Philosophy Statements

Foundational Dimension^®:
Foundations Institutions approach the first year in ways that are intentional and based on a philosophy/rationale of the first year that informs relevant institutional policies and practices. The philosophy/rationale is explicit, clear and easily understood, consistent with the institutional mission, widely disseminated, and, as appropriate, reflects a consensus of campus constituencies. The philosophy/rationale is also the basis for first-year organizational policies, practices, structures, leadership, department/unit philosophies, and resource allocation.

Since we have few model statements to share to date, the Policy Center staff proposes the following rubric as a guide to the development of a campus-specific philosophy for the first year. We do not believe that there is a single "right" format. Rather, the power of such philosophy statements is grounded in the institutional process of developing, vetting, formally approving, and communicating these statements. Still, we propose that the following elements are critically important components of a philosophy statement.

1. The philosophy statement is intentionally aligned with, and supportive of, the campus mission statement.
   
2. The philosophy statement clearly articulates campus beliefs about the purpose of the first year of college. These purposes might be expressed as hopes, goals, values, or a grand design for student learning and growth during the first year. This is the core message in the philosophy statement and should be written in language that can be easily understood by students and their families, external constituents, and all members of the institution. The philosophy statement covers all aspects of the first year and is not limited to a single program or initiative.
   
3. The philosophy statement focuses on what the institution controls – its design for the first year of college. The purpose of the statement is to articulate the institution’s commitment to the desired outcomes of all aspects of the first year – both in and out of the classroom. As such the philosophy statement “speaks for” the institution rather than for students or others.
   
4. The philosophy statement clearly states why the institution values the purposes made explicit in the philosophy statement-- why the stated purposes are a priority for the institution and its role in society.
   
5. The philosophy statement, in the body or footnote, acknowledges the process of endorsement by the institution and the date of last revision.

A philosophy statement is not:

1. The campus mission statement that captures the goals of the entire collegiate experience.
2. A list of programs or program goals alone.
3. A statement of what students will do.
4. An institution’s honor code.
5. The mission statement of a single campus unit/department/program.

Readers are encouraged to follow the links below to see examples of philosophy statements that have been provided to the Policy Center from a variety of campuses. Some of these are “works in progress,” and others have been formally endorsed by the contributing campus. Readers are encouraged to apply the suggested rubric above in their own evaluation of the degree to which each of the sample philosophy statements meets the five suggested elements for an effective philosophy statement.