A Statement on Carleton’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals
The mission of Carleton College is to provide an exceptional undergraduate
liberal arts education. In pursuit of this mission, the College is devoted to
academic excellence, distinguished by the creative interplay of teaching,
learning, and scholarship, and dedicated to our diverse residential community
and extensive international engagements.
The College’s aspiration is to prepare students to lead lives of learning that are
broadly rewarding, professionally satisfying and of service to humanity. By
discovering and sharing exemplary models of undergraduate education, the
College seeks to be a leader among those colleges, universities, and professional
organizations that share our dedication to this vision.
Carleton strives to be a collaborative community that encourages curiosity and
intellectual adventure of the highest quality. Faculty, staff, and students respect
one another for the serious work and the playful humor we share, and we
support each other in pursuing a healthy balance of mind, body, and spirit. Quiet
reflection and lively engagement are valued as sources of self-understanding and
renewal. Carleton honors thoughtful conversations about difficult questions as
necessary for individual growth and community strength. The College works to
embody the values of freedom of inquiry and expression and is vigilant in
protecting these values within a culture of academic integrity, civil deliberation,
and ethical action. Carleton aims to be welcoming and hospitable to its
neighbors, guests, and the public, and a responsible steward of its resources.
Carleton’s academic goals focus on developing the critical and creative talents
of our students through broad and rigorous studies in the liberal arts disciplines.
Mentored by dedicated faculty and staff, students become active members of a
learning and living community that promotes the exploration of passionate
interests and emerging avocations. Students learn higher order thinking skills:
disciplinary inquiry, analysis of evidence, arts of communication and
argumentation, and problem-solving strategies. In their chosen fields of study,
students strengthen their capabilities for disciplinary and interdisciplinary
research and artistic production. Students acquire the knowledge necessary for
the continuing study of the world’s peoples, arts, environments, literatures,
sciences, and institutions.
Carleton develops qualities of mind and character that prepare its graduates to
become citizens and leaders, capable of finding inventive solutions to local,
national, and global challenges.
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