Emergency/Security | Library | Campus Offices

Home > About GC > Mission and Credo

Mission Statement and Credo

Mission Statement

Greensboro College, an independent, coeducational college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, is an academic and social community that unites the liberal arts and Judeo-Christian values in an atmosphere of diversity and mutual respect.

True to the United Methodist Church's historic ideal of nonsectarian education, Greensboro College's central purpose is the intellectual development of its students within the dual traditions of the liberal arts and the Judeo-Christian faith. Through a disciplined pursuit of truth, its students acquire knowledge and develop a critical awareness that allows them to live humanely, responsibly and productively in a free society. Such lives are characterized by clarity of thought and expression, a sense of history, an understanding of literature and language, a knowledge of mathematics and science, an appreciation of the arts, an awareness of political and social realities, a familiarity with the biblical tradition and a respect for physical soundness.

Through its student development services and other cocurricular offerings, Greensboro College encourages the personal and spiritual development of its students. A range of religious cultural, service, social and athletic programs allows students to participate meaningfully in a rich campus and community life and encourages students to develop a system of values consistent with the mission of the College.

Through its professional, preprofessional and career-oriented programs, both undergraduate and graduate, Greensboro College encourages, as well, the professional development of its students. Indeed, the College believes the liberal arts curriculum to be the most appropriate context for such programs. A liberal education provides basic intellectual and communicative capabilities that enable a person to develop and to adapt throughout a productive lifetime.

In order to realize its institutional mission, Greensboro College will:

Admit applicants who demonstrate promise of success, without regard for the applicant's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or disability.
Provide a balanced course of study, through its requirements for general education, involving a range of disciplines basic to liberal education and providing the knowledge and analytical skills requisite for a life of intellectual and professional growth.
Provide a focused course of study, through its requirements for academic majors, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in one or more particular areas of study, including professional, preprofessional and career-oriented programs.
Provide an alternatively scheduled course of study, through its Adult Education Program, appropriate for the self-motivated adult, including non-credit courses, as well as course for which Continuing Education Units are awarded.
Provide distinctive graduate programs in selected areas which build upon the strengths of the undergraduate program and which are responsive to community needs.
Recruit, develop and maintain an exemplary faculty and staff.
Provide facilities and other instructional support services, including library and computer resources, adequate for the academic program.
Provide an environment that supports both residential and commuting students in their academic progress.
Provide student development services and cocurricular activities in support of the students' personal and spiritual growth, with opportunities to develop social awareness and a sense of responsibility to community.
Provide students with opportunities to develop an appreciation for physical fitness that will contribute to lifelong wellness.
Provide for open and effective management of the College, including the development, coordination and allocation of its various resources.

Credo

Responsibility to Students

To provide a quality educational, spiritual, practical and social experience in a safe environment which will prepare students for graduate study and/or careers in adult life and instill in them a desire for life-long education.
To provide opportunities to develop leadership skills which reflect appropriate social and moral values.
To provide appropriate academic support services.
To model (mentor) appropriate responsible behavior.
To hold accountable for policies, procedures and deadlines.
To be warm and supporting of all students equally and individually.
To instill a loyalty to the College and the values for which it stands.
To provide equal access to all facilities, programs, services and benefits to students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities.

Responsibility to Faculty and Staff

To provide a healthy, safe environment in which to live, learn and work throughout a career.
To treat with dignity and respect while maintaining an open environment for diverse ideas.
To provide professional growth opportunities and competitive compensation along with appropriate recognition for exceptional services and performances.
To provide appropriate instructional resources and equipment.
To provide equal access to all facilities, programs, services and benefits to students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities.

Responsibility to Visitors

To welcome with courteous and enthusiastic offers to serve and assist.
To provide campus tours given by informed, pleasant guides in clear, well-kept surroundings.
To provide clear interior and exterior signage and exterior maps.
To present current information in printed form.
To provide equal access to all facilities, programs, services and benefits to students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities.

Responsibility to the United Methodist Church

To reflect the core values of the United Methodist Church through opportunities for religious life programs, worship experiences, and community service.
To ensure that all students have an understanding of ethics and Judeo-Christian values, and that these values are reflected in the curriculum and the community.
To communicate clearly our affiliation with the UMC to all constituencies.
To provide continuing education opportunities for Clergy and Laity.
To maintain regular communication with the Church. To maintain an educational setting open to conflicting ideas.

Responsibility to Parents (Guardians)

To present a classic and practical liberal arts education, including marketable skills, personal values and caring lifestyle at fair-market price.
To provide clear, timely and accurate communication about the academic status and progress of students, consistent with legal guidelines.
To provide the quality of education in a safe and healthful living environment that makes them feel that their resources were well spent.

Responsibility to Higher Education

To reflect the highest standards of classic, liberal arts with a creative blend of the traditional and the applied liberal arts.
To comply with the criteria for accreditation of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.