Notes on the Fly: Warren Wilson College
*College campus tours are packed with information and always an amazing experience. In my "notes on the fly" blog, I will be sharing facts about the college/university that I write "on the fly" during my visits.*
Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa North Carolina
One of 8 work colleges
Everyone works for minimum wage at some kind of job. Farm, horse, custodial, food crew etc...goes toward tuition
Environmental science, creative writing strong majors
Work, service and education
All students complete 100 service hours before graduation
Sustainability is important - 100% recycled etc.
Academics
- core curriculum but flexible in nature
- 21 undergrad majors
- environmental sustainability, environmental/forestry
- the working landscape is part of the curriculum
- experiential model - on campus work with off campus engagement
- senior capstone project - sequence of courses that is mentored - especially in the sciences
- good degrees, job experience, research experience, service and community experience
- practical experience is what separates the school from others
Integrated advising
applied learning and pathways to graduate outcomes
A WW graduate is prepared to engage in ground breaking scholarship
1 of 8 work colleges - all students have to work as part of their education. 85 work crews. Office support, landscaping, gardening, etc.
LGBTQ work crew and one of the most friendly schools in the country
10 hours a week for freshman, move up to 15 to 20 as they move through school
Community engagement - 1. Learn to explore, 2. Go deep with one issue, 3. Signature community engagement experience - putting the knowledge to work
Each student finds their own path, students are encouraged to test their assumptions - can be a generalist or a specialist.
Critical thinking, problem solving, professionalism and teamwork
Integrated advising, first and second year
Land as a Learning Lab
- Teaching, research, management, Enterprise
- applied learning. Get to do what they are studying
- 1100 acres - divided between the farm (animals), garden (5 acres), apiary, draft horses, forest land for non-timber uses
- outdoors can be the primary classroom
Teaching
- integrated working landscape, gives students the opportunity to specialize. How can they integrate it into the broader community - outside stakeholders
- conservation - how to protect the land against inappropriate growth
- outreach - the more students are involved with the outside community
- most classes can be taught outside.
Management
- students run the campus. Doing the work to keep the campus running
- develops confidence that work builds for the work place
Research
- all science students, sequenced course work with a presentation at the end.
- faculty research - novel and innovative land management systems. Educate surrounding landowners
Enterprise
- Doing well by doing good
- contribute to the social good and environment. Green entrepreneurship
- from blackboard to finished product
- herb crew, truffle development, meat production
Athletics and adventure sports - moving toward division 3
- cross country
- soccer
- mtn biking
- swimming
- basketball
- lacrosse
- road cycling
Outdoor program - climbing wall
- every weekend there is something going on. Lot’s of opportunity to be involved
Student Activities
- seen a period of growth adding clubs
- spin arts - aerial
- orientation - large percentage students from out of state. Runs right before schools starts for 5 days. There are 2 adventure programs for those who are particularly nervous about transitioning to college.
- event planning
Financial aid and merit
- 2.75 automatically given merit, 21K at the top end
- in house need based awarding, Pell grants
- NC free tuition for 2 students
- Mile Post 1 scholarship - is a tuition reduction program for middle class students who may not have demonstrated need but can’t afford college
- growing enrollment - 20% over the last 5 years, little more room to grow. Max out around 800. 40% instate, 60% out of state
Applying
- wholistic review for all applications. Looking for students who can communicate effectively. Are they having engaged experiences? Looking for passion and sticking with something
Support for LD
- tutoring, accommodation plans
