ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is working through the COVID-19 pandemic and meeting the needs of May 2020 graduates with an Associate Degree in Nursing who apply for Wesleyan’s new RN to BSN Program. The College recently received approval for a conditional acceptance policy, allowing graduates to be able to enter into the program in the fall without delay.
Due to COVID-19, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has made changes to protect the safety of those taking the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), as well as the staff working in testing centers. Therefore, students may be unable to obtain an NCLEX-RN test date prior to the August 2020 enrollment into Wesleyan’s RN to BSN Program.
NC Wesleyan recently received approval for a conditional acceptance policy for May 2020 RN graduates due to these changes. Graduates from a regionally accredited ADN program will receive conditional acceptance to NC Wesleyan’s RN to BSN Program. The conditional acceptance will only be given to those students who graduated in May 2020 and have applied for the fall 2020 start date. Applicants will be required to submit all other admissions criteria, including their transcripts, documenting the RN degree conferral.
Applicants who receive conditional acceptance will be required to submit RN verification and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam prior to starting NUR 330. Students who do not pass the NCLEX-RN exam will not be able to register for NUR 330 and may be required to reapply to the program.
Wesleyan’s 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses achieve the education necessary to broaden their skill set and advance their careers in nursing. This curriculum integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices and includes 34 credit hours. In this program, professional baccalaureate nursing practice will focus on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence based research opportunities that will facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students will be required to complete clinical practice experiences that will allow them to implement new knowledge into their nursing practice. The program features multiple start dates so students can begin when they are ready and finish in as little as 12 months.
NC Wesleyan Planning for Fall Reopening
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announced on March 23 that the College would not resume face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned to online classes. On April 9, the College went into lockdown to protect its faculty, staff and remaining students, which meant that traffic in and out of the main campus would be closed except for essential employees. Now, the College is making plans to reopen for face-to-face instruction this fall.
“Although our spring semester abruptly moved to remote instruction, Wesleyan stood tall against a global pandemic and emerged stronger,” stated President Evan D. Duff. “As we transition our focus to the fall, we will implement what will be known as ‘Wesleyan Wise,’ adding “Together we are strong, together we are wise and together we will rise.”
Wesleyan Wise means that the College will:
- Intend to welcome returning and new students back to campus this fall, while being wise in its decisions, practices and procedures.
- Start the semester on August 19, forgo a fall break, finish the semester just before Thanksgiving holiday and hold Winter Commencement on December 5 at the Rocky Mount Event Center.
- Implement enhanced cleaning practices, utilize smaller class sizes, practice social distance between the students and faculty/staff, offer more hybrid and online options, create effective guidelines for students, and provide available face masks and hand sanitizer for all students, faculty and staff.
New procedures will be implemented within almost every office on campus, dining facilities, and office hours with faculty; however, the level of care and commitment for Wesleyan’s students will never change. More comprehensive details will be shared in the coming weeks about how the College will be Wesleyan Wise this fall.
N.C. Wesleyan adjusts to pandemic
As a class project, Ashlee Brackett, a current student at Elon University, recently wrote an article that was published in the Rocky Mount Telegram. The article tells about how Wesleyan has approached the pandemic and what we were doing during this time of crisis. She also happens to be the daughter of Wesleyan Staff member Suzanne Brackett. Congratulations Ashlee!
Wesleyan’s New RN to BSN Program Receives Official Accreditation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to announce that its new RN to BSN program has received accreditation approval from its regional accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), after submitting documentation in January. The University began accepting applications for the program this spring, with classes set to begin in the fall.
The 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses achieve the education necessary to broaden their skill set and advance their careers in nursing. This curriculum integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices and includes 34 credit hours. In this program, professional baccalaureate nursing practice will focus on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence based research opportunities that will facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students will be required to complete clinical practice experiences that will allow them to implement new knowledge into their nursing practice. The program features multiple start dates so students can begin when they are ready and finish in as little as 12 months.
“These are exciting times at North Carolina Wesleyan University with the introduction of nursing to our Adult & Professional Studies programs. It’s never been a better time to advance in the field of nursing and work towards transforming healthcare for the betterment of those receiving our services,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program. “The faculty and staff stand ready to help prospective students succeed and cheer you on throughout the RN to BSN journey here at NCWU.” NC Wesleyan has also received a $15,000 gift from two married alums to cover the costs of textbooks for the first 20 students accepted into the program. For more information on the RN to BSN program and to apply, visit ncwu.edu/rn-to-bsn.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
Wesleyan Adds New Academic Programs
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The faculty at North Carolina Wesleyan University recently passed the following new curriculum programs: a B.S. in Healthcare Administration, a B.S. in Sports Administration and three certificate programs in Human Resources, Executive Leadership and Healthcare Administration. These new programs will add to the exceptional array of academic offerings already at Wesleyan, giving students the ability to choose from over 45 undergraduate degree options, 32 minors and two graduate degree programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree will prepare graduates to work in the business operations side of medical facilities. Students will learn the financial, human resources, legal and ethical aspects, as well as quality control within a healthcare setting. This degree will prepare students for careers in medical and health services management, healthcare administration and medical office management.
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration degree will prepare graduates to work at all levels within sports, facilities and recreation management. Students will learn about the administration of sports programs, sport facility and event management, sport communication and coaching theory among other topics. Graduates will be prepared to work as a coach, facilities manager, athletic director, sports coordinator or be prepared for graduate school. “We are excited to offer programs that will lead students to careers in growing industries such as sports and healthcare administration. Exciting features of these new programs will allow students to study and gain valuable experience during their program. The new certificates will help those looking to add specific skills in leadership, business, and healthcare administration,” stated Molly Wyatt, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Students.
Wesleyan Welcomes Two New Admission Counselors
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is pleased to welcome two new Counselors to its Admissions Team— Jason Letchworth and Stephanie Stallings.
Jason Letchworth received his Associate of Applied Science in Biotechnology from Pitt Community College in 2012. In 2016, he finished his BS in Business Administration at North Carolina Wesleyan, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Jason is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a North Carolina certified Firefighter and EMT. In his new role, he will be responsible for working with incoming transfer students.
Stephanie Stallings is from Nashville, NC and is a 2018 alumna of North Carolina Wesleyan University. She was a member of the Women’s Soccer Team for four years and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. This April, Stallings also received her Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Wesleyan. In her new role as Admissions Counselor, her recruitment territories include Dare and Currituck Counties, western North Carolina, Virginia and southern states, Tennessee to Texas.
“NC Wesleyan continuously strives to help better serve the needs of students and our community. Adding to our Admissions staff is one of the many ways of showing these efforts. We are pleased to have Stephanie and Jason join our team, as both have the education and experience to thrive in their new role and help propel admissions,” stated Paige Wells, Assistant Director of Admissions-Recruitment. North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to welcome these two new, but familiar faces to the Bishop family and is enthusiastic about the skillsets and energy that each will bring to the team as they work to recruit future Bishops.
Wesleyan Holds Virtual Spring Commencement Celebration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, April 25, North Carolina Wesleyan University held a virtual spring commencement celebration to honor the Class of 2020. The College announced on March 23 that the spring commencement ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. In lieu of a physical ceremony, the College wanted to do something special to honor its 222 seniors who graduated.
The virtual celebration included a welcome message from President Duff, baccalaureate address by Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and photos that the graduates submitted, along with their hometowns and majors. In addition, the graduates were treated to a surprise video from award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, who was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy and the CBS comedy, “Me, Myself and I.”
In her video, Lawrence addressed the graduates, stating “I’d like to talk to you today about sacrifice — something that we’ve heard of, but I think we all know a little more about now.” She went on to mention all of the sacrifices that are made in order to obtain a college degree, many of which she experienced herself. She specifically addressed the challenges and sacrifices that are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “But I never had to sacrifice my graduation service…the Class of 2020 did something unique.” She left the graduates with the hope that maybe they would all be able to celebrate together at the December ceremony.
This was the College’s 79th graduation, with the first occurring in 1960. There were 10 international graduates from six countries: Argentina, Cambodia, Venezuela, England, Nepal and Italy. This commencement also included the third cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Criminal Justice program.
SAT/ACT WAIVED FOR FALL 2020
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to our community by offering educational opportunities despite the challenges influencing our nation and world. Our core values of Kindness and Empathy require NCWC to be a good faith partner to our service area. In furtherance of these values and in order to afford an opportunity to make an investment in our community, NCWC has amended the admissions policy to waive the ACT/SAT for students who have not had an opportunity to take these national tests. This test optional admissions waiver will be effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Fall 2020 admissions cycle is complete.
Over the past several months NCWC has started new degrees, expanded online learning, and have plans to open other campus locations. All of these academic and operational enhancements were designed with our community in-mind as we continue to provide options for working adults, transfer students, commuters, as well as maintaining a full residential life college experience.
Wesleyan is proud of the service we provide to our students and in the decision to waive the SAT/ACT admissions requirements. This is one small way we continue our commitment to serve the educational needs of our community.
Contact our Admissions staff at 252.985.5200 or admissions@ncwu.edu for more information.
The National Education Association Awards CREATE Grant to NCWC
Grant to Benefit College’s Teacher Education Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently received a CREATE grant from the National Education Association (NEA) Center for Great Public Schools Aspiring Educators Program. The $2,000 grant is to benefit the Students Helping Students Afterschool Program for Social Justice.
Led by Dr. Patricia Brewer, NCWC’s Professor and Coordinator of Special Education, Students Helping Students is a service learning project within the College’s Teacher Education program. The initiative provides afterschool services to K-12 children with learning differences in Nash-Rocky Mount Schools. The program has received statewide recognition and is designed for education students to provide individualized instruction in math and reading. Additionally, the program provides parent advocacy training. Dr. Patricia Brewer facilitates this part of the program for parents of participating K-12 children.
“We are so excited about this grant,” stated Dr. Brewer. “Pre-service education students become strong, confident and intentional in educational practices with diverse learners and parents. They consistently support high expectations that result in growth and positive outcomes.”
Students Helping Students Afterschool Program for Social Justice fosters connections and investigations for critical inquiry of exceptional students’ needs in the classroom. This Social Justice grant will allow NC Wesleyan’s pre-service education students to become reflective practitioners beyond the boundaries of the school. Through the grant, pre-service students will increase their passion and impact the lives of K-12 students using a pedagogy of culturally responsive practices and differentiated strategies.
The National Education Association (NEA) offers mini-grants to teacher education programs for teacher quality, community engagement, social justice and political advocacy. The NEA is the nation’s largest professional employee organization and is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA’s three million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. The association has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
Phi Theta Kappa Recognizes NCWC for Exemplary Transfer Pathways
NCWC has been named again to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Roll which designates Wesleyan as a college who recognizes and rewards PTK honor students from the community college system. NCWC is one of only three colleges in the state to receive this honor.