Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
Social responsibility is a core value of Virginia Wesleyan, and in 2020, Virginia Wesleyan was proud to receive the prestigious Community Engagement Classification. This highly selective classification indicates significant institutional commitment to community engagement. The classification is the leading framework for assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education. It is awarded following a process of self-study by an institution that is then assessed by a national review committee led by the Swearer Center for Public Engagement at Brown University.
National Bonner Leaders Program
The National Bonner Leaders Program (succeeding the PORTFolio Program) is an intensive, four-year community leadership opportunity that educates, equips, and inspires students to engage our local community and beyond through a partnership with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation. Bonner Leaders are students who are committed to serving the local community by using their gifts and talents where needed. Students in this program develop leadership skills by participating in meetings, training workshops, internships, and service. Upon graduation, Bonner Leaders continue to seek ways in which they can enrich their communities through leadership of non-profits and/or direct service. The Bonner Leaders program specifically focuses on civic engagement, community building, diversity, international perspectives, spiritual exploration, and social justice.
All-Steinway School
Virginia Wesleyan University, by demonstrating a commitment to musical and performative excellence, was honored with the exclusive All-Steinway designation in 2020. All-Steinway Schools are institutions that have demonstrated a full commitment to excellence by ensuring that every piano we own is designed by Steinway & Sons. Thanks to generous support from donors, Virginia Wesleyan has hand-picked and purchased Steinway Concert Grand Pianos for the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, the Monumental Chapel and Beazley Recital Hall, and the Hofheimer Theatre. Additionally, new Boston Pianos (designed by Steinway & Sons) are in every studio, practice room, and music classroom on campus. These pianos inspire students to realize their artistic talents and best prepare them to perform at the highest level in the professional world.
January Term and Summer Session
Virginia Wesleyan offers special January and Summer courses that support students’ timely graduation, whether they are behind in coursework or planning to graduate early. These shorter sessions have the contact hours and academic workload of a regular 15 week semester, however in ways not available or not as effectively pursued in conventional semesters. Courses may involve field trips, travel components, and contain experimental, experiential qualities while maintaining the same rigorous academic standards as other courses. The courses offered vary from year to year. Many courses, including those with special travel or experiential components, are taught only in January Term or Summer Session. January Term is a 15 - 17 day credit-bearing term of intensive, engaged learning that complements and strengthens Virginia Wesleyan’s academic program. First-year students are required to enroll in January term their first year as a VWU student. It provides opportunities for students and faculty to focus on a single academic subject without the usual distractions from other courses and commitments. In addition to four semester hour courses, January Term also provides opportunities for supplemental one semester hour and non-credit workshops and experiences. Hence, while upper-level students are not required to take any January Term courses, those who do may register for up to five semester hours in a given year toward graduation. There are five Summer Sessions. Summer Sessions 1, 2, and 3, are held on campus. Summer Sessions four and five are online and open to day students. Students can take up to 12 credits in course work, independent research or internship credit. Tuition is reduced 73% in the summer to $399. Where they apply, lab and material fees, as well as any travel expenses, are additional. During all Summer Sessions on-campus housing and meal plans are available for students. Students register for Summer Session in the spring. January Term and Summer Session policies and course information are available on the University’s website.
Virginia Wesleyan University 2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog
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