Mission
The Department of Justice and Policy Studies is to offer students study and participation
in community service, focusing on the criminal justice system and public service institutions, including non-government and community-based organizations.
Taking and interdisciplinary approach to the structures, processes, policies and problems involved, the department is to work closely with other departments. The approach is to emphasize community building as problem-solving, i.e. crime prevention, inquiry into the values of public institutions, experiential learning including internships in criminal justice and other community organizations, and the intensive study of formal public service, nonprofit organizations.
The major is intended for students planning graduate study or careers in public and community service, including law, criminal justice, public administration, and urban affairs, plus those preparing to assume various civic roles in service to or influencing policy information in their communities.
JPS is to be firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the department is to be concerned with both theory and practice. JPS is committed to obtaining the mission of the College by providing the following:
- Student centered instruction that nurtures each individual amid an intentionally diverse community.
- A values-rich education that explores the ethical dimensions of knowledge and promotes honesty, compassion, integrity, courage, and respect for the individual
- A challenging academic program that fosters critical and creative thinking through the development of essential skills: analysis, inquiry, communication, consensus-building, problem-solving and leadership
- A global perspective that values people of other cultures and the natural environment in which we all live
- Access to work and service opportunities that forge a connection between thought and action