Warren Wilson College Catalog 05-06

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Mission Statement

Warren Wilson College is an independent, accredited, four-year liberal arts college, which awards the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in a variety of disciplines and the Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing.

The College was founded by Presbyterians in 1894 and maintains a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The roots of this historic relationship continue to nurture the College's commitment to community, social responsibility, the value of work, and openness in the pursuit of truth. The College provides a strong sense of purpose, place, and participation, and supports diversity, community, and personal development. We welcome those from all religious faiths and secular perspectives who share similar commitments.

The Mission of Warren Wilson College is to provide an education combining liberal arts study, work, and service with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and experiential opportunities for international and cross-cultural understanding in a setting that promotes wisdom, spiritual growth, and contribution to the common good.

The College fulfills its mission by

  1. Practicing an integrated triad of academic study, useful and productive work, and service to others beyond the campus community.
  2. Preparing students for service, leadership, and meaningful lifelong work and learning.
  3. Nurturing a small residential community where students, faculty, staff, and governing board share close, personal relationships, and collaborate in the governance of the College.
  4. Serving students who represent a broadly diverse world.
  5. Offering an educational program that

    6. a. enables students to think critically, obtain and evaluate information effectively, and communicate clearly;
    b. introduces students to a variety of ways by which humans acquire and use knowledge;
    c. provides students with opportunities to develop a breadth of understanding and to make connections among areas considered critical to a liberal arts curriculum;
    d. requires that students demonstrate a depth of understanding through competence in one or more academic disciplines;
    e. furnishes students with opportunities to understand and appreciate a variety of cultures;
    f. assists students in developing awareness of the environment, the commonality of human problems, and the diversity of the world;
    g. leads students into considered reflection on the meaning and value of work and service to others;
    h. guides students in examining their lives and articulating their beliefs and values;
    i. provides students with opportunities for personal, physical, moral, and spiritual development.

  6. Offering an innovative low residency graduate program in creative writing.

Warren Wilson College strives to be a learning community that enhances whole, examined, productive, and fulfilling lives of maturity, freedom, creativity, and joy.

Warren Wilson College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation, in the administration of its educational policies, recruitment or administration of its educational policies, recruitment or admission of students, scholarship, grant or loan programs, or other College administered programs or activities, employment procedures, training programs, promotion policies or other related personnel practices. Inquiries should be directed to Gail Baylor, Director of Human Resources, Warren Wilson College, NC 28778, 828-771-2048 or email gbaylor@warren-wilson.edu.