08 November 2011

Journey or Destination

"We know that you have choices in the marketplace, so we thank you for flying with [insert name of airline here]."

This is what I heard a few times as we flew across the country and back this summer. It struck me as odd at the time, because I did not have the sense that I had a lot of choice in the decision to choose this particular airline. I thought to myself, "I chose you because you were going where I wanted to go, when I wanted to go, and at a price I could tolerate." Had a competitor been cheaper and flying when I wanted, I probably would have chosen them.

Sometimes students choose a university on similar grounds. They have the degree that the student thinks he or she wants, the institution is located where they want (usually this means close to home or far, far away from home) and the tuition is manageable. In another post I am going to argue that on these grounds the choice may not be as clear as it might seem.

One thing I did not get to base my choice on with my air flight was on the quality of the journey. I could not elect an airline that had more comfortable seats, or better (or any or cheaper or free) food, or seat companions with whom I could talk about real, deep subjects and who might become lifelong friends. Sure, the airline I chose does sometimes tell jokes during the flight (although strangely not on this one this summer) but it was not like I had a choice on the quality of the wit.

In choosing a university the quality of the experience, should be a central part of the decision. This is a tricky area to ask questions about, or to observe through a website. Most likely you will need to visit the campus, and talk with staff, faculty, and current students.

The kinds of questions you will want to think through are
  • can I participate in this learning experience with my whole self? With all my heart and its deep commitments and searching questions? With all my mind and its curiosity to learn and explore? With all my strength being involved in campus life (residence, sports, clubs, chapels and less formal worship times, service opportunities)?
  • will I find my faith commitments -- clear or murky, certain or faltering -- be respected, constructively challenged and engaged both outside and inside the classroom?
  • will I be able to engage closely with faculty? Are the class sizes right for me to make a personal connection with my instructors? Do I get a faculty mentor or advisor to help me shape my education? Will I be able to participate in the research of a faculty member either as part of my formal studies or through summer research opportunities?
  • will the institution and its staff and faculty help me find my place in this world, where I can make a difference in pursuing justice, mercy, and my walk with God. Do the alumni show the evidence of this when they leave the institution? Do current students report that they are finding their calling through their education?
It might look like these are questions that a student who already has a Christian commitment would ask. But my experience in working at The King's University College where we will admit students regardless of religious identification (or lack of religious identification) other students share these questions.

What I would like to contend is that a Christian university is able to provide this context. Where there is a temptation to put faith in a box that is distinct from the academic box, and to simply not let the two encounter one another. At a Christian university that is committed to bringing Christ into every classroom, a fearless engagement of faith and all disciplines occurs. Classes may vary in size, but Christian institutions generally are committed to personal interaction with students and therefore emphasize small classes. While I can't speak for other institutions, at King's a strong emphasis is on students doing significant research, to the point of being co-authors on academic papers, making presentations to major conferences, and generally doing work that elsewhere is often reserved for graduate students.

So much as you choose your university by degree, cost and location, you should consider the quality of the journey you will be on for the next four years.