May 01, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

Special Programs and Opportunities



Alumni Advantage Program

Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni who complete their bachelor’s degree or another graduate degree at an earlier time at Lenoir-Rhyne and who meet the following criteria are eligible for a 10% tuition discount on all graduate courses taken toward satisfying graduate degree requirements at Lenoir-Rhyne in specified programs. These discounts are applicable only toward courses that are taken after completion of one’s undergraduate degree and only on graduate hours that are taken toward completion of the particular degree requirements. The university reserves the right not to offer discounted credits in particular programs and certain programs do not offer the Alumni Advantage program. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate alumni.

Undergraduate Alumni

The discount rate will be 10% on all Lenoir-Rhyne graduate hours taken toward degree completion if the student 1) successfully completes all requirements for and graduates with an undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne, and 2) the student meets program admission requirements and is accepted into one of the university’s qualifying graduate programs as a degree-seeking student. 

Accelerated Master’s Degree Program

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Accelerated Master’s Degree Program is designed to assist current LR undergraduate students toward additional completion of a graduate degree. Through dual enrollment in their senior year, qualified LR undergraduates may begin their graduate courses while still completing their undergraduate degrees. Provided they meet the academic criteria for admission and are accepted into the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program, LR students may enroll in up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level work as part of their senior year, which may be used to meet undergraduate graduation requirements and/or begin coursework in their graduate studies at LR. The number of hours that may be taken will vary by graduate program but may not exceed 12 credit hours. Note that not all graduate programs may participate in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program - see participation list below.

Students approved to participate in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program are considered Provisionally Admitted to their respective graduate program of interest and their academic performance will be reviewed after each semester to ensure satisfactory academic progress. Upon the successful completion of their undergraduate degree and provided the minimum academic performance criteria is met for each course within the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program, students will receive formal admission into their selected graduate program of study.

In taking graduate courses during their final semester(s) as an undergraduate, students participating in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program are able to save the costs of these credits at the graduate level. Additionally, students successfully completing their undergraduate degree at Lenoir-Rhyne and who also meet the required criteria will be eligible for the “Alumni Advantage” program, which provides a tuition discount on all remaining graduate courses taken toward satisfying graduate degree completion at Lenoir-Rhyne in approved specified programs. (See Alumni Advantage Section for more information and minimum requirements.)

Students will be admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program in either the fall or spring semester only; however, once admitted to an approved program, students may enroll in courses available in any term. Summer courses will be charged at the standard rate per credit hour and are not subject to any university discount program.

Special Note: Students participating in an approved Accelerated Master’s Degree Program must satisfy the minimum required hours for the respective graduate program and must earn a minimum of 150 cumulative credit hours, combined undergraduate and graduate, in order to successfully complete both degree programs. Students who wish to complete graduate programs which require less than 34 credit hours must pay particular attention to this requirement.

Accelerated Master’s Degree Program Designations and Participation

Elective Option

Students accepted to an Elective Option program are on track to successfully complete their undergraduate degree requirements and have space available in their academic schedules to accommodate the necessary demands of graduate-level courses. Courses completed as a part of an Elective Option program are factored as general electives toward their undergraduate curriculum and will factor in the student’s cumulative GPA. Once a student officially matriculates into a graduate program, courses taken as part of an Accelerated Master’s Degree Program will appear as transfer credit on the student’s graduate transcript and will not be factored in the graduate program GPA.

If a student desires for credit earned as part of an Elective Option program to also serve as a course substitute for an undergraduate degree requirement, a course substitution form must be completed, filed and approved by the university registrar prior to enrolling in the course. Students who will have earned 90 credit hours by the end of their semester of application are eligible to apply for an Elective Option program. Applications must be completed by the deadline indicated below for consideration; late applicants will not be considered until the following fall or spring semester.

Graduate Programs Participating in an Elective Option Program:

Business Administration (MBA)
Human Services (MA)
Counseling - Clinical Mental Health (MA) Leadership (MA)
Counseling - School (MA) Public Health (MPH)
Creative Writing (MFA) Sustainability Studies (MS)
Exercise Science (MS) Teaching (MA)

Major Option

Major Option programs differ from Elective Option programs in that these are unique transition programs which allow students to dually earn credit toward both their undergraduate major curriculum as well as graduate-level credit towards a specific graduate program.

Courses completed as part of a Major Option program will serve as course substitutes towards their undergraduate curriculum, and grades earned in these courses will be factored in both the major and cumulative GPAs. Once a student officially matriculates into a graduate program, courses taken as part of an Accelerated Master’s Degree Program will appear as transfer credit on the student’s graduate transcript and will not be factored into the graduate program GPA. Since these programs are ‘pre-approved’ by the university, a separate course substitution form is not necessary.

Students who will have earned 90 credit hours (a minimum of 64 credits earned at Lenoir-Rhyne) by the end of their semester of application are eligible to apply for an Articulated Bridge program. Applications must be completed by the deadline indicated below for consideration - late applicants will not be considered.

Graduate Programs Participating in Articulated Bridge Programs:

Accounting to MBA Finance to MBA
Community Health to MPH Human & Community Service to MA Counseling (both programs)
Elementary/Middle Grades Education to MS OTID Human & Community Service to MA Human Services
English to MA Liberal Studies International Business to MBA
English to MA Writing Management to MBA
Entrepreneurship to MBA Marketing to MBA
Environmental Studies to MS Sustainability Studies Psychology to MA Counseling (both programs)

*Qualified students seeking entry to the Master of Arts: Teaching program for the sake of secondary education may participate in one of the following approved Major Option programs. Note that entry requirements may vary by program and are at the discretion of the School of Education. Please see the School of Education section of the catalog for more detailed information.

  • English to MAT*
  • Exercise Science (Health & PE) to MAT*
  • History to MAT*
  • Mathematics to MAT*
  • Music to MAT*
  • Natural Sciences to MAT*
  • Spanish to MAT*

General Admission Requirements to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program

A candidate for admission to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program at Lenoir-Rhyne University must:

  1. Be an Lenoir-Rhyne student in good standing on all accounts (i.e., academic, judicial, financial) who will have earned at least 90 credit hours by the end of the semester in which they are applying to the program. 
  2. Intend to graduate with an undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne and file (or have filed) an official Application for Graduation with the Registrar’s Office.
  3. Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above on all Lenoir-Rhyne work to date, an overall 3.25 on all college-level work at Lenoir-Rhyne or elsewhere and (if relevant) a 3.25 in undergraduate work in the discipline in which they seek graduate admissions.

It is important to note that some programs participating in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program may require additional admission requirements. These are listed with the Accelerated Master’s Degree curriculum information below.

All undergraduate transfer requirements still apply.

A student may apply for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program in either the fall or spring term if the three criteria above are met. Complete applications include, at minimum, the following materials and should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission:

  1. Completed application form for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program.
  2. Transcripts of all undergraduate credits to date (if the university does not already possess any transcripts, it is the student’s responsibility to submit these additional documents).
  3. Reference from academic advisor or another other undergraduate faculty member capable of providing a thorough assessment of academic capabilities.
  4. On occasion, the university may request additional materials prior to determining admission into the program.

Note that the standard enrollment deposit for graduate admissions will be waived for students admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program.

Please see the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program website for more information and application deadlines: https://www.lr.edu/financial-aid-costs/college-affordability/accelerated-masters-degrees

 

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements - Accelerated Master’s Degree Program

Students accepted in the Accelerated Master’s Degree program may take graduate-level courses in their approved program as outline above. Continuation in the program requires successful completion of these courses each term. Students are expected to earn at least a B-/2.7 in all graduate-level (500 level or above) classes. The registrar will assess the grades of all Accelerated Master’s Degree students at the end of each semester. Failure to meet this requirement in any graduate class constitutes automatic grounds for dismissal from the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program at the end of the particular semester.

Students may appeal dismissal through the university’s Admissions and Academic Standing Committee.; however, reversal of dismissal by appeal will be rare. Dismissal from the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program does not necessarily determine a student’s academic status of academic probation or Suspension, nor does it preclude the possibility of successful application for admission into an Lenoir-Rhyne graduate program at a later time by traditional admissions procedures. If a student dismissed from the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program achieves admission later through the traditional process, any credits completed during the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program will be assessed by the graduate program in a manner similar to assessment of transfer hours.

Each graduate program may establish different standards for satisfying the probationary admissions period. Similarly, each program will furnish the courses that may be taken during one’s senior year as well as the maximum number of hours available to be completed in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program.

Graduate coursework completed during the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program with a grade of B-/2.7 or better will be transferred to meet specific program requirements in the graduate program. However, these credit hours will not be calculated in the ongoing determination of the student’s cumulative grade point average after full admission in the graduate program.

Elective Option Program Information

Elective Option Program 

Major Option Program Information

Major Option Program 

Broyhill Institute for Leadership

The Broyhill Institute for Leadership was created by an endowment from the Broyhill Family Foundation in Lenoir, NC, to develop and foster the skills necessary for students and graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne University to become vital, intuitive and ethical business and professional leaders in an emerging economic climate. To accomplish this purpose, the institute engages in a variety of activities directed at both the university and the community, including:

  1. Promoting and understanding of the workings and relevance of the American free enterprise economic system.
  2. Educating students in ethical business practices.
  3. Fostering innovation and encouraging students to question conventionality.
  4. Training effective business managers with an emphasis on interpersonal relationships.
  5. Providing students opportunities and authentic experiences in business, organizational and professional leadership roles.
  6. Enhancing the interactions among the College of Business and Economics, the Lenoir-Rhyne community and the members of the local, regional, national and international business communities.
  7. Facilitating community service projects to teach the connection between leadership and community involvement.

The institute provides program support for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) student organization at Lenoir-Rhyne.

Further information on the program for the Broyhill Institute for Leadership may be obtained from the director at 828-328-7933.

Engaged Scholars Program

The Engaged Scholars Program promotes undergraduate students’ participation in forms of academic development, active learning and leadership development that extend beyond the traditional classroom. An Engaged Scholar is recognized for achieving specified levels of attainment over a series of specific learning activities–some curricular and some co-curricular–that substantially involves them in serious experiential learning designed to promote greater self-ownership and personal understanding of their learning.

As members of the Engaged Scholars Program, students complete a series of curricular and co-curricular experiences with specified levels of attainment accompanying reflective assessments of their activities. These experiences are drawn from the following categories:

  • Independent research with presentation or publication
  • Independent creative project with performance, presentation or publication
  • Service learning
  • Internship
  • Study abroad
  • Off-campus community learning and/or research
  • Peer tutoring
  • Co-curricular activity
  • Co-curricular leadership
  • Leadership development
  • Career preparation

In addition to successfully completing the activities, the program requires ongoing reflection and seminar experiences to enable students to develop habits of lifelong learning outside the classroom and to assume significant responsibility for meeting their educational goals. For more information, visit the website: Engaged Scholars Program.

Institute for Faith and Learning

The Lenoir-Rhyne Institute for Faith and Learning was created in 2011 as an outgrowth of the strategic plan of Lenoir-Rhyne and the findings of the Lenoir-Rhyne Task Force for the Future. Specifically, the goal of the Institute for Faith & Learning is to work in partnership with Hickory churches and other religious agencies and organizations to provide programming (primarily guest speakers and community classes) that meets the needs of laity, clergy and other religious leaders in Hickory. The Institute endeavors to provide programming that will contribute to and enrich “a culture of the intellect” that is theologically based. Its programs are directed at people of all faith traditions.

Further information on the Institute’s activities may be obtained from its director at 828-328-7184.

The Honors Program

 The Lenoir-Rhyne Honors Academy Program fosters personal growth and development of highly motivated students through exceptional individual attention. Program students work with their intellectual peers in an enhanced learning environment. The challenging ethos of the program prepares students for success in their post-graduate experiences: graduate school, professional school and career. The Honors Program develops skills in independent research and collaboration, and it cultivates responsible citizenship through leadership opportunities on campus and the larger community.

Two separate Honors Programs are available. The Honors Academy Program is open to students at the beginning of their first year, to transfer students and to current Lenoir-Rhyne University students under the criteria listed below. A student’s status in the program is renewed on a yearly basis. Program Honors, on the other hand, are offered in all academic programs to selected students in their junior and/or senior year. Further information may be obtained from the Honors director at 828-328-7072.

Honors Academy Program

Admission to the Honors Academy Program is by invitation of the university. Students are selected on the basis of scholastic excellence. Honors Academy Program students maintain honors designation by continuing an overall grade point average of 3.25 although they must attain a 3.5 GPA in order to graduate from the Honors Academy Program. In addition, they must meet the following requirements in order to graduate from the Program:

  1. Successfully complete FYE 100 First Year Experience.
  2. Successfully complete two honors sections of LAS level I and/or level-II courses.
  3. Successfully complete four Great Books courses (HON 490, HON 491 or HON 492).
  4. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 upon graduation.
  5. Complete 15 hours community service per year.
  6. Take either HON 200 or HON 201, usually in the second year.
  7. Take HON 301 and maintain a portfolio, usually done in the third year.
  8. Successfully complete Program Honors in (at least one of) their major field(s).
  9. Honors students are expected to be persons of upstanding moral and ethical character.

Program Honors

The specific requirements of Program Honors vary according to the program offering honors, but all Program Honors guidelines will conform according to the published guidelines below. In addition, the following five policies apply to all programs offering Program Honors:

  1. No comprehensive examination above and beyond normal program requirements.
  2. Any student in the major who can meet the GPA requirements described below shall be able to take any Program Honors course except the senior research and thesis courses.
  3. A student who completes Program Honors graduates with honors in that program and it is acknowledged at commencement.
  4. Program Honors are directed by the school involved under the general guidance and coordination of the director of the honors program.
  5. Only the Academic Program Committee shall have the authority to allow exceptions or to modify the guidelines pertaining to Program Honors. Appeals and/or waivers shall be made to the committee, in writing, and endorsed by the college dean.
  6. Students shall make a public presentation of their Program Honors work.

A student may, upon invitation of the faculty within a discipline, complete Program Honors within their specific program of study. At a minimum, students invited into Program Honors must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a major GPA of 3.2. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements. Completing Program Honors involves close work with a faculty member involving research within the field of study, culminating in a thesis or significant research-based project appropriate to the field. Students must enroll in a major-specific 499 Senior Honors Thesis course in the semester in which the thesis or significant research-grounded product, whether applied or theoretical, is completed. Some programs also require additional coursework with an honors designation prior to enrollment in 499 Senior Honors Thesis, including a readings course, 498 Senior Honors Research, which may be taken the semester immediately prior to 499 Senior Honors Thesis. A permanent record of the student’s Program Honors work will be bound and maintained in the university library.

The culminating work for graduation with Program Honors, completed in the courses numbered 498 and/or 499, should be significant, beyond that which a student would complete for graduation without honors. In particular, the work should engage the student in deeper thinking and analysis beyond the capstone product or other senior-level work required of all students in the same major.

As such, completing Program Honors requires advanced critical thinking and analysis, demonstrated by written analysis of accepted professional literature in the field of study. Most students will complete theses and will include a research component. Students are expected to leave a permanent copy of their culminating honors work in the library collection. While this culminating work may include a DVD of a recital or student teaching, it should be accompanied by a written undergirding analysis of the support for the work performance in the existing literature.

In general, the final piece of work for Program Honors (no matter the field) should include the following:

  • Statement of the problem/question under investigation.
  • Critical analysis of the literature in the field of study pertaining to the question.
  • Materials and methods employed to explore question under investigation.
  • Analysis of findings/results.
  • Conclusion/discussion implications of the findings and suggestions for further investigations of the question.
  • Oral presentation defense of the work before a panel of faculty.

Completing the final honors activity for graduation in Program Honors requires careful planning. Students invited into Program Honors will, in consultation with the primary advisor, select a committee of reviewers to guide the work undertaken. The committee shall include at least three members. Two faculty members shall be from the program/college in which the student’s major is housed. The third faculty member must be from outside the college. Students may also invite a professional from the local community as a fourth member, if appropriate. Students should identify their committee at the proposal stage in order to receive feedback throughout the process and not just at the end. Students are expected to complete their work in a timely fashion, as follows:

  • Generally, complete the draft proposal and have all approvals not later than the fourth week of the semester in which the culminating work is to be completed.
  • Generally, submit the completed work not later than three weeks prior to the last day of class.
  • Generally, hold the oral presentation/defense no later than one week prior to the last day of classes.

 

Major

Major GPA

Cum GPA

NOTES

 

Art

3.2

3.0

Art majors may elect to pursue honors work with the approval of the Art faculty. One three hour ART course taken as in-class honors and ART 499 - Senior Honors Thesis 

Biology

3.2

3.0

BIO 390 and BIO 391 are taken in the junior year, each carrying one credit hour, in preparation for the written thesis. BIO 498 Senior Honors Research and BIO 499 Senior Honors Thesis are taken in the senior year to complete the thesis.

Business

3.5

3.2

Successful completion of ACC 231BUS 300BUS 340BUS 360; and CSC 175, or have been invited to apply by the faculty. BUS 320 and BUS 344 must be taken as in- class honors. BUS 499 Senior Honors Thesis must be taken concurrently with BUS 450 for the completion of the thesis.

Chemistry

3.5

3.05

No chemistry grade lower than a B-/2.7 is allowed. Students must present their research in setting outside the chemistry department.

Communication

3.2

3.0

Communication majors may elect to pursue honors work with the approval of the Communication faculty 8 hours of COM courses are taken as in-class honors. COM 499 - Senior Honors Thesis or Project is taken to complete the thesis.

Computing

3.2

3.0

Economics

3.2

3.0

Education

3.2

3.0

English

3.25

3.0

A grade no lower than B/3.0 is allowed in any ENG course. English majors may elect to pursue honors work with the approval of the English faculty. ENG 498 and ENG 499 are required to complete the thesis.

Health, Exercise & Sport Science

3.2

3.0

HES 410 is taken as in-class honors in preparation for the thesis. HES 499 - Senior Honors Thesis is taken to complete the thesis. The student is expected to earn a minimum grade of B/3.0.

History

3.5

3.2

Human & Community Service

3.2

3.0

  • HCS 498 - Senior Honors Research
  • HCS 499 - Senior Honors Thesis

Math

3.2

3.0

6 hours of MAT courses taken in-class honors.

Modern Languages

3.2

3.0

6-8 hours of FRE/GER/SPA courses taken as in-class honors. FRE/GRE/SPA 499 Senior Honors Thesis taken to complete the thesis.

Music

3.2

3.0

A minimum 3.5 GPA required in honors courses. Music majors may elect to pursue honors work with the approval of the Music faculty. 8 total hours in MUS: 3 hours in MUS 499 - Senior Honors Thesis or Project and 5 hrs in MUS courses carrying honors designation

Nursing

3.25

3.0

 

Philosophy

3.2

3.0

6 hours of PHI courses taken as in-class honors. PHI 499 - Senior Honors Thesis is taken to complete the thesis

Physics

3.2

3.0

PHY 473 required. PHY 499 is taken to complete the thesis.

Political Science

3.2

3.0

Psychology

3.2

3.0

Religious Studies

3.2

3.0

6 hours of REL courses are taken as in- class honors and REL 499 is taken to complete the thesis

Sociology

3.2

3.0

Theatre

3.2

3.0

Theatre majors may elect to pursue honors work with the approval of the Theatre faculty. 6 hours of THR courses taken as in-class honors and THR 499 - Senior Honors Thesis or Project taken to complete the thesis.

Lineberger Fellows

The Lineberger Fellows program is designed to recognize, support and celebrate the many achievements of highly motivated and talented Lenoir-Rhyne University students. The program accomplishes this by preparing Lineberger Fellows to become more competitive applicants for graduate schools, post-graduate fellowships, awards and exceptional employment opportunities. The Fellows participate in career development workshops focusing on self-awareness, internships, the graduate school selection and application process, resumé design and social media branding. Lineberger Fellows receive financial support to enhance their Lenoir-Rhyne educational experience and engage in national and international travel opportunities where possible.

Participation in the Lineberger Fellows Program is by invitation only. Program expectations include: maintaining a competitive GPA (3.8+) and attending approximately eight mandatory meetings and several highly recommended meetings and events that are announced at the beginning of each academic year. In addition, Fellows will participate in a Fellows common read and in career development workshops and retreats that are announced at the beginning of each academic year.

The program is supported by the Lineberger Fellows program and is not affiliated with the Lenoir-Rhyne Lineberger Scholarship awarded by the university.

Lutheran College Washington Semester

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a member of the Lutheran College Washington Consortium which conducts a work/study program in Washington, D.C. Under this program, students spend the semester in Washington and are required to complete two seminars (eight credits) and a 25-30 hour internship and public service component (eight credits). Students enroll at Lenoir-Rhyne and pay tuition at the rate charged by Lenoir-Rhyne. The program emphasizes the ethical dimension of important questions of public affairs. A separate summer residential housing program is also available. Further information about this program may be obtained by calling 828-328-7216.

Multicultural Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University aspires to create a diverse community that welcomes people of different races, cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions, socioeconomic levels, political perspectives, abilities, opinions, values and experiences. Lenoir-Rhyne will strive to reflect these differences in its decisions, curriculum, programs and actions. We will also strive to create an environment that brings out the best in all people that leads to positive contributions to the Lenoir-Rhyne community. The university will seek to ensure that underrepresented groups have equal access to the education and resource opportunities available at the university. Policy and procedures will create and sustain an inclusive and productive environment for faculty, staff and students.

Observatory

The observatory, located atop the Minges Science Building, houses a 12 1/2-inch reflecting telescope that can be operated in the Cassegrain or Newtonian mode. The observatory is equipped for UBV and UBVY photoelectric photometry and for astrophotography. Additional equipment includes two four-inch refractors, two eight- inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrainian reflectors and various special cameras including a CCD camera. The possibility exists for the addition to the facilities of a 20-inch Ritchey-Chretien reflector. The observatory is utilized at all levels of college instruction. Future plans include the addition of a computer and telescope control for the CCD camera and photography.

The William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education

The mission of the Shuford Center for International Education (SCIE) is to stimulate, develop and support initiatives and programs, abroad and on-campus, that equip students with the cross-cultural skills and awareness of global issues they will need for gainful employment and service in the world. The SCIE promotes semester- and year-long study abroad programs; short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs; and a rich set of affordable summer opportunities as well. The SCIE also provides immigration services for Lenoir-Rhyne’s international degree-seeking and exchange students and provides for their acculturation and integration into life at Lenoir-Rhyne. The SCIE organizes a wide variety of on campus initiatives to promote intercultural learning and meaningful interaction between U.S. and international students including overseeing a residential learning community called the Global Village.

Lenoir-Rhyne University, through the William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education, is a member of NAFSA: Association of International Education; the Institute for International Education (IIE); Diversity Abroad; The Forum on Education Abroad; International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP); and the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC).

Study Abroad Programs

Lenoir-Rhyne University sponsors study abroad student exchange programs at more than 150 institutions in over 50 countries around the globe. Through Lenoir-Rhyne’s agreements with exchange partners, students are registered for classes at Lenoir-Rhyne and receive credit for the course work they complete while abroad. Students may use their Lenoir-Rhyne financial aid for any of these exchange programs. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be approved for study abroad.

Lenoir-Rhyne professors also lead short term study abroad programs during spring break or during May, June or July. The costs of these study programs vary from program-to-program.

Contact the Director of the William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education at 828-328-7375 for more information on study abroad programs.

International Student Services

The William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education (SCIE) provides immigration services to F-1 visa holding students and J-1 visa holding international students. The SCIE staff will assist with information about:

  • Immigration regulations for J-1 students and scholars
  • DS 2019s and J-1 visas
  • Health insurance for J-1 visa holders
  • Employment on campus for J-1 visa holders
  • Academic matters for J-1 visa holders
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Academic Training for J-1 visa holders

Exchange visitors should contact Brittany Marinelli, Director of International Education at 828-328-7375 for more information. 

  • Immigration regulations for F-1 visa holding students
  • I-20s for F-a visas
  • Health insurance for international athletes and all other F-1 visa holders
  • Employment on and off campus for F-1 visa holders
  • Academic matters
  • Optional Practical Training
  • Curricular Practical Training

Degree-seeking international students should contact Eric Brandon, Director of International Admissions and Special Projects at 828-328-7301 for more information.

Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources

The Thomas W. Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources was established through an endowment gift from Lenoir-Rhyne graduate Thomas W. Reese, a nationally recognized conservationist. It promotes leadership for service through a program that emphasizes regional environmental issues, economic development and the conservation and use of natural resources. The goal of the Institute is to become a nationally recognized conservation program that works closely with regional government, industry and community groups to clarify environmental problems and identify practical solutions. Students and community members will be able to participate in a variety of educational experiences, including field work and internships. For further information contact the director of Reese Institute at 828-407-4276.