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| photo courtesy of LCU |
Quick Facts:
Name: Lubbock Christian University
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Mascot: Chapparal
Colors: Blue and Red
Enrollment: approx. 2000 students
Majors: 28 (education, business administration and nursing are some of the largest)
Faculty-to-Student Ratio: 15:1
Tuition: approx. $8090/semester
Requirements: 18 ACT, 860 SAT (M,V)
Selectivity: Average
Website: www.lcu.edu
ACADEMICS: LCU’s student-to-professor ratio is 15:1 and from my meetings on campus, it is obvious that the entire university prides itself on being available to students. All classes are instructed by professors; there are no classes taught by grad assistants. The largest major on campus is Education, which includes a teaching certificate by the fourth (senior) year. Ninety percent of education students are hired by a school district before they graduate. The Business and Nursing degrees are also popular among students. Furthermore, students choosing to major in Bible/Theology receive a 40% tuition break if they have high enough test scores.
A unique aspect of the academic culture on campus is the Honors Program. Students can be accepted into the program their freshman year and acceptance is based on ACT/SAT scores, class rank and GPA. The honors program “prepares (students) for advanced study and lives of Christian service” by providing more rigorous coursework and promoting interdisciplinary studies.
Another unique aspect of the campus is the Center for Student Success which includes the campus departments of Tutoring, Student Support and Disabilities, Academic Testing, and Campus Mentoring and Retention. This center focuses on the well-being of each student, freshman through senior year. I met with the Directors from this Center and learned that all tutoring services on campus are free of charge and are available to students in any area of study and at any grade level. Last year, the tutoring department tutored over 250 hours on campus. They continue to work hard to beat the stigma that tutoring is only for “dumb kids”.
Additionally, students with academic and/or physical disabilities have access to learning accommodations through the SSC. According to Student Support and Disabilities Coordinator, Alisha Wallace, LCU can accommodate students with any learning or physical disabilities, as long as state testing requirements are completed. Services range from note-taking accommodations to private testing areas available to students who need additional time or atmosphere while testing.
A writing center is available to all students (thanks to a grant proposal by a group of faculty members on campus) interested in receiving feedback (from current graduate students) on papers and writing assignments.
Furthermore, another unique aspect of the academic culture on campus is the mentoring program. Each freshman student is assigned a staff/faculty mentor from the SSC and is required to meet individually with them each semester. This mentor serves similarly to an academic advisor but is an added accountability for freshman students. This program has been successful in its first year at LCU and the staff seems to be very excited about its potential.
CAMPUS LIFE: With a very small, family feel on campus, LCU offers several options for students to become involved and part of the "LCU family". One primary avenue for involvement is through University Social Clubs, which are similar to fraternities and sororities. Students “rush” at the beginning of the spring semester for placement in to a social club. Due to the size of the university, there are six male clubs and six female clubs. According to campus admissions counselor, Shelley Melton, the majority of students stay on campus through the weekend because of the various activities that the social clubs hold. However, LCU does have a large number of commuter students that live off-campus and commute in only for classes during the weekdays.
Additionally, LCU has numerous outreach organizations that students can join for the opportunity to serve globally, state-side and locally. According to student, Ashley Adams, this is a large part of campus life and many students on campus participate in mission trips while they are students at LCU.
As far as campus tradition is concerned, “Masters Follies” is a one of the longest standing traditions on campus. Master Follies is a variety show of sorts and students have the opportunity to perform individually or in group acts for random prizes, but most importantly, for the pride of being crowned “Spirit of Follies” for the year. The competition is judged by local Lubbock community members and is promoted as a “family friendly” event. Many local families, alumni and prospective students attend this event on campus each year.
COST & FINANCIAL AID: LCU’s tuition is approximately $8,000/semester for a full-time student living on campus. This is quite a bit lower than the majority of private schools I have visited and is very competitive with other private schools in its same region.
LCU offers generous financial aid packages. Last year, 88% of students earned some type of scholarship or grant from the University. Academic scholarships are available to all students entering their freshman year with a SAT score above 820 or an ACT score of 18 or better. Transfer students are awarded based on GPA and must have a 2.7 upon entering to qualify. Additionally, there are numerous institutional scholarships and grants awarded to students each year.
HOUSING/DINING: LCU has two dormitory facilities, cottages-style living, and campus apartments. The dorms house males and females in separate facilities and are “closed” to the opposite sex, aside from visiting hours (Saturdays, 1-4pm). Students are required to live on campus until the age of 22 (unless they commute from home) and each dorm has a Resident Supervisor (full-time staff member) that oversees the facility and Resident Assistants (current upper-classmen) that live on each floor. Dorm curfew is 1am.
LCU offers one cafeteria-style dining hall and two coffee shops/snack shops, which are usually full of students socializing or studying. The cafeteria is standard and offers 19 meals per week. Students have the option to purchase various meal plans for the cafeteria and have “munch money” options for the coffee/snack shops.
I did not try the food during my visit, but based on my observations, the quality of the food was good but the options were rather poor.
SPIRITUALITY: LCU is affiliated with the Church of Christ denomination. Approximately 30% of its students come from a Church of Christ background and the remaining 70% represent all different denominational affiliation. As a Christian school, Student must take four Bible courses with their Core Curriculum. These courses can be spread out across the student’s four years of attendance. Students are also required to attend chapel, which is offered Monday through Thursdays. Chapel is a time for the community to come together to worship. Various speakers and music groups are brought in for chapel services. Students also have the opportunity to get involved with global, state-side and local missions as students. Various trips happen each year and numerous service projects are help locally for student to participate in. Additionally, campus bible studies and spiritual enrichment activities happen weekly on campus.
ATHLETICS: LCU is a member of the NAIA Division I athletic conference. They offer basketball (m,w), baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, cross-county, golf (m,w) and soccer (m,w)
ADMISSION: Rolling Admission; applications are accepted as early as June 15th of junior year.
Essays: no
Interview: no
Campus Visit Days: "Chap Days" and "True Blue Events"
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