THIS IS
There is no more powerful word than “us.” It turns a single person into a team. One person’s passion into a club. An idea into a movement. At Ursinus College, we believe working together can solve any problem and achieve any goal – no matter how challenging. 01
READY TO MEET US?
THIS IS WHO YOU’LL FIND.
03
If you ask any of our alums what is so special about Ursinus, they’ll say, “It’s the people.” When we select your fellow classmates, we look for people who would make good roommates, friends and neighbors. So we have decided to paint you a picture of campus life by sharing their experiences. Similar to a collection of short stories, not unlike those of one of our most famous attendees, author J.D. Salinger. The difference is these stories are true. Interwoven throughout are details on student life, activities, faculty, housing and more. And we do include those important things like a full list of majors/minors and information on scholarships and tuition. We hope you enjoy getting to know the people of Ursinus, and that you’ll come visit us to see our campus and our close-knit community for yourself.
05
We do liberal arts differently at Ursinus.
THIS IS WHAT YOU’LL FIND.
07
We believe that academic inquiry – reflecting on who we are and our place in the world – produces critical thinkers and principled leaders who go on to live lives of purpose and meaning. It’s why we are so fond of questions here, such as those that make up our new core curriculum. These four questions will frame your four years at Ursinus, and we use them to introduce the four main sections of this viewbook. Take a look…
WHAT SHOULD MATTER TO ME?
09
MY NAME IS
MEAGHAN AND I AM A
HEALTH AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY MAJOR, BIOLOGY MINOR, FORMER LACROSSE GOALIE, MEMBER OF THE GOLF TEAM, HEART
LAB RESEARCHER, PAINTBALLER,
UC EMS RESPONDER,
SHOPPER, ANATOMY TUTOR,
PHI ALPHA PSI SISTER, “GRADE GRUBBER,” FITNESS CENTER EMPLOYEE, CALI GIRL, ROCK CLIMBER, PHI EPSILON KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY MEMBER, WORLD TRAVELER.
11
t’s funny how things work out sometimes. When I first came from California to look at schools in Pennsylvania, I narrowed it down to Ursinus and Villanova. I never would have guessed that I would wind up going to both, as the first graduate accepted to Ursinus’s new accelerated BSN program at Villanova’s College of Nursing. This means I’ll get a second degree, a bachelor of science in nursing, in just 14 months. I chose Ursinus because of the opportunities it afforded me. At the time, I wasn’t 100% decided on nursing, and Ursinus gave me the ability to shadow different health-care professions and do hands-on research in the HEART Lab to see which career path I wanted to pursue. Ursinus also gave me the opportunity to play on the women’s lacrosse team—and later, the golf team—and offered me a great merit scholarship. The closeness I felt with the lacrosse team in my overnight visit solidified that Ursinus was where I could do everything I wanted and get a really well-rounded education. In the HEART Lab, students examine the effects that lifestyle modifications have on
13
cardiovascular health. I wasn’t sure which type of program in the medical field I wanted to pursue until my junior year, when Dr. Feairheller (aka Dr. F), my adviser in the HEART Lab, mentioned that Ursinus was working on a nursing partnership with Villanova. Knowing that Villanova has one of the best nursing programs in the country, my interest was piqued and I was excited that Ursinus would soon be adding the partnership to its list of dual-degree programs. Dr. F likes to call the HEART lab, “graduatelevel research in an undergraduate setting.” I think you’ll only find those opportunities at a small school. Ursinus prepared me by giving me excellent faculty mentors and hands-on experience, but the faculty do more than teach. I call Dr. F my “second mom.” Since mine was so far away in California, Dr. F really went out of her way to care for me and invite me over for home-cooked meals throughout my four years. Ursinus has fulfilled me academically, personally and socially. I feel excited and prepared to extend my stay on the East Coast and tackle my next adventure.
MORE ON ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS Ursinus College has special programs and partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the world, including the 14-month accelerated BSN program for college graduates at the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing; engineering degrees from Columbia University and Case Western Reserve University; MBA programs with The Simon Business School at the University of Rochester and Saint Joseph’s University; the Washington Internship Initiative; Japan’s Tohoku Gakuin University; and more. For more information and the full list of programs, visit ursinus.edu/opportunities.
MY NAME IS
BLAKE
AND I AM A
THEATER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DOUBLE MAJOR, GERMAN MINOR, BROTHER OF SIGMA PI FRATERNITY, YOUNG REPUBLICANS MEMBER, TEAM PLAYER, MODEL UN PARTICIPANT, FORMER INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL CHAMPION, WAITER, THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, JAZZFEST EMCEE, MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CLUB, SPORTS AFICIONADO, SELF-TAUGHT GUITAR PLAYER.
15
t was important to me to go to a school where I could study the unique blend of theater and international relations. I know, it’s an interesting combination of majors, but my goal is to open a nonprofit that builds theater schools for children in developing countries. At Ursinus, I’ve been able to mold my experiences to have crossover between my two passions. For my Experiential Learning Project (see page 55), I participated in an internship in New York for a project contracted by the United States Agency for International Development. The goal of the project was to get more women involved in politics in Sri Lanka. I had direct lines with people in the field, and I felt that I really made an impact. I’ve also made an impact on—and off—the stage on campus. I participated in a show every one of my eight semesters. The academic program for theater and dance gives you a holistic view of professional theater—so you can study the history of theater, acting methodology, directing,
17
makeup and stage craft. And one of my favorite things about the program is—ironically—there’s no drama! There’s a community atmosphere in the department that doesn’t really exist in a lot of places; in one show you might be the lead, and the next year, you’re in the ensemble. But no matter your role, you have opportunities to get your hands dirty and perfect your craft. I’ve always had the star dreams you’d expect of a theater major, but I also want to enact change for children in other parts of the world who have dreams of their own. The Hollywood, Broadway, music, art and dance industries are multi-billion dollar industries. Starting those industries in developing countries could lead to not only economic development, but also political and social development and change, because so much of the arts is giving a voice to people who don’t have a seat at the table.
THE PAST DECADE, URSINUS STUDENTS HAVE WON:
1 3 6 9 11
RHODES SCHOLARSHIP NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIPS WATSON FELLOWSHIPS FULBRIGHT INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
PHILADELPHIA EXPERIENCE This completely immersive experience allows sophomores, juniors and seniors to live, work and study for a full semester in Philadelphia, just 25 miles from our campus. Living with other Ursinus students, and with the personal support of faculty in both Collegeville and Philadelphia, this residential experience is akin to studying abroad, but right in our own backyard, blending classes (from both Ursinus College and Drexel University), internships, service projects and research in a place that was named the first World Heritage City in the U.S.
19
HOW SHOULD WE LIVE TOGETHER?
21
MY NAME IS
BRYANNA AND I AM A
PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR, EDUCATION AND AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AFRICANA STUDIES DOUBLE MINOR, 2018 ACTIVE MINDS EMERGING
UCDC PERFORMER, RESEARCHER, HEAL LAB RESEARCH ASSISTANT, WRITING FELLOW, ANIMAL LOVER, LAB MANAGER, AAAS WEB ASSISTANT, AMERICA FELLOW,
READS TUTOR, CLOAKE HOUSE
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, PSY
CHI
PRESIDENT, HEALTH DISPARITIES TEACHING ASSISTANT, SANKOFA UMOJA NIA MEMBER, KAYAKER,
BIKER, SWIMMER, ACTIVIST.
23
he residential experience at Ursinus is a huge component of every student’s experience. It fosters a unique sense of belonging and social support when you leave your classroom, your sports team or your activities. You get to learn so much about people outside of the classroom. When you’re in your residence hall with people who don’t look like you or are from different places, you get to experience new food, music and art—all new things that you would never have known just sitting in the classroom. When you first come to Ursinus, you’ll live in one of the first-year halls. What your housing looks like your remaining three years is largely up to you. In fact, Ursinus has so many different housing possibilities in its residential community that I’ve actually dedicated much of my academic time here researching the psychology around the selection of certain options.
25
For instance, at the start of my sophomore year, I moved into the Africana and American Studies (Cloake) House proposed through our special interest (SPINT) housing. Each year, SPINT houses are proposed by students who have an interest in a common theme. Where I live, we have people who are African and people who are
Afro-Caribbean. We’ll all cook foods from our cultures, so I’ll have jerk chicken one night and enchiladas another night. It’s been great. I became fascinated with the culture and history of the house, and the role it has played for students at Ursinus. Why do Ursinus students want this house, and why do alumni keep coming back to it at Homecoming? How does the house offer a sense of community for students? I found that students felt they were able to really develop their racial identity in this house. I worked on this research and presented it through Ursinus’s Summer Fellows program. I have also presented it at conferences, and I am now expanding upon it as the youngest 2018 Active Minds Emerging Scholars Fellow. There is a housing option for you, no matter your preference—dormitories, suites or apartments, as well as residential houses with themes such as games and tech; writing and arts; LGBT; and community service. And if you don’t see one you want? Get a group of friends together and propose one! Housing at Ursinus enriches the academic and social experiences tenfold, and I couldn’t imagine my four years without the opportunity to make it my own.
1,500 Students from 31 states, DC and Puerto Rico, as well as 22 countries
94% Students who live in residence halls, suites and houses
4 The number of years of guaranteed housing
MY NAME IS
COLIN
AND I AM A
BIOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE DOUBLE MAJOR, SPANISH AND PSYCHOLOGY DOUBLE MINOR, ON A PRE-MEDICAL TRACK,
MEMBER OF THE MEN’S SWIMMING TEAM, TOUR
GUIDE, TUTOR, PASS (PEER ASSISTED
STUDY SESSION) INSTRUCTOR FOR ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, MEMBER OF DR. BETH BAILEY’S CARDIAC RESEARCH
VOLUNTEER FOR LITTLE BEARS SWIM LESSONS, LAB,
CAPTAIN OF SWIMMING RELAY TEAM, PARTICIPANT
IN AIRBAND, RELAY FOR LIFE AND THE RAGBALL INTERNATIONAL CHARITY SOCCER TOURNAMENT, INTRAMURAL BADMINTON
TEAM MEMBER (VERY PROUD 0-6).
27
hen I was in high school, I visited a few colleges, but there was always something missing. When I first visited Ursinus, I went through my mental checklist and everything clicked. I hung out with the swim team and spent the night. The next day, I watched them in a meet against one of their rivals, Gettysburg. I thought to myself, “You know what? This is where I want to be.” I raced over to the bookstore, bought an Ursinus Swimming T-shirt, put it on, and ran back over to the meet. I was cheering and going nuts with the team and the coaches. The rest is history. The team drew me in from that first visit and that’s what it’s like here. You want to share the dream. When I host prospective students, I want to be able to give them the same experience. I’m a biology and neuroscience double major, and a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) tutor for organic chemistry. I’m also a tour guide, and I love talking about Ursinus. It might be the greatest gig I’ll ever have. I teach swim lessons through our Little Bears program, I’m one of our newest WVOU deejays, and I just started undergraduate research in Dr. Beth Bailey’s lab. We’re studying adaptations in the heart during pregnancy.
29
Education runs in my blood. I love teaching, and I’ve been told I’m a good leader. I love to share my passion for swimming and academics, and hopefully I’ll instill some of that passion into others. Ursinus attracts a certain type of individual. You can’t give a little and take away a lot. You have to be all in from the start. You have to be dedicated and well-rounded. The most successful Ursinus students have their hands in a little bit of everything. You’re going to come out of Ursinus like a human Swiss Army knife, ready for whatever the world is going to throw at you. We’re Renaissance men and women. It’s because of this well-rounded preparation that I’m able to fulfill my dream of going to medical school. My advisers and professors helped guide me through the arduous pre-med process from my first day as a student on campus. I’ve always been told that Ursinus is a pre-med powerhouse, and my four years here helped prove it. I don’t know where I’d be without those experiences.
Top
100
Liberal arts college according to U.S. News and World Report, Forbes and Washington Monthly
11:1
Student/Faculty ratio
100
%
of classes taught by faculty, not graduate students or TAs
HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE WORLD?
31
THE PARLEE CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND THE COMMON GOOD Science has a huge impact on our world, for good and ill. This means that scientists have a responsibility to think about the consequences of their work and to explain to others why it is worthwhile. The Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good (CSCG) molds responsible citizen-scientists through programs that unite the Ursinus culture of research and creativity with the habits of reflection and judgment cultivated by the college’s distinctive first-year course, the Common Intellectual Experience (CIE). The CSCG is supported by an Undergraduate Science Education Grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
THIS IS HOW WE SEE THE WORLD
THE U-IMAGINE CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES
We believe that the greatest learning can occur at the intersection of disciplines. That’s where innovative thinking, new ideas and life-changing immersive experiences thrive. To that end, we are a campus of academic neighborhoods, boasting three interdisciplinary centers housed in the state-of-the-art Innovation and Discovery Center. The facility supports the unique multidisciplinary nature of a liberal arts education by integrating subject matters, spaces and people.
The U-Imagine Center focuses on entrepreneurship and integration as a way of thinking and acting. Students learn to approach problems in novel ways, develop comfort with ambiguity, and apply learning in real contexts. The Center provides valuable resources so that ANY student from ANY major feels welcome to use the Center to develop an idea into a product or service that creates value by meeting a social or market need.
Those with an entrepreneurial mindset are individuals who can extend their knowledge to recognize opportunities where others don’t. They are constant learners who continually challenge assumptions.
THE MELROSE CENTER FOR GLOBAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Named in honor of the late U.S. Ambassador Joseph H. Melrose Jr. ’66, a beloved alumnus and professor of politics and international relations, the Melrose Center seeks to develop future global leaders through unprecedented learning opportunities that will allow students to engage with current global leaders to help enact social change. Students selected as global civic fellows will experience service-learning research in locations all over the world. The fellows will take courses emphasizing social and global issues; design and implement civic engagement projects to enhance community-based organizations; and travel abroad to engage in service-learning initiatives.
Be on the lookout for “center-specific” spring events and programming for admitted students during your senior year of high school.
33
MY NAME IS
KISHA
AND I AM A
POLITICS AND WOMEN’S STUDIES DOUBLE MAJOR,
SENIOR ADMISSION FELLOW,
STUDY ABROAD PARTICIPANT, HEAD TOUR GUIDE, URSINUS COLLEGE REPUBLICANS
HAINES-BERNARD PRE-LEGAL SOCIETY PRESIDENT, UC MOCK TRIAL
PRESIDENT,
CRIGLER INSTITUTE PARTICIPANT, SUMMER FELLOW, CAPTAIN,
FIVE-TIME MOCK TRIAL TOP ATTORNEY, PRE-LEGAL DEPARTMENT INTERN, FUTURE LAWYER, ADVENTURER, SUSTAINABILITY FELLOW,
ESCAPE VELOCITY DANCER, RESEARCHER.
35
f I were to tell you that Ursinus offers the best in liberal arts education, you wouldn’t want to argue with me: I earned Top Attorney honors at five different mock trial competitions. So consider yourself warned! All kidding aside, it’s easy to see why I feel this way. Ursinus has provided me with unparalleled opportunities. Take, for instance, my study abroad experience in Australia. Not only did I transplant myself to an amazing location full of culture and history, but while there, I worked for a civil litigation firm. The Supreme Court of New South Wales was just down the road from the office. One of the partners who was aware of my interest in criminal law knew the prosecutor on a big case and gained me access to the courtroom to watch the trial. That’s when I knew I was on the right path: I want to be a lawyer. The lawyers in Australia start practicing law much earlier in their careers than in the U.S., so many of the lawyers there are close to my age. As a result, I had good relationships with
37
my coworkers and was trusted with important responsibilities, such as combing through boxes of evidence for an important case. I was in charge of discovery, and I pulled out everything that would be needed during the trial. I like the intellectual stimulation of discovery and finding every little thing that can help you in a case, but I want to argue in court. At Ursinus, I learned trial advocacy skills from our mock trial mentors. As a team, we learned a lot about how to ask better questions and how to write stronger statements. The support I got from my professors and our law alumni network was fantastic. It helped me figure out what I wanted. My experience abroad allowed me to be part of a global community of Ursinus graduates who have studied around the world. Every Ursinus student should study abroad and experience the world like I did. You might even uncover your true passion.
93%
Seniors in 2017 who say that Ursinus improved their critical thinking skills very much
100%
Participated in the Experiential Learning Project (XLP)
86.8
%
Our first-to-second-year retention rate far exceeds the national average of 75.3%
MY NAME IS
ROSEANGELA
AND I AM AN
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND SPANISH DOUBLE MAJOR, LATIN AMERICAN
STUDIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES DOUBLE MINOR,
BONNER LEADER,
CO-TREASURER FOR B’NATURALS A CAPPELLA GROUP, FACULTY LIAISON
AND MEMBER OF THE DIVERSITY COMMITTEE,
COMMUNICATIONS GREEN FELLOW OF THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY,
ESL INSTRUCTOR, RESIDENT ADVISER, WRITING FELLOW, VICE PRESIDENT OF
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CLUB,
KEMPER SCHOLAR TOP 3 FINALIST, JAMES G. FULTON
AND J. STEELE GOW POLITICAL FELLOW AT THE LES ASPIN CENTER FOR GOVERNMENT,
INTERN AT PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS, EXTERN AT COUNCIL OF
AMERICAN AMBASSADORS, ADVOCATE
FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS.
39
y learning experience has not been solely academic. It’s been about what it truly means to be a human being. A lot of my studies are separate, but interconnected in a really natural way, so my entire experience at Ursinus has been to not just find out who I am, but what it means to be in my position. Through my James G. Fulton and J. Steele Gow political fellowship, I worked for a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. My job was to research as much I could about the economy, good government, foreign policy, environmental movements, and leadership. I attended two congressional briefings a week, and I went to a progressive conference with legislators from all over the United States. I also published an op-ed on youth homelessness, and I am beginning the Peace Corps prep program at Ursinus. I’d like to go to graduate school, and I’m also considering attending law school and advocating for human rights. I’m involved in the ESL program, which teaches English to Ursinus assist staff. I’m not inherently good at Spanish, but within the first two weeks
41
of the ESL program, I decided that I wanted to take Spanish and study abroad. It seemed to me that it was my calling to continue learning Spanish, and the ESL program has become my favorite part of my week. Every person in the program is near and dear to my heart. It’s very humbling. I came from a financial situation where I didn’t think I would be able to go to a college like Ursinus, but having these opportunities wouldn’t have been possible without Ursinus. Seeing that layered effect is pretty remarkable, and I’m very thankful. I think having access to a liberal arts education is something that has really helped me facilitate my way of thinking. The Ursinus faculty have been the largest part of this. I’ve had amazing professors and academic advisers who helped me lay the groundwork and get me to think about difficult topics. It seems cliché, but there is something about the professors here and the way they connect with students that is very different than anywhere else.
Among the top
120
Schools in a New York Times ranking based on our commitment to economic access
Among only
10
%
of U.S. colleges to house a chapter of the national honor society Phi Beta Kappa
170
Acres make up our private, residential liberal arts campus
THIS IS
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Civic engagement is a big part of Ursinus. Last year, 65 percent of students volunteered in the community, totaling nearly 19,000 hours. Each year during Welcome Week, students carry on the tradition of civic engagement during our Be the Change event at 10 volunteer sites. Students interested in volunteering throughout the year can choose from a variety of service opportunities offered by UCARE, the Ursinus Center for Advocacy, Responsibility and Engagement. Through partnerships with more than 40 community agencies, UCARE serves as our hub for community engagement and social advocacy.
43
Want to take it even further? Consider a minor in Peace and Social Justice Studies, or apply to become a Bonner leader (see page 57) or a global civic fellow of the Melrose Center (see page 34). Additionally, we are one of the colleges designated to offer a Peace Corps Preparatory Program, and we are one of 10 founding members of Project Pericles, a national organization of colleges and universities committed to making socially responsible and participatory citizenship an essential part of our educational program.
WHAT WILL I DO?
45
MY NAME IS
ALYSE
AND I AM A
NEUROSCIENCE MAJOR, ENGLISH AND SPANISH DOUBLE MINOR,
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY RESEARCHER,
DISABILITY ADVOCATE,
URSINUS COLLEGE AMBASSADOR,
“FUTURE” PROGRAM MENTEE AND MENTOR, CIE FELLOW, ACCION COMUNAL LATINOAMERICANA DE MONTGOMERY COUNTY (ACLAMO) VOLUNTEER, SUMMER FELLOW,
LITERARY SOCIETY MEMBER,
WRITER, PRESENTER
AT NATIONAL CELL BIOLOGY CONFERENCE,
NEUROSCIENCE CLUB MEMBER,
DIVERSITY MONOLOGUES PERFORMER.
47
mbassadors are among the first people who new students meet on campus. They run orientation and make first-year students feel at home. From Day One, I knew it was a group I wanted to belong to. Ambassadors are also called change agents. It’s all about enacting positive change and being a leader wherever you go. What I really want to do is become a physician’s assistant. I hope to work at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and help kids who have disabilities. I have cerebral palsy, and I spent a lot of time there when I was a kid. My philosophy? Be who you needed when you were younger. I grew up not seeing disability represented in any kind of context. My doctors weren’t disabled. My teachers weren’t disabled. Becoming a physician’s assistant would be an opportunity to show children that people in extraordinary circumstances can succeed, thrive and do really well for themselves. My first year at Ursinus, I participated in the Diversity Monologues. It allowed me to share my story: what it’s like having a disability and the challenges I face with accessibility. Afterward,
49
so many people came up to me to say things like, “I have a learning disability and I really relate to you.” I realized that I wanted to start a conversation for people with disabilities on campus. Disability Week was born. It grew from a panel discussion my sophomore year to a full week of events. My favorite was sit volleyball. We sat on the floor, lowered the net and—for the first time in 22 years—I played volleyball. Yes, volleyball! It blew my mind. On the academic front, I’m a neuroscience major. I love the marriage between psychology and biology and the relation to human behavior. I feel fortunate to study this at Ursinus because not many colleges have an undergraduate program for neuroscience. I actually spent 4 1/2 years conducting scientific biology research thanks in part to my involvement in the FUTURE program. It’s designed to get incoming and first-year students, especially those from underserved populations, involved in research and ignite a passion for STEM fields. What you put into Ursinus is what you’ll get out of it. I always said “Yes!” to opportunities. It made me really busy, but I cherish every minute.
1 of 44
Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL)
93.4%
Class of 2017 graduates who were employed, attending graduate or professional school full time, completing a fellowship or engaged in a year of service
100+
Clubs and organizations
MY NAME IS
DAVID AND I AM A
POLITICAL SCIENCE AND APPLIED ECONOMICS DOUBLE MAJOR, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND LEGAL STUDIES DOUBLE MINOR, BASEBALL CAPTAIN, MEMBER OF STUDENT GOVERNMENT, BASEBALL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, INTRAMURAL PARTICIPANT, CROSSWORD WIZARD, JUDICIARY BOARD MEMBER, WHITMAN SCHOLAR SUMMER FELLOW, SPORTS FAN, OMICRON DELTA EPSILON CONFERENCE DISCUSSANT, UC CHAIN GANG CAPTAIN, HEAD TOUR GUIDE, SOCIAL MEDIA FAME-SEEKER, SENIOR ADMISSION FELLOW.
51
still remember my recruiting visit at Ursinus, which was also when I decided that this was where I wanted to spend my next four years. It’s all thanks to Derek Jeter’s last home game in Yankee Stadium. The rest of the visit was like any other recruiting trip. I met the guys on the baseball team and the coach, had lunch with students, sat in on a class—all the usual stuff. But it wasn’t until we all gathered in an upperclassmen suite and watched the game that I sensed the familial vibe everyone always talks about on campus. It wasn’t just baseball guys watching the game. There were people from the men’s lacrosse team, the women’s soccer team, non-athletes—all different types of people from different niches, and we were all packed in the room watching together. As I looked around—a stranger in a tight-knit pack—it occurred to me that I’d never seen a group of students come together like this. When Jeter hit that walk-off, the room just erupted. It was incredible. The next day, as I walked around campus on tour, I saw those people again and they all smiled
53
and waved. Ursinus welcomed me with open arms over those two days, and it never stopped. That’s what so great about this place: more than 70% of our community participates in athletics—be it varsity, club or intramural—but that doesn’t define Ursinus, or the people. It’s why I’ve been able to do so many different things with my time here, such as play baseball, serve on the judicial board, welcome prospective students as a senior admission fellow, and conduct scholarly research on pay disparities for rookie professional athletes. At Ursinus, you don’t have to compromise and be just one thing; you are encouraged to pursue all your passions and find connections between them. I’ve been pushed to succeed farther than I ever thought possible in both my academics and athletics, and it’s in large part due to the friends, teammates and mentors I’ve found here. So when I graduate law school and become a big-time sports agent, I’ll have all these experiences to draw upon, and will be that much more prepared. And if that doesn’t work, then maybe my social-media fame will; have you seen our baseball holiday videos? You soon will!
113
Athletes named to Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll
37%
Students who play a varsity sport
40%
Students who play club or intramural sports
THIS IS
ACADEMICS All first-year students participate in the Common Intellectual Experience (CIE), an innovative, full-year seminar. Guided by texts from some of the most provocative thinkers of the past and present, students consider the four questions of our core curriculum: What should matter to me? How should we live together? How can we understand the world? What will I do? By the end of senior year, all students complete an Experiential Learning Project (XLP), fostering initiative and independence. Students must complete a significant research project, an internship, a teaching assignment, a creative project, a civic-engagement commitment or a semester studying abroad. MAJORS AND MINORS African American and Africana Studies American Studies Anthropology & Sociology Anthropology Applied Economics Applied Ethics Art Art and Art History Art History Astronomy Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Biostatistics Business—see Applied Economics Chemistry Coaching Computer Science Creative Writing Dance East Asian Studies Economics Educational Studies (with optional teacher certification add-on) English Entrepreneurship Environmental Studies
55
Film Studies Finance and Accounting French Gender, Women’s, & Sexuality Studies German German Studies Greek Health and Exercise Physiology History Human Performance Assessment International Relations Japanese Latin Latin American Studies Legal Studies Management Studies Mathematics Media and Communication Studies Museum Studies Music Neuroscience Peace and Social Justice Studies Peace Corps Prep Program Philosophy Physics Politics Pre-Engineering Pre-Health Professions Pre-Law Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish Statistics Student-Initiated Majors Teaching Certification (secondary*) Theater Wellness/Fitness *Elementary in Health and Exercise Physiology and languages Majors highlighted in bold
THIS IS
OPPORTUNITY The Ursinus experience is intensely personal, so why would our financial assistance offerings be any different? Ursinus offers financial assistance based both on merit and financial qualifications. Our merit scholarships are valued at up to $40,000 annually, and are based on academic, extracurricular and talent-based achievement. Scholarships include, but are not limited to:
ZACHARIAS HONORS SCHOLARSHIP, our highest
BONNER LEADERS and SCHOLARS IN SERVICE awards
Our signature merit program, the
URSINUS SCIENCE SCHOLARS, a four-year program
academic award
GATEWAY SCHOLARSHIP, automatic with a 1220+ SAT or 27+ ACT submission
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS in music, theater and dance
CREATIVE WRITING AWARD THE REVEREND CHARLES RICE SCHOLARSHIPS for
focused on civic engagement
focused on recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in STEM-related fields
The ABELE SCHOLARS program, encouraging students to weave social entrepreneurship and free enterprise into their everyday lives And LEGACY scholarships
diversity and inclusion efforts
Our merit program is, just as in the admission process, completely test optional (with the exception of the Gateway). For a complete list of scholarships, as well as information on requirements, deadlines, special visit days and scholarship amounts, please visit ursinus.edu/opportunity.
57
THIS IS
BEAR COUNTRY NCAA DIVISION III ATHLETICS WOMEN’S SPORTS
CLUB SPORTS
MEN’S SPORTS
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Golf Gymnastics Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball
Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Lacrosse Soccer Swimming Tennis Track & Field Wrestling
Cheerleading Fencing Roller Hockey Men’s Rugby Women’s Rugby Running Club Men’s Soccer Table Tennis Triathlon Club Ultimate Frisbee Men’s Volleyball Water Polo
Badminton (Singles and Doubles) Co-ed Basketball Men’s Basketball Co-ed Flag Football Co-ed Indoor Field Hockey Co-ed Indoor Soccer Men’s Indoor Soccer Sand Court Volleyball Tournament Co-ed Volleyball Men’s Volleyball
Ursinus College is a proud member of the Centennial Conference. The Centennial Conference encourages athletic competition among national liberal arts colleges and universities that share similar academic aspirations and a commitment to the importance of the total educational experience of students engaged in sports.
59
THIS IS
COLLEGEVILLE Only 25 miles from Philadelphia, Ursinus is ideally located in Collegeville. The suburban college town is just as quaint as it sounds: a walkable Main Street, numerous parks, and easy access to the Perkiomen Trail, which borders campus and is part of a 60-mile trail system that leads to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Though thanks to our Berman Museum of Art here on campus, Collegeville boasts its own art museum as well.)
But there’s more to Collegeville than just charm. The area is well-known for biopharmaceutical and healthcare companies, such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Quest Diagnostics. The nearby Providence Town Center features 70 shops and restaurants, as well as a dine-in movie theater. With easy access to Rt. 422, the rich culture and history of Philadelphia are accessible for exploring.
BOSTON
NEW YORK
PENNSYLVANIA NEW YORK
PHILADELPHIA BALTIMORE WASHINGTON DC
NEW JERSEY DELAWARE
$31,500 Average institutional aid award last year
99
%
Students who received aid last year
75.5
%
Four-year graduation rate, compared to 52.8% at other private, independent colleges
EXPERIENCE URSINUS The BEST way to decide if Ursinus is the right fit for you is to visit our campus. Our office is open Monday-Friday year-round, as well as many Saturdays throughout the year. To schedule your tour and personalized information session today, go to ursinus.edu/visit.
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE URSINUS APPLICATION IS FREE AND THAT WE ARE A TEST-OPTIONAL SCHOOL? We make applying as easy as possible. The only way to apply to Ursinus is with the Common Application, beginning on August 1 of your senior year. In order for your application to be complete, we require the following: • Complete Common Application • Official and complete high school transcripts • Recommendation from school counselor • An interview is encouraged, when possible
$45.9 MILLION
The amount provided in financial aid to students
$64,800 Total direct costs for the 2018-19 academic year Tuition and fees Room Board
$52,050 $8,500 $4,250
FALL ADMISSION EARLY ACTION
EARLY DECISION I
EARLY DECISION II
REGULAR DECISION
TRANSFER
APPLICATION DEADLINES
November 1
December 1
February 1
February 1
August 1
FINANCIAL AID
November 1
December 1
February 1
February 1
August 1
ADMISSION NOTIFICATION
Late December
Late December
Mid-March
Mid-March
Rolling
FINANCIAL AID NOTIFICATION
End of January
End of January
Mid-March
Mid-March
Within 2 weeks of acceptance
DEPOSIT DEADLINES
May 1
Within 2 weeks of receiving financial aid award
Within 2 weeks of receiving financial aid award
May 1
Within 2 weeks of receiving financial aid award
For more information about applying, visit ursinus.edu/admission.
63
eco ink eco: Minion Pro BoldItalic ink: American Typewriter Regular
NOW, WE’RE READY TO MEET
PANTONE 370 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS STATEMENT Ursinus College saved the following resources by using recycled paper, manufactured with 30% post-consumer waste. 21 fully grown trees 15,000 gallons of water 13 million BTUs of energy 220 lbs. of solid waste 26,300 lbs. of greenhouse gases Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator For more information visit http://www.papercalculator.org
601 E. Main Street, Collegville, PA 19426 ursinus.edu/visit