over 55% rank in the top quarter of their graduating class; middle 50% SAT range: 9401120; middle 50% ACT range: 21-26

Academics: With more than 35 majors,

Education and Gifted Education • South Carolina’s only BFA in Creative and Professional Writing • The country’s only women’s college with a comprehensive School of Music • One of two colleges in South Carolina offering a degree in Music Therapy

cable, phone and voicemail, internet service in residence hall, student activities fee, parking, laundry)

Merit Scholarships: Range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are renewable for three years. Students may also compete for additional academic awards through the Converse Scholars Invitational.

Easily Accessible: By car via I-85 or

Converse offers a perfect merger of the liberal

I-26 and by air, served by Greenville-Spartanburg

arts and career-focused majors, with options for

and Charlotte-Douglas international airports. Get

double and self-designed majors; BA, BS, BFA and

driving directions and hotel discounts at:

BM degree programs

Study Abroad: Faculty-led study/travel

converse.edu/VisitUs

courses connect you with global learning in Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, North America and South America. Scholarships are available to support off-campus studies

Converse College does not discriminate in admissions or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.

Converse admits only women to undergraduate programs and services in accordance with its historical mission.

$200 TRAVEL VOUCHERS

YOUR NEXT We can help make your visit happen!

Our Travel Vouchers reimburse you for up to $200 in gas and/or airfare.

STEPS Come Visit

$200 TRAVEL VOUCHERS

We think your visit to Converse is so important, we’ll help you offset the cost to get here.

We can help make your visit happen! Our Travel Vouchers reimburse you for up to $200 in gas and/or airfare.

Converse Admission Staff

We can help make your visit happen! Our Travel Vouchers reimburse you fo

Use code VB2015 to redeem your travel voucher online. converse.edu/TravelVoucher

MakeConverseHappen.com

CONTACT: Office of Admission 864.596.9040 admission@converse.edu

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