Section 1: Vison, Mission, and Values
Vision Statement
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College embodies a spirit of student-centered academic innovation, faith and leadership to transform ourselves, our communities and our world.
Mission Statement
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College challenges students to think critically, become leaders and effect change through knowledge and virtue rooted in our Catholic foundation.
Value Statement
We follow in the footsteps of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin in all that we do as we work to live out our Catholic values.
Social Justice: We believe we are called to stand for others and to strive for learning that puts faith into action.
Spirituality: We provide opportunities for individual discovery of meaning and purpose at the intersection of faith and reason for the development and growth of the whole person.
Sustainability: We are committed to being leaders in environmental sustainability and in implementing environmentally sustainable practices, curricula and programs. We model best-practices and educate our community, helping individuals to become responsible citizens contributing to the well-being of our campus and the health of the planet.
Gender Equity: We believe that individuals are entitled to the same rights, privileges, opportunities and responsibilities to participate as productive citizens in society regardless of gender expression.
Diversity Statement
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College strives to be an inclusive community in which all faculty, staff and students are valued for variations in thought, ability, experience and tradition. Founded as a Roman Catholic institution, we recognize the sacredness of humanity and are guided by this heritage to promote respect and opportunity for all.
We believe that diversity, as a multifaceted and valuable quality, broadens and deepens the educational experience. Toward this end, we encourage dialogue and engagement as citizens in an increasingly complex, multicultural and pluralistic society. Living out our commitment to social justice, we intentionally increase our awareness, knowledge and understanding of the many ways in which individuals interact within systems, institutions and daily activities. In doing so, we actively uphold human dignity.
College Motto
The Latin, “Virtus cum Scientia,” translated as “Virtue with Knowledge United,” appears on the SMWC seal and coat of arms. Chosen by SMWC foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, this motto embodies this liberal arts institution’s faithfulness to Catholic values and excellence in academics.
Civility Statement
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College defines civility as being respectful to others regardless of race, creed, disability, political ideology, lifestyle orientation, gender, or social status. Personal conduct should be guided by honesty, integrity, and respect, embracing the differences of others, and engaging in civic opportunities that will effect positive change in our global society.
Community
The community of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is comprised of several distinct groups including students, faculty, staff, and by extension the Sisters of Providence with whom we share the campus. Within this community, personal freedoms and responsibilities are valued highly. At times, these two values can be in conflict with each other. It is the responsibility of the individual and the group to recognize that each person plays a role in creating an environment that fosters respect for each other while at the same time encourages individual expression. The rights of the individual must be balanced with those of the community to help create a vibrant and open atmosphere for learning and growth.
This community values the personal relationships that our members have with each other and with those from outside our campus community. We have a right to have family and friends visit the campus and we have a responsibility to welcome those visitors to our community. As such, we expect our guests to abide by the policies of the College and to act in a manner that is consistent with our values and mission. It is expected that all members of the community and guests will act appropriately while in public areas of the campus and will reserve intimate contact and behavior for the most private spaces on campus.