Welcome to Vanguard University

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Welcome/Scott Academic Center trail

Welcome / Scott Academic Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to Vanguard University, a private Christian University in Orange County, Southern California. We've been equipping students for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service since 1920 and continue to offer a top-rated education and practical skills to prepare students for the next chapter in life. Before we get started, let me explain the many ways in which you can explore our beautiful campus: - You can click on the front facing arrow to start walking around our campus - You can jump to the next stop by clicking on the "Next" button - Now, if you already know where you want to go, you can select any location by using the list or by clicking directly on the map - Lastly, remember that you can explore any particular location in more detail by clicking on the 360, photos, or video icons. The Scott Academic Center is the newly renovated and expanded front door of Vanguard. Scott holds ten classrooms, a computer lab and various student services offices including Admissions, Financial Aid, the Career Center, the Academic Resource Center and the Office of Global Education and Outreach for those interested in outreach and studying abroad. At Samson's Café you can grab coffee and food to-go.

You are now on the 3rd point on the Welcome/Scott Academic Center trail coming from Welcome / Scott Academic Center on your way to Waugh Student Center.

You are now on the 5th point on the Welcome/Scott Academic Center trail coming from Welcome / Scott Academic Center on your way to Waugh Student Center.

You are now on the 7th point on the Welcome/Scott Academic Center trail coming from Welcome / Scott Academic Center on your way to Waugh Student Center.

You are now on the 9th point on the Welcome/Scott Academic Center trail coming from Welcome / Scott Academic Center on your way to Waugh Student Center.

You are now on the 11th point on the Welcome/Scott Academic Center trail coming from Welcome / Scott Academic Center on your way to Waugh Student Center.

You are now on the 13th point on the Welcome/Scott Academic Center trail coming from Welcome / Scott Academic Center on your way to Waugh Student Center.

Heath Academic Center

Tour stop audio transcript

The Heath Academic Center was built in 2004 and holds eight classrooms, two lecture halls, various academic departments and the Writing Center. The Music Basement has practice rooms and a state-of-the-art MIDI composition lab. Vanguard offers 25 majors in 14 departments, giving students a wide variety to choose from. Our largest five majors are Business, Psychology, Communication, Kinesiology, and Religion. Five Religion courses are also integrated into our Core Curriculum. Our average class size is 23 students and our student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, creating an intimate and positive learning environment. Professors go beyond the classroom and become strong mentors to our students.

Needham Chapel

Tour stop audio transcript

Needham Chapel was dedicated in 1995 and is named after Harold and Hulda Needham, founders of Southern California Bible School which is now Vanguard University. It is open to students regularly, and is popular for those who need a quiet space. This chapel is also used for smaller chapel services and some Music classes. The adjoining outdoor Needham Courtyard with a view of the Campus Mall is used for many campus events. Campus Safety, whose office neighbors the chapel and courtyard, provides a safe and secure environment by patrolling the campus 24/7 and offering safety escorts. In addition, Vanguard neighbors the Costa Mesa City Police and Fire departments.

Waugh Student Center

Tour stop audio transcript

The 35,000 square foot Waugh Student Center opened in 2020. Students dine in the Bruce Lindsay Café which serves a wide range of daily options, including gluten free, vegan and vegetarian. Dr. Ben's Coffee Bar is available for gourmet coffee, meal replacement and late night service plus includes a pizza oven. A kitchen is available for students who bring their own food along with commuter lockers. The first floor houses a convertible forum for banquets, events or athletics. The second floor houses a fitness center, that promotes community, health and wellbeing. Plus, an outdoor terrace is a favorite place to sit, study and relax in front of a fireplace.

Newport Mesa Church trail

You are now on the 5th point on the Newport Mesa Church trail on your way to Newport Mesa Church.

You are now on the 7th point on the Newport Mesa Church trail on your way to Newport Mesa Church.

Newport Mesa Church

Tour stop audio transcript

Vanguard is a thriving Christian community that seeks to guide students in their spiritual growth. Students not only experience the integration of faith and learning in the classroom but our Spiritual Formation Department creates opportunities each week to worship, to experience God and grow deeper through a variety of topics, speakers and contexts. Students are also encouraged to participate in local and global outreach opportunities. Vanguard has established ongoing relationships with dozens of organizations and missionaries throughout the world including in San Francisco, Mexico, Tanzania, Ireland, Indonesia, Thailand and more. Here we're standing in Newport Mesa Church, an Assemblies of God church on campus that holds our morning chapels.

Smith Hall trail

Smith Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Smith Hall is home to our $150,000 Kinesiology lab that opened in 2009 giving students the opportunity for interactive training and features state of the art equipment, including a BodPod, a high-tech body composition analysis machine. Vanguard is one of only three universities in Orange County to have one. Also located in Smith Hall is the Counseling Center that offers free counseling to all students.

Fine Arts Building trail

Fine Arts Building

Tour stop audio transcript

The Fine Arts Building houses our signature Music and Theater departments. The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers various degrees, including a Bachelor of Music. Students are able to earn a scholarship for participating in one of our vocal and instrumental ensembles that includes Concert Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Orchestra and Vanguard Singers and Band. The Department of Theater is accredited by the National Association of Schools for Theatre and presents six productions each year. We are one of only three Christian colleges to have this distinguished accreditation.

O. Cope Budge Library trail

You are now on the 5th point on the O. Cope Budge Library trail on your way to Lyceum Theater.

Biological and Physical Sciences

Tour stop audio transcript

Vanguard University has over 10,000 sq. ft. of Biological and Physical Sciences laboratory space. Recently, the STEM laboratory footprint grew by 5,100 sq. ft. to support biology, chemical, environmental and physical sciences. Equipment includes an anatomage table that provides fully segmented human 3D anatomy exactly as though on a cadaver for virtual dissection opportunities and a DNA sequencer. A recent $300,000 grant was received for the construction of an outdoor learning laboratory that includes ecological habitats, aquaponics, greenhouses and a butterfly pavilion. Vanguard remains committed to growing STEM programs and majors.

O. Cope Budge Library

Tour stop audio transcript

The O. Cope Budge Library is a popular place for studying as it holds a computer lab, study rooms equipped with smart TVs and a highly qualified library staff who is available for students. The library holds 200,000 volumes of books and over 80 online databases that can be accessed on or off campus by students. We have a collection of over 1,500 DVDs available for rent and this selection is updated frequently. In addition, most textbooks are available for a two-hour checkout period.

Lyceum Theater

Tour stop audio transcript

The Theater Department currently produces five mainstage shows each year, plus a Senior Showcase by our graduating seniors. During the summer, the American Coast Theater Company operates on campus as Vanguard's resident professional theater company, and offers professional internships to our students. All of our shows are presented on campus, here, in the Lyceum Theater, an intimate 180-seat three-quarter thrust stage. Recent Theater Department alumni include Kristina Kuzmic, winner of Oprah's "Your OWN Show" and Emily Rose Maier, who starred in the Syfy network show "Haven."

Campus Mall trail

Campus Mall

Tour stop audio transcript

This is the Campus Mall, the location for many favorite all-school events, including the All-School Party, Harvest Party and annual Human vs. Zombies competition. Thanks to our 329 days of sunshine, it is a popular hang-out or study spot. Be sure to stop and take a selfie with the VUSC letters! Vanguard has countless extra-curricular activities and a diverse student population that contributes to a vibrant community life. From Student Government Association to intramurals to clubs like El Puente and the Surf Club, you'll find the right fit! Each class hosts at least four events each year. Mingle with classmates at a beach bonfire or coffee shop open mic night.

Huntington Laguna Halls trail

Huntington/Laguna Halls

Tour stop audio transcript

At Vanguard, 65 percent of students live on campus. Known as the Towers, Laguna and Huntington Halls are home to our underclassmen. Laguna houses freshman female students and Huntington houses freshman and sophomore males. All rooms are equipped with its own personal bathroom and each floor has a laundry facility and a large lounge for student use. The Towers Lobby and Courtyard is an inviting space for students to hang out, study around a fireplace or fire pit, or watch a movie on the outdoor TV. Our Health Center is located in Laguna Hall, staffed by a full-time Nurse Practitioner, who is available to meet and care for our students.

Athletic Complex

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to our gym also known as "The Pit." We are a part of the NAIA and compete in the Golden State Athletic Conference. We love to "pack the Pit" and cheer on our eleven athletic teams, including the 2014 men's basketball national champions! We also have baseball and softball fields on campus. Watch a soccer game in our state-of-the-art complex with a turf field and three futsal courts. Interested in working out? Use the indoor weight room or outdoor T-Rex fitness station, enjoy a pickup game on our brand new outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts or go on a hiking and kayaking excursion sponsored by VU Rec.

Balboa/Newport Halls trail

Balboa/Newport Halls

Tour stop audio transcript

Balboa and Newport Halls house juniors and seniors. Both halls are set up with quad floor plans with four rooms sharing a spacious living area. Each room has its own bathroom and each building has a laundry facility and study lounge. Enjoy the view of a baseball game from an outdoor deck!

Location trail

Location

Tour stop audio transcript

Vanguard is lucky to call Orange County home with a near-perfect climate and a world of possibilities for fun in Southern California. Grab your surfboard and head to Newport Beach on a break between classes or join the 30 percent of students who own a Disneyland pass, just twenty minutes away. I hope you've enjoyed your tour of Vanguard University and are ready to take the next step to determine if Vanguard is the right fit for you. Click on the tabs at the top of the screen to get more information, schedule a campus visit, or apply for admission online. We look forward to getting to you know you!

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