I.
Carleton’s Values
A.
Student Development
Students are recognized as adults and therefore should receive the respect
and assume the responsibilities that come with this status. The journey from
late adolescence to adulthood is not a linear progression. It is an exciting,
confusing, and stressful developmental process unique to each individual.
The mission of the College is “to liberate individuals from the constraints
imposed by ignorance or complacency and prepare them broadly to lead
rewarding, creative, and useful lives.” In that spirit, students are routinely
challenged in the classroom and in their daily lives to test boundaries, take
risks, and stretch themselves. Over time, all students engage in a wide range
of developmental tasks, including:
•
Enhancing academic skills.
•
Defining and redefining educational and career goals.
•
Formulating personal identity.
•
Adjusting to community/group living.
•
Developing appropriate self-management, health, and wellness skills.
•
Analyzing, forming or confirming values.
•
Developing a mature style of relating to others and exploring
interpersonal relationships.
•
Accepting the consequences of ones actions.
•
Understanding and developing appreciation for cultural and lifestyle
differences.
•
Developing a sense of fairness and compromise.
•
Developing skills to work effectively in groups and participate in an
enterprise larger than oneself.
B.
Self-Governance and Personal Freedom
Fundamental to a Carleton experience is the value of self-governance. Most
students come directly from home and secondary school environments that
are much more structured than life at Carleton. Personal freedom is both an
opportunity and a challenge.
In the exercise of personal choices, students assume certain responsibilities:
•
Taking ownership of their actions and expressions of opinion.
•
Insuring that their actions or the actions of others do not infringe upon
the rights of others or the fundamental integrity of the living and
learning environment.
•
Respecting the rights of others to the same freedom of expression
claimed for themselves.
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