Defining Statements:
Olivet College is dedicated today,
as it was in 1844, to the principle that the future of humanity rests in the
hands, hearts, and minds of those who will accept responsibility for themselves
and others in an increasingly diverse society. This principle of individual and
social responsibility is realized in the context of a distinctive liberal arts
experience which nurtures in our students the emergence and development of
skills, perspectives, and ethics necessary to better themselves and society. We
seek to involve our students in an active academic community which cherishes
diversity of thought and expression. In so doing, we will help our students
discover ways they can most effectively contribute to the common good.
Organizational Principles:
The College has The Olivet Plan, divided into six
components:
Liberal
Arts Concentration: eleven core, thematically linked courses that link
skills, orientations, learning outcomes, and competencies with Olivet's academic
vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility. Students must also demonstrate proficiency
in mathematics, either by passing a proficiency exam or by taken an approved
class.
Learning
Communities: consist of cohorts of students who enroll
concurrently in two or three different but thematically linked courses. Work in the courses is supplemented by
enrichment activities that extend beyond the boundaries of the classroom into
the broader community. Activities are
organized by students and facilitated by faculty. Participation is optional.
Lecture
and Symposium Series: an ongoing series held on Wednesdays
during the academic year to explore the theme of individual and social
responsibility.
Portfolio
Experience: designed to help students take responsibility for
their education through a process of self-assessment, educational planning and
goal-setting, and development of individual portfolios demonstrating learning,
competency, and achievement. Beginning
in the first year, and continuing until the student's graduation portfolio is
completed, students enroll in a required one semester hour Major Seminar
conducted by a faculty mentor. In each seminar, students compile a portfolio of
their best work to date that addresses each of the five broad areas of learning
outcomes, work with their advisor, and participate in career and professional
preparation. Portfolios are evaluated
by faculty mentors each semester and receive a formal validation at graduation.
Senior
Experience: a course in each major that works that requires
students to summarize and synthesize four years of undergraduate learning. The
Experience includes 1) a clear demonstration of the link between general
education and major course of study; 2) preparation for the transition from
college; 3) clear articulation of how the student explored the issue of
individual and social responsibility during their college experience. Students will document these elements in
their portfolio.
Service
Learning: combines
first-hand community service experience with careful and extensive reflection
on that experience. Students must take
at least one three-credit service learning course that requires 40 hours of
service. The requirement may be met
inside or outside the major.
Requirements for Graduation:
Liberal Arts Core RequirementsSelf and Community I |
Number of Credits 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 0-3 33-36 |
Additional RequirementsMajor or Undeclared Seminar - required each year for portfolio |
4 0-3 0 4-7 |
| Total General Education Requirements Credits required for graduation GUR percent |
37-43 120 31%-36% |
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