In August of 2017, Ecclesia College announced the initiation of a new program integrating character development into the academic and work-learning programs. This new program is titled Character Counts and features curricula used from Character First™, developed by Tom Hill, and Character Core™, developed by Strata Leadership.
The purpose of Character Counts is to enhance work learning, student satisfaction, and academic performance outcomes for Ecclesia College students by integrating desired character qualities into academic curricula, work learning, sports programs, extracurricular activities, student organizations, service learning, and the mentoring program. Character Counts accomplishes its goals by focusing on two character qualities a month during the semester, in which it features character development training via the following methods:
- Classroom integrated activities
- Departmental work-learning meetings
- Guest speakers in assembly
- Mentoring discussion topics
- Audio/visual displays
Walk Your Faith
The Bible commands followers of Christ to take on the character of Christ and develop the Fruits of the Spirit in themselves. 2 Peter 1:5-8 says,
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (New American Standard Version).
Character Counts is designed to be a holistic program, encouraging character development in Ecclesia College students from many different sources. Therefore, the students have many opportunities to practice what they are learning in the classroom, work, athletics, and in their spiritual walk.
Desirability in the Workplace
Developing a strong, ethical character is fundamental to being a successful leader in any career. Some of the most important skills that potential employers look for are soft skills, which are skills such as teamwork, written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and work ethic. Ecclesia College work-learning supervisors, faculty, coaches, and mentors are trained to recognize opportunities to teach soft skills and to reinforce good character in the students that they encounter. At the end of their time at Ecclesia College, students should be able to recognize and identify character qualities in themselves and others as well as practice those qualities in helpful and productive ways.
Global Impact
The mission of this program is to help facilitate a change for the better within our culture and communities by developing:
- Better prepared graduates and employees who will be viewed as desirable by employers for the benefit of their organization.
- Leaders with a desire to serve within their workplace, families, congregations, and communities.
- Students who display the character of Christ, becoming effective witnesses of the gospel to their respective communities and field of work.
“Character is about conscience, doing the right things, nurturing good habits, and building the virtues of individuals and teams . . . character dictates noble purpose, and purposes paves the way for success.”
Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, Ph.D.
Chairman and CEO, The Roosevelt Group
Research Professor, Yale University