C-SC begins 21st century curriculum in Fall 2008

C-SC faculty discuss the new EXP@CSC curriculum at a recent faculty retreat.

Culver-Stockton is about to begin an innovative curriculum called EXP@CSC that will redefine the college and better prepare C-SC students for the global marketplace of the 21st century. The curriculum has been designed to respond to the most recent research about the expectations of students and the expectations employers have of college graduates. Culver-Stockton President William L. Fox, said the program is the first of its kind in the region and is built around a calendar and curriculum that emphasize exploration, practical experience, and flexibility. EXP@CSC features a revised college calendar that provides a 12-week long term for taking multiple classes, but that also offers a 3-week short term in the remainder of each 15-week semester for an intensive, one-course experiential opportunity. During the 3-week session students will learn-by-doing through study abroad, internships, clinical rotations, or other hands-on practical experiences. EXP@CSC will be launched in three phases, beginning in Fall 2008, with the 12/3 academic calendar; a "Common Experience," a revamped set of core courses common to all majors; and the inclusion of experiential opportunities in every major - including three-week study abroad courses. The C-SC faculty is finalizing the curriculum details this spring. For much more information about EXP@CSC, visit our website.

Pillars for Excellence Scholarship Day a success

Pillars candidates mingle with faculty, staff, and students at the annual Pillars for Excellence Scholarship Competition.

A group of the brightest high school seniors converged on the campus of Culver-Stockton College February 9 for the 24th annual Pillars for Excellence Scholarship Competition. The students were invited to compete for these full-tuition merit scholarships, based on their high school academic achievements (a GPA of at least 3.6, on a 4.0 scale, and at least a 26 ACT score). Pillars for Excellence Scholarships can be renewed annually at the value of the student's freshman year if the student maintains a 3.2 GPA at Culver-Stockton. Students competed through essay writing and an interview session with faculty, staff, and current C-SC students who are Pillars winners. During the event, prospective students and their parents also learned more about C-SC activities, the honors program, and financial aid. Pillars Scholarship winners will be announced in March. More information about the day is available online. More information about C-SC financial aid opportunities is also available online.

Vision scholarships awarded
Culver-Stockton also announced that two incoming freshmen have been awarded the Vision of Success scholarship. This full-tuition award is based solely on a student's academic excellence and promise and does not require additional competition or interviewing. To qualify, students must have at least a 32 on their ACT test and a minimum high school GPA of 3.6. The 2008 recipients are Erin Carmody of Webster Groves High School, Webster Groves, Mo., and Alexander Kaizer of Gilbert Junior-Senior High School, Ames, Iowa. Carmody is planning to major in theatre at Culver-Stockton. Kaizer has declared a history major. The scholarship can be renewed each year, at the value of the student's freshman year tuition if the student maintains a 3.2 average while retaining full-time status at Culver-Stockton.

Priority deadline nears for financial aid - March 1
March 1 is the priority deadline for maximum funding consideration by Culver-Stockton. Students who want to ensure they receive the best aid package possible, need to complete three steps before the end of February: (1) apply, (2) submit C-SC's online financial aid estimator and (3) complete their FAFSA application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available online. All financial aid eligibility is determined through FAFSA, and C-SC must have a form on file before the student's aid package can be determined. The C-SC FAFSA code is 002460.

Don't forget! Spring Visit Day scheduled April 19

Ann Hammer, director of teacher education, answers questions during a Visit Day.

Reservations are being accepted for prospective students to visit the C-SC campus on Saturday, April 19. Group visit days are offered to provide future students with an opportunity to hear from college administrators and a panel of current students. Campus tours and an academic and activity fair also are scheduled. If you are unable to attend the group visit day, contact your Culver-Stockton admissions counselor to arrange for a personalized visit. Nothing is more important than visiting campus to see the environment, meet students and faculty, and learn for yourself what college has to offer. For more information, click here.

Lebanon senior wins iPhone drawing
Veronica Starnes, a senior at Lebanon Senior High School, Lebanon, Mo., is the lucky winner of a free iPhone in a drawing sponsored by the C-SC Department of Admissions. Prospective students were invited to submit applications and be accepted by January 31 to be eligible for the drawing. The phone will be presented on "Census Day," 10 business days into the Fall 2008 semester. Starnes has been involved in cross country and soccer for four years in high school, as well as a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to major in nursing and possibly continue playing soccer in intramurals. The winning name was drawn by C-SC Board Treasurer Ronald W. Leftwich. The names of nine other newly admitted students were drawn as runners-up to receive C-SC t-shirts.

C-SC approved for 'Common Application'
Culver-Stockton has been approved for membership in the "Common Application" association, as of July. This group of independent colleges enables prospective students to apply to any of more than 300 colleges by completing a single application - in print or online. Fifteen colleges established "Common Application" in 1975 to standardize a first-year application form that would be valid for any member institution; today, more than 339 higher education institutions that represent the full range of colleges and universities in the United States. Culver-Stockton is one of only 23 colleges to be accepted by "Common Application" this year.

C-SC gets high marks for teacher education program

Terry Sherer, chair of the Education Division, works with future teachers.

The Culver-Stockton College teacher education program received high marks in a survey by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The survey was given to first-year teachers and their principals. First-year teachers who graduated from Culver-Stockton scored at or above the state average in many areas. The survey rated the quality of college/university teacher preparation programs in the state based on the responses from both principals and from first-year teachers, rating their own preparation. Culver-Stockton teacher preparation ranked significantly higher, by 10 or more percentage points, in the following categories: facilitating higher levels of learning by employing a variety of instructional strategies, using communication skills to effectively foster learning, and using ethical instructional practices. For more information about the teacher education program at Culver-Stockton, contact Ann Hammer, director of teacher education, at 573-288-6438 or ahammer@culver.edu.

Come Back to the 5 & Dime to open February 28
C-SC's next theatre production will be Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. Performances are February 28 and 29 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee March 2, at 3 p.m. in the Mabee Little Theatre at Culver-Stockton College. Set in a small-town dime store in west Texas, the play is about the 20th reunion of the Disciples of James Dean. The plot revolves around middle-aged women attending the reunion, who were teenagers when Dean filmed Giant two decades ago in nearby Marfa, Texas. The C-SC 2007-08 production season will close with The Rocky Horror Show, April 24-27. For information concerning Fine Arts events or for ticket information, call 573-288-6346 or e-mail finearts@culver.edu.