<p>So SM is a Catholic college, but also a liberal arts college in Vermont. I was wondering how the atmosphere in relation to acceptance of all types of people and general liberal beliefs is.</p>
<p>DJQ1717,</p>
<p>Understandable question but I think you are confusing the term “liberal arts” with the political “liberal” belief. Liberal arts refers to a style of education - a wholistic approach to one’s learning. Just today in fact I was saying that SMC is exceptional at “educating the entire person.” Liberal arts refers to the fact that you will experience courses from many different disciplines, despite what you choose as a major.</p>
<p>A liberal political belief actually jives well with the founder’s of Saint Michael’s - the Edmundites. They are an order of priests who believe strongly in social justice and giving back to the community. I think that is why our MOVE program is so popular, over 70% of our students participate! </p>
<p>About 50% of the students at SMC consider themselves to be Catholic. I don’t have exact stats but I would say the majority of students consider themselves to have a liberal political mindset and most likely consider themselves as Democrats. That being said, we have such a wide variety of “types” of people at SMC. I think the variety is easily seen in the types of [Student</a> Organizations](<a href=“http://www.smcvt.edu/clubs/default.asp]Student”>http://www.smcvt.edu/clubs/default.asp) we have: Conservatives Club, Ally (Gay-Straight Alliance), Student Global Aids Campaign, Green Up, Student Labor Action Movement, and more. Many students who are not Catholic find that our [Campus</a> Ministry](<a href=“http://www.smcvt.edu/studentlife/campusministry.asp]Campus”>http://www.smcvt.edu/studentlife/campusministry.asp) program is very accepting of all types of religious and spiritual backgrounds.</p>
<p>I hope that information helped. Feel free to poke around the [Student</a> Life](<a href=“http://www.smcvt.edu/studentlife/]Student”>Student Life | Saint Michael's College) portion of our website. And connecting to students on [Facebook](<a href=“Redirecting...”>http://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelscollege</a>) might also show you the type of community our school has.</p>
<p>Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you!</p>
<p>Mallory Wood
<a href=“mailto:mwood@smcvt.edu”>mwood@smcvt.edu</a>
Saint Michael’s College</p>
<p>As a student I would say that the majority of students on campus are of a liberal mindset. While 50% of students say they are Catholic, the percentage who actively practice is probably much lower. There is a small “conservative” presence on campus, as Mallory said there is the conservative club and also a club (though no officially recognized and not funded) called Knights for Life. However, we do not have a Young Democrats club or Young Republicans club as politically affiliated clubs are not allowed on campus.</p>
<p>My daughter is a student at SMC. She is very liberal politically, concerned particularly with environmental and social justice issues. She was raised Catholic but sees herself as non-practicing. </p>
<p>She is very happy there and feels like she has many like minded friends. Many students are active in volunteer efforts, and are similarly concerned with caring for their world. </p>
<p>I see the Catholic influence there less in terms of going to church and more in terms of how one lives one’s life–as a caring, active member of a community.</p>
<p>Thanks for the great responses. I also tend to be very liberal and have no problem with Christianity or spirituality. I don’t want to seem like I’m stereotyping when I say this but I’m looking for an honest opinion: St. Mike’s says they’re big on social justice, but being a catholic college how does the community feel about the plight of gays in society and culture? Does St. Mike’s seem to be more accepting or not of gays on campus?</p>
<p>Hello DJQ1717–</p>
<p>St Mike’s is very accepting of everyone in its community, and that includes LGBT students, faculty & staff! As Mallory mentioned below, St Mike’s has a Gay Straight Alliance called [url=<a href=“http://www.smcvt.edu/clubs/default.asp#Social]Common”>http://www.smcvt.edu/clubs/default.asp#Social]Common</a> Ground<a href=“formerly%20Ally”>/url</a> and it is quite active. There also are openly gay and lesbian faculty and staff on campus.</p>
<p>Earlier this fall, both Common Ground and the Campus Ministry office came together to organize a vigil for the publicized suicides of LGBT youth that was beautifully done and had an amazing turnout!</p>
<p>It is understandable to ‘stereotype’, but we defy many of those stereotypes and really exemplify the best that Catholicism and spirituality has to offer, and that is to serve others, be happy and learn!</p>
<p>Sincerely,
Jeremy T. Brown
Assistant Director of Admission
<a href=“mailto:jbrown7@smcvt.edu”>jbrown7@smcvt.edu</a></p>