President Rebecca M. Bergman
For 155 years, the mission of Gustavus Adolphus College has clearly stated that its primary purpose is to offer students of high aspiration and promise a liberal arts education of recognized excellence provided by faculty who embody the highest standards of teaching and scholarship.
Strategy 2.1 raises up the importance of offering a distinctive and integrated liberal arts education and charges our community to design, implement, evaluate, and maintain initiatives that further outstanding curricular and co-curricular programs. This strategy has six sub-strategies (2.1.1-2.1.6), all of which emphasize the importance of academic discovery and innovation, expanded opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and student-faculty research, and exploration of new programs and external partnerships. Together, these initiatives help fulfill our vision that students will be prepared to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time.
Work is underway on a variety of fronts related to Strategy 2.1. I am particularly excited about the thoughtful work by our faculty to develop a new general education curriculum. The ideas and proposals being considered are distinctive and aligned with our commitment to delivering an excellent liberal arts education. Designing a new curriculum is complex work, and I am grateful to all those engaged in moving this forward. On the co-curricular side, we are seeking opportunities to increase the number of students involved in career exploration, mentoring, internships, and experiential learning. The Center for Career Development is integral to these co-curricular efforts.
How can you help? While the faculty is key to the overall success of a student’s academic experience, Strategy 2.1 recognizes that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Every aspect of the learning environment we provide at Gustavus impacts a student’s overall education. Pay attention to how your work directly influences our students. Ensure that your words, actions, and attitudes convey a message of optimism and encouragement. Our students have chosen Gustavus as the place where they will learn, grow, and seek to be their best selves now and in the future. Be a positive role model for these amazing young people.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties!
With respect,
Becky