The Latin phrase "alma mater" is traditionally used to refer to one's undergraduate college/university. However, it is literally translated as "nourishing mother" or (more loosely defined) "fostering/adopted mother." This definition, although somewhat archaic, makes sense. A college traditionally has assumed a parenting role (i.e., the primary nurturing influence) when a student is away from home during the college years, acting like a mother (or father) has for the first 18 years. Thus, the term "alma mater."
| A Statue of Alma Mater at the University of Havana, Cuba |
Many today think of college as a means to an end (primarily a job), rather than a nurturing influence in a student's life. However, with our society's movement to delay adulting, it is my argument that the college's role of an alma mater is more important now than ever.
Unfortunately, many high school students, when choosing a college, overlook this perspective and underestimate the shaping influence of a college during these important developmental years ... and many parents do the same.
Regardless of their perspective on this term, after spending four years at a college, students are deeply shaped by their institution; in short, they start to resemble their "adopted mother." Although they will continue to physically resemble their biological parents, college graduates will look more like their college than their parents in important ways, e.g., worldview, faith, actions, philosophies, morals, and ethics. As a parent, this is a sobering realization.
Each year, I see high school graduates choose a college based on a plethora of factors; rarely do these factors include if this college will be a healthy, nurturing environment for them to flourish as a person.
So how do you evaluate a college from an alma mater perspective?
Inside the Classroom
First, consider the professors. These are the individuals who will most likely nurture and shape the thinking of the student. They will be the intellectual "adopted mothers" for the students, especially within their academic program. They are the mentor in the major and will become an adviser for a student's future plans, either in employment or graduate school. Some professors skillfully challenge students to think deeper in order for them to own their beliefs, and other professors utilize their academic knowledge to intellectually bully students into believing a certain perspective. Are the professors going to belittle and tear down the intellectual nurturing that has begun in the home or are they going to deepen and enrich that foundation?
Outside the Classroom
Second, consider the student development professionals. These are the individuals who will most likely nurture and shape the lifestyle of the student, especially outside of the classroom (which is most of the time at college). Quite frankly, they will be the ones discussing topics as they sit around the "kitchen table" or late at night when a student can't sleep; they will become the adopted mother at this "home away from home." These professionals include resident assistants/directors, student activity directors, deans, coaches and chaplains, just to name a few, and they are hired to "do life" with the students. Are they the types of individuals that you would want to help parent your child? Are they going to be giving similar advice with relationships and life choices?
In conjunction with considering these individuals, every student should read the student handbook before accepting the admissions offer. This document will provide a window into what this college values regarding lifestyle and campus environment, especially outside of class; often, the student handbook is an enlightening and informative read, but one that is usually neglected until the student shows up on campus.
The Student Body
Third, look at the student body, both current students and alumni. Each college attracts students that fit its institution, in fact, admissions departments even use the term "institutional fit." To an extent, the student body will be filled with "birds of a feather." These students will become a roommate, best friend, and even a spouse; and the alumni are what current students will eventually become. What type of students are attracted to this college? What type of alumni does this college produce? Are they individuals that you would want to live with, befriend, and ultimately marry?
Faith or Worldview
Finally (but arguably most important), look at the institution's overall philosophy on life. Every individual and institution operates from a faith or a worldview; therefore, advice will be given, classes will be taught, and decisions will be made from that perspective. Personally, as a Christian, who intentionally parents my children to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4), I want to ensure that their college "adopted mothers" continue in that faith nurturing. Logically, this can imply that a Christian student should attend a Christian college and even one that coheres to the theology that has been taught in the home.
I realize that not every student who comes from a Christian home will attend a Christian college. Thankfully, Christian "alma maters" (aka ... nourishing mentors) can be found at all institutions of higher education. Connecting students to Christian organizations (campus ministries, Christian professors, campus pastors, and local churches, etc.) within a secular institution can also have a powerful, nurturing impact on students. In addition to using campus resources or your home church denomination to find these faith connections, a couple websites below help connect students to these nurturing organizations; utilize these early in the college search process. Most importantly, students and parents need to recognize and acknowledge the life-shaping influence that a college can have, especially when it comes to faith and worldview.
Young people end up thinking, believing, and living after college like they saw modeled by their alma mater ... professors, resident assistants, coaches, or campus pastors. Of course, every college experience can be different, and students can thrive at large and small universities, public and private colleges, and religious or secular institutions. If circumstances do not allow you to choose a college that looks like your mother, then search out professors, resident life staff, and campus organizations that can fulfill the "nurturing mother" role for you.
When choosing your alma mater, pick one that looks like your mom.
Unfortunately, many high school students, when choosing a college, overlook this perspective and underestimate the shaping influence of a college during these important developmental years ... and many parents do the same.
Regardless of their perspective on this term, after spending four years at a college, students are deeply shaped by their institution; in short, they start to resemble their "adopted mother." Although they will continue to physically resemble their biological parents, college graduates will look more like their college than their parents in important ways, e.g., worldview, faith, actions, philosophies, morals, and ethics. As a parent, this is a sobering realization.
Each year, I see high school graduates choose a college based on a plethora of factors; rarely do these factors include if this college will be a healthy, nurturing environment for them to flourish as a person.
So how do you evaluate a college from an alma mater perspective?
Inside the Classroom
First, consider the professors. These are the individuals who will most likely nurture and shape the thinking of the student. They will be the intellectual "adopted mothers" for the students, especially within their academic program. They are the mentor in the major and will become an adviser for a student's future plans, either in employment or graduate school. Some professors skillfully challenge students to think deeper in order for them to own their beliefs, and other professors utilize their academic knowledge to intellectually bully students into believing a certain perspective. Are the professors going to belittle and tear down the intellectual nurturing that has begun in the home or are they going to deepen and enrich that foundation?
Outside the Classroom
Second, consider the student development professionals. These are the individuals who will most likely nurture and shape the lifestyle of the student, especially outside of the classroom (which is most of the time at college). Quite frankly, they will be the ones discussing topics as they sit around the "kitchen table" or late at night when a student can't sleep; they will become the adopted mother at this "home away from home." These professionals include resident assistants/directors, student activity directors, deans, coaches and chaplains, just to name a few, and they are hired to "do life" with the students. Are they the types of individuals that you would want to help parent your child? Are they going to be giving similar advice with relationships and life choices?
In conjunction with considering these individuals, every student should read the student handbook before accepting the admissions offer. This document will provide a window into what this college values regarding lifestyle and campus environment, especially outside of class; often, the student handbook is an enlightening and informative read, but one that is usually neglected until the student shows up on campus.
The Student Body
Third, look at the student body, both current students and alumni. Each college attracts students that fit its institution, in fact, admissions departments even use the term "institutional fit." To an extent, the student body will be filled with "birds of a feather." These students will become a roommate, best friend, and even a spouse; and the alumni are what current students will eventually become. What type of students are attracted to this college? What type of alumni does this college produce? Are they individuals that you would want to live with, befriend, and ultimately marry?
Faith or Worldview
Finally (but arguably most important), look at the institution's overall philosophy on life. Every individual and institution operates from a faith or a worldview; therefore, advice will be given, classes will be taught, and decisions will be made from that perspective. Personally, as a Christian, who intentionally parents my children to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4), I want to ensure that their college "adopted mothers" continue in that faith nurturing. Logically, this can imply that a Christian student should attend a Christian college and even one that coheres to the theology that has been taught in the home.
I realize that not every student who comes from a Christian home will attend a Christian college. Thankfully, Christian "alma maters" (aka ... nourishing mentors) can be found at all institutions of higher education. Connecting students to Christian organizations (campus ministries, Christian professors, campus pastors, and local churches, etc.) within a secular institution can also have a powerful, nurturing impact on students. In addition to using campus resources or your home church denomination to find these faith connections, a couple websites below help connect students to these nurturing organizations; utilize these early in the college search process. Most importantly, students and parents need to recognize and acknowledge the life-shaping influence that a college can have, especially when it comes to faith and worldview.
Young people end up thinking, believing, and living after college like they saw modeled by their alma mater ... professors, resident assistants, coaches, or campus pastors. Of course, every college experience can be different, and students can thrive at large and small universities, public and private colleges, and religious or secular institutions. If circumstances do not allow you to choose a college that looks like your mother, then search out professors, resident life staff, and campus organizations that can fulfill the "nurturing mother" role for you.
When choosing your alma mater, pick one that looks like your mom.
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