What sets Dickinsonians apart from others? It’s the habits of mind and action that are learned here and in life beyond the limestone walls. Your actions are cumulative—they add up to define who you are. We hope this list of dimensions—derived from the writings of college founder Dr. Benjamin Rush and from the reflections of Dickinson graduates— will take on meaning during your education at Dickinson … and beyond.
Develop global sensibility
• Associate confidently in unfamiliar environments
• Pursue intellectual interests in the context of global affairs
• Seek to understand others and to be understood by building bridges of communication with people you meet
• Demonstrate commitment to inclusiveness, pluralism and democracy
Engage the world
• Seize learning opportunities through travel, internships and volunteerism
• Move beyond that which is comfortable to embrace intellectual risk and gain self-knowledge
• Practice leadership in useful service to society—locally, nationally and globally
• Work to build a just, compassionate and economically viable society
Seek connections
• Use the energy created by these connections to generate meaningful action
• Exert intellectual flexibility and innovation
• Discover new knowledge to shape the future
Practice civility
• Find your distinct “voice” and speak out on issues of importance
• Search out facts to support opinion
• Approach challenges and adverse situations with determination and confidence
• Employ active empathy to establish substantive communication
Strive for accountability
• Contribute through high accomplishment driven by integrity and tempered by modesty
• Think independently but objectively, and act responsibly
• Work to develop lifelong habits of mind and action that are critical characteristics of personal success
• Remain mindful of the ecological, financial and social consequences of actions in support of global sustainability