What is an Educated Person? The Value of a Campus-wide Conversation in Finding an Answer

Abstract

This article explains the value to our campus community of a vibrant conversation addressing the question: What does it mean to be an educated person? Our ongoing, campus-wide dialogue began in 2003 and brings San Jose State employees and students together to explore the question of what skills, knowledge, dispositions and habits an educated person should possess. In the article, we explain how and why we started the conversation, the results and benefits derived, and the challenges encountered. We also provide some words of advice for those interested in beginning their own campus dialogue.