President's WelcomeDear Visitor,
You've found Goddard's website, and I am glad you are here. I hardly know where to begin to tell you about this wonderful place. In fact, here in cyberspace, it is hard to convey the essence of our small but powerful community.
Goddard is nationally and internationally recognized for its leadership in educational innovation. Its history, since its founding as Goddard Seminary in 1863, is long and distinguished. In 1938, the College was reconstituted according to the ideals of democracy and principles of progressive education developed by John Dewey and others associated with him. Each person who comes to Goddard College comes to be part of a collaborative community and develops individual courses of study. There is no menu-like fixed curriculum. There are no grades. Our transcripts are narrative in form to reflect actual accomplishments.
Our academic rigor is exemplary. The Goddard faculty, with degrees from leading universities worldwide, is not only scholarly but also creative. They insist that you test your learning in your experiences. In that way, you understand the importance but also the limitations of assimilated knowledge and ideas.
Here education is about the whole person: the enlightenment of the mind is primary, yes - but not a disembodied mind. Through action combined with reflection, your mind sharpens, your activity in the world is more consistent and competent, and your capacity to attend to your spirit and your emotions builds.
We ask of you as well to analyze, assess and deepen your promise to be an advocate for social justice. Imposing no "official" way of thinking about our responsibility to each other, our world, and the Earth, we nevertheless want every Goddard graduate to develop a personal vision of his or her commitment to sustainability of our environment and the necessity to oppose injustice in whatever form it takes and wherever it is encountered.
It is almost a cliche now for educational institutions to talk about transformation and an individualized experience for their students. Therefore I hesitate in making you that now-trite pledge. But I can guarantee that Goddard's educational program is like no other. And I am certain that no group of people - students, faculty, staff, alumni, local residents - is more committed to the passion of discovery, and the struggle of contending ideas, than Goddard's community.
Does that make Goddard transformative with a social and personal dimension that is unique and astounding? If you come to Goddard will you emerge a different person than the one you arrive as? Is Goddard for you? As with all else about Goddard, I'd suggest that the answer ultimately lies with you and not with what we tell you. Learn about us, reflect upon your learning, and experience us. In doing so, you'll expose yourself to what it means to be a member of the Goddard community, and we'll help you do what we do best: learn for yourself.
Mark Schulman President |
With all best wishes,
