LETTER OF EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY 


 When questions arise regarding grade point averages and the New College no-grades policy, it may be useful to provide a letter or addendum to graduate schools or employers in support of the no-grades philosophy. A sample letter is posted below to provide guidelines.
                                                                                    
Date, Name, Address, and Salutation: 

Subject:  Educational Philosophy and Evaluation Policy of New College of Florida
 

Dear Dean Jones,

New College of Florida was founded in 1960 as a private liberal arts honors college.  In July 2001 it became the independent honors college of the Florida state university system. In its short time as an independent institution, New College has consistently earned national recognition and rankings for its innovative approach to education. 

To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree a student must complete seven self-designed learning contracts, three independent study projects, and a senior thesis. The thesis is defended in an oral baccalaureate examination conducted by members of the faculty and witnessed by student peers. Education at New College  fosters critical thinking, design of research methodologies, independent study, writing, and oral communication.

Approximately 750 students attend this highly selective honors college where the student-to-professor ratio of 13:1 promotes an interactive and personalized learning experience.

New College has a long-standing philosophy of independent learning based on subject mastery and critical examination. The academic program consists of a rigorous, graduate school preparatory curriculum that is combined with independent study and research.  Grades are not awarded. Instead, faculty members write individual, narrative evaluations that critique performance and subject mastery. Evaluations focus on all components of class work - written papers, tests, class participation, lab and studio work, independent study projects, and internships.  Evaluations identify strengths and weaknesses while providing meaningful feedback to guide future progress. The academic program instills the idea that learning is a life-long process to be cultivated with self-awareness. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my status as a prospective student in your distinguished graduate program. 

Sincerely

John Smith
 

 


Note:  Go to the web site of the Admissions Office to obtain the appropriate statistical numbers that are in bold.  Those indicated were valid for 2004. 




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