Cambridge College is a learning community where working adults build their education on a lifetime of learning. Our learning and teaching practices are based on our extensive experience serving adult students.

The College believes that each person can learn, notwithstanding one's age, life history, current circumstances, or past academic experience. Therefore, entrance requirements are not a barrier. The College works with students to build the skills needed for academic and career success, providing experiences of genuine learning that make new learning possible. Students are expected to meet high academic standards by the end of the program.

Each person has a unique way of learning and thinking, so faculty find out how their students learn and construct learning activities for each class that make best use of their students' learning styles.

Each student's uniqueness, capabilities, and experiences are affirmed in a supportive classroom. Students are expected to share with the class - to learn and to teach. The real-world diversity of our classes provides rich opportunities to draw academic learning from experience. This learning is "unfinished," student-centered, and socially constructed in class. It links individual students with one another and the socio-cultural world.

The learning community and process are as important as content. Students and faculty learn together and assist one another in a collaborative learning community. A class reflects on their previous experiences related to the course, and academic perspectives bring understanding and stimulate further learning. This enables students to transcend inequities, previous failures, limitations, and the past itself.

Theory and practice are an interactive process in classroom discussions, blending academic theory, research, and current information with personal values, experience, and professional practice. Each student individualizes the classroom learning, and gains further learning from putting theory into practice at work the next day.

Our students gain the content knowledge and skills to meet professional standards in their field. Many of our faculty members are experienced professionals in their fields, providing both academic and professional perspectives.

Our students are individual adults, family members, working professionals, and community members. Their many perspectives provide rich material for classroom discussion. Our programs support working adults' efforts to advance in their careers, change directions, and improve their lives and their communities. Students report that our programs and course work are more applicable in their work environments and of greater value to their professional growth than more traditional degrees.

Time-efficient, flexible programs, course schedules, and credit awards fit into busy adults' work schedules; intensive courses can be completed in a short time. Students' life and professional experiences are used to accelerate classroom learning. Credit may be awarded for documented academic learning drawn from experience (no life experience credit awarded). Academic programs can often be tailored for individual needs. Liberal transfer credit policies recognize adults' past academic accomplishments.

Lifelong learning and leadership Our students become their own teachers, able to learn not only in school, but also in their careers and communities. They become more effective team members and leaders, making meaningful, practical contributions to families, workplaces, and communities. Networks often form among students, enhancing their lives and careers for years.



Program Goals and Outcomes Cambridge College is a learning community in which adult learners experience educational practices that honor and empower them. Cambridge College develops and enhances skills, competencies, attitudes, values and habits of mind which enable the learners to competently meet personal needs and professional challenges. Our academic programs stir and excite the emotions, curiosity, and intellect to render them life-long learners.
Learners will: