Augustana College is a private liberal arts college located in Rock Island, Illinois. Established in 1860 by Swedish Lutheran settlers, the college was originally named Augustana College and Theological Seminary. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Here's an overview of some key aspects of Augustana College:
1. Campus: Augustana College's campus covers 115 acres in Rock Island, part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area that includes Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The campus is home to various academic buildings, administrative facilities, student housing, and recreational areas, such as the Thomas Tredway Library, the Brunner Theatre Center, and the Swanson Commons.
2. Academics: Augustana College offers more than 90 majors and minors in a variety of disciplines, as well as pre-professional programs in fields like medicine, law, and engineering. Some of the most popular majors at Augustana include biology, business administration, psychology, communication studies, and education. The college operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar, which consists of two 14-week semesters and a 4-week interim term called J-term, allowing students to take a single course or participate in a study-abroad program.
3. Study Abroad: Augustana College places a strong emphasis on global education and encourages students to participate in study-abroad programs. The college offers a variety of international and domestic off-campus programs, including faculty-led courses, exchange programs, and internships.
4. Athletics: Augustana College's athletic teams, known as the Vikings, participate in the NCAA Division III as part of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). The college offers a variety of sports for both men and women, including football, basketball, soccer, track and field, cross country, golf, tennis, and volleyball.
5. Student Life: With a student population of around 2,500, Augustana College offers a vibrant campus life. Students can participate in over 150 clubs and organizations, including student government, Greek life, cultural events, and community service opportunities. The college also provides support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and health and wellness resources.
6. Core Values: Augustana College emphasizes five core valuesâChristian, liberal arts, residential, undergraduate, and excellence. These values are rooted in the college's Lutheran heritage and shape the academic and co-curricular experiences of the students.
7. Notable Alumni: Augustana College has produced many notable alumni across various fields, including politics, business, sports, and entertainment. Some prominent alumni include U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos, former NFL player Ken Anderson, and poet and author Joy Harjo.
8. Community Engagement: The college encourages students to engage in community service and experiential learning through various initiatives and partnerships with local organizations. Augustana's Center for Vocational Reflection and the Office of Student Life and Leadership provide resources and support for students to explore opportunities for service and leadership development.
