Why Difference is Important

We are pleased you are interested in Guilford. While you may have heard this before (other colleges say the same thing about themselves), Guilford is truly a unique place. As you search for the right college, I believe the truly important questions are, "What makes Guilford unique?" "What are the students like?" and "What happens day to day at Guilford?"

To answer these questions we look to our heritage. Guilford was founded by the Religious Society of Friends, the Quakers, in 1834. While entire courses, and some peoples' lives, are dedicated to understanding Quaker beliefs, a few key Quaker principles, all of which are integrally related, embody the spirit of Guilford. Awareness of these principles can provide powerful insight into the Guilford culture.

A key belief of Quakerism is that all people are equal. At Guilford, titles are not used. Here we address the President, students, professors and others by their first name as a sign of equality. Our entering students consistently say, "I chose Guilford because I felt comfortable. Everyone I met said 'hello' and asked my name." Students are on many committees at Guilford; tenure, promotion, budget, trustees and admission. We live egalitarianism.

Another Quaker ideal is that diversity is essential and positive. If we truly believe in egalitarianism, we must be able to bring together a diverse group of individuals to interact each and every day on this 340-acre campus, all as equals. "The main reason I attend Guilford is the opportunity to interact and be challenged by other's thoughts and actions," says one junior. Many people believe diversity relates only to ethnicity. It does not. Diversity runs much deeper. Guilford intentionally strives to bring people here with a variety of views and perspectives. In short, we try to simulate the real world.

Guilford has a history of addressing central issues concerning social justice and responsibility. Members of our community foster relations that affirm and realize the equality, dignity, worth and potential of every person. Our core curriculum expects all students to complete courses in "Diversity in the U.S.," an intercultural course and a course in "Social Justice/Environmental Responsibility." Many students volunteer their time (over 50,000 hours to the Greensboro community last year) in a variety of settings to provide services relating to adult/child and prison literacy, care for the homeless, research for community organizations and AIDS awareness just to name a few. To understand Guilford is to understand that actions speak louder than words.

Perhaps the most difficult Quaker principle to understand and adhere to is respect for the individual. Respect accepts another's perspective, even if it is different or offensive to you. Where there is no respect, differences cannot thrive. You may totally disagree with a person's lifestyle, hair color, religious belief, political perspective or the way he or she spends his or her extracurricular time. This disagreement can create tension. We believe there is potency in tension. A good Quaker college strives to balance tension. As long as tension does not deteriorate into animosity; it produces a more educated person. As a recent graduate commented, "Guilford's educational approach asks you make value judgements. By staging controversial theatrical productions, bringing a variety of speakers to campus, confronting stereotypes, challenging assumptions and by the tension of difference in the classroom, we grew and learned to think for ourselves." An educated person can pick and choose his or her and thoughts only after careful consideration of the options. This celebration of tension and acceptance of restlessness makes Guilford truly unique.

When it comes to respect, however, even Guilford has its limits. For instance, as a community, we have certain expectations of behavior and personal responsibility. A junior says, "If you have maturity issues you need to work out concerning illegal substances, or you waiver at the thought of an honor code, can not respect those different from you or plan to test the rules, please get it together before you come to Guilford. We want good neighbors in the classroom and in the residence halls."

A Reality

In accordance with Quaker philosophy, Guilford promotes equality, diversity and respect. Do we always succeed? We do not. Do we try to celebrate our differences? Everyday. Do you have to believe in everything you see here? No. Do you have to believe everything you hear here? No. Do you have to participate in everything you see here? No. Should you listen to everything you hear? Yes. "If you are not open to listening, you will find Guilford quite an infuriating place," commented on senior on his graduation survey.

Your Readiness for Guilford

How to handle Guilford? It takes a certain level of intellectual and emotional maturity to attend Guilford. We are academically rigorous. Our campus promotes individuality while also establishing community. We know we are not for everyone. However, we also know Guilford works. A Guilford education, with its emphasis on writing, multiculturalism, vigorous debate and respect, prepares persons for a much tougher journey. It is a rigorous endeavor but no matter what you choose to do after Guilford, you'll be better at it because you came here.