About Academics: Info & Policy

Introduction

Berea College has won renown for the excellence of its academic program, which is grounded in the traditional liberal arts and is complemented by strong labor, residential, and service programs. At Berea, most classes are small, all faculty are accessible, and faculty, staff, and students themselves see to it that learning takes place not only in the classrooms, but also at Labor Program work sites, in the residence halls, and all across the residential campus.

Berea offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 32 fields, including the arts and sciences, interdisciplinary programs, and select professions, as well as a dual degree in engineering in cooperation with the University of Kentucky. By availing themselves of internship, field study, education abroad, and faculty-assisted research opportunities, Berea students can add to and personalize their Berea experience. Many Berea alumni find employment in business, government, agriculture, ministry, and teaching, while nearly half of Berea's graduates pursue advanced degrees in law, medicine, theology, education, or the arts and sciences. Berea graduates include recipients of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke, Fulbright, Truman, and Watson fellowships.

Responsibility for the overall curriculum rests with the College Faculty under the leadership of the President and the Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty. The offerings and requirements of the Academic Program are described in this publication, the Schedule of Classes (in print, on the myBerea Web portal, or at www.berea.edu/classes), course syllabi, and other documents issued periodically.

Each student is expected to be thoroughly familiar with the academic requirements of the College, as stated in these and other College publications. The responsibility for knowing and meeting all requirements for graduation rests entirely upon the student. Faculty, Academic Advisors, Program Chairs, and the professional staff in the Office of Academic Services and the Office of the Registrar can provide assistance, but the basic responsibility remains with the student.

Academic Calendar

Berea College operates on a two fifteen-week term academic calendar consisting of required Fall and Spring terms. (Because the College is on a term system, the school does not refer to these sessions as semesters.) To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, students normally enroll in four course credits in the Fall Term and four in the Spring Term. There are also optional Summer opportunities to engage in study. Students may take between one (1) and two-and-one-quarter (2.25) credits in Summer.

A Fall or Spring term is considered completed on the last day of regular classes. Summer terms are considered completed one day prior to the last day of classes in each respective term. Students who withdraw after the last day to withdraw without final grades being recorded, as defined in this catalog and in the annual Academic Calendar published by the Office of the Registrar in the Schedule of Classes and online, will be considered enrolled for the entire term. Final grades will be entered for students who withdraw after that date.

One Berea course credit equals four semester hours or six quarter hours. A minimum of 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours is required to meet a Berea College requirement (except in Health and Human Performance). One (1) semester hour is equal to 1.33 quarter hours. Here is a credit conversion chart to help determine transfer credit equivalencies:

Quarter Hours:	Semester Hours:
6 quarter hours = 1 credit	4 semester hours = 1 credit
5 quarter hours = .83 credit	3 semester hours = .75 credit
4 quarter hours = .6 credit	2 semester hours = .5 credit
3 quarter hours = .5. credit	1 semester hour = .25 credit
2 quarter hours = .3 credit
1 quarter hour = .16 credit

Also see “Transfer Credit” in the Admissions section of this publication.

Degrees of Study

Berea College offers majors in thirty-two (32) fields of study, some offering multiple curricula that, upon successful completion, lead to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and/or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. Most degree programs require a minimum of 32 earned course credits; the Nursing Program typically requires a minimum of 34 earned course credits. Because of the sequential nature of some degree programs, students interested in a particular major should read carefully the requirements and recommendations outlined in the “Academic Programs and Courses” section of this Catalog & Student Handbook for their specific degree program. A Curriculum Guide for each major is made available to students and advisors via a link from this online publication, but the descriptions in the “Academic Programs and Courses” section of the online Catalog & Student Handbook remain the official source for information concerning the major. 

Descriptions of all current majors can be found here.

Degree Requirements

Berea’s curriculum offers the advantage of interdisciplinary general study coupled with intensive study in 32 major fields (some of which have multiple concentrations) and 33 minor fields of study. In all academic disciplines, students acquire knowledge and deepen their understanding of the subject area, while gaining competency in applying the content and methods of inquiry to daily life. A degree is conferred upon the completion of both the General Education curriculum and the curriculum of a selected major, provided the student has earned the minimum number of credits (including 20 outside the major), and has earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher in all courses, as well as in the major course work. (Please be aware that some academic programs require a GPA higher than the College requirement of 2.00.) To calculate the minimum GPA requirement for a major, the College combines all grades earned in both the discipline (requirements and electives in the major rubric and concentration, if any) and in collateral courses, unless otherwise indicated by a particular program for its major requirements. A minimum of 32 earned course credits (typically 34 in Nursing) is required for graduation, with at least 20 credits taken outside the major discipline.

General Education Program

Berea College's curriculum includes an interdisciplinary General Education Program in addition to intensive study in a major. As an institution with a liberal arts foundation and outlook, the College has a responsibility to educate the whole person. Berea College's General Education Program addresses Berea's Great Commitments and is designed to help students develop important knowledge, skills, and habits of mind. The program extends from the first year through the senior year and includes, in addition to course work, convocations and other experiences.

Developmental Mathematics Requirement

The Development Mathematics Requirement must be waived on the basis of test scores OR met by completing MAT 010, MAT 011, and MAT 012. Each of these full-term courses carries one full load term credit but not earned credit toward graduation. The grades for these courses are “satisfactory,” “satisfactory completion,” or “unsatisfactory.”

Students are required to enroll continuously--Fall-Spring-Summer--in MAT 010, 011, and 012 until their Developmental Mathematics requirement is competed.  Those students not completing their Developmental Mathematics requirement by the beginning of their third regular term are subject to suspension for two regular terms.

Twenty Earned Course Credits Outside the Major Requirement

Students must complete 20 earned course credits outside the core and distribution requirements of their major. GSTR courses are counted outside the major.  When a course is used to satisfy both a General Education requirement and a major requirement, the credit is counted only one time, and in the major discipline. Collateral courses are included in the 20 credits outside the major.

Note: If a collateral course or a substitution for a collateral course is within the major rubric, it does not count in the 20 credits outside the major.

Collateral courses are included in the major’s GPA calculation. Cross-listed courses may be counted as being outside the major if the course does not count toward any requirement for that major—including collateral courses—and if it is taken under the non-major rubric.

First Term Requirements

Additional Requirements

GSTR 110 and GSTR 210 must be completed by the end of the third regular term of enrollment. GSTR 110 must be taken in the first regular term of enrollment and GSTR 210 in the second regular term. GSTR 210 may be delayed until the third regular term only if a student re-takes (and passes) GSTR 110 in the second term, or if a student takes (and passes) GST 150 for additional writing instruction.

Note: Transfer students should see “General Education Requirements” for criteria for waiving GSTR 110.

Convocations

The Convocation Series is a vital component of Berea’s General Education Program. Through the Convocation Series, notable speakers, scholars, performers, and programs present on a variety of subjects to enrich the intellectual, aesthetic, and religious dimensions of campus life. In addition, Berea’s student performing ensembles provide Convocations addressing similar issues through music, dance, and theatre. Providing rich experiences for students, faculty, and staff alike, Convocations help build and sustain a sense of curiosity and intellectual challenge basic to an academic community. They make available information and insights on important topics likely to be considered in academic courses.

Introduction to Convocations

Receiving credit for seven Convocation events each term (except as noted below) is an expectation of all full-time Berea College students. By the beginning of the fall Term, the Director of Convocations publishes and distributes the official calendar of Convocation events for the academic year. The web-site (www.berea.edu/convocations) should be consulted regularly for any announcements of changes in the official schedule. Credit is not given for an event that is cancelled by the Director or missed by a student for any reason. It is advantageous to plan attending more than the number expected each term. This creates flexibility at the end of a term when an examination, weather, illness, or an "infraction" (a violation of the Convocation rules described later in this section) might prevent the granting of Convocation credit.

All students will be enrolled automatically in a 1/4-credit Convocation course (CNV 100) during each of their regular terms of in-residence enrollment, with the exception of the final term of enrollment, for a maximum of eight such terms. For each term of enrollment in CNV 100, the student will earn a grade of CA (which is calculated as an A in the GPA) for receiving seven convocation credits. The grade of CF (which is calculated as an F in the GPA) will be given if a student receives fewer than seven Convocation credits in the term. Convocation credits only count in a student's GPA and not in the minimum earned credits required for graduation. If a student is enrolled at Berea College for eight terms, seven terms of Convocation credit are required and the eighth term is optional. If a student is enrolled for nine or more terms, the student is required to attend Convocations except for the term of graduation.

Note: Teacher Education majors will not be enrolled in CNV 100 during the term in which student teaching occurs. Those who have not yet completed the appropriate number of terms of Convocation credit (seven or eight, depending upon the total terms of attendance) will be enrolled in CNV 100 in the next regular term that follows student teaching.

During the academic year, a student can receive Convocation credit for attending up to a total of three (3) performances of the following Berea College student ensembles: one theatre event (Theatre Laboratory), one musical event (Black Music Ensemble, Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensembles, or Bluegrass Ensemble), and one dance event (Country Dancers or Kinetic Expressions), but only for the specific events and dates publicized as being offered for Convocation credit.

Convocation credits earned during the academic year by each student are posted in the student section of the myBerea Web portal. Students should check myBerea to confirm whether or not credit has been received for Convocations attended, card scanned, and post-Convocation response completed. Any discrepancy must be reported to the Director of Convocations as soon as possible after the convocation in question—but not later than one week following the Convocation in question.

Audience Rights and Responsibilities

For nearly 150 years, Berea College Convocations have made lectures and the performing arts available without charge to all Berea College constituencies and the public. Convocations provide common experiences for students, faculty, and staff, leading towards the establishment of a supportive and challenging academic community. These events are a form of communication and thus involve responsibilities both for the speaker or performer and for each member of the audience.

• You have the right to expect that the speaker or artist will present his/her art or concepts clearly and meaningfully.
• You have the responsibility to arrive on time, to be ready to listen and watch attentively and to engage your mind and senses to understand and appreciate the presentation.
• You have the right to see and hear the presentation without distractions.
• You have the responsibility to be silent unless invited to do otherwise by the speaker or performer, and to refrain from using cell phones and other forms of electronic communication during the presentation. Respect for the presenters includes an upright posture and forward gaze.
• You have the right to expect that speakers or performers are experts in their fields, often internationally recognized for their work.
• You have the responsibility to present yourself well, wearing “classroom” attire without caps or hoods for daytime events and “business” or “church” attire for evening events. Even if the presentation extends beyond the expected time, politeness requires that you remain quietly and respectfully until the conclusion.
• You have the right to be challenged.
• You have the responsibility to be curious and to stretch your thinking.

Specific Rules

Convocation speakers and performers are either guests of the College community or are your student peers and faculty. You are expected to extend to them the same courtesy and attention you would appreciate and that would be expected of you if you were attending the same event on another campus.

Certain rules are necessary to assure that you receive proper credit and, at the same time, that others also are able to benefit from the presentation. In order to receive credit for attending the Convocation event, you must:

1. Be on time and stay during the entire program. Please do not disturb others by knocking on the doors after they have been closed and locked. A student who arrives more than 5 minutes after the program has begun, or who leaves before it is over, is not eligible to receive credit and can be subject to a charge of academic dishonesty. The side doors of Phelps-Stokes are locked at the beginning of the convocation; the front doors are locked five minutes after the announced starting time.
2. Be physically present in the room. (Those with children should take them to the room provided in Phelps-Stokes. See also #7).
3. Act courteously toward those on stage, members of the audience, and the Convocation staff. Be attentive to the Convocation presentation. You are not to sleep; eat or drink; read; study; talk; listen to any sound-producing device; operate a laptop, pager, or cell phone; and/or engage in any kind of behavior that calls attention to yourself that is inappropriate for that particular type of Convocation and generally is considered discourteous to those on stage or those around you. Appearing to be asleep, for instance, has the same meaning to a guest on stage as actually being asleep. Do not put your feet or legs on the chair in front of you, or on the balcony railing or ledge. Do not move toward an exit until the convocation has clearly concluded. Permission to use a laptop during Convocation is subject to prior approval by the Convocation Committee.
4. Have you student ID card scanned by a Convocation Associate at the conclusion of any event.  Ushers are instructed to accept only convocation cards as proof of attendance. Students will not receive credit for a Berea College Theatre Convocation if they already have received Convocation credit for a theatre performance; this also applies to student music ensemble and/or student dance ensemble performances.
5. Have your student ID card scanned immediately after the convocation and before leaving the auditorium or room in which the Convocation was presented. Parents and caregivers in the children’s room will be instructed as to who will scan their student ID card (see #7).
6. Parents and caregivers are held responsible for the conduct of their children. Those persons with children who are not paying attention to the Convocation and who are disturbing others are expected to use the room equipped with a television set on the second floor of Phelps-Stokes. Continued disruption can result in a denial of credit (no scan) for the person(s) responsible for the child.
7. Violations of these rules will result in administrative action. When Convocation begins, talking should cease and attention should focus upon the event. It is not necessary that a person be told at the time that their behavior is inappropriate and/or disruptive. This document should serve as the guideline by which students monitor their behavior. If a student’s behavior is considered by a Convocation Associate to be in violation of any of these rules, or is reported by anyone in the audience to an Convocation Associate, the student will be given a warning i.e., the violation will be reported to the Director and can result in denial of credit for that Convocation, subject to any appropriate subsequent appeal by the student to the Director of Convocations.

Appeals

With the exception of a violation of Rules 4, 5, and 6, students have the right to appeal the action of the Convocation Associates within five (5) five working days of the date of the notice by writing to the Director of Convocations. The Convocation Committee, which is the final authority in these matters, will hear unresolved appeals. Ignorance of these rules is not a foundation for an appeal.

First violation

With the exception of a violation of the Rules 4, 5, and 6, a first violation will result in a letter of warning to the student with no loss of credit with a copy being sent to the office of the Director of Academic Services.

Subsequent violations

Any subsequent violation will result in the denial of credit and a letter of notice being sent to the student, to the student’s advisor, and to the Office of the Registrar (for the student’s file).

In some circumstances, a violation of the rules for flagrantly inappropriate behavior may result in direct action by the Director of Academic Services.

In addition to the denial of credit, any attempt to earn Convocation credit by circumventing the process detailed above or engaging in fraud will be treated as an act of academic dishonesty. A letter of notice will be sent to the student, to the student’s advisor, and to the Director of Academic Services.  If a charge made by the Director of Convocations, the process described in the section on “Academic Honesty/Dishonesty” found in this publication will be followed.

Convocations scheduled in the evening generally indicate the desirability for a somewhat more formal atmosphere. Students (and staff) are encouraged to “dress up” on most of these occasions, as indicated in the Convocation Calendar. The wearing of such clothes as shorts, cut-off shorts, sweats, or gym clothes is considered inappropriate attire for evening Convocations. The evening event is generally longer than one hour in length to accommodate different programming formats. Most afternoon events will last an hour and fifteen minutes, with 15-20 minutes at the end reserved for Q&A.

This statement supersedes any previously published. Questions may be addressed to the Director of Convocations, Thomas Ahrens in 300D Draper or by email. 

Statement on Institutional Advising

Within the context of the Institutional Statement on Academic Advising, the Academic Advising Program supports the mission of the College and its holistic development of students. Moreover, the Advising Program promotes the development and effective communication of accurate information about all aspects of the College with a particular emphasis on General Education, degree programs (majors and minors), numerous learning opportunities, and campus resources supporting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

The Berea College Statement on Academic Advising

Academic advising is central to the educational mission of Berea College.  Such advising is a deliberate activity grounded in teaching and learning, foundational in fostering student engagement in Berea's continuous learning environment, and provides each student with guidance for developing and achieving meaningful educational, professional, and personal goals.  Advisors engage students in learning, labor, and service; promote students' academic success; and foster students' personal, ethical, and intellectual growth.  Academic advising is a shared responsibility between students and their faculty advisors.

The Student's Role in Academic Advising

Seeking quality advice is an important responsibility of students in making decisions about their own academic and professional futures. Within the context of a comprehensive advising program at Berea College, students are responsible for: understanding the importance of their relationships with advisors; seeking out advisors and making contact on a regular basis; knowing the requirements of the Labor Program, General Education, and their individual degree programs when admitted; providing constructive feedback for advisors; and taking final responsibility for making their own decisions based on the best information and advice available.

The Academic Advisor's Role

To achieve the goals of academic advising at Berea College, advisors, with support from the Advising Program, are responsible for: being knowledgeable of, and communicating, College policy and the requirements of the curriculum, General Education, and academic and labor programs; monitoring students' progress towards successful degree completion; being available to meet with students on a regular basis; assisting students in finding appropriate institutional resources to promote success and engagement; involving students in academic and career planning processes and in exploring of options and resources; and engaging in developmental activities to stay informed of issues that impact student success.

Guidelines for Advising (for Students and Advisors)

Academic advising at Berea College is designed to provide support for students as they take on increasing responsibility for their learning and development. The advising program has three primary stages.

• In the first year, each student’s academic advisor is their instructor in GSTR 110 Writing Seminar I. In combination with the course objectives, first-year advisors focus on helping students make the transition to fully engaged college students.  Advisors also introduce students to the various campus resources that are available to assist the transition and prepare students for academic, personal, and professional success.
• In the second term, some students will be relatively certain regarding their area of academic and professional interest and will select an academic area for further exploration. For the second year, these students will be placed with advisors who have academic training in those areas. Students who remain uncertain regarding career and academic pursuits will be assigned a second-year advisor who will focus on helping students evaluate their skills, interests, and aspirations and help them identify an area of academic pursuit. The designation of area of academic interest will take place as part of the Labor Day event.
• Once students have declared and been accepted into majors (often in the spring term of the second year), they will be assigned advisors who contribute extensively in the teaching for that major. These major advisors work to help students identify and take advantage of learning opportunities within the major and beyond and ensure that students continue to make progress towards graduation.

If a student wishes to change a second-year or major advisor, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the appropriate section of the Change of Advisor/Major/Minor/Concentration form, which requires the signatures of both the previous and the new advisors. The Change of Advisor/Major/Minor/Concentration form may be obtained in the Self Serve Room (101 Lincoln Hall), and completed forms are turned in at the Student Service Center.

Responsibilities of the Student

Students in the Academic Advising program are expected to:

1. Take responsibility for continuous evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and for academic choices. Students are responsible for knowing the requirements of their chosen academic program.
2. In consultation with advisors, students should begin to develop a comprehensive Four-Year Plan early in their undergraduate career. This plan may be changed and refined over time, but laying the preliminary groundwork in this way will make major selection and declaration easier and will provide opportunities for taking advantage of important learning opportunities that are available (internships, undergraduate research, term abroad, etc) and help you stay on track toward graduation.
3. Formulate comprehensive goals (academic, social, leadership, etc) that will help clarify career choices and allow you to take full advantage of your Berea College education.
4. Become acquainted with resources available to you.
5. Familiarize yourself with academic policies, procedures, and requirements published each year in this Catalog & Student Handbook (available online at www.berea.edu/cataloghandbook).
6. Know the graduation requirements for your degree, including the deadline to submit your Application for Degree. All degree requirements, except for regular course work, must be completed 30 days prior to the commencement at which the student will graduate.
7. Maintain accurate and current academic records. Use the online Degree Evaluation tool on the myBerea Web portal to make sure your records and those in the Student Service Center agree with one another.
8. Maintain regular contact and communicate with your advisor.
9. Prepare, in advance, for every advising session with your advisor and bring with you any materials your advisor may need, including information from the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook, Curriculum Plan(s), Curriculum Guides (the most up-to-date of which are available via a quick link from the www.berea.edu/cataloghandbook site), and tentative class and labor schedules.
10. Follow through when there are questions regarding grades, credits (including transfer and advanced-placement), or requirements. Don’t let something slip through the cracks!
11. Know your advisor’s office hours, campus extension, and CPO box number.

Responsibilities of the Academic Advisor

Advisors in the Academic Advising program are expected to:

1. Become well acquainted with the advisee’s academic and educational needs.
2. Obtain and maintain current information concerning each advisee.
3. Provide the advisee with current information about academic procedures, policies, and requirements. (Inform advisees that it is their responsibility to be aware of these issues which are covered in this Catalog & Student Handbook, the Schedule of Classes, and other publications available to students in print and/or online.)
4. Assist the advisee with developing course schedules and offering advice on choices of electives.
5. Provide the advisee with accurate information concerning alternatives, limitations, and possible consequences of their choices, both academic and personal.
6. Refer the advisee to available campus resources according to the student’s needs.
7. Encourage the advisee to develop a Four-Year plan regarding the academic, labor, service, leadership other opportunities to take advantage of during the student’s tenure at Berea.
8. Review advisee’s academic progress on a regular basis using the Degree Evaluation tool on the myBerea Web portal, searching for and reporting any conflicts or omissions.

   Note: An official Curriculum Plan must be filed with the Office of the Registrar located in Lincoln Hall as part of the Declaration of Primary Major process.

9. Lead interventions with the student to help him or her reach goals and be successful in collaboration with Labor Supervisors, Collegium, Athletic Coaches, and others as appropriate in response to Performance Checks, Early Feedback, mid-term and final grade reports, and other indications of academic difficulty.
10. Study, discuss, verify, and sign official forms with the student, as needed. Note that your signature constitutes your awareness, and often your approval, of the action being taken or proposed. If you express concerns or reservations about the action but elect to sign the form anyway, be sure to note your concerns in the student’s file, on the applicable form, and possibly on the proposal as well.
11. Assist the advisee in taking control of his or her life. For most students, coming to College is the first experience away from home. Such an adjustment is difficult for some students. Guide them toward a life of independence and maturity, but avoid doing everything for them or making all of their decisions.
12. Provide the advisee with your office hours, campus extension, CPO box number, and any other contact information you wish to share. Be sure to keep your posted office hours and to inform the advisee of any changes.
13. Provide the advisee with an understanding of the importance of being thorough, prompt, and honest in completing the various evaluation tools they will receive from the Institutional Research and Assessment office concerning advising and courses/instruction, including the Instructor Evaluation Questionnaire (IEQ).

Courses and Course Numbering

Courses are numbered 010 to 499. Courses numbered from 010 to 099 do not count toward the 32 earned credits needed to graduate. In general, those numbered from 100-199 are open to all students and are primarily introductory in nature; prerequisites and conditions may still be required. Courses numbered 200-299 are primarily intermediate in nature and may carry prerequisites from the program and/or the General Education Program. Courses numbered 300-399 are advanced courses in a program and may carry prerequisites from the program curricula and/or the General Education Program. Courses numbered 400-499 are intended as senior level.  The above system need not apply to those programs (e.g., Foreign Language) that conform to accepted national numbering standards rather than the Berea numbering system.

Cross-listed courses, e.g., PSC/PHI 204, are listed under both programs, along with any special attributes (including course fees, associated laboratory sessions, whether courses meet Perspective Area or other General Education requirements, and any restrictions for receiving credit for the course). Capstone courses, required in most majors, are intended to be taken in the final term(s) of a student's major field of study at Berea.   GSTR courses are those General Education courses required of all students (with specific exceptions as described in the General Education Program of this publication for students meeting alternate criteria); GST courses typically are optional interdisciplinary courses.

The College reserves the right to cancel any course for inadequate enrollment, budget limitations, an instructor's sabbatical leave, or other good reasons as defined by the Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty.

To determine which courses will be offered in a given term, see the Schedule of Classes, published by the Office of the Registrar and posted online. A link is available under the "Academics" tab in the student portal and the "Teaching and Advising" tab in the faculty portal.

Opportunities Common to Many Fields of Study

Several course numbers are common to multiple programs. Courses numbered 186/286/386/486 are Special Topics courses; the content may vary from term to term or year to year. In addition, two (2) independent experiences can be proposed by students in most disciplines: Independent Study, numbered 390/490 (A or B) and Team Initiated Study, numbered 397/497 (A or B). With the support of a faculty sponsor and the approval of the Coordinator of Internships, students who find internship opportunities may be registered for the experience, numbered 395/495. Students also may enter into a Directed Study (398/498) working with a program faculty member, upon approval of the Program Coordinator. Additional information about these opportunities follows.

Special Topics

Special topics courses are designed to meet the particular interests of students and faculty and numbered 186, 286, 386, or 486. Topics vary from year to year and seldom are repeated as Special Topics. Descriptions of Special Topics courses are provided in the corresponding term’s Schedule of Classes. Special Topics courses can be designated as 1/2 course credit or 1 course credit.

Independent Study and Team Initiated Study

The purpose of Independent Study and Team Initiated Study courses is to provide students with the opportunity to study topics not ordinarily covered in regular College course offerings, to follow up on previous research, or to undertake projects not otherwise available through regular courses. These studies also may be concerned with more narrowly defined or more advanced material than that offered in regular courses. They must increase knowledge beyond that already gained, enhance analytical ability, and/or lead to higher skills acquisition. An Independent Study or Team Initiated Study need not be in the student’s major field of study, but requires sufficient background knowledge for analysis or description within a conceptual framework, i.e., aesthetic, ethical, historical, literary, scientific, sociological, etc.

Students should consult with a Faculty Sponsor during the thinking and planning stages of the study to help develop a course syllabus that is rigorous, has clear and measurable goals, and that includes clear assessment guidelines upon completion of the work. Together, the Faculty member and student(s) will develop a course syllabus for the study, which will be submitted to the Program Coordinator for review. The faculty sponsor must be from the Program in which the study is to be conducted. Faculty members are limited to involvement with a maximum of two (2) Independent Studies or Team Initiated Studies in any one (1) term.

Each academic program is responsible for providing guidelines and/or forms to students and faculty for the process required within the academic unit to review and approve Independent and Team Initiated studies.

In addition, the Academic Program Council and College Faculty Assembly have set the following restrictions. Independent Studies and Team Initiated studies:

• may be proposed only by Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who are not on any type of probation (academic, social, or labor).
• cannot duplicate courses listed in the current Catalog & Student Handbook.
• cannot be used to meet the Practical Reasoning (PR/PRQ) or any Perspective Area in the General Education Program.
• may carry one (1) earned course credit; studies carrying earned credit have the following minimum GPA requirements at the time the study is approved: Sophomores, 3.00; Juniors or Seniors, 2.50.
• may be approved as not-for-earned-credit (available only in Summer terms) provided the Sophomore, Junior, or Senior has a minimum 2.00 overall GPA at the time the study is approved.
• may meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement (see below).

Students who wish to propose an Independent or Team Initiated study to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement in the General Education Program must complete the ALE Criteria and Proposal form (which is attached to the Independent Study and Team Initiated Study guidelines in the Self-Serve Room, 101 Lincoln) along with their proposed syllabus to the ALE Coordinator (currently Rebecca Bates), who will be looking for these components:

1. How well does the study explore the connections between theory and practice?
2. Does the study include an ongoing reflection component (e.g., journal, blog, photo journal, or extensive interaction with onsite resource)?
3. Does the study include a synthesizing project (performance, play, presentation, composition, or exhibition, including interaction with the on-site adviser or other on-site audiences).

Independent Studies are carried out by one student; Team Initiated Studies are carried out by two or more students. For-credit studies are designated as GST or (discipline pre-fix i.e., ART/CFS, etc.) 390/490 for Independent Study and 397/497 for Team Initiated Study, followed by an “A” for an ALE credit and B a non-ALE credit course. Independent and Team Initiated Studies also may be proposed as non-credit for Summer terms (which can carry only ALE credit, but do not count in the minimum of 32 earned credits needed to graduate). Some types of non-credit studies are also eligible for ALE credit. Non-credit Independent Studies are designated as GST or (discipline pre-fix) 090 (A with ALE; B without ALE credit) and GST or (discipline pre-fix) 097 (A with ALE; B without ALE) for Team Initiated Studies.

Proposals under the General Studies rubric (GST) must demonstrate clearly the interdisciplinary nature of the project or be for disciplines not offered at Berea (provided there is a qualified Berea faculty member available to sponsor the study and it is approved by the Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning). Otherwise, the student(s) should determine which academic program best fits the goals and scope of the study.

Studies involving international travel require consultation with and the signature of the Education Abroad Advisor and of the college's Student Health provider. Students on F-1 visas also must have the signature of the International Student Adviser for any off-campus study. Studies involving a budget for expenses must be reviewed and approved by a counselor in the Student Financial Aid Services Office. No institutional funding will be provided for Independent Studies or Team Initiated Studies in international settings. (See “Education Abroad Policies” under Student Rights and Responsibilities for more information.)

With the approval of the Program Coordinator, the course syllabus will be submitted for registration to the Registrar. (See above eligibility requirements concerning probation and minimum GPA that must be met before the study can be registered.)

Internship

Berea College supports experiential education opportunities for students in the form of internships, and defines an internship as a supervised, credit-bearing, career-related learning experience in the workplace that allows students to apply knowledge acquired through their classes and studies to practical situations and problems. Such experiences promote engaged learning by helping students find connections between theory and practice, between learning in the classroom and learning outside the classroom, and between their academic interests and potential career possibilities.

Process and Learning: Learning is optimized when these experiences are intentionally designed to include reflection and assessment. A student participating in an internship will develop an Internship Proposal prior to the experience, meet with faculty sponsors, keep a reflective journal, complete a final paper, be evaluated by the internship site supervisor, give an oral presentation, submit a student evaluation of the experience, and receive a letter grade.

Academic Course Credit: Typically students may earn up to one course credit and meet the Active Learning Experience requirement with a successful internship. However, an internship may not be used to meet the Practical Reasoning (PR/PRQ) or any Perspective Area in the General Education Program. Internship are registered using a program (BIO, ANR, BUS,GST) rubric and are numbered 395 for sophomores and juniors and 495 for seniors. To be considered for course credit, the proposed experience must:

• further the student’s educational goals by enabling exploration of an educational area of interest
• provide the opportunity to gain skills relevant to a possible career choice
• support the student’s academic major/minor
• be approved by the student’s primary and secondary Faculty Sponsors, Academic Program Coordinator (or the Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning, if a GST internship), Academic Advisor, International Advisor (if applicable), and the Internship Director

Eligibility/Hours/Timeline: Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors, who are not on probation, are eligible to participate in internships. Internship experiences are typically full-time in the summer and part-time in the fall or spring based on the following parameters:

• Summer: 30-40 hours per week for 8-10 weeks, with a minimum of 240 total work hours
• Fall/Spring: 9-10 hours per week for 15 weeks, with a minimum of 135 work hours

Students should begin researching and identifying potential summer internships early, so they will be aware of early employer application deadlines (some are as early as September or October, although most are in January and February). Students should plan to attend resume and interviewing workshops, and consider scheduling appointments for resume assistance and interview coaching during the fall to be prepared to apply for internship positions early in the spring.

Pay/Funding: Internship employers are encouraged to provide some form of compensation to student interns, such as an hourly wage, a stipend, housing, meals, or transportation.  However, if the employer is unable to offer sufficient compensation, the College will help cover related costs for up to two internship experiences, subject to availability of institutional funds and in accordance with policies. Funding is available to students participating in full-time academic internships during the summer. Typically, no funding is available to students during fall or spring if the experience is a 15-week local internship, which is part of a student’s regular course load.  In order to obtain funding from any campus program, the internship must receive the approval of the Office of Internships.

Students who wish to participate in an internship should visit , attend an Internship Basics presentation, and/or contact the Office of Internships at (859) 985-3656 to learn more about how to find an internship, the process for receiving credit, possible funding, policies regarding international internships, and the deadline for submitting internship proposals.

Directed Study

A Directed Study is a full-credit course organized and directed by Faculty and approved by the Program Coordinator to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students. This should not be confused with an Independent Study or Team Initiated Study, which is much more independent in nature (see above). The course is numbered 398 or 498 and is available as student interest and faculty availability allow.

Service-Learning Courses

In courses designated as Service-Learning, students apply academic knowledge to address community issues while developing their academic skills; sense of civic responsibility; critical, reflective thinking skills; and commitment to the community. Service-learning courses are taught each term in a variety of Programs at Berea College. Designated service-learning courses are listed for each term in the Schedule of Classes for registration. These designated service-learning courses meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement in the General Education Program. More information, including faculty guidelines and a proposal form for service-learning course designation, can be found on the Web page of the Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service (CELTS) at http://www.berea.edu/celts/servicelearning. For more information, see “Service-Learning Opportunities” in the Campus Community section of this publication.

Undergraduate Research Credit (UGR 010 and UGR 020)

In addition to the valuable research experience gained in the collaborative faculty-student undergraduate research described in the Life on Campus section of this publication, students participating in a full-time (minimum of 8-10 weeks, 40 hours per week) Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects Program (URCPP) or other program approved summer undergraduate research project may request to be registered for UGR 010 (for URCPP-funded projects) or UGR 020 (for other program-approved projects), which will result in earning a grade of “S” or “U” and will appear on the student’s College transcript as “Undergraduate Research.” (Requests to be registered for UGR courses should be made to the Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects Program Committee in care of the Academic Dean’s Office)

Note: During that Summer Term, except for UGR 010, students participating in a URCPP-funded project are not permitted to enroll simultaneously in any other course either at Berea or elsewhere.

In other words, students are not permitted to take any course other than UGR 010 AND participate in the URCPP-funded project during the same Summer Term. While no academic credit can be earned for this research experience, students who earn a grade of “S” in UGR 010 or UGR 020 can meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

Majors and Minors

Definition of Major

At Berea College, the term “major” describes one of the three parts of each student’s undergraduate curriculum (the other two parts being the General Education curriculum and the student’s self-selected elective courses). The major is a set of courses selected to provide an opportunity for a student to undertake in-depth study. The College offers majors in discipline-specific programs, interdisciplinary programs (which draw upon a variety of program courses), and student-designed independent majors. A major field of study has these aspects:

• a central core of method, theory, and content;
• a formal integration of the diversity of topics and analytical tools within the field of study;
• an intellectual sequence of study that moves to increasingly complex and sophisticated understandings; and
• opportunities for students to demonstrate some mastery of the field of study's nature, tools, central questions, arguments, history, philosophical presuppositions, limits, etc.

It also is understood that a curriculum that represents a major cannot provide full coverage of all of that field of study, and that the major's size will be limited to respect the traditional eight-term duration of undergraduate study. Unless approved by Faculty action for exceptional reasons, a major consists of 8 to 12 course credits from a particular program rubric. Majors often require some additional collateral courses, with the sum of program offerings and collateral courses being no more than 16 course credits, unless additional course credits are approved by Faculty action. A student-designed Independent Major (see “Independent Major” in this publication) would be guided by the same principles.

Designating an Exploratory Major

In the Spring term of their first year, students will engage in a process to designate an Exploratory Major. This is a required procedure and is intended to promote reflection upon emerging disciplinary interests and to help prepare the student for the Declaration of Major (Note: The designation of an Exploratory Major is not an official declaration of major. For information on this process, refer to “Declaration of Primary Major”). After the student has identified an Exploratory Major, a new advisor in that field of study will be assigned, unless their current first-year advisor is already in that major and available to provide service in the student’s second year.

Declaration of Primary Major

During the regular term in which a student is expected to complete fifteen (15) course credits, s/he will be notified by the Office of the Registrar that it is time to declare a primary major. The student will be provided with instructions to engage the process electronically by entering their myBerea web portal, clicking on “Academics,” and then clicking on “Academic Pathways.” A drop down box will provide choices of majors from which the student may choose. Once a major has been selected, the student should submit their choice and exit the system. If the student wishes to double major, the process must be repeated a second time to select the second major. The student will be given a window of opportunity early in the term to submit the choice(s) of major after which the Program will be given time to deliberate regarding the student’s choice. Once a decision has been reached, the Program Coordinator will submit a decision to the online portal indicating acceptance by the assignment of an advisor within the program or communication to the student indicating reason for denying acceptance. Denial can be either temporary or permanent depending on the reason(s) submitted by the Program Coordinator. (See Academic Programs and Courses in this Catalog & Student Handbook online at www.berea.edu/cataloghandbook, for admission to the major requirements and recommendations, if any, for Berea’s current majors and minors.)

Students admitted to the major will complete a Curriculum Plan for the remaining terms of enrollment with the assistance of the newly assigned major advisor. (Students proposing an Independent Major should follow instructions provided under “Independent Major” in this publication.) The Curriculum Plan provides a guide for the most efficient use of a student’s time in meeting the College’s graduation requirements within the guideline of the Eight-Term Rule (see “Graduation Requirements” in this Catalog & Student Handbook).

If the student needs more than eight (8) regular terms (or the equivalent for transfer students whose previous college coursework caused them to be credited with one or more terms) to complete the selected major, s/he must complete a Request for Extension of Terms form (with a curriculum plan attached), which must be submitted to the Office of Academic Services along with a letter explaining why the program cannot be completed within eight (8) regular terms. Failure to follow an approved Curriculum Plan will not be considered a valid reason for an extension of terms beyond the normal eight. Requests will be reviewed by the Director of Academic Services and/or the Student Admissions and Academic Standing (SAAS) Committee. (See “Eight-Term Rule and Extensions of Terms” in this publication.)

Students for whom admission to a major is not approved will be notified in the next regular term that they must reapply. These students and advisors may choose to develop a Curriculum Plan that can be retained by the student and the advisor and submitted later if the student is admitted to the major.

Students who fail to complete the Declaration of Major process by the end of the term in which they will accumulate 15 course credits, or who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the major, have one regular term to meet the minimum requirements. Failure to complete the process by the end of the next regular term may result in suspension from the College for two regular terms.

See “Academic Difficulty” in the Academic Performance Standards section for penalties associated with failing to declare a primary major within the time allowed by the College to do so.

1. E-mail notification to student that it is time to declare a major
2. Student accesses myberea portal (Click on “Academics” tab and then “Academic Pathways” link to choose the major.) If a student desires to choose more than one major, the process must be completed again to propose a second major
3. Student window closes and Program Coordinator window opens
4. Program Coordinators are notified that it is time to begin review of proposals
5. Program Coordinator window closes and student window opens
6. Students are notified that it is time to check the response from the program (go to myBerea portal to check status)
7. If student is approved, he/she will be assigned an advisor and will work with that advisor to develop a curriculum plan before the deadline for the process to end
8. If the student is denied, he/she will be notified again in the subsequent term to complete the process in the same manner in the following term.

NOTE: If a student is beyond their 5th term and has not successfully declared their major, they are subject to suspension from the College for two regular terms.

Independent Major

An Independent Major is an option available to students who wish to pursue a field of study that cannot be met through an established Berea College major program. Students are free to propose majors, provided they meet the criteria in the Catalog & Student Handbook ’s Definition of a Major. While this list is not exhaustive, some examples of previously approved independent majors are: Appalachian Studies, Classical Studies or Classical Civilizations, Peace and Social Justice Studies, and Sustainable Community Development.

At least one term prior to when they plan to declare the major and submit their proposal, students interested in an Independent Major should talk with the Teaching Faculty members they would like to have as their primary and secondary Independent Major advisors. (Each advisor must be above the rank of instructor and a member of the Teaching Faculty from one of the programs with significant course work included in the proposed major curriculum. Normally, the primary advisor would be from the academic program in which the greatest number of courses would be taken. The secondary advisor should be chosen to provide the student with guidance in an area related to the field of study.).

To propose an Independent Major, students develop a rationale outlining and explaining their goals (career, educational, etc.) for the proposed Independent Major and why none of the existing majors (alone or in conjunction with other majors and minors) in the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook will meet their specific goals. Students explore the Independent Major by looking at other accredited four-year institutions of higher education and finding approved undergraduate majors in the student’s proposed field of study. These majors will be used as the model for the Berea College Independent Major. Using the list of courses/experiences required at each of the other schools, and in consultation with the primary and secondary Independent Major advisors, a tentative curriculum is developed based on offerings available to Berea students. Students then prepare a comparison chart for the other school’s program and their proposed Independent Major at Berea. Students should prepare a narrative to go with the charts and, wherever the proposed plan deviates from the program being used as a model, students must explain their reasoning for the change(s).

Using the latest information available concerning when courses next will be offered (online Catalog & Student Handbook, program coordinators, advisor’s information, etc.), prepare a Curriculum Plan showing how the degree will be completed in their current and remaining terms. This Curriculum Plan must be reviewed and approved by the Independent Major advisors. Additional approvals for the curriculum itself and the title of the Independent Major must be obtained from the coordinator of all programs in which two or more courses in the major are required (including core, capstone, and collateral courses). The student then meets with a College reference librarian to assess available resources for the Independent Major curriculum. The student also will prepare a list of other resources (people, centers, institutions, museums, etc.) available to the student to support the proposed major. The student and Independent Major advisors all must sign the cover sheet after careful review of the completed proposal.

Completed proposals with all required signatures are submitted by the deadline each regular term to the the Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning (located in Suite 320 Lincoln Hall), liaison to the Academic Program Council. The Council and/or Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning may accept, reject, or request that the student modify and resubmit the proposal. If approved, copies of the final version are sent to the student and the Independent Major advisors and the original is kept in the student’s file in the Office of the Registrar.

Proposals are subject to the following guidelines:

1. For students declaring an Independent major as their primary degree program, the online declaration of major and the completed Independent Major proposal must be submitted by the regular-term deadlines set by the Office of the Registrar. Students who are required to declare a major will receive notification early in the Fall or Spring term in which the student will accumulate fifteen (15) course credits.

   Note: Preparation of a completed proposal can take months and should begin in the regular term prior to when the student intends to declare the Independent Major.

2. For second majors or those wishing to change their primary major, proposals must be submitted by the regular-term deadline set by the Office of the Registrar.

3. The student must obtain approval from the Director of Academic Services if the proposed Independent Major will require that the student’s College career be more than eight regular terms (including transfer terms). To obtain approval for an extension, the student must complete the Request for an Extension of Terms paperwork (available in the Self Serve Room, 101 Lincoln Hall) explaining the need for additional terms in the proposal materials and submit it along with the Independent Major proposal. (The Office of Academic Services will coordinate the approval of both the major and the extension.)
4. The Dean of Curriculum and Student Leaning will serve as the Program Coordinator for all Independent Majors.

Double Majors

Students may graduate with two majors. Approvals for second majors may be requested after 15 course credits are earned. The student must have earned an overall minimum GPA of 3.00 at the time of application. A Curriculum Plan must be submitted, including all courses required for both majors, at the time of application. Students with double majors are expected to complete degree requirements within eight regular terms. To receive the degrees in both majors, the student must meet the curriculum requirements of both and earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in each major.

Minors

Berea College offers minors in 33 fields of study that allow students to broaden and deepen their particular areas of expertise. A minor program will be a program with a minimum of five course credits and a maximum of seven course credits. Independent minors are not permitted. Application for a minor may be made at any time after 15 course credits are earned. To be eligible for a minor, the student must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.00 at the time of application. A Curriculum Plan that includes both the major and minor, as well as remaining General Education course work, must be submitted at the time of application. Students undertaking a minor are expected to complete degree requirements within eight (8) regular terms. A minimum GPA of 2.00 must be earned in order to complete the minor. A Minor Checklist for each minor is made available to students and advisors via a link from this posted publication, but the description in the Academic Programs and Courses section in the online Catalog & Student Handbook remains the official source for information concerning the minor.

Minor Programs Offered at Berea

• African and African American Studies
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Appalachian Studies
• Art History
• Art: Studio
• Asian Studies
• Biology
• Broadcast Journalism
• Business Administration
• Chemistry 
• Child and Family Studies
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Dance
• Economics
• English
• Forest Resource Management
• Film
• French
• German
• Health Studies
• Health Teaching
• History
• Latin
• Music
• Peace and Social Justice Studies
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Religion
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sustainability and Environmental Studies
• Theatre
• Women’s and Gender Studies

Pre-Professional Programs

3-2 Engineering Dual-Degree

Berea College offers a dual-degree program in engineering in cooperation with the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky. This dual-degree program of study leads to a B.A. degree from Berea College (usually in the Applied Science and Mathematics major) and a B.S. degree in engineering from the University of Kentucky. The program provides students with a strong background in the liberal arts and the field of engineering.  Engineering programs available in cooperation with the University of Kentucky are biosystems engineering; chemical engineering; civil engineering; computer engineering; electrical engineering; materials engineering; mechanical engineering; and mining engineering. For more information on the Applied Science and Mathematics major, which is intended to help prepare 3-2 Engineering students for the second part of this dual degree, please refer to that program in the Academic Programs and Courses section of this Catalog & Student Handbook. Dr. Tracy Hodge serves as the pre-engineering coordinator at Berea.

The entire dual-degree program normally is completed in five or six years, the initial three or four of which are at Berea College and the subsequent two at the University of Kentucky. Although Berea College does not have a special agreement with any other engineering schools at this time, Berea students have successfully entered 3-2 engineering programs with other universities upon completion of the dual-degree requirements.

Students may request permission to participate in Commencement exercises with their classmates even though they elect to have their Berea College degree conferred at a later date.

Pre-Law

Law schools neither require nor recommend any particular major or course selections as preparation for legal studies. Berea College prepares students for the study of law through developing abilities to read, write, and reason well about a broad range of issues. As is true for other colleges and universities, Berea does not have a major in Pre-Law.

Students interested in law should choose an academic major based on their interests, while preparing themselves for law school by developing their abilities to read difficult texts, to write structured, argumentative prose, and to reason rigorously about texts. Whatever a student’s academic major, good preparation for the study of law requires demonstrated excellence in a broad, academically rigorous curriculum, such as courses in a foreign language, writing, literature, mathematics, history, the social sciences, or philosophy. Berea College’s General Education program—especially core courses (GSTRs) and Practical Reasoning requirements—provide opportunities for students to develop abilities to read, write, and reason well and to demonstrate excellence in a broad undergraduate education of the type that law schools value.

As students consider courses for their first year at Berea, they should use the GSTR 110, GSTR 210, and elective courses to challenge themselves to develop their ability to read, write, and reason carefully about difficult texts. Foreign languages are recommended to fulfill the International Perspective requirement in the General Education program. A demanding, non-quantitative Practical Reasoning (PR) course also is recommended.

Two courses recommended for any student interested in law include PHI 106 and PHI 104. Students interested in attending organized opportunities to visit law schools, prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and meet professionals pursuing a variety of careers in law should contact Dr. Dan Huck who serves as campus coordinator for students interested in the study of law. Dr. James Butler also assists pre-law students by preparing them for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental

Students interested in going to medical or dental school usually major in either Biology or Chemistry. However, students pursuing other majors generally can complete most medical/dental school prerequisites in addition to their major course work. Most medical/dental schools require one year of Biology, but two years are strongly recommended. The following courses are recommended: BIO 110, 322, BIO 323, and BIO 330, with BIO 220, BIO 331, and BIO 441 suggested; one year of Inorganic Chemistry (recommended: CHM 131 and CHM 311), one year of Organic Chemistry (recommended: CHM 221 and CHM 222, with CHM 345 strongly suggested); one year of Physics (recommended: PHY 127 and PHY 128); one year of Mathematics (recommended: MAT 115 & MAT 135; and one year of English (satisfied by GSTR 110 and GSTR 210). Students considering medical or dental school are strongly encouraged to consult with Dr. Dawn Anderson, the pre-medical/pre-dental advisor on campus, as early as possible for further information and for assistance with pre-medical/dental curriculum planning.

Pre-Veterinary

While every veterinary program has its own requirements for entry, there are some commonalities. For example, Chemistry I and Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics are courses required by all 32 veterinary programs in the United States and Canada. Veterinary programs have high undergraduate GPA standards, generally a 3.2 minimum overall GPA. It also is important to have a broad understanding of the field and applied practical experience in some aspect of veterinary medicine. This can be obtained through academically supervised internships and field studies. Students may enter veterinary colleges from a number of majors. Most students pursue degrees in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Biology, or Chemistry. Due to the residency stipulations, it is strongly suggested that all students work with Berea’s pre-veterinary advisor, Dr. Quinn Baptiste, in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program, to ensure they meet the qualifications and to certify residency for many of the programs.

Social Work through Child and Family Studies

Students majoring in Child and Family Studies may pursue graduate study or careers in counseling, social work, non-profit social-service agencies, family resource centers, cooperative extension, childcare, or ministry. Graduates in Family Studies are well prepared for Master of Social Work programs in Kentucky and other states. Students should contact Katrina Rivers Thompson, Program Coordinator for Child and Family Studies, for more information about this degree or these career opportunities.

Official Transcripts

The Office of the Registrar maintains academic records for those who have attended Berea College, including earlier junior high and secondary schools held here until 1968. The College is also the repository for records from the Hazel Green Academy in Wolfe County.

Requests for transcripts are to be made in writing (with student’s signature) using the form posted at http://www.berea.edu/Registrar/request-transcript. The signed form should be mailed to the Student Service Center, Attn: Transcripts, CPO 2168, Berea, KY 40404, or faxed to (859) 985-3918. (E-mail requests can be accepted only if the form has been scanned with the student's original signature.) The request should include dates of attendance, student identification number (in recent years, a number starting with B00; previously, a Social Security number), and the student’s full name at the time of enrollment (and any subsequent name changes).   The date by which the transcript is needed is helpful.

Transcripts can be sent directly to the student or to a business, school, or person of the student’s choice, as indicated on the Request for Official Transcript form.  When there are holds on the student record for any reason, transcripts can be released only to an employer.  

There is no charge for transcripts for hardcopy transcripts ordered from the Center.  There is a small fee for electronic transcripts ordered through Transcripts on Demand due to the security encoding service provided.

Graduation Requirements, Honors, and Honor Societies

Residency Requirement

To earn a Berea College degree, students must complete a minimum of four (4) regular (fall and spring) terms as a degree-seeking student at Berea College.

Eight-Term Rule and Extension of Terms

Students are expected to complete all degree requirements within four academic years, or eight regular terms, including transfer terms for transfer students, terms abroad, off-campus field studies, internships, and the addition of one or more minors or additional majors, if any. Failure to follow the approved Curriculum Plan submitted as part of the Declaration of Primary Major process does not constitute a valid reason for needing an extension of terms.

Students who, for good reason, are unable to complete degree requirements within eight regular terms may submit a Request for an Extension of Terms form—which includes a revised Curriculum Plan, and an accompanying letter explaining the reason(s) the extension is needed—to the Office of Academic Services. (Students proposing an Independent Major that requires more than eight terms, even if a prior extension of terms was approved for another major, should include this request with their completed proposal; approvals will be coordinated by the Director of Academic Services and the Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning.) Requests for a one- or two-term extension not approved by Academic Services may be appealed to the Student Admissions and Academic Standing (SAAS) Committee. All requests for more than 10 terms of attendance are reviewed by the SAAS Committee.

Application for Degree Requirement

Upon completion of six regular terms, degree-seeking students who have not yet applied for a degree will receive notification from the Academic Records Analyst in the Office of the Registrar informing them that they will need to submit the Application for Degree form, preferably within the following week. At the very latest, students are required to file this Application for Degree prior to registering for classes in their seventh term.

Before submitting this degree application, students should run another degree evaluation in myBerea to make certain that all degree requirements are recorded correctly. Any deficiencies can be discussed with their Academic Advisor prior to registration in the terms leading up to graduation. (Also see “Course Substitutions and Waivers of Degree Requirements” below.)

After the Application for Degree has been filed, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the Academic Records Analyst of changes in plans or programs. All requirements for the degree, except regular course work, must be completed 30 days prior to the commencement at which the student will graduate.

Students who file the Application for Degree are expected to attend Commencement Exercises.

Note: Neither diplomas nor transcripts will be issued to students with past-due student accounts.

Course Substitutions and Waivers of Degree Requirements

Requests for substitutions or waivers of degree requirements must be initiated by the Academic Advisor(s), supported by the Program Chairperson, and approved by the Division Chairperson who serves as a liaison to the Academic Program Council (APC). These requests should be made by the term prior to the graduation term, or as early as possible.

The process to request a change in curriculum begins when the Academic Advisor completes the information requested below and e-mails it to the Program Chairperson for the major or minor. The request includes the following information:

Student’s Name:

Student’s ID Number: B00__________

Advisor’s Name for the Major/Minor in Which Substitution is Requested:

Major/Minor in Which Substitution is Requested:

Original Course Requirement(s)—Course Number(s) & Title(s):

For Substitutions:

• Course Number(s) & Title(s) of Substituted Course(s):
• Rationale or Explanation for How Substitution Meets Original Requirement(s):

For Waivers of Degree Requirements:

• Rationale or Explanation for Student Not Meeting the Degree Requirement(s):

For established majors or minors in the Catalog, the request is forwarded to the Program Chairperson. (The Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning serves as Coordinator for GST courses, General Education requirements, and Independent Majors.) If the Program Chairperson agrees to and supports the request for substitution or waiver, he or she will indicate support in an e-mail to the Division Chairperson that includes the Advisor(s) request and rationale and any additional information to support the request. If the Program Chairperson wishes to request that the course substitution is to be a blanket substitution for all students within the major, please indicate such in the e-mail of support. For Independent Majors, the primary and secondary advisors (both indicating agreement for the request) forward the request directly to the Dean of Curriculum and Student Learning.

The Division Chairpersons either will approve the request for substitution or waiver or will take the request to the Academic Program Council for its review and determination. The student, Academic Advisor, and Program Chairperson will be notified by e-mail of the outcome.

Graduating with Honors

The cumulative GPA will be the measure to determine academic honors, which are designated as follows: summa cum laude 3.900 or higher; magna cum laude 3.750 to 3.899; cum laude 3.600 to 3.749. The College recognizes those students who have demonstrated such excellence by an honors notation on the permanent record, transcripts of the permanent record, diploma, and in the program for the commencement ceremony. The cumulative GPA on which the honors will be based in celebratory programs is that of the last term prior to the one of graduation. However, final transcripts will reflect the honor for the cumulative GPA earned at the end of the term of graduation.

To be eligible for honors, the student must have completed at least seventeen (17) course credits at Berea College and have been enrolled as a full-time student for the last three (3) regular terms prior to the term at the end of which s/he will be graduated. (Also see GPA under "Grades and Grading Scale" in this publication.)

Honors and Honor Societies

The following honor societies, which recognize excellence in academic accomplishment, service, and leadership, have been chartered on the campus.

Alpha Psi Omega: A national honor society promoting excellence in Dramatics.

Delta Phi Alpha: A national honor society promoting the study of German.

Delta Tau Alpha: A national honor society recognizing excellence in Agricultural Science.

Fleur de Lis: An honor society for freshmen who have exhibited high standards of living and academic excellence.

Kappa Omicron Nu: A national honor society recognizing excellence in the study of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Lambda Pi Eta: Omicron Sigma Chapter of the official honor society of the National Communication Association.

Mortar Board: An honor society for seniors selected on the basis of leadership, service, and scholarship.

Omicron Delta Epsilon: An international honor society promoting excellence in the study of Economics.

Omicron Sigma: A national honor society recognizing outstanding achievement in Communication.

Phi Alpha Theta: An international honor society promoting excellence in the study of History.

Phi Epsilon Kappa: National honor society for persons engaged in or pursuing careers in health, physical education, recreation, or safety.

Phi Kappa Phi: A national honor society emphasizing academic excellence of both students and faculty in all areas of study.

Pi Mu Epsilon: A national honor society promoting excellence in the study of Mathematics.

Psi Chi: A national honor society recognizing excellence in the study of Psychology.

Sigma Delta Pi: A national honor society promoting the study of Spanish.

Sigma Pi Sigma: A national honor society promoting excellence in the study of Physics.

Sigma Tau Delta: A national honor society promoting excellence in the study of English language and Literature.

Vincit Qui Patitur: A Berea honor society for juniors who have exhibited academic excellence.

Many Scholarships, Awards and Prizes are available to Berea College students through these programs.

Graduate School Grant Program

Limited funds are available to assist qualified students with the cost of applying to and visiting leading graduate or professional schools. The purpose of these funds is to encourage and enable students to consider enrollment in the nation’s best graduate and professional programs, many of which are located some distance from Berea. Students are eligible for a maximum award of $550 during their tenure at Berea College, which may be used for more than one trip or application fee. In addition, the fees for courses that can help students prepare for the graduate-school entrance exams (offered by companies such as Kaplan’s) can be included in the student’s total allocation. Students should pick up the application in the Student Service Center’s Self-Serve Room (101 Lincoln Hall), then submit the completed application to the Student Service Center as early as possible. The form is forwarded to the Office of Academic Services for consideration. Please note that students must apply for the funds in advance of the travel or payment of an application fee. Selection is based on many factors, including the type and level of contact the student has had with the graduate school department and faculty, the graduate schools eligible for funds, the student’s major GPA, and others described in detail in the guidelines and application form available in the Self-Serve Room.

Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes

Scholarships and Awards for Academic Excellence and Achievement

Henry W. and Edna Austin Awards

State Senator Henry W. and (Mrs.) Edna Austin of Oak Park, Illinois, provided funds for these awards honoring fine academic performances by Berea College students. To receive an Austin scholarship or to be selected as an Austin Scholar is a significant recognition of academic and personal excellence. Austin Scholarships recipients are chosen from the sophomore class and are eligible to become Austin Scholars. Austin Scholars are members of the junior and senior classes. A student may be selected only once as an Austin Scholar.

Lyle and Dorothy Ferer Cary Award for Excellence in Writing

The Lyle and Dorothy Ferer Cary Award is to be presented to Berea College juniors and/or seniors who have achieved excellence in writing. The form of writing may be scholarly or creative, and may be in response to a class assignment or independently conceived.

Helen Dingman Book Awards

Helen Dingman awards recognize students (or groups of up to five students) whose achievements or accomplishments reflect the effective synthesis of any two of these three components of a Berea College education: learning, labor, and service. The awards are made possible through the generosity of a college patron wishing to honor Helen Dingman, a professor of sociology (then called Social Work) at the College. Among her many accomplishments, Professor Dingman established the College’s Opportunity School Program, based on the Danish Folk School pattern, with traveling seminars in the region as well as on campus.

Jerome W. Hughes Humanities Enrichment Award

The Jerome W. Hughes Humanities Enrichment Award was established by family, friends, and former students of Dr. Jerome W. Hughes, professor emeritus of English at Berea College. The purpose of the award is to support a variety of experiences in the arts to enrich students’ appreciation of the humanities.

Father Henry L. Parker Scholarship

This scholarship is given to students of African descent who demonstrate high academic achievement and ethnic pride, as did Father Parker. The students apply their faith to everyday living, especially in promoting interracial and multi-cultural understanding.

Phi Kappa Phi Scholar

The purposes of this national honor society are to recognize high scholarship and character of students in all departments and areas, to foster the significant purposes for which institutions of higher learning have been founded, and to stimulate academic achievement. The Berea Chapter was chartered in 1953.

Doris and Harold Rosenbaum Scholarship

The Rosenbaum Scholarship was established in 1994 to assist students who have been accepted by or are eligible candidates for enrollment in the nation’s leading graduate and professional programs.

Olive Ruth Russell Fellowship

This award was established in honor of Ms. Olive Ruth Russell by Mrs. Ruth L. Roettinger. The fellowship is presented to women with outstanding academic records who present a defined plan to pursue graduate study in any academic discipline.

Seabury Award

Seabury Awards are given to one male and one female graduating senior who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, as well as community leadership, on the Berea campus. The awards are to provide aid for graduate study or travel.

Frances Finnell Vandivier Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1988 to honor Frances Finnell Vandivier. A graduate of Berea College, Mrs. Vandivier was a compassionate advocate for children in her teaching, writing, and community service throughout her life. This scholarship is given to assist Berea College graduating seniors with continuing their education in the field of child development, childcare, and/or advocacy for children, youth and families.

Wood Achievement Award

The Wood Awards are awarded annually at commencement to one graduating senior woman and one man who have demonstrated excellence in contributions to the life and work of Berea College.

Awards for Excellence in Disciplinary Studies

Contact Program Chairperson for information on these and other awards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources:

Kathleen S. and Frederick C. Crawford Award for Excellence

Endowed award established by Kathleen Crawford Estate for excellence in scholarship, preferably in the filed of natural history, forestry, conservation or preservation of wildlife.

Delta Tau Alpha Awards

Certificates are awarded to the graduating Agriculture and Natural Resources major who has achieved the highest cumulative overall scholastic standing and the sophomore Agriculture and Natural Resources student for outstanding performance in the freshman year.

Edd C. Hogg Memorial Scholarship

Established by family and friends in recognition of Dr. Hogg’s many years of service to Berea College. The scholarship is given annually to students demonstrating Christian faith, economic need, and academic achievement. Recipients are chosen from among second-term juniors majoring in Agricultural and Natural Resources or Nursing at Berea College. The award is presented to two students, one in each major.

David F. Kinder Award

Awarded annually to a senior Agriculture and Natural Resources student who has shown exceptional productivity, initiative, and leadership in their labor program. The student should also demonstrate a successful academic program.

Joe Van Pelt Agricultural Leadership Award

Awarded to a junior student majoring in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Selection is on the basis of active interest in scholarship and sincere concern for social problems beyond the Department and whose efforts are above and beyond performance in the Labor Program.

Martin Aaron Wilson Award

Awarded annually to one or more students who show excellence in labor, service and academic skills combined with a strong interest in a career related to dairy production.

Art:

Art Major Award: A Design for a Summer

Awarded annually to art majors for the purpose of continuing study, museum visits, travel, books, and materials to be used during the summer.

James R. Bobbitt Art Scholarship

Awarded to assist an outstanding graduating senior or recent graduate in continuing study in fine or applied arts, including the visual arts, within the framework of the Appalachian Studies Program.

Child and Family Studies:

Helen and Jean Barkley Memorial Scholarship in Child and Family Studies.

This prize was established by the family and friends of Key Lee Barkley, a 1926 Berea College graduate, and his wife, Helen Roberts Barkley, Class of 1927, and their daughter, Jean Eloise Barkley. Recipients are Child and Family Studies majors “who show promise that they will become worthy citizens of their communities after their graduation from Berea College.”

Jacqueline Hensley Combs Memorial Award

Given to a junior or senior Child and Family Studies major who has shown a high degree of character, scholarship, and professional maturity. It is given in memory of Jacqueline Hensley Combs, a member of the Class of 1965, who was killed in an automobile accident a few days before graduation.

Ann Grant Memorial Award

Awarded annually to an outstanding major in Child and Family Studies, based on scholarship, character, and need.

Opal Stamm Huskey Scholarship

The Opal Stamm Huskey Scholarship Fund was established to foster excellence in students majoring in Child and Family Studies with Teacher Certification. The scholarship honors Miss Eunice True, former Professor of Home Economics at Berea College.

Frances Finnell Vandivier Scholarship

Awarded to assist Berea College graduates, women and men, to continue their education in the field of child development, childcare and/or advocacy for children, youth and families. This award was established in 1988 to honor Frances Finnell Vandivier, a graduate of Berea College and a compassionate advocate for children in her teaching, writing and community service throughout her life.

Virginia Palmer Widener Memorial Child and Family Studies Award

This award is given to an outstanding Child and Family Studies major commemorating the life of Mrs. Widener, Berea College, Class of 1966. The award honors Mrs. Widener’s contribution to the field of home economics and her interest in her students. Preference is given to students from the counties of Lee (Kentucky) and Washington (Virginia); or the city of Bristol, Virginia.

Classical, Creative, and Liberal Arts:

Florence Prize for Essays

The Florence Prize for Essays was endowed in 1919 by a gift from Edmund C. Westervelt of Corpus Christi, Texas. Prizes are offered for the best essays by students on a subject of public interest. A committee of the faculty, consisting of the chairpersons of the English and social science departments, administers the essay contest. The committee will designate the number and amount of the prizes to be offered.

Francis S. Hutchins Awards

These awards for creative work in the humanities honor President Emeritus Francis S. Hutchins; the awards go to juniors and seniors who have meritorious, creative, or critical works and are awarded on the basis of merit by a panel of judges.

Paul Vernon Kreider Jr. Award

Presented to the junior or senior student who has developed a personal library of good quality and writes the best essay on this library.

Mary Macauley Smith Memorial Scholarship in the Humanities

Awarded annually to a graduating senior from the humanities. The student must demonstrate a commitment to her or his chosen field of study and the liberal arts through academic excellence in major courses and in general education.

Communication:

Hugh O. Porter Memorial Forensics Award

Awarded to an upperclass student demonstrating excellence in speech and debate.

Economics and Business Administration:

Chin-Wang Prize

Established by Dr. and Mrs. Rockwood Chin in the name of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry I. Sheu Chin and Dr. and Mrs. C.C. Wang, this prize is to be awarded annually to seniors of character who have excelled in Economics and Business Administration.

Joel Dean Scholarship in Economics

Awarded annually to the graduating senior economics major for academic performance in the field. The recipient will be known as the Joel Dean Scholar.

Education Studies:

Beldon Graduate School Fellowship

Awarded annually to Berea College outstanding graduating seniors who have met the requirements for teacher certification or recent (last five years) outstanding graduates, who have taught at the pre-college level with skill and devotion, and plan to enroll in graduate school for further professional development. The students selected must have a superior academic record. This award is supported by a gift from the Harriet Poynter Beldon Memorial Fund.

George and Elgetha Bell Scholarship in Education

The Bell family and Alma Powell established a scholarship in honor of their predecessors, George and Elgetha Bell. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding junior student preparing for the teaching profession.

Mildred A. Bolt Award

Awarded annually to the student judged by the Education Studies Department to be outstanding in scholarship and in teaching potential.

Lucille Bush Duncan Award in Education

The Lucille Bush Duncan Award in Education was established by William A. Cook, a former professional associate, in recognition of Lucille Duncan’s contributions as a teacher, humanitarian, and benefactor of educational causes. The award is given annually to the junior members of Kappa Delta Pi judged by the Education Studies faculty to be outstanding in scholarship and potential service to society.

May Harrison Lambert Memorial Award in Elementary Education

Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior who shows great promise as an elementary teacher. Her son, Dr. Dean Warren Lambert, and her friends established this award.

Dr. Lee E. Wickline Scholarship

Given in honor of Dr. Lee E. Wickline, class of ’49. The recipient must be a full-time enrolled junior or senior with a major or minor in education who shows evidence of being well-rounded, demonstrates an enthusiastic interest in school and community activities, and has an awareness of universal human values.

English:

Dr. William Taylor Center Memorial Award

Awarded to the student writing the composition that, in the opinion of the judges, best illustrates or analyzes the idea of service to others. The Award is in the memory of Dr. Center, an alumnus of Berea College.

Emily Ann Smith Scholarship

The Emily Ann Smith Scholarship was established by friends and students of Miss Smith to honor excellence in the study of the English language. It is given annually to junior or senior English majors.

May B. Smith English Composition Award

Awarded to a student enrolled in an English course who demonstrates unusual skill in writing non-fiction prose.

Health and Human Performance:

Health and Human Performance Award

Awarded annually to the senior Health and Human Performance major who has the highest overall grade point average in his or her career at Berea.

History:

Blanton Prize in History and Political Science

This prize was established by Dr. Jack Blanton (Knapp Hall, ‘49, Foundation ‘53, College ‘57) to honor the Blanton family, including his grandfather, his parents, and his sister, all with Berea ties. This is to be given to a senior History and/or Political Science major. This student should be the most outstanding senior majoring in one or both of these subjects with strong writing skills. The selection of recipient would be upon the recommendation/agreement of the chairs of the History and Political Science Programs.

E. Taylor Parks Award

The E. Taylor Parks Award is given for excellence in History or Political Science. Mr. E.R. Brann established the award in memory of Dr. E. Taylor Parks, former Chairman of the Department of History and Political Science.

Robert B. Street Prize in American History

Robert B. Street, a graduate of 1910, established an endowment fund to provide prizes for oratorical and essay contests of American history and American democracy.

Law and Pre-Law:

Walter Morris Gay Memorial Award

This award is given to a senior pre-law student chosen on the basis of high academic achievement, excellence of character, and patriotism. The endowment, which sustains this award, has been donated in memory of Walter Morris Gay ’65 by his parents; by friends in Avon Park, Florida; by students and faculty of Berea College; and by interested citizens of Berea, McKee, and the surrounding area.

Library Science:

Elizabeth D. Gilbert Fellowship in Library Science

This fellowship is awarded to aid seniors or recent graduates of Berea College for graduate studies in Library Science. Friends and admirers of Miss Gilbert, Berea College Head Librarian for many years, established this fellowship in 1973.

Mathematics:

Ballard-McConnell-Willis Mathematics Scholarships

Given annually to students who demonstrate excellence in mathematics, upright moral character, potential for accomplishment, and an ability to instill in others an appreciation for mathematics.

Pugsley Freshman Scholarship

This award, established in memory of Donald W. Pugsley, who was a Professor of Mathematics at Berea College, is given to freshmen for excellence in mathematics.

Steve Boyce Senior Mathematics Award

Awarded annually to a senior mathematics major demonstrating the greatest degree of excellence and maturity in his or her mathematics study.

Music:

Elsie Drukker Memorial Music Scholarship

Provides scholarships and financial aid to outstanding Music majors.

Marjory J. Flint Scholarship

The Marjory J. Flint Scholarship Fund was established through the bequest of her sister, Louie Key, in 1984. Income from the fund provides annual scholarships to piano or woodwind students for study of music at Berea or in graduate school. Recipients are selected on the basis of excellence of achievement and potential.

Irene Ziegler Hill Memorial Scholarship

The recipient of the Irene Ziegler Hill Memorial Scholarship is chosen on the basis of academic excellence and musicianship, with special preference given to those candidates who show outstanding potential as future music educators. The endowed fund was donated in memory of Irene Ziegler Hill, a former member of the Music faculty and one of the moving forces behind the establishment of a major in Music Education at Berea College.

Rolf E. Hovey Memorial Scholarship

The Rolf E. Hovey Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 by the Hovey family and by former students in loving memory of Dr. Hovey, founder and director of the Berea College Chapel Choir and longtime Chairman of the Music Department.  This annual scholarship prize(s) is awarded to seniors or highly qualified undergraduate students who are majoring in music and intend to teach and perform.

Sherwood-Hill Award

This award honors the memory of several members of the Sherwood and Hill families. It is granted to Music majors that have demonstrated academic excellence and high potential in the field of music.

Underwood-Alger Music Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded to students who have declared a major in Music and who have exhibited excellence in scholarship, as well as financial need.

Natural and Physical Sciences:

John S. Bangson Biological Science Awards

Established by Mrs. John Bangson to honor Dr. John S. Bangson, former Chairman of the Department of Biology at Berea College. These awards are given annually to two students: a sophomore with the highest grades in biology and a graduating senior Biology major chosen on the basis of grades and leadership potential.

Guenther O. R. Brann Memorial Scholarship in Biology

Established by Mr. E. R. Brann, Class of 1942, in honor of Guenther O. R. Brann, this scholarship is awarded annually to a Biology major for outstanding scholarship, superior character, and financial need.

Lilli Brann Scholarship in Physical Sciences

The Lilli Brann Scholarship in Physical Sciences was given by Mr. E. R. Brann, Class of 1942, of Madison, Wisconsin, in honor of his mother. Awarded annually to the students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in their chosen field, superior character in their everyday life, and have financial need.

Kathleen S. and Frederick C. Crawford Award for Excellence

Endowed award established by Kathleen Crawford Estate for excellence in scholarship, preferably in the filed of natural history, forestry, conservation or preservation of wildlife.

J. Stanton King Science Award

Awarded annually to a junior or senior majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The student must have exhibited excellence in both academic and personal life. The American Association of Clinical Chemistry established the award in honor of Dr. J. Stanton King, a Berea alumnus.

Waldemar Noll Prize in Physics

Presented annually to the senior Physics major with the highest scholastic standing in the major field, the prize is established in memory of Dr. Waldemar Noll, former Professor of Physics at Berea College.

Underwood-Alger Biology Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded to students who have declared a major in Biology and who have exhibited excellence in scholarship, as well as financial need.

Nursing and Pre-Medical:

W. H. and Mabel Simmons Dean Scholarship

Awarded annually to a sophomore student in nursing, pred-medical, or pre-dentistry fields who has at least a B average and demonstrates financial need and Christian leadership. The scholarship was made possible by a grant from the Dean family.

Edd C. Hogg Memorial Scholarship

The Edd C. Hogg Memorial Scholarship was established by family and friends in recognition of Dr. Hogg’s many years of service to Berea College. The scholarship is given annually to students demonstrating Christian faith, economic need, and academic achievement. Recipients are chosen from among second-term juniors majoring in Agriculture and Natural Resources or Nursing at Berea College. The award is presented to two students, one in each major.

Julia Braden Thompson Award

This award was established by Audine T. Adams in memory of her mother to provide an award to the pre-medical or Nursing student at Berea College who has achieved an outstanding academic record, who manifests professional promise, and who exemplifies excellent moral character.

Norman C. and Rose B. Wheeler Scholarship

The award was established by family and friends as a memorial in honor of Dr. Norman C. Wheeler ’36 and his wife, Rose B. Wheeler ’38. Dr. Wheeler practiced medicine in Berea for a number of years and then devoted 15 years to medical research. The scholarship is given annually to a Berea pre-medical student with financial need and high scholastic achievement.

Martha E. Wylie Award

The Wylie Award is awarded annually to a junior Nursing student to recognize superior achievement in nursing. Martha E. Wylie was an Associate Professor of Nursing at Berea College.

Philosophy:

Millicent Bate Miller Scholarship

Provides financial support for a Philosophy or Religion major who shows exceptional academic ability, character, and leadership.

Fred Oscanyan Scholarship in Philosophy

The award for academic excellence is given to a junior or senior Philosophy major or minor chosen by the Philosophy faculty.

Political Science:

Blanton Prize in History and Political Science

This prize was established by Dr. Jack Blanton (Knapp Hall, ‘49, Foundation ‘53, College ‘57) to honor the Blanton family, including his grandfather, his parents, and his sister, all with Berea ties. This is to be given to a senior History and/or Political Science major. This student should be the most outstanding senior majoring in one or both of these subjects with strong writing skills. The selection of recipient would be upon the recommendation/agreement of the chairs of the History and Political Science Programs.

E. Taylor Parks Award

The E. Taylor Parks Award is given for excellence in History or Political Science. Mr. E.R. Brann established the award in memory of Dr. E. Taylor Parks, former Chairman of the Department of History and Political Science.

C. Louis Smith Scholarship

Awarded annually to the senior student in Political Science who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of scholarship and citizenship. Mr. E.R. Brann, Class of 1942, makes this award possible.

Religion:

Millicent Bate Miller Scholarship

Provides financial support for a Philosophy or Religion major who shows exceptional academic ability, character, and leadership.

Bishop Yu Yue Tsu Scholarship

The Bishop Yu Yue Tsu Scholarship Fund was established by friends and family of the Bishop on his 96th birthday. He served as Bishop in the Episcopal Church in China for many years. Awarded annually to a junior or senior Religion major who demonstrates achievement.

Social Sciences:

Fu Liang and Louise Chang Award

Awarded annually to the senior student majoring in Sociology who shows greatest promise in the field of sociology or social work. Although excellence in scholarship is important, promise for service is also a major consideration. The children and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Chang, on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary, established this fund.

Dallas and Betty Johnson Sociology Scholarship

Awarded annually to an outstanding graduating senior in Sociology who plans to enroll in graduate school for further professional development. Excellence in scholarship is important along with the senior’s future study plans and identification of goals for work and service upon the completion of an advanced degree. Ms. Elizabeth Ann Sears, along with friends and family of Dallas and Betty Johnson, established this endowed fund to honor Dallas Johnson’s remarkable career with Native Americans in the Southwest United States.

Albert G. Weidler Memorial Scholarship in Social Studies

Mr. E.R. Brann established this award in memory of Dr. Albert Greer Weidler, Dean of Labor and Chairman of the Department of Economics and Business for many years. The award is given for excellence in social studies or business administration.

John F. White Memorial Scholarship in Gerontology

This fund provides assistance and incentive for qualified students to pursue graduate study leading to careers in research or service in the field of gerontology. Funds can be used by the awardee for any expenses related to the pursuit of graduate study, including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and educationally related travel. The scholarship is named for John White, a former professor of Psychology and Chairperson of the Psychology Department at Berea.

Technology and Applied Design:

Peterson Spring Award

Awarded annually to juniors and seniors majoring in Technology and Applied Design. Students must have a major GPA of 3.25 or higher and demonstrate a high level of scholarship, character, and professional involvement. This award is made possible by the Peterson Spring Company.

Theatre:

Thomas M. and Janet C. Kreider Theatre Award

The Thomas and Janet Kreider Fund was established in 1987. Dr. Kreider was the Chester D. Tripp Professor of the Humanities (1952-1987) and Mrs. Kreider was Director of Public Relations (1974-1984) at Berea College. Income from the fund enables full-time Berea students seriously interested in any phase of professional theatre to go to a major theatre-drama center to see professionally produced plays and other dramatic performances.

Paul Nelson Power Scholarship Award

Established in 1998 by students, friends, and family to honor his boundless energy and enthusiasm for theatre. The award will provide funds to enable students to pursue learning opportunities and experiences in the performing arts. Student-initiated projects may include, but are not limited to travel, study, apprenticeships, and producing or attending performances.

Awards for Good Citizenship and Leadership

Eva Nell Whitaker Alley Memorial Award in Community Leadership

Awarded to a female student who has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service to the on-going life of Berea College.

E. R. Brann Good Citizenship Award

Awarded annually to a student or students nominated by peers and affirmed by the Service Awards Committee whose character and life have made an outstanding contribution to the Christian character of Berea College.

Emily C. Graham Volunteer Service Award

Recognizes two Berea students who have demonstrated exceptional volunteer service during the academic year. The award is a memorial to Mrs. Emily G. Graham, who was dedicated to service through her nursing career and her volunteer activities.

Jane A. Kendrick Community Service Award

Recognizing volunteer service to the community, this award is given to the student who, through community service, has accented the value of volunteer work and, in so doing, has improved and enriched the lives of others.

Layman Memorial Award in International Relations

Awarded annually to the student deemed most likely to make a significant contribution in the field of international relations. Established by the daughters of Rev. & Mrs. Henry L. Layman, missionaries in Japan.

Navy V-12/V-5 Memorial Scholarship

This award recognizes an international student and an American student for outstanding contributions to human kinship and international understanding on campus. Chosen in their junior year, these students will be known as Navy V-12/V-5 Memorial Scholars during their senior year. Berea College was one of 131 colleges and universities selected as sites for Navy training programs during World War II. Through the Navy V-12/V-5 program, Berea became home to 789 sailors between 1943 and 1945. Navy V-12/V-5 alumni, who maintain close relationships with each other and the College, have established this award to commemorate this important time in their lives.

Homer A. Porter, Jr. Citizen-Servant Emerging Leader Awards

Awarded to four students who have not reached their junior year by the Spring Term in which selections are made. This award is for students whose participation in and contributions to service programs and/or service learning courses exemplify the selflessness characteristic of servant leaders. While no firm restrictions apply, the donors hope that the four students selected will be representative of the diversity of Berea’s students.

Service Scholarship Fund

Established by an anonymous donor, this award recognizes a student who is proactive and nonself-serving in their expressions of social concern for others, and who exhibits qualities indicative of a lifetime of service.

Student Service Learning Award

This award will go to a student or students to recognize significant contributions to our Berea and Madison County community through the service-learning program. The students will be nominated by community partners, and community partners will be involved in the selection of award recipients.

Louise Veltin Memorial Award for Good Citizenship

Awarded annually to a sophomore, junior, or senior chosen for all-around good citizenship. Established in 1936 by the Veltin Association of New York City in memory of Louise Veltin.

DeWitt Wallace Reader’s Digest Scholarship

Provides scholarships annually to prospective freshmen who have need and who demonstrate outstanding Christian leadership.

Dr. Lee E. Wickline Scholarship

Given in honor of Dr. Lee E. Wickline, class of ’49. The recipient must be a full-time enrolled junior or senior majoring in Education and give evidence of being well-rounded and have demonstrated an enthusiastic interest in school and community activities and an awareness of universal human values.

Homer E. Williams Awards for Campus Leadership in Interracial Understanding

Awarded annually to two students, one of whom must be African-American and the other Caucasian or non-Caucasian, who demonstrate leadership qualities in all aspects of campus and student life, particularly in the promotion of racial understanding.

Scholarships and Awards for Residents or Service in Appalachia

James Sterling Ayars Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Awarded annually to a student of high character and scholarship with financial need. Preference given to students from the mountains of eastern Kentucky or western North Carolina.

J. E. Bach Scholarship for Breathitt County, Kentucky

Awarded annually for up to four students graduating from the high schools of Breathitt County. May be renewed for students making satisfactory progress.

George L. Bagby Scholarship-Loan Fund

Provides scholarship-interest free loans to juniors and seniors from the Appalachian region.

Julia Drukker Stammer Fund for Volunteer (Appalachian) Service

Provides grants to students who participate actively in existing volunteer programs, or establish new action programs where there is an identified need, to improve the quality of life of individuals or communities of the Eastern Kentucky portion of the Appalachian region.

Clifford Ralph Hartsog Memorial Award

Awarded annually to a deserving student from Ashe County, North Carolina.

J. Woodford and Florence Stephens Howard Memorial Scholarships

Provides aid to Kentucky students on the basis of academic performance and financial need. Preference is given to students from the Kentucky counties of Floyd, Breathitt, Magoffin, and Morgan.

Francis S. Hutchins Robinson Mountain Fund Scholarship

Awarded annually to a rising junior or senior from one of the eastern Kentucky counties served by the E.O. Robinson Mountain Fund. The recipient must demonstrate academic excellence and have made significant contributions to the College as demonstrated by good citizenship and labor record.

Thornton A. Lemaster Scholarship Fund

Awarded to worthy Kentucky students, preferably from Jackson and Morgan counties, on the basis of need.

Ernest Edwin “Hennie Hunt” May Scholarship

Provides a scholarship for an Appalachian student on the basis of academic excellence and financial need.

J. D. McFerron Endowment for Student Assistance

Provides educational funds and assistance to worthy students from Rockcastle County, Kentucky.

Robert and Rosa Osborn Student Aid Fund

Provides grants to several worthy students each year on the basis of financial need. Preference is given to students from the Cabin Creek area of Lewis County, Kentucky.

Weatherford-Hammond Appalachian Prizes

Awarded to encourage research and writing on Appalachian subjects.

Virginia Palmer Widener Memorial Child and Family Studies Award

An annual scholarship providing financial assistance to a Child and Family Studies major. Preference given to students from the counties of Lee (Kentucky) or Washington (Virginia); or the city of Bristol, Virginia.

Scholarships and Awards for International Education

In addition to these opportunities, students should be aware that the Foreign Languages Program and the Campus Christian Center also have funds available for education abroad and international-travel opportunities, dependent upon major and/or focus.

Berea Term Abroad Scholarships

Grants awarded to enable students to spend a term studying abroad.

Bolin Blaine Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to assist a Berea College student with study outside the United States for a minimum period of one month during the junior year. The fund was established in 2004 and named for John Seelye Bolin and Sandra Anne Blaine Bolin in memory of their families and their contributions to Berea College. Both John and Sandra Bolin served as instructors and administrators of Berea College.

Carlisle Keller Macdonald Scholarship

Awarded to students with financial need traveling abroad for the first time.

New Horizons Grants

Awarded to supplement the student’s own financial resources for international study in faculty-led courses, KIIS summer programs, Independent or Team Initiated studies, or Internships.

John D. Scruggs Music International Study Scholarship

Awarded to provide funds to support international summer study of students involved in music.

Emilie Strong Smith Travel Fund

Grants awarded to provide funding for additional travel that is not part of the student’s structured international program. To be used to visit museums, significant cultural events, historical sites, and architecture.

John B. Stephenson Scholarship for Non-Western Study

This scholarship is designed to allow students the opportunity to study in Israel, China, India, Japan, or one of the countries of Africa. The program is open to rising juniors and seniors majoring in any discipline. The experience must earn graduation credit and may be in a structured study program, an Independent Study, a Team Initiated Study, or a service project, for a period of not less than four weeks in duration.

Special Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes

Ellen Bangson Award in Christian Education

Awarded to an outstanding student whose special interest is Christian education.

Beckman Prizes for Excellence in Bible Study

Provides Bibles and study aids for excellence in Bible study.

Walter Brooks Foundation Grants for Correction of Physical Handicapping Conditions

Provides funds for correction of physically handicapped students.

Class of 1942 Awards

This fund was established by members of the Class of 1942. The scholarships are awarded annually to students at Berea College with superior academic achievement who have demonstrated Christian character, financial need, and the capacity to persevere. A scholarship is given annually to one student from each of the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes.

Discovery Grants

Awarded to supplement the student’s own financial resources for domestic study in faculty-led courses, Independent or Team Initiated studies, or Internships.

Experiential Education Fund Grants

Awarded to students to help enrich their Berea College academic program through an off-campus educational Internship experience.

Red Foley Memorial Music Award

Awarded annually by the Alumni Association to the student or students who have made the greatest contribution to the social life of the campus through music.

Bascom A. and Katherine Baugh Franklin Scholarship

Provides financial aid on the basis of need to students majoring in religion, agriculture, child and family studies, or technology and industrial arts.

Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund

Awarded to current students or graduates who plan to enter full-time Christian service.

Lucille Christian and George McKinney Student Alumni Relations Council Award

This award is given to a junior student in good standing who will be a senior in the following year and who is an active participant in volunteer service in the College community. The award is to be used for supplies in the senior year. The student must be nominated by a recognized campus organization, including residence halls and labor departments.

Helen R. Smith Fund

Provides undergraduate or graduate scholarships on the basis of need to students of Ohio, preferably Wayne County, to enter the ministry, teaching, or medicine.

Labor Awards

Berea College Student Employee of the Year Award

Awarded for reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, and uniqueness of contribution. Students who receive this award are also eligible for recognition on the state, regional, and national levels.

Building Care Award

Awarded by the Housekeeping Division to recognize workers in a building that exhibits a high level of cleanliness and quality of work for the enjoyment of the campus community.

Danforth Creative Effort Prizes

Provides annual prizes to honor students whose products of imagination and effort have a lasting legacy beyond their college careers.

Raymond B. Drukker Memorial Award for Library Service

Awarded each year in honor of Dr. Raymond B. Drukker and is presented to two outstanding student workers in the College’s Hutchins Library.

The Wilson and Ellen Best Evans “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.”

Awarded annually to two seniors who not only do the job very well, but also perform extra duties that make the work environment more enjoyable and productive for colleagues and customers.

Food Service Special Award

Awarded on the basis of efficiency and commitment to duty, plus concern and feeling for both fellow workers and those being served.

Clara Bell Hall Crafts Award

Awarded annually to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic and artistic talent while contributing to the Student Crafts Program.

Richard T. Hougen Hotel Management Award

Annual recognition by the Boone Tavern Hotel staff to honor outstanding hotel employees.

Gladys Jameson Accompanist Award

Awarded annually in memory of Gladys Jameson to recognize the most valuable student accompanist.

Outstanding Labor Supervisor of the Year

Awarded by selection from campus student nominations to an outstanding supervisor in the Labor Program.

Photography Contest

Awarded by the Labor Program Office to encourage students to identify a visual representation of the work done by our students.

William R. Ramsay Award

This award recognizes a first-year student who enthusiastically embraces the Labor Program as an integral component of Berea’s mission and whose work demonstrates great potential for the future.

Margaret G. Rogers Nursing Award

Awarded annually to a nursing student who has demonstrated excellence in labor.

Anna Mae and Phyllis Shumaker Labor Award

Awarded to a senior student for outstanding performance of office duties.

Sarah Fuller Smith Prize Loom

Awarded to the student who is selected by the weaving department instructor as the best student weaver. The award provides a loom for the student to build upon his or her weaving skills.

Julia and Norbert Stammer Appalachian Service Award

Awarded annually to a student who has rendered outstanding service to Appalachia in a labor assignment at the Appalachian Center, Students for Appalachia, or the Appalachian Museum.

Dr. Russell I. Todd Award

Awarded annually to honor a student for the most constructive use of leisure time.

Volunteer Service Award

Awarded annually to a nominated member of the community who has made exceptional contributions of time and effort to Berea College students and the Labor Program.