Nurturing outstanding individuals, responsible citizens, and mature community members
Maturing as adults is both an adventure and a challenge. Going to college means embarking on an independent "life of the mind" away from the influence of the parents, the schools, and the teachers on whom one had long depended. In college, one should explore his or her true sensibilities and abilities. The liberal arts education is about understanding oneself and others, considering the true nature of the world we live in, and the basis for our shared values, ideals, and concepts.
New students must take full responsibility for themselves and be ready to take responsibility for society as well. The shift from dependence to independence implies recognizing personal responsibility. That experience by which one comes to see the world in a new light is the most important and difficult process of maturity. Many freshmen find it difficult to bear this challenge of learning and slip into confusion, aimlessness, and escapism because they are not supported by institutions. If this state of affairs is prolonged, one's four years at the university can become tremendous waste in every respect. We must guide students to gladly face challenges at the university and thereby transform themselves. The essential goal of a university education is to nurture outstanding individuals, responsible citizens, and mature community members through a liberal arts education.