Westmont College
Encyclopedia
Westmont offers 26 majors, including: alternative major, art, biology, chemistry, communication studies, computer science, economics and business, education program, engineering physics, English, history, European studies, kinesiology, liberal studies, mathematics, modern languages (English, French, German, and Spanish), music, philosophy, physical education, physics, political science, psychology, religious studies, social science, sociology / anthropology, and theatre arts.
The student/faculty ratio is 12 to 1; 96 percent of tenured and tenure-track faculty have earned terminal degrees. The average class size is 18 students. The students come from 25 states, 11 countries, and 33 Christian denominations. The graduation rate in 4 years is 87 percent.
The majors are not impacted, therefore students are able to change majors easily. Students aren't required to declare their major until the end of their sophomore year so as to graduate on time.
The weekly student newspaper is the "Horizon." It can be found online on its website.
Each summer, Westmont hosts a number of summer programs including the Summer Science Program
, which teaches astronomy to high school students. The Westmont campus features a 24-inch telescope.
(GSAC), a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
(NAIA).
The college competes in twelve intercollegiate sports.
and 330 miles south of San Francisco.
The campus itself resides in the hills of Montecito and features 110 acres (44.5 ha) of hills, gardens, and trees. A small creek runs though the campus. It is often dry during summer and autumn months and typically full during the rainy spring months. It has even flooded campus buildings in El Nino years.
The campus has five on-campus dorms. The two freshman dorms are Page and Clark which are located at the upper corners of campus. Armington is at the lowest point on campus, and is usually the sophomore dorm. Emerson (formerly known as New Dorm and Everest), is at the top of campus and has ocean views in many of its rooms. Van Kampen, the most popular dorm for upper-classmen, is located in the center of the campus and was recently renovated and modernized in the summer of 2006. Some upper classmen students live in the Ocean View Apartments, a college-owned apartment building on the east side of Santa Barbara.
The campus was heavily damaged during the Tea Fire in the Montecito hills, though no injuries were reported on the campus. Westmont is located in a high fire area with limited access via narrow winding roads. As a condition of approval of their Master Plan Westmont agreed to the controversial “shelter in place” also called “stay and defend” procedure in case of a wildfire. During the fire, students who were on campus were evacuated to the Gymnasium, which was considered fireproof. The Physics Lab, Psychology Building, Math Building, and many of the faculty
homes were destroyed. Two of the residence halls in Clark residence hall
were severely damaged, along with the RD cottage. With the recovery phase initiated over the weekend, faculty and staff were allowed back on campus November 17, but the school was scheduled to remain closed to students until December 1.
, such as Gordon College
, Houghton College
, Seattle Pacific University
, and Wheaton College
(IL). Additionally, many students participate in other qualifying programs, including semesters in New Zealand, Belize, Washington DC, Chile, Italy, France, and Lithuania. Students receive transferable credit while they live and study abroad in these different programs. Some students work in internships while they are off campus, and many choose Washington DC or the San Francisco Urban program for this purpose.
The skits incorporate an average of four or five clips of popular songs with altered original lyrics and original choreography. The lyrics are usually changed to reflect a humorous progression of the skit's main story. The dorm that wins has bragging rights for the next year.
Past sweepstakes winners have been Van Kampen Men (2011) and Armington Men (2010).
A recent letter cited the "doubt, loneliness and fear" that some gay and lesbian students have felt. After alumni added their support to the same letter, a Westmont representative responded saying, "I would love for us to be a safer place to talk about those questions than we are," Also pointed out was the school’s diversity statement, an excerpt of which reads "Westmont does not tolerate racial, ethnic, religious or gender slurs, or other forms of verbal abuse; threatening behavior or threatening messages; the creation of a hostile environment; or any form of harassment."
In evidence of the respect being shown, the same administrator also stated "We're hoping to do a better job of talking to and loving each other and holding true to our scriptural principles."
The student/faculty ratio is 12 to 1; 96 percent of tenured and tenure-track faculty have earned terminal degrees. The average class size is 18 students. The students come from 25 states, 11 countries, and 33 Christian denominations. The graduation rate in 4 years is 87 percent.
The majors are not impacted, therefore students are able to change majors easily. Students aren't required to declare their major until the end of their sophomore year so as to graduate on time.
The weekly student newspaper is the "Horizon." It can be found online on its website.
Each summer, Westmont hosts a number of summer programs including the Summer Science Program
Summer Science Program
The Summer Science Program is an intense six-week summer program for intellectually talented high school students. The program is based on a collaborative research project in celestial mechanics. Students study astronomy, physics, spherical trigonometry, and calculus while working to take...
, which teaches astronomy to high school students. The Westmont campus features a 24-inch telescope.
Athletics
Westmont is in the Golden State Athletic ConferenceGolden State Athletic Conference
The Golden State Athletic Conference is a college athletics conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics . The conference commissioner is Cliff Hamlow of Azusa Pacific University. Conference leadership is shared among the member institutions. The conference was formed in...
(GSAC), a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
(NAIA).
The college competes in twelve intercollegiate sports.
Intercollegiate athletic teams
- Men's Baseball
- Men's Basketball
- Women's Basketball
- Men's Cross Country
- Women's Cross Country
- Men's Soccer - The Men's soccer team won the NAIA national championship in 1972.
- Women's soccer - The Women's team has won the NAIA national championships in 1985, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003.
- Men's Tennis
- Women's Tennis -The women's tennis team won the NAIA national championship in 1982.
- Men's Track and Field
- Women's Track and Field
- Women's Volleyball
Club athletic teams
- Equestrian Polo - Runner up NCAA polo in 2007 to Texas A&M (12-8).
- Rugby Football
- Ultimate frisbee
- Men's Volleyball
Campus
Westmont College is located a few miles off of U.S. 101 just to the east of Santa Barbara. The city of Santa Barbara is on the central Californian coast and is 100 miles north of Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and 330 miles south of San Francisco.
The campus itself resides in the hills of Montecito and features 110 acres (44.5 ha) of hills, gardens, and trees. A small creek runs though the campus. It is often dry during summer and autumn months and typically full during the rainy spring months. It has even flooded campus buildings in El Nino years.
The campus has five on-campus dorms. The two freshman dorms are Page and Clark which are located at the upper corners of campus. Armington is at the lowest point on campus, and is usually the sophomore dorm. Emerson (formerly known as New Dorm and Everest), is at the top of campus and has ocean views in many of its rooms. Van Kampen, the most popular dorm for upper-classmen, is located in the center of the campus and was recently renovated and modernized in the summer of 2006. Some upper classmen students live in the Ocean View Apartments, a college-owned apartment building on the east side of Santa Barbara.
The campus was heavily damaged during the Tea Fire in the Montecito hills, though no injuries were reported on the campus. Westmont is located in a high fire area with limited access via narrow winding roads. As a condition of approval of their Master Plan Westmont agreed to the controversial “shelter in place” also called “stay and defend” procedure in case of a wildfire. During the fire, students who were on campus were evacuated to the Gymnasium, which was considered fireproof. The Physics Lab, Psychology Building, Math Building, and many of the faculty
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
homes were destroyed. Two of the residence halls in Clark residence hall
Dormitory
A dormitory, often shortened to dorm, in the United States is a residence hall consisting of sleeping quarters or entire buildings primarily providing sleeping and residential quarters for large numbers of people, often boarding school, college or university students...
were severely damaged, along with the RD cottage. With the recovery phase initiated over the weekend, faculty and staff were allowed back on campus November 17, but the school was scheduled to remain closed to students until December 1.
Off-campus programs
Off-campus programs are an important part of the Westmont experience with over 60 percent of students participating in a program at some point in their studies. Westmont offers a number of off-campus programs. These programs are run with a faculty member and include the Europe semester, England Semester, Westmont in Mexico, and the San Francisco Urban program. Some students choose to participate in semester exchanges at one of the colleges in the Christian College ConsortiumChristian College Consortium
The Christian College Consortium is an affiliation of Christian colleges and universities.-Member schools:Founded in 1971, the Consortium currently includes 13 member institutions located throughout the United States:*Asbury University*Bethel University...
, such as Gordon College
Gordon College
Gordon College may refer to:* Gordon College , a public college in Barnesville, Georgia* Gordon College , a Christian college in Wenham, Massachusetts* Gordon College , a Christian college in Rawalpindi, Pakistan...
, Houghton College
Houghton College
Houghton College is a Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. The college is a member of both the Christian College Consortium and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities...
, Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions, located on the north slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington, USA. It was founded in 1891 by the Oregon and Washington Conference of the Free Methodist Church as the Seattle Seminary...
, and Wheaton College
Wheaton College (Illinois)
Wheaton College is a private, evangelical Protestant liberal arts college in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago in the United States...
(IL). Additionally, many students participate in other qualifying programs, including semesters in New Zealand, Belize, Washington DC, Chile, Italy, France, and Lithuania. Students receive transferable credit while they live and study abroad in these different programs. Some students work in internships while they are off campus, and many choose Washington DC or the San Francisco Urban program for this purpose.
Spring Sing
Westmont hosts a popular annual student event entitled Spring Sing, which in past years has been held at the Santa Barbara County Bowl or UC Santa Barbara auditorium. This event is a competition between the dorms with eight minute musical comedy skits. The dorms are further divided by gender into male and female houses (with the exception of the Emerson dorm).The skits incorporate an average of four or five clips of popular songs with altered original lyrics and original choreography. The lyrics are usually changed to reflect a humorous progression of the skit's main story. The dorm that wins has bragging rights for the next year.
Past sweepstakes winners have been Van Kampen Men (2011) and Armington Men (2010).
Potter's Clay
Another very popular program is Potter's Clay. Many students travel during spring break to Ensenada, Mexico for this ministry program. Students interact with the local population and churches to help with construction, Vacation Bible School, and medical work.Student Life Statement
Westmont College, an openly Christian education facility, asks all incoming students, trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff to sign a Community Life Statement. In it a member of the Westmont Community will find a guide regarding what is to be expected of their lifestyle and behavior while at Westmont. While living up to these guidelines might be found difficult, one school administrator explained, "I would say, as with all students, we want to care and love them along the way."A recent letter cited the "doubt, loneliness and fear" that some gay and lesbian students have felt. After alumni added their support to the same letter, a Westmont representative responded saying, "I would love for us to be a safer place to talk about those questions than we are," Also pointed out was the school’s diversity statement, an excerpt of which reads "Westmont does not tolerate racial, ethnic, religious or gender slurs, or other forms of verbal abuse; threatening behavior or threatening messages; the creation of a hostile environment; or any form of harassment."
In evidence of the respect being shown, the same administrator also stated "We're hoping to do a better job of talking to and loving each other and holding true to our scriptural principles."
Notable alumni
- Alvin O. AustinAlvin O. AustinAlvin O. "Bud" Austin was the fifth president of LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas from 1986 to 2007. Since July 2007 he has held the role of University Chancellor, in accordance with the wishes of the Board of Trustees.-Life:He was raised in Florida and Utah before attending Westmont...
, Ph.D. 1964, President, Le Tourneau University, Longview, Texas - Priya DavidPriya DavidPriya David is an American journalist based in San Francisco, California. David has worked as a CBS News correspondent based in New York, reporting for the CBS Evening News and for The Early Show, and filling in as an occasional Saturday and Sunday CBS Evening News anchor. In 2008 and 2009...
- CBS News correspondent. - Anita Perez FergusonAnita Perez FergusonAnita Perez Ferguson, born in 1949 in Santa Barbara, California, is a speaker, author and international consultant.She has a BA in Communications from Westmont College , an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Clara, and an MA in Management from the University of...
speaker and consultant - Allen HopkinsAllen Hopkins (soccer commentator)Allen Hopkins is an American soccer sportscaster. His current duties include coverage of Major League Soccer for ESPN, as well as MLS' C.D. Chivas USA....
- Sportscaster for ESPN and FSN - Bob HuffBob HuffRobert S. Huff is a U.S. politician, who is a Republican member of the California State Senate, representing the 29th Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties...
- California Senator for the 29th District - Jean-Louis RavelomanantsoaJean-Louis RavelomanantsoaJean-Louis Ravelomanantsoa is a retired Malagasy athlete who specialized in the 100 metres.At the 1964 Summer Olympics he was knocked out in the heats in both 100 and 200 metres....
- MalagasyMalagasy peopleThe Malagasy ethnic group forms nearly the entire population of Madagascar. They are divided into two subgroups: the "Highlander" Merina, Sihanaka and Betsileo of the central plateau around Antananarivo, Alaotra and Fianarantsoa, and the côtiers elsewhere in the country. This division has its...
OlympicOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
sprinter and professional Track athlete of the 1970s. - George Alan RekersGeorge Alan RekersGeorge Alan Rekers is an American psychologist and ordained Southern Baptist minister. He is emeritus professor of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine....
- American psychologist and ordained Southern Baptist minister, anti-homosexual activist who was mired in a 2010 scandal involving a young male escort. - Ron SheltonRon SheltonRon Shelton is a U.S. film director and screenwriter, most notable for making movies about sports.Shelton is an alumnus of Santa Barbara High School and of the University of Arizona and Westmont College...
- US film director of several films, including Bull Durham and White Men Can't Jump.
Notable faculty
- Ronald EnrothRonald EnrothRonald M. Enroth is Professor of Sociology at Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California, and a prominent evangelical Christian author of books concerning what he defines as "cults" and "new religious movements"....
- Westmont Sociology Professor and expert on cults. - Tremper Longman III - Westmont Old Testament Professor and leading Old Testament Scholar.
- Jerry BlackstoneJerry BlackstoneJerry Blackstone is a Grammy Award winning American choral conductor. He is the Director of Choirs and Chair of the Conducting Department at the University of Michigan and the Music Director of the University Musical Society Choral Union....
- Grammy Award winning music conductor and Director of Choirs at the University of MichiganUniversity of MichiganThe University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
School of Music, Theatre and Dance; former Westmont music professor. - Robert H. GundryRobert H. GundryRobert Horton Gundry is a Biblical scholar. He received a B.A. and a B.D. degree from the Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Manchester University in Manchester, England in 1961 and has taught for several decades at Westmont College in California...
- Westmont College Scholar-in-Residence, author of several Bible reference books, commentaries, and articles, including The Survey of the New Testament (fourth edition). - Shirley MullenShirley MullenShirley A. Mullen is the current president of Houghton College and the first women president of the college. Prior to becoming President at the Houghton College she was provost at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California....
- Former Westmont history professor and provost, President of Houghton CollegeHoughton CollegeHoughton College is a Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. The college is a member of both the Christian College Consortium and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities...
in New York state. - Randy PfundRandy PfundRandell "Randy" Pfund is an American former National Basketball Association head coach and a former NBA executive...
- Former Westmont basketball assistant coach, former Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
coach, and former Miami HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
executive - Peter W. Stoner - Christian apologist and author of Science Speaks
External links
- Official website
- http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/candacechellew-hodge/4258/alums_speak_out_against_anti-gay_christian_college/