The university offers approximately 35 major areas of study for undergraduates and also offers graduate and doctoral degrees in the areas of business and education. The university serves approximately 1,600 students.[1] There are more than 800 undergraduates enrolled at the main campus in Central, South Carolina. In addition, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are offered in a fully online format.
In 1904, representatives of Wesleyan Methodist churches in South Carolina and surrounding states met at Central to consider the possibility of establishing a college.[citation needed] Classes at the new school began on October 15, 1906, with students from first grade through college. Initially known as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute (1906–1908), subsequent names included Wesleyan Methodist College (1909–1959) and Central Wesleyan College (1959–1994). The school was renamed Southern Wesleyan University in 1994.[citation needed]
Beginning in 1928, the college operated as a two-year junior college, with a four-year theological program.[5] In 1958, the pre-college programs were phased out, and the college moved to a full four-year program.[5] The junior college program received accreditation that same year, and Central Wesleyan College (as the school was then called) was accredited to award bachelor's degrees in 1973.[6] The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees.[6]
In addition to the traditional program, in 1986 a nontraditional program for working adults was added.[5] Initially known as Leadership Education for Adult Professionals (LEAP), the program expanded to include various associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in an evening class format. The program evolved into what are now the fully online programs at SWU.[5]
The university was granted an exception to Title IX in 2015 which allows it to legally discriminate against LGBT students for religious reasons.[7]
Southern Wesleyan University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in two schools and one college.
School of Education
The school of education provides training for teaching careers in public and private education. This training is geared toward classroom management, student learning and teacher instruction for the elementary and secondary school levels.[8]
The College of Arts and Sciences at Southern Wesleyan University offers a broad range of academic disciplines, such as Christian ministry, the humanities, fine arts, and the social, natural and computational sciences.[10]
Campus
Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) occupies a 350-acre (142 ha) campus near the town of Central, South Carolina.[citation needed]
Student activities
Student life
Student Life maintains student government, Student Activities, athletics, first year experience, counseling, retention, and overall student life. Student Life hosts an annual Day of Service in which students and staff participate in various projects in the local community.[11] Service projects include such things as food drives, brush clean up, entertainment and cleaning.[11] Southern Wesleyan's goal for student life is to integrate faith, living, and learning into students’ education and to cultivate strong men and women who desire to embody the character of Christ.[12]
SWUnity
There is an unofficial LGBT student organization called SWUnity. The organization's faculty sponsor, Beth Stuart, was fired in 2013 because she refused to withdraw her support of SWUnity.[13] Pre-marital sex, homosexual acts, and "sexual perversions" are prohibited by the Southern Wesleyan University Student Handbook as well as other internal policies for faculty and staff.[14]
Athletics
The Southern Wesleyan (SWU) athletics teams are called the Warriors. A new logo was introduced in 2013, but the Warrior nickname was retained. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the Conference Carolinas since the 2014–15 academic year (with NCAA D-II full member status since 2016–17).[15][16] They are also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the South Region of the Division I level.[17] The Warriors previously competed in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC; formerly known as Georgia–Alabama–Carolina Conference (GACC) until after the 2003–04 school year) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1999–2000 to 2013–14.
SWU completes in 12 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. Club sports include co-ed bass fishing.[3] Former sports included men's & women's golf, and men's & women's tennis.
Nickname
A new logo was introduced in 2013, but the Warrior nickname was retained.
Men's soccer
In 2013, the men's soccer team won the Division I NCCAA National Championships and Camilo Rodriguez, the team's head coach was awarded NCCAA's Coach of the Year.[4]
Women's basketball
In 2007, the SWU women's basketball team was awarded the NCCAA National Championship.[3]
Open to students of all skill levels, intramural sports include basketball, flag football, ping pong, sand volleyball, soccer, and softball.
Spiritual life on campus
Chapel and discipleship opportunities
Students have the opportunity to grow in their faith through weekly chapel experiences with guest speakers and worship. The university also offers discipleship groups, ministry teams, local serving opportunities and global missions experiences.[27]
Ministry teams
Southern Wesleyan University offers opportunities for students to be involved with a ministry team that is funded by the university. There are three types of ministry teams sent out by the university: Recreation Ministry Teams, The Difference and University Singers.[28]
Recreation Ministry Teams
Recreation Ministry Teams serve as needed at various Christian summer camps in the months of June and July.[28]
The Difference
The Difference is a year-long program, in which members travel to lead worship at churches, events and summer camps.[28] There are eight members in this contemporary worship band. They also serve as a recreation team at summer camps.[28]
University Singers
University Singers is a traveling vocal group which performs religious music at various churches and events. They sing a mixture of contemporary and traditional gospel music.[29]
