2003-2004 Academic Catalog

3 Introduction History Cedarville College was established on January 26, 1887, through the vision of five godly men who dreamed of a college that would provide Christian young people with an education that was offered within a spiritual framework. Affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the College attracted many area students and built its first building, “Old Main,” now called “Founders Hall,” in 1895. Year after year, Cedarville attracted a record number of students and soon gained a reputation not only for its Bible teaching but also for its liberal arts program. The turbulence of the first 50 years of the 20th century led to hard times for the College. Following WW II and one final attempt at revitalization, the trustees realized that the enroll- ment could not support expenses. The College would either have to find another church group to assume its operation or close its doors. At that time the trustees of the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland, Ohio, were seeking a campus on which to expand. Hearing of Cedarville College, they visited the campus and were convinced that Cedarville was the site that God had chosen for their school. Upon mutual agreement by both trustee boards, ownership of the College was transferred on April 4, 1953. Cedarville College became a Baptist college of arts and sciences. James T. Jeremiah, the pastor who first suggested the Baptist Bible Institute-Cedarville College connection, was called to be the College's president. Soon the College was alive and flourishing. By 1959, the enrollment had grown to 255. Faculty, staff, and facilities were added. Six years later the student body had nearly tripled to 763. By the end of Dr. Jeremiah’s 25-year tenure as president in 1978, the College’s enrollment had grown to over 1,200 students. Paul Dixon was then called to lead Cedarville College. Through his leadership, the College has continued to flourish in every area, with nearly 3,000 students, more than 100 programs of study, and many new facilities. In April of 2000 the Board of Trustees voted to change the designation of the institution from college to university effective September 1, 2000. The future looks bright for Cedarville University as it seeks God’s continued blessing and enters its 116th year of service. Profile Cedarville University is a Baptist university of arts and sciences. Since its founding, Cedarville has coupled a balanced liberal arts program with a conservative theological position in regard to doctrine and patterns of conduct. All classes are taught by dedicated Christian professors who integrate the knowledge of their respective fields with biblical perspectives. In keeping with the liberal arts concept, the undergraduate curriculum centers on a basic program of general studies including biblical education, communications, global studies, humanities, physical education, science and mathematics, and the social sciences. Following this program, students choose a major field of concentrated study related to their abilities, interests, and career goals. Upon completion, students receive the baccalaureate degree. The University also offers graduate course work. Purpose The purpose of the University has remained unchanged: to offer an education consistent with biblical truth. To achieve this purpose the University seeks to accomplish the following objectives: 1. To undergird the student in the fundamentals of the Christian faith and to stimulate each student to evaluate knowledge in the light of scriptural truth. 2. To encourage growth in Christian character in each student and to help the student accept responsibility in faithful Christian service. 3. To increase each student’s awareness of the world of ideas and events which are influencing our contemp- orary culture and to prepare each student to participate knowledgeably in our society. 4. To enable each student to develop sound critical and analytical reasoning. 5. To provide sufficient opportunities for each student to practice the skills of communication. 6. To offer opportunities for academic specialization and preparation for graduate study and to assist each student in selecting and preparing for a vocation. 7. To foster each student’s appreciation of and participation in wholesome avocational and cultural activities. Recognition, Accreditation and Licensure Cedarville University is a four-year and graduate degree- granting institution chartered by the state of Ohio and certified by the Ohio Board of Regents. The University is approved by the State Department of Education for the education and licensure of teachers. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree and the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree are accredited by the Engi- neering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET). The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). The University holds membership in the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois, 60602-2502, 312-263-0456. This recognition signifies that the University is accredited. The University also holds membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Ohio College Associa- tion, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. Information concerning accrediting agencies and respective accreditation requirements is available in the Office of the Academic Vice President.