Calvin College

Calvin is a school with a big mission: equipping students to be agents of renewal, ready to step into the public square and renew all things for the glory of Christ. We believe that every student has something to offer the world; every student has something that God is calling him or her to do. Calvin’s job is to partner with each student to discover what that is and then help them develop the skills they'll need to gain that success. In order to achieve this, we’ve charted out a strategic plan that’s defined by three words: strengthen, support, and secure.

When you come to Calvin, we know you have a background, an identity that shapes the stories of your life. And we believe a student population rich in diversity in all its forms is a real benefit to our community and makes for a vibrant learning environment. We’re committed to the flourishing of all students from every race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and ability.

Education at Calvin is infused with thoughtful, biblically based principles that help form a foundation for living that honors the Creator and his creation. Our community gardens, campus recycling program, residence hall sustainability challenges, and academic endeavors are all pursued with both a mind and heart toward God’s plan for the renewal of all creation.

Yes, your Calvin education will prepare you for excellence in your career field—but our focus extends far beyond that.We don’t just equip you to find a job; we empower you to discover your calling. We don’t just hand you a textbook; we teach valuable life skills too, from paying rent to maintaining healthy relationships. We don’t just add you to a tally list of graduates; we train you to be a leader in your work, your church, and your community.

We could say you are welcome at Calvin, no matter your background—but that might be missing the point. You are welcome at Calvin, and your background does matter. Our backgrounds are part of our identities and shape the stories of our lives. We know that creating a welcoming space where all stories are heard and valued makes for richer conversations, scholarship, and community.At Calvin, we are committed to creating an atmosphere where diversity and inclusion flourish. Our commitment includes welcoming community members from various races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, and abilities. We don’t have it all figured out yet, but with grounded hearts and open minds, we are building a stronger community in every area of campus.

By 2030, Calvin will become a Christian liberal arts university with an expanded global influence. We envision Calvin University as a trusted partner for learning across religious and cultural differences and throughout the academy, the church, and the world.

Calvin University will be animated by a Reformed Christian faith that seeks understanding and promotes the welfare of the city and the healing of the world. We welcome all who are compelled by God’s work of renewal to join us in the formative pursuits of lifelong learning, teaching, scholarship, worship, and service.

It started simply, as great things often do. But what began in 1876 as a school of ministry training for just seven students has emerged as a world-class Christian liberal arts college. Our dynamic community is made up of more than 3,800 passionate, creative, and engaged students—and the faculty, staff, parents, and friends who empower them.Since its earliest stages, Calvin has embodied the multidisciplinary approach of the liberal arts. Calvin College and Seminary began as one institution—De Theologische School—in 1876, taking students through six years of curriculum that incorporated both literary and theological training.

In 1884, the school expanded to admit a student body beyond pastors in training—now including aspiring teachers. The college’s horizons expanded once again in 1900 when the curriculum further broadened to include pre-professional courses. By 1906, the literary department, which provided four years of preparatory and two years of college work, became known officially as the John Calvin Junior College, a separate entity from Calvin Theological Seminary.In time, the institution became a four-year college. In 1931, the school was renamed Calvin College, the name it is known by around the world today.

In the midst of unprecedented change in higher education, our community affirms this strategic plan to strengthen our place among exceptional colleges and universities. The greatest resource for our plan is our shared sense of mission: that we are an academic community rooted in a Reformed understanding of Jesus Christ; that we believe a Calvin education can guide students aspiring to the transformational work of renewing this broken world; that we are a liberal arts college with distinctive professional and graduate programs; that we are dedicated both to great teaching and significant scholarship; and that we believe passionately in preparing global citizens to live and work in a diverse and interconnected world. From this shared mission our community forged a vision to guide us through this decade.

The ongoing dynamism of our global context and disruption in higher education challenge us to use the next five years to prepare for the balance of the century. Our vision is simple and powerful: to ensure learning excellence for all members of our community by renewing our commitment to Calvin College's mission for generations to come. Key to our success will be our commitment to make demonstrable progress in our effort to strengthen, support, and secure long-held commitments to teaching, scholarship, community, diversity, and partnering on a sustainable operational foundation.