• Magazine
• Summer 2012
• Reinvigorating Oxy

Reinvigorating Oxy

Oxy’s fourth-largest learning space is slated to undergo an extreme makeover as the centerpiece of the McKinnon Family Center for Politics and Global Affairs. The 185-seat auditorium will be the College’s premier venue for international programming, complementing an adjacent two-story media wall that will put a dramatic visual stamp on the College’s commitment to fostering a global culture on campus.

Occidental’s five-year strategic plan, titled “Mapping the Future of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” lays out six broad objectives under an overall goal of “Launch[ing] a reinvigoration of the Occidental liberal arts and sciences educational experience that builds upon traditional strengths, incorporates changes in teaching, learning and research practices, and embraces new areas of emphasis critical for student success in the 21st century.”

A summary of the six objectives follows.

Curricular and scholarly transformations

Foster innovation in the core and disciplinary curricula that engages students in integrated intellectual inquiry, including new and emerging areas of study. From enhancing research and international study opportunities to advancing the Academic Commons as the intellectual center of campus, students will leave Oxy prepared for life’s challenges and opportunities.

Global culture

Foster a cosmopolitan campus culture in which students, faculty, and staff are actively engaged with and at ease in many different countries and cultures through academic programs, community engagement, admission, research, and service. In addition to the aforementioned McKinnon Center, Oxy looks to foster programmatic offerings on Mexico, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific region while expanding existing opportunities (such as the U.N. program, study abroad, and faculty-led academic and research programs).

Inclusive excellence

Advance a commitment of inclusive excellence that will continue to attract and develop accomplished students, faculty, and staff who evidence diversity in thought, socioeconomic status, gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality. This initiative will promote a climate of open discourse, tolerance, and respect in a community that is committed to the intellectual stimulation that occurs when diversity is present on campus.

Los Angeles

Expand the depth and breadth of opportunities for students to engage in experiential and academic activities that are directly connected with the environment, cultural, economic, political, scientific, and social institutions, issues, and programs in Los Angeles. Experiential learning about the city is the goal here, capitalizing on the unique environmental features of the Southern California basin to enhance the Oxy curriculum.

Living and learning

Advance the learning and living environment of the College with efforts that address the development of students and the enhancement, renovation, and renewal efforts necessary to protect and enrich the physical campus. From green initiatives to renovating and maintaining Oxy’s academic and athletics facilities, this initiative will keep Oxy intellectually and environmentally competitive.

Connected community

Engage alumni, parents, neighbors, and friends through stronger connections to the campus; expand participation and support. Using the new Samuelson Alumni Center as a launching point, such a goal will bring the Oxy family closer together.