a holy cross education is marked by a shared commitment to academic excellence, critical inquiry and reflection, and deep engagement with questions of meaning and value. it is an education that balances breadth and focus, rigor and creativity. by encouraging students to use both reason and imagination to consider and make sense of difficult topics, we foster intellectual independence, expand students’ perspectives and ensure every holy cross graduate is prepared for a fulfilling future.
making connections
we don’t think about learning as the acquisition of discrete pieces of information, but rather as the exploration of an intricate web of connections and complex relationships — and we weave fundamental questions of meaning and value into our explorations. the academic atmosphere at holy cross is extraordinary; so is the close mentorship our students receive from our exceptional faculty. a few examples:
- as preparation for their lives as leaders in artistic, civic, professional, religious, and scientific realms, students learn to approach problems from a multitude of perspectives, and to take creative intellectual risks in seeking solutions. to do so, our students must forge connections between ideas and fields of study that are often assumed to be separate.
- students form long-term, meaningful connections with professors and other students in a lively intellectual community, as classroom discussions are extended to the residence hall and beyond.
- throughout their four years, students are guided by advisors and faculty members who help them align their interests with their goals and aspirations.
- educational opportunities outside the classroom help students connect three parts of college life — learning, living, and doing — that may sometimes be seen as distinct activities, creating a holistic, transformative experience.
helping students make these connections
to further achieve these goals, the college has recently established the j.d. power center for liberal arts in the world to help students identify and pursue opportunities outside of the classroom, and to better articulate the value of these opportunities as part of their holy cross education.
