/about/widener_values/

Widener Values

Experience. Engage. Lead.

How do we achieve that success?

We put Widener’s values — experiential learning, service learning and career preparation — at the center of every program we offer. Our leadership programs help our students to develop competency, character, and courage.

Whether they’re going for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, students rely on these pillars of our educational philosophy, while our leadership programs develop their competency, character, and courage for success at home or abroad.

Hands-on learning in small classes.

Enrolling at Widener enables students to learn more than just the facts; they engage in experiential learning projects where classroom knowledge is applied to real-world issues.

Meaningful service learning projects.

Our students enrich their learning by helping communities in the Philadelphia region, across the U.S., and around the world. 75% of Widener students participate in service or volunteer activities. It's no wonder why Widener ranks among Newsweek’s top 20 service-minded colleges.

Real-world on-the-job experience.

Our internships and co-op education programs consistently get high marks from students and employers alike. In fact, Widener offers the only co-op program in which students can gain a year of paid work while still completing their degree in four years.

Widener’s core values help our graduates make their mark in the world.

We're all Widener!

At Widener, anyone and everyone can step up to be a leader. Widener is committed to diversity and this commitment is one that values the perspectives of each of our community members.

Our focus on diversity emphasizes three key values:

We're all valued.
We're all contributors.
We're all Widener!

When a plurality of viewpoints are valued, explored, and seen as opportunities for learning and personal growth, we all benefit.

Difference makers

Program Highlight

The 1821 Experience
In this pre-orientation program, you will explore how multiculturalism adds to the college experience and connect with other students on campus.

Program Highlight

Summit Widener
This multi-day backpacking trip, led by members of the Outdoor Adventure Club, offers incoming Widener students a chance to build self-confidence and a social network of like-minded students on campus while having fun in the Appalachian Mountains.

Program Highlight

ELEVATE
This student life leadership program, Enhancing Leadership Experience Via Activities, Training, and Engagement, aka ELEVATE, allows you to build or hone your leadership skills with learning tracks for emerging student leaders.

Program Highlight

Oskin Leaders
The Oskin Leaders program inspires and equips Widener undergraduates to courageously leverage their passion and leadership skills to create significant, positive change.

Program Highlight

PSC/Bonner Leaders Program
This program connects Widener students with a service movement of college students around the country. Students in the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leaders Program complete 300 hours of community service and a variety of leadership activities.

Difference Makers

Continuing Studies
University College student Dale Kerns Jr. established the Little Angels Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support for children suffering from cancer, tumors, and other deadly diseases.

Difference Makers

College of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry Major Anna Miller ‘12, from East Prospect, PA, served as site team leader at CityTeam International in Chester, where she coordinated the efforts of 10 other PSC students.

Difference Makers

College of Arts & Sciences
Anthropology Major Sara E. McManus ’13 has been named a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow, an award that recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.

Difference Makers

Alternative Spring Break
Anthropology Major Jess Viscuso ’12 and Nursing Major Devin Weesner ’13 coordinated Alternative Spring Break efforts for 87 students and faculty and staff chaperones at six locations throughout the U.S.

Difference Makers

Institute of Physical Therapy Education
Doctoral Student Scott Cheney serves on the board of the Society for Student-run Medical Clinics, where he is one of five national directors charged with planning the society’s international conference.

Difference Makers

Widener University
President James T. Harris III has been appointed chair of the Board Directors for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) for 2012–13. Harris has served on the AICUP Board of Directors since 2007, most recently as vice-chair.

Difference Makers

Widener Observatory
Dr. Harry Augensen, associate dean of science and professor of physics and astronomy, helped alumnus Dominic Liberto ’08 arrange a private moment during a public viewing at the Widener University Observatory to propose to his girlfriend, Jenn. She said yes!