The University of Virginia’s College at Wise 2019-2020 Catalog UVa-Wise 2019-2020 Catalog About the College The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, formerly Clinch Valley College of the University of Virginia, is the only four-year, state-supported college in far southwestern Virginia and is a division of the University of Virginia. Situated on 396 acres in Wise County, UVa-Wise is an incredible example of the determination and perseverance of southwestern Virginia citizens. Before the College was created, there were no public colleges in Virginia west of Radford. Higher education was simply out of reach for most residents of Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. When local residents Fred B. Greear, William A. Thompson, Kenneth P. Asbury, affectionately known as the “Three Wise Men,” and others made their case to University of Virginia President Colgate Darden for establishing a college in Wise, the Commonwealth of Virginia supported the cause by offering $5,000 to open, staff, and operate the two-year school for the first year. Local supporters donated over $6,000 to furnish and equip the classrooms. Wise County donated property and two sandstone buildings, remnants of the county poor farm, to house the first classes. All of these events happened in the winter of 1954. In September of that same year, Clinch Valley College opened its doors to 100 freshmen. Many of the first classes of graduates went on to the University and other senior institutions and became some of the region’s most successful professionals. As more graduates of the two-year college expressed their preference to stay closer to home to complete their baccalaureate degrees, the College began the process to become a senior institution. The College first granted Bachelor of Arts degrees in June 1970. Bachelor of Science degrees were first awarded in 1973. Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees were first awarded in 1996. From 1954 to 2016, the College has awarded 13,851 degrees and certificates. One of the most significant events in the College’s history was the adoption of a new name. On July 1, 1999, following passage of legislation by the Virginia General Assembly, Clinch Valley College became The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. The small College - once nicknamed “Poor Farm University” - is now a vibrant undergraduate institution. UVa-Wise is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) and recognized as a College of Distinction. In recent years, the College has experienced an expansive building program, the creation of new academic majors, and the recruitment of the next generation of talented faculty and staff. The liberal arts foundation emphasized at UVa-Wise prepares students for professional careers, graduate study, and lifelong learning. The College’s liberal arts foundation promotes the thoughtful development of the ideas, insights, values, competencies and behavior of an educated person. Small classes taught by faculty who focus on teaching excellence, creative and scholarly activities, and community service characterize its student-centered learning environment. Campus life provides a rich variety of cultural activities that broaden students’ perspectives on the world and its evolving global society. UVa-Wise offers undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences as well as undergraduate professional programs in business, software engineering, nursing, teacher education and other fields, all characterized by a strong liberal arts experience. i UVa-Wise 2019-2020 Catalog Accreditation and Memberships SACSCOC Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the baccalaureate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679- 4500 for questions about the accreditation of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. ABET Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the CAC (Computing Accreditation Commission) and the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is accredited by the EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission), two of the four commissions operated by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). ACS American Chemical Society Our Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society. The American Chemistry Society promotes excellence in chemistry education for undergraduate students through approval of a rigorous set of standards for baccalaureate chemistry programs. CCNE Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education The baccalaureate at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One DuPont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 887-6791. CAEP Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation The Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) from spring 2017 through spring 2020. UVa-Wise is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) and recognized as a College of Distinction. ii UVa-Wise 2019-2020 Catalog Student Responsibility This Catalog is published for the purpose of providing information about UVa-Wise and its programs. Contents of this Catalog are subject to change at any time and without notification. Students are responsible for keeping themselves informed of current policies and procedures. While advisors are available to assist with course selection and registration, students are solely responsible for completing major and degree requirements. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of and to meet the catalog requirements for graduation and to adhere to all rules, regulations and deadlines published in the catalog and in the student handbook. Students are required to participate in all student outcomes assessment activities as deemed appropriate by UVa-Wise. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action The University of Virginia’s College at Wise does not discriminate in any of its programs, procedures, or practices against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. The College operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty, staff, and students. UVa-Wise is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office (EO/AA Office) is responsible for the enforcement of the College’s non-discrimination obligations. An applicant for admission or employment or any student or employee may file a discrimination complaint with Stephanie Perry, EO/AA Officer, Resource Center, 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293, (276) 328-0240. Complaints are to be submitted in accordance with and are subject to the standards of the “University of Virginia Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” The ADA Coordinator is Whitney Wells, Director of Disability Services, One College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293; (276) 328-0265. The Title IX Coordinator is Tabitha Smith, Office of Compliance and Conduct, 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293; (276) 328-0131. Campus Security-Clery Act UVa-Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics. A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451. iii UVa-Wise 2019-2020 Catalog Academic Calendar Fall Semester, 2019 Sunday, August 18 Residence halls open Monday, August 19 Orientation/registration/payment of fees Tuesday, August 20 Registration/Fall Convocation Wednesday, August 21 Classes begin Wednesday, August 28 Students who have not paid will be dropped Wednesday, August 28 Last day to add a course Friday, September 13 Last day to receive a refund Friday, October 4 Mid-semester grades due Saturday, October 12 Fall Break begins/Residence halls close Sunday, October 20 Fall Break ends/Residence halls open Friday, October 25 Last day to withdraw from a course Wednesday, November 27 Residence halls close for Thanksgiving Break Sunday, December 1 Residence halls open Monday, December 2 Classes resume Friday, December 6 Last day of classes Saturday, December 7 December Graduates Brunch Monday, December 9 Examinations begin Friday, December 13 Examinations end Monday, December 16 Grades posted by noon Spring Semester, 2020 Sunday, January 12 Residence halls open Monday, January 13 Registration/Payment of Fees Tuesday, January 14 Classes begin Tuesday, January 21 Students who have not paid will be dropped Tuesday, January 21 Last day to add a course Friday, February 7 Last day to receive a refund Friday, February 28 Mid-semester grades due Friday, February 28 Graduation applications due Saturday, March 7 Spring Break begins/Residence halls close Sunday, March 15 Spring Break ends/Residence halls open Friday, March 20 Last day to withdraw from a course Friday, May 1 Last day of classes Monday, May 4 Examinations begin Friday, May 8 Examinations end Saturday, May 9 Commencement Monday, May 11 Grades posted by 5 p.m. Summer College dates are pending approval. Dates are subject to change. Please visit the registrar’s web page for the most recent information.