Characteristics of Graduate Culture
Graduate education is different from undergraduate education and has its own distinctive cultural norms. At the graduate level, the learning culture is characterized by several components:
- Depth of Inquiry: a rigorous inquiry and cognitive development, which will produce persons who gain a depth of knowledge about a subject field.
- Research-based Learning: a growing familiarity and conversance with the scholars, relevant research, findings, and research tools underlying the subject field.
- Practical Application: ethical integration of action-oriented research and best practices in the subject field.
- Knowledge Creation: engagement with the subject field in ways that have potential for development of new knowledge, affirmation of existing knowledge, testing of emerging theories, or application and refinement of research-based practice.
- Independent and Self-directed Learning: responsibility for learning, which is demonstrated by the learner’s manifestation of the ability for continuous learning in the subject field.
While some of these characteristics may be reflected in undergraduate education, the combination and degree of application in the learning process is at a higher level in graduate education.
The Graduate Community at Spring Arbor University
Building on a long tradition of scholarly pursuit and academic excellence, Spring Arbor University launched its first graduate program in 1993. Since then the SAU graduate community has come to embrace a diverse offering of graduate programs at multiple sites and online. The Spring Arbor University graduate community seeks to carry out the mission of the University at highest academic levels, broadening conceptual reach and enhancing individual skills in research and practice. That community effort encompasses:
- A graduate community of learners pursuing truth and wisdom, tying SAU graduate students and faculty leaders within scholarly disciplines among fellow professionals in a community of exemplary scholarship;
- A life-long engagement in study and application of liberal arts and sciences, engaging faculty and students in ten different programs across four disciplines in research-based inquiry, development of new knowledge and self-directed learning;
- A commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective of learning, seeking God’s truth and exercising discernment in research and practice, thus strengthening values, building character, and motivating action;
- Critical participation in the contemporary world, encountering contemporary modes of expression, developing alternative approaches, engaging in dialogue, and modeling service.
Recognizing Christ as truth and impelled by his commission to carry that truth to the ends of the world, graduate faculty and students at Spring Arbor University engage in:
- Rigorous inquiry seeking depth of knowledge within a discipline;
- Research-based learning, mastering research tools, conversing with other scholars, and reviewing contemporary findings in the field;
- Development of new knowledge, testing emerging theories, and wisely applying knowledge through best practices;
- Distinctive communication within and across disciplines, using various modes, and reaching diverse audiences;
- Continuous learning through independent study in the subject field.
By quest and praxis, the graduate community at Spring Arbor University seeks to enhance individual skills, expand knowledge, and contribute to the fields of study in which members are engaged.
Community Expectations
As with all aspects of Spring Arbor University, graduate programs are dedicated to fostering academic, social, physical and spiritual growth for its students. Spring Arbor University trusts that students either share the Christian perspective of the University or are amenable to such perspectives while a student. As active participants in the community, students enrolled at Spring Arbor University are expected to govern their lives in a way that is pleasing to the Creator, enriching to others and self-rewarding.
Standards of Conduct
SAU is dedicated to fostering academic, social and spiritual growth for students. While enrolled as active participants in the SAU community, students are expected to govern their lives in harmony with its regulations, both on and off campus (see the Student Handbook).
Diversity at Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University is a community of learners committed to reflecting the Kingdom of God in the diversity of our students, faculty, staff, trustees, and other associates. Valuing the dignity of every human being is part of the historic legacy of our founding denomination. The University’s continued focus on creating a diverse learning environment reflects these values and honors our heritage.
The University is committed to being a place where ethnic and racial inclusiveness is a hallmark of the community we create. However, as an imperfect human organization, we must acknowledge and plan for the challenge that such diversity brings. We boldly embrace this challenge, because as Christians, we know it is right. Jesus Christ is the perspective for our teaching and through Him, we are called to move beyond mere tolerance of each other to genuine acceptance and mutually transformative learning. Becoming a diverse community of learners is consistent with our liberal arts tradition. It facilitates a healthy exchange of cultural, economic, social, religious, philosophical, and political views within the classroom and in campus activities.
Further, as an educational institution, we know we will ill-prepare students for personal and professional lives in a global society if we fail to expose them to the rich diversity of peoples and cultures. This exposure cannot solely come from books but needs to be tested and experienced through interactive and ongoing personal relationships.
Therefore, we will seek ways to invite and welcome diversity into our community. We will be proactive and creative in integrating different cultural perspectives into the curriculum and community life, and we will strive to be always a community of love and respect.
Research
Each graduate program defines the nature and scope of any required thesis, research project or case study. Students are advised to consult the catalog and program handbooks for specific requirements.
Assessment
Spring Arbor University regularly assesses the effectiveness of all academic programs. Registration for classes constitutes agreement to participate in assessment exercises and permission to collect resulting data.
Student Services
All graduate students who are currently enrolled at Spring Arbor University may use on-campus facilities, including the library, computer labs, academic student connection, career center, physical education complex, and dining and snack facilities.
Library Services
Spring Arbor University has online library services to aid students in their learning. Students can access the White Library website at https://library.arbor.edu. Of the library’s collection of more than 200,000 books, over half are e-books that can be easily accessed online. Also provided is access to numerous online research databases. If students would like to check-out print books from the library, the books will be shipped to the student’s home, and a postage-paid mailing label will be provided for return shipment. If the requested material is not available, the Inter-librarian loan department will work to obtain the materials if at all possible.
Graduate students can contact a research librarian at the White Library at [email protected] or 517-750-6742. SAU librarians are available for a one-on-one consultation with graduate students. Set up a Zoom, Skype, Google Duo/Hangouts, GoToMeeting, or another online format for a session with a librarian. The library can provide database instruction, research help, or citation assistance in these meetings. There is also a 24/7 chat service so that students can talk with a librarian anytime of the day or night. Instructional videos and help materials can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/user/thewhitelibrary as well as on the library’s Distance/Online student FAQ page at: https://library.arbor.edu/distanceandonline.
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