SS1955

My daughter is seriously considering Earlham and hopes to visit on one of the accepted student weekends. We are hearing many good things about the school. One thing she is not sure about is what being a Quaker school means for the campus environment. Our family is not Quaker and in fact not religious at all, but we have some understanding of the Quaker tradition and think it could be a very good influence on the campus. But my daughter wonders how she would fit in--what percent of kids are Quaker and does it matter if you aren't? What does the Quaker affiliation mean for everyday life on campus? We'd love to hear from those familiar with the school about this.

DefyingGravity04

Hi SS1955,

I am a prospective transfer to Earlham and visited recently. I am not Quaker either. What I got from the students and staff was that the Quaker philosophy really promotes community. I think about 10% or less of the student body is actually quaker. Everything is done by consencious ( so if one person does not like something it will not be done). Also students call teacher by their first names ( so there is no Dr. or Professor). Everyone is Jane and Bob etc. Also there is no Greek system at Earlham because of the Quaker principles of equality.

SS1955

that all sounds good, thanks!

bigpicdad

Earlham College | Profile

The prez is Quaker, 11% of faculty, 13% of students...from site above which you may have seen. Son was not Quaker.

beltrami

The Quaker philosophy permeates campus life. We are not Quaker either, yet we do appreciate the strong sense of community, support for each other, acceptance of differences, the pursuit of knowledge, the promotion of peace, helping the less fortunate, and the Quaker sense of moderation. We find the campus atmosphere to be welcoming and comfortable - like an old pair of jeans. Note that although the campus is "dry", discrete drinking does occur, just not as obviously as on secular campuses. Quakers don't celebrate religious holidays, at least not to the extent most folks are accustomed to. Their meetings provide a space of quiet reflection in the busy lives of college students.

For an introduction to the Quaker approach to life, read the "Principles and Practices" that is sent to accepted students.

http://www.earlham.edu/policies/principles.html

Our daughter is in her second year and has found wonderful support from the Quaker sense of community.

Cherry pi mom

My daughter has also been accepted to Earlham, and will be at an accepted student day in a few weeks. In addition to comments above, my impression of Earlham is that the political views of the student body may lean more left of center than the typical midwestern private college.