1 Table of Contents Introducing Averett.......................................................................................... 3 Admissions ........................................................................................................ 9 Academic Programs ....................................................................................... 18 Degree Programs............................................................................................ 48 Student Life................................................................................................... 224 Financial Information .................................................................................. 232 Directory of Personnel ................................................................................. 248 University Calendar ..................................................................................... 267 Index.............................................................................................................. 268 2 INTRODUCING AVERETT General Information The University welcomes visitors to the campus throughout the year. The administrative offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments for all interviews should be made in advance, if possible. Telephone (434) 791-5600 or toll free 1-800-AVERETT (283-7388). Or contact us at www.averett.edu. Averett University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, gender, national origin or disability in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment practices. Averett reserves the right to change courses, requirements, and regulations in this catalog without advance notice. Failure to read this catalog does not excuse students from the requirements and regulations described herein. Since Averett University does not print a paper catalog, this electronic document is the official academic catalog of the university. Formal complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Administration and Finance. The University Mission Averett University, founded in 1859, offers courses of study leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in Danville and at regional centers in Virginia. Through personal attention for all students, Averett prepares them for successful lives by encouraging each, in the liberal arts tradition, to ask and answer important questions, form and defend judgments, and evaluate diverse views thoughtfully. In accordance with our Christian heritage, we value academic and religious freedom, spiritual growth, academic excellence, diversity, and tolerance. 3 From the President This Averett University undergraduate catalog brings together many kinds of useful information. Most important are the academic rules and regulations – what students do in order to earn their degrees. In addition to descriptions of courses and requirements for each major, there is a full explanation of the goals of general education, the academic core of the undergraduate experience. The catalog also includes Averett’s mission, a short introduction to the University, and information about admission, student life, finances and financial aid, a map, and an academic calendar. Although the catalog states many rules, what makes our community is not rules but people. Central to our purpose are the people in the faculty who teach, advise, and inspire. They are listed in the catalog, and as you can see from the summaries of their degrees they have prepared through study at fine colleges and universities. They bring their special gifts to their work with students, which is why a degree from Averett is so worthwhile. Use the catalog to understand why we do what we do, refer to it often, and if there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask! Richard A. Pfau President 4 Accreditation and Memberships Averett University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033-4097, telephone 404-679-4501) to award associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees. The teacher preparation program is approved by the Department of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The University is approved for payment for veterans. Averett University’s memberships include: the American Council on Education, Association of Virginia Colleges, Council of Independent Colleges, and the Virginia Humanities Conference. History Averett was chartered in 1859 under the name of Union Female College. For almost 150 years it has operated continuously, though undergoing several name changes. In 1910 the College became affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. The name Averett was given to the College by the Board of Trustees in 1917. It was also in 1917 that the College received, from the Virginia State Board of Education, its first accreditation as a junior college. The College was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1928 and by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York in 1932. In the fall of 1969, Averett undertook a major reorientation of its program by adding a four-year baccalaureate degree program and making the College co-educational. Since that time, Averett has experienced unusual growth and is emerging as one of the outstanding private senior colleges in Virginia. Upon the graduation of its first baccalaureate class in spring, 1971, Averett received senior college approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1978 the College began offering courses leading to the Master of Education degree. Accreditation at the master's level was received in 1981. In the fall of 1983 the College began offering courses leading to the Master of Business Administration degree. The program was approved by the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia in the spring of 1984 and received accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1986. On July 1, 2001, Averett College officially became Averett University, entering another chapter in the institution's history. In adopting the name, Averett University, the Board of Trustees affirmed Averett's position as an innovative, small, private university that gives students the individual attention traditionally associated with small liberal arts colleges along with the advantages found at comprehensive universities. Today, even though the University in no longer affiliated with a religious denomination, Averett remains true to its heritage as an institution where Christian principles are valued and where teaching and learning come first. The University, in addition to its main campus in Danville, has grown to include learning centers throughout Virginia where working adults can experience the benefits of an Averett education. Averett University and Danville, Virginia. Averett University is located in a residential neighborhood adjacent to Danville's famed Millionaires Row, a vast collection of Victorian homes recognized by historians for their architectural splendor. Ballou Park, a 107-acre park and shopping center, is located within easy walking distance from the University. Averett is also located within walking distance of a variety of churches, several restaurants and a movie theatre. Piedmont Mall, other shopping outlets and a selection of chain and family-owned restaurants are just a short drive across the Dan River. Averett is also conveniently located down the street from Danville Regional Medical Center and other medical service providers. 5 In addition to the tennis courts, playing fields, fitness center and basketball courts available at Averett, the city offers recreational facilities, including the 150-acre Dan Daniel Park, home of the Danville Braves, Atlanta's Rookie Class minor league baseball team. Dan Daniel Park features trails for hiking and biking. Averett is within walking distance of a YMCA, which offers swimming, racquetball and other fitness activities. Perfect for walking and biking, the city also maintains a popular paved river walk along the Dan River. The University sponsors an annual Concert-Lecture Series that brings musical groups, lectures and plays to Danville. The Averett Singers, Averett Players and Averett's art students also provide a schedule of plays, concerts and exhibits during the academic year. The Danville Concert Association, Danville Arts and Humanities, the Little Theatre of Danville and other community groups regularly bring high-quality performances to the area. Danville's Carrington Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater, also hosts concerts and special events. The city offers three local museums. The Museum of Fine Arts and History, which is within walking distance of the University, houses art galleries, studio space and an auditorium used by local repertory groups. The Danville Science Center, a satellite of the Science Museum of Virginia, offers hands-on exhibits and, during the summer, its popular butterfly station. The American Armoured Foundation Tank Museum showcases tanks and other military equipment. Quick Facts Danville enjoys four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 58.1 °F. The city's population is approximately 48,400 Averett is just three miles from the Virginia-North Carolina border and is convenient to airports in both states.