Ramapo Magazine

Templeton Foundation Puts Ramapo on the Honor Roll

Ramapo College has been recognized for leadership in the field of student character development in The Templeton Guide: Colleges That Encourage Character Development, a guidebook recently released nationwide. Designed for students, parents, and educators who believe that character matters, The Templeton Guide contains profiles of 405 exemplary college programs in 10 categories, 50 college presidents who have exercised leadership in character development, and 100 colleges and universities named to the Templeton Honor Roll for their record of commitment to inspiring students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives.

Ramapo College was named to the Honor Roll, with programs in substance abuse prevention and eco-literacy receiving special recognition. “We are very proud of Ramapo’s many programs which help students develop the strong values that will serve them well beyond their college years,” says Dr. Robert A. Scott, Ramapo’s president. “Character development is a lifelong process, and we believe that colleges and universities have a very important and unique role to play. We are delighted to be among the 100 institutions selected for the Templeton Honor Roll.

Elements of the substance abuse prevention program which were cited in The Templeton Guide include:

Student involvement in peer education, outreach, and volunteerism
Alcohol and other drug education, infused throughout the academic departments and the cocurriculum
Health and wellness programming provides a mechanism for teaching team cooperation, respect for one’s body and mind, and the need for self-management and control.

Sustainability provides a new context for the traditional discussion of civic responsibility. Ramapo College serves as a model for how a campus can embrace the goals of ecoliteracy with initiatives such as regional environmental conferences; the Alternative Energy and Environment Center; sustainable communities course work; environmental education training for K-12 teachers; study abroad programs to Costa Rica, Greece and the American West; and an Environmental Assessment course.

Additional programs at Ramapo which were noted for involving students in the cultural diversity of U.S. society and the world include the College Seminar first-year program; the incorporation of service learning into the curriculum; alternative spring breaks to Appalachia and a reservation in the Southwest; Ramapo’s chapter of ODK, the national leadership honor society; and “The Heroes of Conscience” and “Human Rights: Human Responsibilities” lecture series.

Intended for high school students, parents, guidance counselors, college administrators, trustees, faculty, and alumni, The Templeton Guide recognizes programs that represent the best practices in the field of character development during the college years. The programs were chosen through a highly selective process that considered clarity of vision and statement of purpose; institutional resources; involvement of institutional leaders; impact on students, faculty, campus, and community; integration into the core curriculum or academic study; longevity; external awards and recognition; and assessment.

The John Templeton Foundation Web site, www.collegeandcharacter.org, provides information on the initiative, links to the home pages of colleges selected for The Templeton Guide, and other features.