Welcome
“…I will pray with my heart and I will pray with my mind also; I will sing with my heart, but I will sing with my mind also…” I Cor. 14.15
Welcome to Westmont. This year marks our 71st year of providing a world-class education for world-class students. Since 1937, Westmont has combined a commitment to the liberal arts with a passion to see all truth as part of God’s great intention for humanity.
Let me congratulate you on making one of the great choices that will forever shape the destiny of your life’s journey. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara, our renowned location provides one of the most remarkable opportunities for you to become the person God has created you to be. Through a blend of rigorous academic programs, intentional community living arrangements, carefully crafted student development activities, vast international travel and education experiences and the rich, vibrant culture of Santa Barbara, you have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most remarkable educations available to anyone in the world.
And we expect this education to challenge and change you. Years ago, in the ancient world, Clement of Alexandria (150 to 215 CE) crafted a curriculum that still guides us today. It is well known that a liberal arts education is the best training each of us can receive. Clement amplified this truth by noting the importance of gaining mastery of every area of human learning so that our minds could be trained to make discerning judgments in human affairs. But he didn’t just stop there. Clement turned his attention from our training in human affairs to the importance of learning how to think rightly of God.
We consider this as whole-person education. We want you to be shaped and formed at the same time you are having some of the most incredible experiences of your life. Welcome to Westmont. Welcome to life.
With joy and anticipation,
Gayle D. Beebe
President
Dear Westmont Students,
Welcome to the 2008-09 academic year! As we embark on Phase I of our building plans, 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.
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 also find a place for our chapel schedule and 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