Published 20-AUG-14

The Hiram College Undergraduate Catalog 2014-2015

Hiram College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Hiram’s current Statement of Affiliation Status may be obtained by contacting the HLC.

College Affiliations

Hiram College is a member of the NCAA Division III and the North Coast Athletic Conference.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Hiram College is committed to equality of opportunity and does not discriminate in its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The College will not tolerate harassment, prejudice, abuse, or discrimination by or of any of its students, faculty, or staff.

Notice of Change of Regulations: College Disclaimer

Every effort is made to ensure the information contained in this document is accurate at the time of publication; however, Hiram College reserves the right to amend degree requirements, courses, college calendars, catalogs, schedules, fees, academic and other College policies and procedures as relevant to the mission and operation of the College without prior notice. All amendments will be communicated to the campus community by the appropriate College officials.

The Mission and Vision of Hiram College

The mission of Hiram College is to foster intellectual excellence and social responsibility, enabling our students to thrive in their chosen careers, flourish in life, and face the urgent challenges of the times.

Vision Statement

Hiram’s students will be among those called to address the urgent problems facing our era. Answering this call will require timeless intellectual capacities for critical thinking, imaginative problem-solving, and reflective decision-making. Cultivating these skills in the foundational knowledge of humanity, nature, and their relationships, has been the essential core of the liberal arts tradition since its beginning in antiquity.

Hiram College commits to continuing the rich legacy of liberal learning for students, developing the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind acknowledged for over two millennia as both valuable in their own right and conducive to success in any endeavor. Throughout its rigorous core curriculum and specialized academic programs, Hiram College will emphasize the ability to think critically and communicate effectively, to engage in disciplined inquiry and autonomous learning, and to recognize the essential connectedness of all knowledge.

Liberal education has been traditionally concerned not only with developing the intellect, but also with educating the whole person. To this end, Hiram College attends to the emotional and ethical lives of our students throughout both the curricular and co-curricular life of the campus, promoting respect for diversity, understanding of cultural difference, ethical reflection, and the ideal of engaged citizenship.

We believe in addition that learning by doing and knowing through experience are critically important preparation for the complex challenges that our students will confront in their lives and careers. Hiram College therefore commits to providing students not only with rigorous and relevant preparation in their chosen areas of major study, but also with opportunities to prepare themselves to meet the challenges of their future careers through experiential learning, application of their new skills and knowledge to real problems, and attentive mentoring during the transition into their careers by both faculty and staff.

Because success will require rigorous preparation and superior effort, Hiram College expects the same of itself. Because our world sorely needs tolerance, civility, understanding and respect for diversity, Hiram must insist upon the same. Because solutions to the problems of our times can only be achieved through innovation, creativity, and boldness of vision, the College will continue to encourage and practice these, as it has since its founding in 1850.

Statement of Core Values

The preceding statement of Hiram's Mission and Vision are based on its historical statement of Core Values.  They set forth what we believe and define how we should conduct our affairs. At the heart of these values is the student.

Community

• We are a community that fosters mentoring relationships and shared responsibility for learning.
• We are committed to the well-being of each member of the community.
• We value the distinctive contributions of every person in the learning environment.

• We believe in the interrelationship of knowledge exemplified in the liberal arts.
• We demonstrate unwavering commitment to the pursuit of learning and quality scholarship.
• We value superior teaching and comprehensive mentoring.
• We are committed to supporting the continuous personal and professional growth of community members.
• We foster an environment that encourages open inquiry.

• We recognize that the well-being and governance of the community are a shared responsibility among community members.
• We believe that community members are accountable for their actions and should be held to high standards.
• We embrace our responsibility to the larger community beyond the boundaries of Hiram College and encourage learning through service.
• We respect the dignity of each individual.

• We are an inclusive community that welcomes people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and points of view.
• We recognize the value of diversity in our educational program.
• We seek to foster a supportive environment in which community members will be challenged to explore knowledge, values, and ethics from varied perspectives.
• We celebrate freedom of thought and freedom of choice.

• We honor our tradition in the liberal arts and its profound relevance to society. 
• We are eager to explore new issues and practices and integrate them into our academic vision.
• We encourage individual initiative, creativity, and talent.

Academic Calendar 2014-2015

Fall 12-Week

Fall 3-Week

Spring 12-Week

Spring 3-Week

Undergraduate Admission

Admission to Hiram

Hiram College admits students whose records demonstrate they have the ability to succeed at the College.

Traditional College First-Year Student Admission Criteria and Required Credentials

Hiram College operates on the Rolling Admission Plan for First-Year students and adheres to the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s Statement of Principles of Good Practice. Most First-Year students enrolling for the fall semester at Hiram for the first time apply for admission, notify the institution of their intent to accept their offer of admission, and pay their commitment deposits by the preceding May 1. Hiram will offer admission to qualified students as their credentials arrive until we project that we will reach our First-Year student capacity. In general, because our distinctive First-Year program is integral to establishing student success, First-Year students are only admitted for the fall semester. Spring and summer semester application may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application and credential review is holistic and there is no single set of fixed criteria that solely determines admissibility to Hiram. Each admission application and its supporting credentials are carefully read and given individual consideration. Hiram College reserves the right to make the final determination of a student’s admissibility to the College.

First-Year students entering the Traditional College at Hiram are required to submit the following credentials in order to be considered for admission:

•A completed Application for Admission – We accept both hard copy and on-line applications, although on-line applications are preferred. As of the publication of this catalog, Hiram is a participating member with The Common Application consortium.

•Results from either the ACT or SAT – Check with The Office of Admission for up-to date information as to which portions of the test are required. The preferred method of submitting ACT or SAT scores to Hiram is by listing Hiram College as a score recipient at the time of test registration. Hiram’s ACT code number is 3280; the SAT code number is 1297.

•Official secondary school transcripts.

Important supporting credentials for First-Year students entering the Traditional College at Hiram include:

•An essay on a topic included in the application materials

•A recommendation from the school counselor

•A recommendation from a teacher

Note: Students who participate in Ohio’s post-secondary enrollment options or similar programs in other states where high school students enroll in college courses for credit prior to obtaining a high school diploma should supply official transcripts from any and all colleges and universities they have attended. These students are to apply to Hiram College as First-Year students and not transfer students.

While admission to Hiram College is based upon a holistic review of the application and credentials, students admitted to Hiram generally have the following in common:

•Successful completion of a challenging secondary school college preparatory curriculum with grades generally reflecting above average to superior academic attainment in the following subject areas:

4 units of English

3 units of mathematics; 4 units preferred

3 units of science; including 2 units of lab sciences preferred

3 units of social sciences

2 units of the same foreign language

1 unit of the arts

•ACT or SAT scores that correlate to, or exceed, the level of academic achievement in the college preparatory core.

While demonstrated academic achievement as evidenced by the academic record is the most important criterion for admission, other factors which may be used to determine admission include:

•An in-person interview – While in-person interviews are not required for admission, they are strongly encouraged. Qualities such as seriousness of purpose, emotional maturity, and breadth and depth of interests may affect the admission decision. Interviews may also provide admission professionals with insights into academic record patterns.

•Co-curricular participation/excellence/leadership, community service, Hiram affinity, or employment records – Hiram seeks students who will enhance our learning community in and out of the classroom. We look for students who have developed talents and leadership skills in co-curricular student groups, community service opportunities, sectarian and non-sectarian groups outside of school, as well as in the arts and athletics. 

•Hiram encourages the enrollment of legacy students.

First-Year students may begin to apply for fall admission to Hiram’s Traditional College on the first of August preceding the start of a student’s 12th grade year or equivalent. Hiram awards institutional academic-based and need-based gift assistance on a rolling basis throughout the admission cycle. However, to be eligible for maximum scholarship consideration, completed Applications for Admission and all supporting credentials should be submitted by the 1st of December proceeding the subsequent academic year for which applicants wish to enroll. Hiram College reserves the right to revoke offers of admission to students who do not successfully complete their final semester(s) of enrollment following the offer of admission or whose level of academic achievement varies significantly from their record at the time of the offer of admission. Students who have been admitted to the College are required to pay a non-refundable financial deposit and submit written intent of their desire to accept their offers of admission by deadlines given to them at the time of the offer of admission. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the offer of admission without notice.

First-Year students should contact the Office of Admission, located in Teachout-Price Hall, at 800.362.5280 or visit us at http://www.hiram.edu/admission for information about visiting Hiram College and obtaining up-to-date application information.

Traditional College International Student Admission Criteria and Required Credentials

Hiram College operates on the Rolling Admission Plan and adheres to the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s Statement of Principles of Good Practice. International students for the fall intake apply for admission, notify the institution of their intent to accept their offer of admission, and pay their commitment deposits by the May 1 preceding their August enrollment. Hiram will offer admission to qualified students as their credentials arrive until we project that we will reach capacity.  Because our distinctive First-Year program is integral to establishing international student success, First-Year students are admitted for the fall semester only. Transfer students may begin study in either fall or spring semester. 

Hiram is committed to international education and values the cultural, ethnic, and geographic diversity of its student body. Application and credential review is holistic and there is no single set of fixed criteria that determines admissibility to Hiram. Each admission application and its supporting credentials are carefully read and given individual consideration. Hiram College reserves the right to make the final determination of a student’s admissibility to the College.

International students entering the Traditional College at Hiram are required to submit the following credentials in order to be considered for admission:

• Completed First Year or Transfer application form. Hiram accepts both hard copy and on-line applications, although on-line applications are preferred. As of the publication of this catalog, Hiram is a participating member with The Common Application consortium which provides online forms free of charge.
• Successful completion of a challenging secondary school college preparatory curriculum with grades/marks generally reflecting above average to superior academic attainment. Attainment is evidenced through original or certified true copies of academic records, certificates and results of school leaving external state or national examinations sent by the ministry of education or registrar of the institutions for all secondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities attended. Translations are not accepted without a copy of the original;
• Essay of 300 to 500 words;
• For applicants whose first language is not English, documentation of English proficiency is required. Applicants may submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language-TOEFL (minimum score of Paper-500; CBT-173; iBT-61), the International English Language Testing System-IELTS (minimum 5.5), or the SAT Critical Reading section (minimum score of 460). A score report should be sent directly to Hiram from the testing agency. Additional options for documenting proficiency are listed in the international admission guidelines on the College website;
• First year applicants may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores that correlate to, or exceed, the level of academic achievement in secondary studies. Check with The Office of Admission for up-to-date information as to which portions of the test are required. Score reports must be sent to Hiram from the testing agency. At the time of registration, list Hiram College as a score recipient. Hiram’s SAT code number is 1297; the ACT code number is 3280. Transfer applicants with one year or more of full-time post-secondary study will not be asked to submit results from these exams;
• A recommendation from the school counselor, head of form, or academic head, or appropriate school official;
• A recommendation from a teacher.

Traditional College Transfer Student Admission Criteria and Required Credentials

Hiram welcomes applications from qualified students who wish to transfer from other colleges and universities. 

Note: Students who participate in Ohio’s post-secondary enrollment options or similar programs in other states where high school students enroll in college courses for credit prior to obtaining a high school diploma should apply to Hiram College as First-Year students and not as transfer students.

Hiram College’s residency requirements state that a student must earn a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit at Hiram to obtain a Hiram College degree. Therefore, students transferring to Hiram’s Traditional College should expect to spend two years in residence to receive their degrees.

Hiram College’s transfer equivalency policy states that courses in which students have earned grades of C or better, and which correspond to courses offered at Hiram, are generally accepted for transfer of credit. Transfer credit hours are not included in the student’s Hiram grade-point average.

Transfer students entering the Traditional College at Hiram are required to submit the following credentials in order to be considered for admission:

•An Application for Admission – Hiram accepts both hard copy and on-line applications, although on-line applications are preferred. As of the publication of this catalog, Hiram is a participating member with The Common Application consortium.

•Official Transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended and/or enrolled.

Transfer students who have successfully completed less than 12 semester hours of college or university coursework at a regionally accredited institution are also required to supply:

•Results from either the ACT or SAT if the student is under 24 years old at the time of admission. Check with The Office of Admission for up-to-date information about which portions of the test are required.

•Official secondary school transcripts.

Important supporting credentials for transfer students entering the Traditional College at Hiram include:

•An essay on a topic included in the application materials.

•A recommendation from a college instructor.

Students may transfer into Hiram for either the fall or spring semesters. Applicants should submit a transfer application to the Office of Admission no later than August 1st for Fall semester enrollment and December 1st for Spring semester. Transfer student admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Generally, transfer students need to be in good academic standing with their current or most recent college and eligible to re-enroll, and show a level of academic achievement that suggests success at Hiram College. Hiram College reserves the right to make the final determination of a student’s admissibility to the College. All offers of admission are conditional upon the receipt of all final transcripts and any other conditions specified at the time of admission. Hiram College reserves the right to revoke offers of admission to students who do not successfully complete their final semester(s) of enrollment following the offer of admission or whose level of academic achievement varies significantly from their record at the time of the offer of admission.

Students who have been admitted to the College are required to pay a non-refundable financial deposit and submit written intent of their desire to accept their offers of admission by deadlines given to them at the time of the offer of admission. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the offer of admission without notice. 

Transfer students should contact the Office of Admission, located in Teachout Price Hall, at 800.362.5280 or visit us at http://www.hiram.edu/admission for information about visiting Hiram College and obtaining up-to-date application information. 

Deferred Admission

Students who do not wish to enroll in college directly after graduation from secondary school may wait one year before entering Hiram. Upon notification of acceptance, students should submit the non-refundable deposit and indicate that they would like to defer admission. Hiram will then reserve a place for them for the following academic year.

Advanced Placement

Hiram College accepts credit from Advanced Placement and College Level Examination Program subject examinations. The scores that must be obtained to earn credit are available from the Office of the Registrar, or at www.hiram.edu/registrar .  Your Hiram College admission counselor may also assist you in obtaining these scores upon request.

International Baccalaureate Placement

Applicants who have received an International Baccalaureate Diploma and students receiving scores of five or greater on individual Higher Level examinations will be granted credit and advanced course placement.  Please visit www.hiram.edu/registrar for more information.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Credit