Bates College

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Mission Statement

Bates is a college of the liberal arts and sciences, nationally recognized for the qualities of the educational experience it provides. It is a coeducational, nonsectarian, residential college with special commitments to academic rigor, and to assuring in all of its efforts the dignity of each individual, and access to its programs and opportunities by qualified learners. Bates prizes both the inherent values of a demanding education and the profound usefulness of learning, teaching, and understanding. Moreover, throughout the history of the College, Bates' graduates have linked education with service, leadership, and obligations beyond themselves. As a college of the liberal arts and sciences, Bates offers a curriculum and faculty that challenge students to attain intellectual achievements and to develop powers of critical assessment, analysis, expression, aesthetic sensibility, and independent thought. In addition, Bates recognizes that learning is not exclusively restricted to cognitive categories, and that the full range of human experience needs to be encouraged and cultivated. The College expects students to appreciate the discoveries and insights of established traditions of learners, as well as to participate in the resolution of what is unknown. Bates is committed to an open and supportive residential environment. The College's programs are designed to encourage student development and to foster student leadership, service, and creativity. The College sponsors cultural, volunteer, athletic, social, and religious opportunities which are open to all students, and values participation in these activities. Bates also recognizes that it has responsibilities to the larger community. Where possible when consistent with its primary responsibilities to its students, faculty, and alumni, the College makes available its educational and cultural resources, its expertise, and its collective energies to professional as well as to regional communities outside the institution.