The University embraces the following definition of liberal education:
Liberal education is a philosophy of education that empowers individuals with broad knowledge and transferable skills, and a strong sense of values, ethics, and civic engagement. These broad goals have been enduring even as the courses and requirements that comprise a liberal education have changed over the years. Characterized by challenging encounters with important and relevant issues today and throughout history, a liberal education prepares graduates both for socially valued work and for civic leadership in their society. It usually includes a general education curriculum that provides broad exposure to multiple disciplines and ways of knowing, along with more in-depth study in at least one field or area of concentration.
Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World
Focused by engagement with big questions, both contemporary and enduring.
- Through study in fine and performing arts, humanities, mathematics and science, and social science.
Skills, both Intellectual and Practical, including:
Practiced extensively, across the curriculum, in the context of progressively more challenging problems, projects and standards for performance.
- Identification and objective evaluation of theories and assumptions
- Critical and creative thinking
- Written and oral communication
- Quantitative literacy
- Technology and information literacy
- Teamwork, leadership and problem solving
Responsibility, as Individuals and Communities, including:
Developed through real-world challenges and active involvement with diverse communities.
- Knowledge of sustainability and its applications
- Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global
- Intercultural knowledge and competence
- Ethical reasoning and action
- Foundations and skills for lifelong learning
Learning: Integrated, Synthesized, and Advanced, including:
Demonstrated through the application of knowledge, skills, and responsibilities to new settings and complex problems.
- Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies
[Please Note: Learning Outcomes are adapted from AAC&U Report, College Learning for a New Global Century]
