To: Wellesley Community
From: Bryan Burns
Re: Community Discussions on the College’s Mission and Curriculum
Date: September 12, 2017
Dear Wellesley Community,
Accreditation, which occurs every ten years, is an outstanding opportunity to take stock of where we are as a college and to articulate common goals for the future. In preparation for Wellesley’s 2019 accreditation review by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a self-study committee has been formed to review the current status of the College’s mission, program, and resources.
Ahead of the committee’s detailed work on the specific criteria for reaccreditation, it is important that we engage a wider range of voices. To begin a wider engagement, we are planning two sessions of a Community Discussion on the College’s mission and curriculum. These will be held in the Academic Council Room on Tuesday September 26th 4:30-6:00 and Wednesday September 27th, 12:30-2:00.
We invite students, faculty, and staff to join us for this open discussion of these questions:
- How can we strengthen our mission of providing an excellent liberal arts education for women who will make a difference in the world?
- What balance of studies and skills best defines liberal arts education in the 21st century?
- To what extent is Wellesley a community that embraces diversity, inclusion and equity? What does inclusive excellence mean to you and how can Wellesley demonstrate a commitment to inclusive excellence?
- What are the distinctive strengths and biggest challenges for Wellesley College?
As you can see, these are questions that go far beyond data collection or compliance with external demands. Our steering committee is committed to a larger goal of studying the current state of teaching, learning, and living at Wellesley in order to plan for continued success. Please share your perspective, and help us develop a comprehensive vision for the future.
We realize that not everyone will be available to attend these sessions, but we hope to hear voices from across campus.
Please bring your own lunch on Wednesday, but know that we’ll have drinks and cookies available both days.
We are also happy to receive your ideas or questions by email at accreditationquestions@wellesley.edu.
Sincerely,
Bryan Burns
Accreditation Steering Committee
Planning Team
Bryan Burns, Classical Studies (co-chair)
Pamela Taylor, Institutional Research (co-chair)
Marianne Cooley, AVP & Secretary of the Board
Faculty
Stacie Goddard, Political Science
Irene Mata, Women’s & Gender Studies
Phyllis McGibbon, Art
Megan Nuñez, Chemistry
Carlos Ramos, Spanish
Ismar Volić, Mathematics
Akila Weerapana, Economics
Senior Leadership Team
Paula Johnson, President
Andy Shennan, Provost
Sheilah Horton, VP & Dean of Students
Joy St. John, Dean of Admission & Student Financial Services
Ann Velenchik, Dean of Academic Affairs
Piper Orton, VP of Finance
Cameran Mason, VP of Resources & Public Affairs
Carol Bate, Associate Dean of Students
Elizabeth Gildersleeve, Chief Communications Officer
Students
Aviva Feldman, Spanish ‘19
Megumi Murakami ‘20
Kindred Obas, English ‘19
Tory Roth, Chemistry ‘18
Ally Uchitelle ‘20
