College guideās unique methodology continues to promote engagement over prestige.
Ā鶹APPhas been recognized for its honorable commitment to engaged, hands-on education by , a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students. As an institution whose primary goals are based on student success and satisfaction, Ā鶹APPclaims its honor as one of the renowned Colleges of Distinction.
Colleges of Distinctionās longstanding support for student-centered schools highlight those that traditional rankings often overlook. Founder Wes Creel created Colleges of Distinction to draw more attention to schools like Ā鶹APPwhose student-centered education prevails in applying theory to practice while fostering a dynamic learning community.
Colleges of Distinctionās selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools about each institutionās freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and moreāand accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. These principles are all informed by the High-Impact Practices to prioritize the ways that institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience.
āEvery student has their own unique set of abilities, their own goals, and their own ideal settings in which they would thrive,ā said Creel. āThatās why we donāt rank our schools. Itās about finding the best opportunities for each individualās needs and desires.ā Catawba Collegeās inclusion is informed by the unique ways it commits to achieving success.
āWe are honored to be included in this yearās cohort as a College of Distinction,ā said Dr. Jared R. Tice, Senior Vice President for the College Experience and Dean of Students. āA Ā鶹APPeducation meets the needs and goals of our students in an ever-changing workforce by blending the liberal arts, hands-on immersive learning, and career preparation.ā
Creel and his colleagues found that the most popular college rankings systems rely on metrics like peer reputation, size of endowment, and alumni salaries. They knew instead that the effective strategies for student satisfaction and outcomes were the kinds of engaging experiences found at Catawba College: first-year seminars, community-based learning programs, service-learning programs, diversity and global learning programs, interdisciplinary programs, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, living-learning communities, common intellectual experiences, capstone projects, international study programs, and internships.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit .
About Catawba College
Founded in 1851, Ā鶹APPis a four-year, private, liberal arts college conveniently located in Salisbury, N.C. Ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South, The College offers more than 70 academic programs and three graduate programs offering students the ability to combine and cross majors. Close faculty mentorships and numerous experiential learning options create opportunities for Ā鶹APPgraduates to exceed their own expectations and find their vocation. Additional information is available at www.catawba.edu.
