Welcome to the Class of 2027
Right now you are probably most acutely aware of the transition into increased social and practical independence, but as Dean of Arts & Sciences and the person who is responsible for your academic experiences, while you’re here, I want to emphasize all the ways in which you are also entering into a time of increasing intellectual independence. You are here to learn not from but with the faculty members with whom you will work. Even in your first year, look out for opportunities to engage in mentored research, whether that means joining a lab that studies antibiotic resistance, assisting a faculty member with the transcription and interpretation of historical documents, or collecting and analyzing courtroom data on eviction. Whatever you’re interested in knowing more about, you’ll find an opportunity to study it here.
I said “knowing more about,” but perhaps what I should have said was “asking more about.” Solving problems is all about knowing the right questions to ask. Sometimes we spend years trying to figure that out. And most problems need to be handled via multiple questions, each emerging from a different set of assumptions and from a range of different angles. That’s why, at William & Mary, we emphasize studying a whole range of different subjects – what we call the liberal arts and sciences approach. Of course, you’ll have the chance to declare a major – or even two majors – in areas you are especially curious about, but you’ll still most likely end up completing at least half of your coursework in areas that you perhaps knew nothing about before you arrived here. That’s because we don’t think you can fully grasp the nuances of political issues without having some knowledge of history and economics. You’ll paint a more beautiful picture if you understand the geometry of the visual field. If you understand how chemicals react together, you’ll know why you shouldn’t wash your unfinished wooden floor with bleach.
And finally, your journey into intellectual independence at William & Mary is really only a beginning. We expect that you will leave here even more curious than you were when you arrived, even more eager to ask questions, and even better equipped to chase the answers. Some of you might have heard of the classical cellist, Pablo Casals, perhaps the most accomplished cellist who ever lived. When someone asked him why he was continuing to practice his instrument well into his 80s, he said: “Because I think I am making progress.” We look forward to helping you develop that kind of faith, optimism and belief in your own capacity to learn, over the next four years and beyond.
Because now, you’re part of our family.
