Goal 4: A richer intellectual and cultural life

Listen in on almost any conversation at Miami, and you can hear it: the energy and excitement of intellectual engagement. A love of ideas and an appreciation for culture in its many forms pervades campus life at Miami, and First in 2009 aims to enhance this richness of understanding and interaction. By creating a community that exemplifies the life of the mind, that draws on ideas and ideals from across communities and continents, Miami will extend its reputation as one of the most intellectually and culturally rich universities in America.

Accomplishments

• Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies Founded - Established through the bequest of the late Walter Havighurst, the Havighurst Center supports the interdisciplinary research by American scholars and those from Russia and the other post-Soviet states.
• Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute Formed – Made possible by a generous endowment, this institute aims to develop leadership skills and processes in Miami’s undergraduate student body through new curricular and co-curricular initiatives.
• Theme Learning Communities Increased - Miami recently expanded the availability and types of living learning communities in the residence halls. Approximately 65% of Miami students currently live in a theme learning community. Theme learning communities promote community by providing programming and courses around a topic of common interest.
• Service-Learning, School-Community Partnerships Expanded - Collaborations with offices across campus have helped to initiate and shepherd new university-school-and health/human services partnerships as well as new opportunities for students to connect their learning inside the classroom with community service projects.
• McGuffey Museum Renovated and Improved - A new renovation and creation of a new mission have helped this historical landmark gain local prominence and partner with academic programs to develop new learning opportunities for our students and local residents.
• New Mission for Continuing Education and Summer Session Created - In 2005, a new, forward-thinking mission and vision for our Continuing Education Office was created which will emphasize expanded productive outreach throughout the region as well as greater visibility.
• New Strategies for Alcohol Abuse Prevention Developed – In 2006, a task force of faculty, staff and community members created a detailed plan for helping our students live healthy lifestyles during their undergraduate years and beyond.
• John T. Petters Center for Leadership, Ethics & Skills Development Opened – Named in memory of a Miami student, this new center will support two endowed professorships, curricula development, and opportunities for students to practice and enhance their leadership and professional skills.