(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)November 18, 1999

(Mahwah) – Ramapo College of New Jersey has been recognized for leadership in the field of student character development in The Templeton Guide: Colleges That Encourage Character Development, a guidebook recently released nationwide. Designed for students, parents, and educators who believe that character matters, The Templeton Guide contains profiles of 405 exemplary college programs in 10 categories; 50 college presidents who have exercised leadership in character development; and 100 colleges and universities named to the Templeton Honor Roll for their record of commitment to inspiring students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives.

Ramapo College was named to the Honor Roll, with programs in substance abuse prevention and ecoliteracy receiving special recognition. “We are very proud of Ramapo’s many programs which help students develop the strong values that will serve them well beyond their college years, “says Dr. Robert A. Scott, president of Ramapo College. “Character development is a lifelong process, and we believe that colleges and universities have a very important and unique role to play. We are delighted to be among the 100 institutions selected for the Templeton Honor Roll.

Elements of the substance abuse prevention program which were cited in the Templeton Guide include:

• Student involvement in peer education, outreach, and volunteerism
• Alcohol and other drug education, infused throughout the academic departments and the co-curriculum
• Health and wellness programming provides a mechanism for teaching team cooperation, respect for one’s body and mind, and the need for self-management and control.

Sustainability provides a new context for the traditional discussion of civic responsibility. Ramapo College serves as a model for how a campus can embrace the goals of ecoliteracy with initiatives such as regional environmental conferences; the Alternative Energy and Environment Center; sustainable communities course work; environmental education training for K-12 teachers; study abroad programs to Costa Rica, Greece and the American West; and an Environmental Assessment course.

Additional programs at Ramapo which were noted for involving students in the cultural diversity of U.S. society and the world include the College Seminar first-year program; the incorporation of service learning into the curriculum; alternative spring breaks to Appalachia and a reservation in the Southwest; Ramapo’s chapter of ODK, the national leadership honor society; and “The Heroes of Conscience” and “Human Rights: Human Responsibilities” lecture series.

Intended for high school students, parents, guidance counselors, college administrators, trustees, faculty, and alumni, The Templeton Guide recognizes programs that represent the best practices in the field of character development during the college years. The programs were chosen through a highly selective process that considered clarity of vision and statement of purpose; institutional resources; involvement of institutional leaders; impact on students, faculty, campus, and community; integration into the core curriculum or academic study; longevity; external awards and recognition; and assessment.

The John Templeton Foundation Website, www.collegeandcharacter.org, provides information on the initiative, links to the home pages of colleges selected for The Templeton Guide, and other features.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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