"While we cannot prize too highly the benefits of mental culture, we should not lose sight of that moral and religious culture which lies at the foundation of correct principles and good character."
― B.T. Roberts
Why We're Here, What We're About
OUR PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION
At Roberts Wesleyan College, we believe the best education addresses the person in his or her entirety - as a physical, psychological, social, rational and spiritual being. A Roberts education presupposes both the complexity of the world and the diversity of human nature. It is one in which students investigate the aesthetic, historic, philosophic, scientific and professional disciplines. No single method of inquiry or verification is seen as the sole route to knowledge, nor does one set of skills provide sufficiently for a life of service and achievement.
Thanks to a rich Christian heritage and a dedication to "education for character," Roberts remains committed to its mission of integrating a Christian worldview and learning into everyday life and work. Roberts students - as active participants in a community of learners - are encouraged to cultivate the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will prepare them to be thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented persons who will have a transforming impact on society and the world at large.
OUR FOUNDATIONAL ASSUMPTIONS
The mission of Roberts Wesleyan College is anchored in shared assumptions about:
Scholarship
- The world reflects the mind and purpose of the Creator
- God desires people to reflect upon the world thoughtfully
- Faith precedes and conditions all understanding
- Knowing the truth requires people to act upon that truth
Spiritual Formation
- We honor the Creator through nurturing the life of the mind
- We affirm the richness of diverse traditions within historic Christianity
- The study of Scripture - the authoritative guide for faith and life - is the foundation for an informed Christian worldview
- Each of us is shaped and strengthened in faith through shared experiences
Service
- Christian service derives from the Biblical mandate to love God and to love one's neighbor as oneself
- Christians learn and grow from serving others
- Christian commitment to servant-leadership should contribute to constructive and restorative acts
- Christian service responds to the diverse needs of individuals and communities
OUR COMMITMENTS
In order to provide an education that effectively focuses on scholarship, spiritual formation and service, Roberts Wesleyan College makes and fulfills the following commitments.
Scholarship
- Discovery - We provide opportunities for inquiry and investigation that contribute to intellectual growth and understanding
- Integration - We provide opportunities to achieve an interdisciplinary grasp of the issues, conditions and concerns around us
- Application - We provide opportunities to learn by engaging problems in real-world terms and conditions
- Education - We seek effective methods of teaching and learning
Spiritual Formation
- Scripture - We explore our world through faith perspectives that affirm the authority of Scripture
- Tradition - We affirm the richness of historical Christian thought and practice through the ages
- Reason - We employ critical thinking to integrate our faith beliefs with our views of the world
- Experience - We provide opportunities for transforming encounters with God
Service
- Vocation - We strive to discover how our God-given talents can lead to productive lives of service
- Service Learning - We provide learning through service opportunities
- Global Perspective - We encourage the development of cross-cultural competence and a global perspective
- Social Responsibility - We foster socially responsible engagement with the world at large
OUR OBJECTIVES
As a result of the opportunities and perspective provided them, the ideal graduates of Roberts Wesleyan College will be characterized by:
Thoughtful Engagement
- Lifelong habits of inquiry, reflection and critical thinking from a Christian worldview
- Competence in their chosen disciplines
- Sound choices leading to intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being
Spiritual Maturity
- An ability to articulate a Christian worldview
- Excellence and integrity in work, family, service and culture, with Christ as our example
- A desire to extend compassion, mercy and justice to all people
Commitment to Service
- A clear sense of vocation through meaningful avenues of service
- The knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to society
- The desire to participate as world citizens with a cross-cultural awareness and a global perspective