Educational Program Goals

The educational experience at Wilmington College will enable students to achieve:

  • Independence and Interdependence of Thought. Students should value and develop both independence and interdependence of thought. Independence should be fostered by encouraging students to examine the consistency of their beliefs and positions, so they become self-directed and self-disciplined individuals both in the classroom and in their daily lives. Interdependence should be encouraged through the students’ accountability to their own ideas, beliefs, and experiences; the academic disciplines; and the community of learners.
  • Improvement of Communication and Critical Thinking Skills. Instruction at Wilmington College should enable students to develop their competencies in the following areas: writing, oral communication, reading, mathematics, computer applications, critical thinking, and library research skills.
  • Breadth of Knowledge. Students should be able to understand the origins, evolution, and contemporary developments that account for the world today. Toward this end, students will become familiar with the basic areas of human thought, aesthetic and creative expression, and the academic disciplines by which people search for truth, understanding, and wellbeing.
  • Global Awareness. Students will realize the interconnectedness of the natural environment and the social order; will perceive the value of a peaceful and equitable resolution of human conflict; and will appreciate both the diverse cultural heritage of world civilizations and the commonalities of the human condition.
  • Depth of Knowledge. Students will master at least one academic discipline, including a thorough understanding of its theory, practice, strength, and limitations.
  • Community Service and Career Development. Students are encouraged to perform voluntary service to the community, both during their college lives and afterwards. Upon graduation, they should be qualified for a career and/or for further education. As the products of a well-rounded, liberal arts institution, they should have the capacity to adapt constructively to changing situations and environments.
  • Respect for Self and Others. Drawing on the traditions of Quakerism, students will consider the moral and ethical dimensions of decisions at the personal, community, and world levels. They should develop an outlook that respects others, rather than hurting or exploiting them. This outlook should also embrace a commitment to social justice, environmental preservation, and a non-discriminatory allocation of resources.

The Mission, Vision, Core Values and Educational Program Goals statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on April 24, 2015.