SECTION 2.3
Academics at Emory

So, what does it truly mean to attend a Liberal Arts Institution like Emory? We spent time during Emory Essentials 1 reviewing why exploration is so important to your time at Emory. Let’s spend some time diving into how exploration is a keystone of a Liberal Arts Education.

If we were to deconstruct the word "liberal" in "liberal arts", we find the Latin root 'liber' meaning "free" or "one not tied to a trade." While you will leave Emory with a diploma tied to a specific concentration or market, your journey to get there (and the lessons and perspectives you can engage with along the way) will be anything but a particular focus. This is evident in many disciplines at Emory who strive to not teach you WHAT to think, but HOW to think.

“Right now, there is a wide-ranging debate about the purpose of Higher Education and the value of studying the liberal arts and sciences. At Emory, we don’t hide from those arguments — we embrace them. We believe that a Liberal Arts Education — which requires studying in multiple disciplines before specializing — offers the best preparation possible for whatever lies beyond graduation."

Michael A. Elliott
Dean, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
Charles Howard Candler Professor of English

True to it's mission, Emory serves as a leader in Higher Education for providing a space for students to engage in open expression and dialogue around campus. From student organization meetings to classroom discussions, you will be asked to challenge perceptions and open your mind to the possibilities outside of your current perspective. This sets Emory apart from other Universities. A Liberal Arts Education asks you to look outside your discipline to solve problems and reach across campus to understand the human condition. How will you embrace this philosophy?

"Emory is committed to opening disciplinary boundaries and supporting interdisciplinary research and teaching from a global perspective. Along with this, Emory strives to create a community characterized by respectful and mutually supportive interactions among faculty, students, staff, and the wider world."

Claire E. Sterk
President, Emory University
Excerpt from president.emory.edu

When asking our Orientation Leaders why they choose to attend Emory, the responses all revolved around the community of people they are grateful to learn, work, and lead alongside at Emory. Building a strong community on and off campus is a key part of Emory's strategic framework and we're excited to see what you will do to contribute to this growing community!

An increasing number of studies have shown that employers are seeking graduates of Liberal Arts Institutions for their innovative mindsets and toolboxes of transferrable skills. At Emory, you will be challenged to not only learn your chosen discipline, but to expand your knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach in areas of communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and beyond.

At the end of this module, you will be asked to share some skills you hope to gain while studying Emory.

COMING UP NEXT

SECTION 2.4
Building Your Advising Network