general education program as of the late 1990s. In 2000, the college embarked on an incredibly
thorough self-study and institutional strategic planning process. One of the early products of that
process was a refined and abbreviated statement of mission. In a sentence, the college aspired to
state its purpose and raison d’etre. The process of redrafting the mission included input from
every college constituency including board, administration, faculty, staff, alumni, and students.
Simply put,
The Morningside College experience cultivates passion for life-long learning and a dedication to
ethical leadership and civic responsibility.
Needless to say, the mission draws on the college’s long-standing commitment to the
broader community. It reflects a form of civic republicanism that is at the same time Jefferson
and Hamilton; De Tocqueville and Emerson; Dewey and Arendt. Yet, these fine references
must find some expression in demonstrable and appropriate student learning outcomes.
faculty transformed the curriculum toward a student learning outcomes oriented curriculum, it
focused on student learning goals inspired by both the mission and vision statements that guided
our college renewal process.
Ethical leadership and civic responsibility are two terms that have challenged the entire
college to reflect on how our programs of study contribute to these college-wide outcomes. On
first blush, these outcomes seem to fit easily within political science’s traditional realms of
inquiry. This is true so long as one wants to study leadership from a value-neutral perspective,
as part of an effort to analyze and assess the leadership styles of particular Presidents or
2
According to the curriculum adopted January 2003
,
Morningside graduates must meet the following outcomes:
1. Demonstrate analytic, synthetic, creative, evaluative, and quantitative thinking;
2. Communicate effectively;
3. Behave ethically and responsibly;
4. Use knowledge of cultures to enhance their understanding of themselves and others;
5. Apply knowledge and skills from multiple, diverse disciplines and practical experiences to understand
complex issues and to solve problems;
6. Exhibit a passion for life-long learning;
7. Effect positive change through leadership or active participation in their communities; and
8. Articulate their own spirituality and personal values, while understanding those of others.
McKinlay & Lopez 3
Draft – Not for Citation
Convention