Davidson: A College of the Liberal Arts and Sciences

avidson’s student body is approximately 1,700 of the nation’s best, representing 46 states and 39 countries. They are chosen for their academic promise, their strength of character, and their potential for contributing to the life of the campus. Davidson students take advantage of the school’s strong faculty-to-student ratio (11-to-1) to work closely with professors on cutting-edge research projects in all disciplines. Preeminent campus facilities include an award-winning student union, critically-acclaimed regional theater, and state-of-the-art music facility.

Exceptional Academics: Through a rigorous classical curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences, Davidson students learn to think critically and analytically. Professors make themselves available to discuss books, play intramural volleyball, or help a student group build a Habitat for Humanity house. Personal attention is the norm as students work toward their choice of  21 majors and 12 concentrations including genomics, with a self-design major option available. “Few colleges care more about their students,” according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, which ranked Davidson among the best buys in top colleges. U.S. News and World Report ranked Davidson the number ten private liberal arts college in the nation for 2005. Newsweek/Kaplan’s How to Get into College ranked Davidson in the top twelve “hottest colleges” for 2003.

The Honor Code: The Honor Code sets the tone for academic and community life, promoting trust and respect among students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Under the Honor Code’s assumption that Davidson students are honest and responsible persons, self-scheduled, unproctored exams are the norm. Library stacks are open, and students can leave their books and papers unattended.

Financial Aid: Continuing its tradition of a need-blind admission policy, Davidson remains committed to meeting the demonstrated financial-aid needs of every admitted student.

Medical Humanities: Davidson’s Medical Humanities Program is one of few granting programs in medical ethics at an undergraduate institution in the United States. Students in the program intern at area hospitals, medical schools, and hospices, work in the offices of citizen action groups, and participate in workshops and conferences.

Davidson enables its students to explore the world. Numerous options include experiences such as conducting environmental research in Kenya; studying art history in Italy, France, or England; attending a Russian university; or working in a medical clinic in Haiti. Last year, 84 percent of the senior class reported some international experience during their Davidson careers. Recent Dean Rusk Grant recipients have explored the role of traditional African storytellers in Senegal, volunteered with a grassroots health project in El Salvador, and studied the influence of minority groups on legislation in Japan.

Athletics: As one of the most selective schools in the nation competing in Division I of the NCAA, Davidson’s high-quality athletic programs support scholar-athletes in 21 varsity sports, with strong coaching and outstanding facilities.

Community Service: Service to others is encouraged and supported by the Davidson College community. Students have created and operate an umbrella group of a wide variety of volunteer projects, including recycling, Big Brother/Big Sister, and Adopt-a-Grandparent.

Location: Davidson, North Carolina, a classic college town, is 19 miles north of Charlotte, the largest and fastest-growing city between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. With more than 1.3 million inhabitants in the metro area, Charlotte has direct national and international air service, and offers a wide range of cultural and professional attractions: internships, the symphony, the opera, popular music concerts and venues, vibrant ethnic and international communities, museums, fine dining, and professional sports.

For more information, write the Office of Admission and Financial Aid, P. O. Box 7156, Davidson, NC 28035-7156, or call 704-894-2230 or 800-768-0380. Visit us at www.davidson.edu.