UNION COLLEGE
Lincoln, Nebraska
The College
Established in 1891, Union College is an accredited, comprehensive institution of higher education. Union offers bachelors degrees in more than fifty majors, collaboration agreements in engineering and other specialized fields, an honors program, and a Master of Physician Assistant degree program. Union enrolls more than 900 students from over forty states and thirty countries. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the community offers Union students recreation, internships, and part-time employment.
Unions Christian values, undergraduate emphasis, low student-teacher ratio, focus on service, and nurturing culture provide students with unique opportunities for intellectual, personal, and spiritual development. Union is a Seventh-day Adventist college that welcomes students of diverse backgrounds.
Union is renowned for the humanitarian service of its students. Each August, approximately 80 percent of the student body voluntarily takes part in Project Impact, Union's annual community service day. In addition, each year 25 to 35 students volunteer a year of service in North America or overseas.
Union's percentage of alumni contribution is among the highest in the nation and allows for major campus improvements, such as the newly completed Ortner Center, a dining services and conference facility.
Location
Union is perched on the highest point in Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska. The 114-year-old campus features more than 100 species of trees in a beautiful parklike setting. The 50 surrounding acres of property are a part of the statewide arboretum system. The College is an eclectic blend of ivy-covered neo-Greco brick buildings, brick walkways, and modern academic and student service structures. Near the campus are connections to more than 80 miles of scenic biking and walking trails within the city and the surrounding area.
With a population of nearly 250,000, Lincoln is small enough to have a sense of community yet large enough to have its own culture. Downtown Lincoln contains galleries, museums, playhouses, state and federal offices, gardens, fountains, banking centers, the Davany Sports Complex, and the Lied Center for the Performing Arts. The historic Haymarket district offers shopping, bistros, galleries, boutiques, and ethnic restaurants. As a college town, Lincoln is home to two universities: Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of NebraskaLincoln.
Majors and Degrees
Union College grants the following undergraduate degrees: Associate in Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Technology, and Bachelor of Arts in Theology.
Four-year majors include art, biology, business administration (accounting, finance, international business, management, marketing, science, small business management), chemistry (biochemistry, general chemistry), clinical laboratory science, communication (journalism, public relations), computer information systems, computer science, education (elementary, secondarysee endorsements), English (literature, writing and speaking), exercise science, French, general studies, German, graphic design, health and human performance (business/sport management), history, institutional development, international rescue and relief (human services and counseling, medical preprofessional, missions, paramedical), international studies, mathematics, music (music educationinstrumental, keyboard, and vocal; music performanceconducting, instrumental, keyboard, and vocal; piano pedagogy), nursing, pastoral care, psychology, physician assistant studies, physics, religion, small business management, social science, Spanish, and theology.
Two-year majors include accounting, art, business administration, computer information systems, English as a second language, graphic design, music pedagogy, and preallied health.
Many of the four-year majors listed above are also offered as minors. Minors in additional areas include biblical languages, drama, missions and evangelism, sociology, and youth ministry.
Secondary education endorsements include art, biology, business, chemistry, computer, elementary education, English, history, language arts, mathematics, music, physical education, physics, religious education, and social science.
Preprofessional programs are available in clinical laboratory science, dental hygiene, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, nutrition and dietetics, dietetic technology, occupational therapy, occupational therapy assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, physician assistant, radiation therapy, and respiratory therapy.
Unions Best of Both Worlds Program allows students to develop a personalized degree in many disciplines offered by other colleges and universities in Lincoln.
Academic Programs
Union offers a traditional liberal arts education combined with practical experiences, such as internships, career counseling, study abroad, and leadership opportunities.
Baccalaureate degrees are awarded after students complete all graduation requirements, including general education, major, and contextual requirements and electives for a minimum of 128 semester hours (64 for associate degrees). At least 40 of the 128 hours must be courses numbered at the 300 level or above. A minimum of 56 hours must be completed in four-year colleges or universities. Three writing-designated (WR) courses are required after successful completion of freshman composition (ENGL 111 and ENGL 112). A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required in all course work attempted at Union College and all transferred credits. (Students should consult an academic bulletin for further details.)
Union Scholars, the Colleges honors program, offers an enriched academic experience with innovative classes, volunteer service, an independent research project in the senior year, and substantial scholarship awards.
The Teaching Learning Center provides academic assistance for students with disabilities, students on academic probation, first-year freshmen with low GPAs or test scores, and struggling students who desire personal assistance. Services include personal coaching/advising, study-skills training, time management and organization assistance, and reasonable accommodations for students with verified disabilities.
Union offers five levels of English as a second language (ESL) from beginning conversation to university-level preparation. Students with TOEFL scores between 450 and 549 may take selected university-level courses. The TOEFL is required of all non-native English speakers upon arrival. Completion of the ESL program occurs when the student is able to score at least 550 on the TOEFL.
Academic Facilities
The Engel Hall fine arts complex houses both visual and musical arts programs. The Everett Dick Building includes the divisions of humanities, business and computer science, human development, and religion. Microcomputer labs use cutting-edge software and hardware and provide access to the Internet and advanced business, art, and desktop publishing programs. Jorgensen Hall houses engineering, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics. Science students use an in-house HP 5890 capillary gas chromatography unit and other advanced analytical equipment. The Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library holdings include 175,000 volumes (books, audiovisual items, microforms, etc.) with additional access to 9,000 electronic periodicals and subscriptions to approximately 600 print periodical titles. In addition to health science classrooms, offices, and labs, the Larson Lifestyle Center houses a 25-meter pool, weight rooms, a Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and sand volleyball courts. Classroom buildings contain computer and scientific/health science laboratories. Residence halls and other key campus buildings feature wireless networks and online connectivity.
The Career Center hosts on-campus career fairs and offers resources to assist students in making career decisions, writing resumes and cover letters, conducting job searches, perfecting interview techniques, and arranging career shadowing and internships.
Costs
Annual estimated expenses for the 200506 academic year total $19,990 (tuition, $13,990; general fee, $420; room and board, $4630; and textbooks and supplies, $950). Tuition is based on 12 to 17 credit hours.
Financial Aid
Union College tailors financial aid packages to fit individual student needs. Proceeds from more than $7.9 million in endowments (150 endowed scholarship funds), federal and institutional scholarships, student loans, grants, and work-study programs are available to qualified students. On- and off-campus employment may also defray costs and provide career experience. Grants and loans are available from federal and state agencies.
Students who have finished a four-year degree at Union and later decide to change careers may return for another degree, tuition free. (Interested students should consult the Academic Bulletin for details of the Guaranteed Degree Program.)
Students apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available at any local college, many libraries, the Internet, and high school guidance counselors' offices.
Faculty
The Union College faculty includes 57 full-time faculty members and additional part-time faculty members. Nearly half of the full-time faculty members hold terminal degrees.
In addition to being qualified professionals, Union's professors are Christian role models who portray their values through their actions and speech. They are committed to the art of teaching and to caring for each student. Professors, not graduate assistants, teach classes and supervise labs.
Student Government
Students participate in College governance through elected positions in the Associated Student Body (ASB). Students are also members of most campus committees. Regularly scheduled town hall assemblies are held to allow students direct interaction with administrators. In addition to the ASB, other recognized campus clubs and organizations meet regularly.
Admission Requirements
Specific admission requirements include at least a 2.5 GPA (for native English speakers) and minimum ACT and SAT scores of 18 and 940 respectively. (Some applicants with lower GPAs or test scores may be accepted in to the Freshman Development Program.) Applicants also need three references; high school transcripts, home school transcripts, or GED certificate; and transcripts from other colleges (if applicable). Special assistance and admission is available to students with certified learning differences; interested students should call the Teaching Learning Center at 402-486-2506.
Union College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, age, or gender.
Application and Information
Applications may be submitted year-round. Notification of acceptance occurs approximately two weeks after all requirements are met. Prospective applicants should contact:
