Character Development at Harvard

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Character Development at Harvard The primary purpose of education is to provide an environment in which students can develop the skills and acquire the knowledge they need to fulfill in our changing society. We strive to provide opportunities for individuals to make decisions and encourage them to satisfy their academic needs responsibly and effectively." - Everett High School philosophy Vague mission statements seem to be the staple of most institutional philosophies. However, the above philosophy of my high school makes it clear that its purpose was to equip students with "skill" and "knowledge" to function in society and in further academic pursuits. On the other hand, Harvard University states that it is the university's responsibility to preach community and social values to students - that it is a vital component of an undergraduate education. Harvard supports moral education for a life of "usefulness and reputation," and the university's mission statement relates the importance of moral education in the full higher-educational experience. College graduates should adopt a higher tone and spread the value of our higher education and of our social class. The Harvard statement makes reference to "reputation," it is clear that universities uphold the idea of moral education and character development in order to bolster their public image. I absolutely agree with the necessity of colleges and universities to promote community activism and to encourage graduates to act out a life that reflects well on their universities, although I do not believe that it is solely the responsibility of the university to instill such values in its graduates. All organized social groups should encourage community involvement, including public schools and private corporations. However, since college is viewed as a training school, as preparation for the
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