Aims of General Education

[Approved by Faculty in November 14, 2002, and through the GERC Amendment Process in 2003-2004 and 2013-2014]

Derived from the learning goals of Being and Becoming and the Great Commitments, the Aims listed below identify the common expectations for all students, which can be met in a variety of ways, including courses, co-curricular activities, residential life programs and experiences, convocations, and labor. These aims outline the specific knowledge, skills, and qualities of mind we would like to see all students develop, and they suggest certain kinds of experience that will enable that development. Thus, Berea College’s educational program is designed to provide students with opportunities and experiences that will allow them to achieve these Aims.

Knowledge: the General Education program will help students understand:

Skills: the General Education program will help students develop the abilities to:

Habits of Mind: the General Education program will help students:

The above Aims of General Education will be achieved through a combination of learning experiences designed to help students become independent learners and thinkers. Such learning experiences are likely to include:

Core Competencies

To determine the extent to which students have attained the Aims of General Education, Berea College will regularly assess student achievement in five areas: