2010-2012 University Bulletin
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FISK UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 2010 – 2012 1 MAILING ADDRESS INTERNET ADDRESS SWITCHBOARD Fisk University www.fisk.edu (615) 329-8500 1000 Seventeenth Avenue, North 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST Nashville, Tennessee 37208-3051 Monday through Friday ACCREDITATION Fisk University is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees. Contact The Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Fisk University. Even before regional accreditation was available to African-American institutions, Fisk had gained recognition by leading universities throughout the nation and by such agencies as the Board of Regents of the State of New York, thereby enabling Fisk graduates' acceptance into graduate and professional schools. In 1930, Fisk became the first African-American institution to gain accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It was also the first African-American institution to be placed on the approved lists of the Association of American Universities (1933) and the American Association of University Women (1948). In 1953, Fisk received a charter for the first Phi Beta Kappa chapter on a predominantly black campus and also became the first private, black college accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Fisk also holds memberships in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Its Chemistry Department is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society. Fisk is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States and a sponsoring institution of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc. It is approved for teacher licensure preparation by the State of Tennessee Department of Education. POLICY OF NON-DICRIMINATION Fisk University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability in the administration and operation of its admission and educational policies, programs and activities. An equal opportunity employer, Fisk University adheres to federal, state and local government employment guidelines. ABOUT THIS BULLETIN The content of this Bulletin represents the most current information available at the time of publication. As Fisk University continues to provide the highest quality of intellectual and leadership development opportunities, the curriculum is always expanding to meet the changes in graduate and professional training as well as the changing demands of the global workforce. New opportunities will arise and, subsequently, modifications may be made to existing programs and to the information contained in this Bulletin without prior notice. Thus, while the provisions of this Bulletin will be applied as stated, Fisk University retains the right to change the policies and programs contained herein at its discretion. The Bulletin is not an irrevocable contract between Fisk University and a student. Updated versions of this Bulletin may be accessed online at www.fisk.edu. Students are encouraged to maintain a positive working relationship with faculty academic advisors who can effectively help them chart a bright future at Fisk University and prepare for life upon graduation. 2 WELCOME TO FISK UNIVERSITY At Fisk University, our students are valued members of a learning community where academic excellence is the imperative. We provide a rich and supportive environment that allows students to reach their highest potential academically, socio-culturally, and personally. In this Bulletin, you will have the opportunity to explore life at Fisk from academic, cultural, historical and social perspectives. Nestled in the gently rolling hills of Nashville -- the #1 Smartest Place to Live according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine --Fisk is a small and magnificent liberal arts college with a long history of academic excellence. The tradition of excellence at Fisk spans decades and is supported by a dynamic and enthusiastic teaching faculty. Our faculty to student ratio of 1:15 permits the faculty to provide individual attention to our students and to instill in them a thirst for lifelong learning. The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library, a first-class repository of some of America’s most priceless documents, memorabilia and African American arts, and the Carl Van Vechten Gallery, a one of a kind art gallery, house resources that our students and learning community use to develop research, academic and life skills. A dynamic staff and an engaged alumni and friends complete the Fisk Family. From this solid foundation, we groom our students to become ethical custodians of the human family and to develop a strong consciousness for global and community engagement. We offer our students the opportunity to participate in scholarly research, internships and/or to earn dual and/or joint degrees from renowned colleges and universities like Meharry Medical College, Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, and Case Western Reserve University. Study Abroad and student exchange programs are also integral parts of our institution. In addition, extra curricular activities abound and are usually tailored to students’ interests, personal growth, moral responsibility and social awareness. The Jubilee Singers®, various choir groups, drama, dance and art clubs, fraternities and sororities are a few examples of the vibrant student groups and associations that operate on our campus. Finally, community service and service learning are also encouraged in the curriculum. All these activities effectively support our vision, values, and mission. OUR VISION To Be Among the Best Small Liberal Arts Institutions in America. OUR VALUES: THE D. E. T. A. I. L. S. DIVERSITY: We believe that our individual differences are a collective strength. We will support and encourage diversity of opinion, of culture and experience. Diversity aids us in building a collective wisdom that results in more powerful and relevant solutions to our challenges. EXCELLENCE: We believe that excellence is the result of a lifelong pursuit of the highest standards. At Fisk, our collective quest is to earn merit through commitment and rigorous scholarship, cultural literacy, and high ethical standards. TEAMWORK: We believe that individuals achieve high standards when supported by the collective work of others. We reinforce this value by constantly creating opportunities to collaborate both inside and outside of traditional alliances in our University, our proximate community, and the world. ACCOUNTABILITY: We believe that we must hold ourselves to the highest standard when we make commitments. Consistent and measurable follow-through is essential for individual and team progress. We are forthright about our successes and shortcomings and we will position Fisk for continued achievement. 3 INTEGRITY: We believe that it is our responsibility to prepare young people to be stewards of an ever changing world. That means that we must model behavior grounded in truthfulness and compassion. LEADERSHIP: We believe that leaders are obligated to empower those around them. We are consistent, transparent, and accountable. Through our words and behaviors we encourage others to exhibit these same attributes. SERVICE: We believe that service is our ability to give the gift of knowledge to humanity. As we serve, we become transformed and so are our communities. The D.E.T.A.I.L.S. represent Fisk’s core values. Our values effectively reflect our overall ethical and moral engagement. We, the Fisk Family, seek to internalize these principles and apply them in our day-to-day work and in our lives. Our values support our mission and assist us in completing the work which must be done in order to facilitate the grooming of the next generation of leaders, and we commit as a university to the awesome responsibility of shaping our graduates’ ability to lead with intellect, compassion and a great sense of ethics. OUR MISSION Fisk University produces graduates from diverse backgrounds with the integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions to society. Our curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts, and our faculty and administrators emphasize the discovery and advancement of knowledge through research in the natural and social sciences, business, and the humanities. We are committed to the success of scholars and leaders with global perspective. We hope that this Bulletin gives you a taste of all of the exciting programs and activities that await you at this great institution of higher learning. We trust that your interest is just beginning and that you will build a lifelong connection with our beloved University because as conveyed by our creed, "Our sons and daughters are ever on the altar." DEGREES OFFERED At Fisk, we offer: 1. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.), and Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees. Academic majors available for the B.A. degree include: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, music, physics, political science, psychology, sociology, and Spanish. B.S. degree candidates may major in art, business administration, chemistry, computer science, nursing, special education and physics. The B.Mus. degree is available with a major in musical performance, which may involve