Your decision to attend Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences places you in an educational tradition that has its roots deeply in the foundation of the university structure. The concept of the university, in fact, developed out of the "Schools of the Liberal Arts" which flourished in Bologna, Italy in the eleventh century. Despite a millennia of change in education theory, most universities continue to place the liberal arts at the center of their mission. Why? Because most educators contend that in spite of the recent thrust towards specialized vocational preparation, a broad based educational ground in the liberal arts remains the most effectual way to ensure graduates are cultured, inquiring, and defenders of humanistic values inherent in a democracy. Never before, has it been more essential to reach out and instill youth with the spirit of humanistic inquiry. We are well prepared in Wilkinson College to carry on this task.

Our college is focused on programs and majors in the humanities and social sciences: Art, English, Languages, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Communication Studies, History, Political Science and Sociology. The College houses the Albert Schweitzer Institute and the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, two distinguished centers that exemplify Chapman University's historic dedication to studying and applying ethics and ethical values.

Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences is the largest college at Chapman University. Our distinguished faculty is composed of active scholars who are renowned nationally and internationally for their academic excellence and contribution to knowledge. But just as important, they are also enthusiastic teachers who take their responsibility of ensuring that our students, whether majors, minors, or graduate students, are prepared for the intellectual, ethical, and professional challenges that a rapidly changing world is going to present our graduates.

All of us here at Wilkinson welcome you to Chapman University; we promise your time with us will open your mind into the many discoveries that await you when you embrace the liberal arts.