A letter from Jane Higa, Dean of Students
Dear Westmont Students,
Welcome to the 2007-08 academic year! With the arrival of our new President, Dr. Gayle Beebe, you are at the beginning of a historic chapter in the life of the college. I am confident these years will be remembered as a time when Westmont stepped out in new directions with renewed energy and commitment to build upon our strong foundation. You are a part of “history in the making.”
In Dr. Beebe’s letter to you, he describes Westmont as a place that provides a “world class education for world class students.” At least part of what distinguishes a Westmont education is our firm belief that you are not merely here to receive certain things from the college. In fact, we invite—even expect—you to participate in the task of contributing to the richness and depth of this place by the giving of your talents, gifts, and service.
This is no small task. It will require your very best effort. At times, you will need to take risks and learn from those who are very different from you. At other times, you may need to play the challenging role of inspired and effective teacher. Westmont provides you with incredible opportunities and supportive people, but you must bring yourself to the learning process.
Believe it or not, this Student Handbook is an excellent guide to help you enter into and contribute to life at Westmont. In addition to the practical help of a day planner with key events at the college, you will find a listing of resources, policies, and guidelines that will help you be successful. Directly following my letter, you will also find the Community Life Statement and the Diversity Matters at Westmont statement. Each is essential for you to take special notice of since they are foundational to our community and describe the high calling and responsibility of being one of its members. They are both required reading for anyone who takes seriously the task of being a “world class student” at Westmont. As you read these two statements, I invite you to imagine how you will actively contribute to making Westmont a place that truly reflects our commitment to loving and serving Christ.
When we are all faithful to this task, you will have tasted what each of us longs for—a place we can all call “home.” Can you imagine such a place? I, therefore, invite you to join this grand adventure of living together as faithful scholars, who are seeking each day to bring about the best of what God intends for one another and for us as a community.
Imagining with you,
Jane Hideko Higa
Vice-President for Student Life and Dean of Students