General Education Goals

Introduction
Goals express ideals, each one representing the highest level that is attainable within the realm of possibility in a particular area. Hampden-Sydney faculty, staff members, trustees, and students have worked together to formulate the following goals in order to clarify for ourselves and others the identifiable and demonstrable features of our ideal Hampden-Sydney student, the good man and good citizen.

General Education Goals
Since 1775 the mission of Hampden-Sydney College has been to form good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning. To fulfill this mission, the college holds high ideals in each of three areas: character, curriculum, and climate. The College expects its students to be gentlemen of good moral character and to be active and informed participants in the life of their communities. Through their work in classes, students realize that learning is fulfilling work, and fulfilling work draws on learning. In their years at the College, students develop ways of learning that will make their lives productive, as they refine their abilities to read and think critically, analytically, creatively, and independently; acquire an integrated education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences; and pursue deeper studies in one or more major areas. Overall, the education students gain at Hampden-Sydney and the work they do here help prepare them to be responsible, productive citizens. The intellectual and moral climate at the College supports the development of graduates who are prepared for an active life informed both by theory and by structured, considered experience.

Afterword
To enable the College to continue to support its mission in the most effective way, Hampden-Sydney faculty, staff, trustees and students will regularly review the programs and functions that are established to achieve the stated goals.

BEYOND THE Classroom FOR THE Classroom
Hampden-Sydney College Faculty Scholarship 2005-2008
A report by the Office of the Dean of the Faculty

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGE has a long tradition of attracting professors to its teaching ranks who have a special talent for stimulating young men to reach above and beyond their abilities. They do it by challenging and encouraging their students to consider new ways of approaching problems. The faculty members who join this academic community show a passion for the classroom that inspires their young charges to respond with enthusiasm. They are faculty who take pride in their disciplines and in introducing the young men to the curriculum and to their areas of interest. Full Story...