The St. Mary's Way
St. Mary's College of Maryland lies in a setting of natural beauty and historic meaning which enhances our ability to reflect on our lives in an increasingly complex, technological, and interdependent world. As a member of St. Mary's College of Maryland, I accept the St. Mary's Way and agree to join in working with others to develop this College as a community:
- Where people respect the natural environment and the tradition of tolerance which is the heritage of this place
- Where people cultivate a life-long quest for disciplined learning and creativity
- Where people take individual responsibility for their work and actions
- Where people foster relationships based upon mutual respect, honesty, integrity, and trust
- Where people are engaged in an ongoing dialogue that values differences and the unique contributions of others' talents, backgrounds, customs, and world views
- Where people are committed to examining and shaping the functional, ethical values of our changing world
- Where people contribute to a spirit of caring and an ethic of service.
By choosing to join this community, I accept the responsibility of helping to build on its past heritage, of living its ideals, and contributing to its future.
Welcome to St. Mary's!
Message from the Dean - Fall 2011
Welcome new students! Welcome back returning students! Welcome one and all to the 2011-12 academic year.
This year marks the beginning of my 5th academic year at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The class I entered with has, for the most part, graduated and moved on to their next exciting adventure. One of the wonderful benefits of my job is working closely with students, and being able to interact with students in so many different settings. I love that process of growth and development, seeing people decide who they want to be and then become it.
St. Mary’s students are a special bunch. I have had the opportunity to talk with many people over the summer about what makes St. Mary’s out of the ordinary, and part of the answer is always students. I truly value the impact that students make on campus and in the community. Our students take action to create the campus community that we want. Sometimes that is coming up with a program idea, new initiative, or way to reach students with important messages. Others it is identifying a challenge and devising ways to solve it. And still others it is advocating for a change in a decision that some students disagree with. And I have been tremendously impressed with the way that students so often present their ideas and concerns in ways that are squarely seated in the values of the institution, listen as well as talk, and set SMCM up for success rather than failure.
Our College, like all other aspects of our lives, is what we make of it. Every fall we are gifted with a fresh start. I look forward to working together to keep St. Mary’s moving in a direction that enhances our values and mission while incorporating the changes that help us be the best that we can be.
Laura A. Bayless, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
St. Mary's College of Maryland
