Belonging and Community

A Place Where You Matter

What makes Principia distinct is our faith, which calls us to see every individual as a unique expression of Love. This deep spiritual foundation affirms our unwavering belief that every person matters not only for what they can do, but for who they are—a unique expression of divine Love, or God. On our campus, belonging means bringing your whole self—your questions, talents, faith, voice, and capacity for healing—into a community where you matter, grow with others, and help make a meaningful difference in the world.

Belonging and Mattering Statement

Love in Action
With Christian Science as our foundation, we view every member of the Principia community as the unlimited image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26). We seek to elevate humanity by fostering, nurturing, and inspiring individual and collective spiritual growth.

Diversity in perspectives, experiences, and how people uniquely express themselves strengthens our community. Principia strives to provide its community members with equitable access to all opportunities and resources. We support and respect individual healthcare choices without judgment.

We commit to respectful engagement with one another and will work to remove prejudice and misunderstanding. We are a community based on prayer, integrity, respect, trust, and love. Together, we foster and sustain inclusive learning, living, and working environments where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Our Objectives and Commitments

Our commitment to belonging and community is rooted in spiritual values and a deep belief in each individual’s unlimited potential. The following outcomes shape an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented campus experience:

Equal Access to Thrive. All students will have fair access to the resources and support needed for academic, social, and spiritual growth.
Inclusive Learning and Living. Faculty and staff will foster welcoming classrooms and residential spaces where every student feels valued.
Shared Responsibility for Inclusion. The entire campus community will actively address exclusion, discomfort, or bias, nurturing a culture of respect and care.
Trust and Authentic Engagement. Programs will promote meaningful connection, trust-building, and space for students to bring their full, authentic selves.
Student Leadership in Fairness and Inclusion. Students will build the skills to lead with fairness and inclusion, preparing them to promote healing and progress in the world.
Integrated Support. The Office of Belonging and Community will offer ongoing resources, guidance, and collaboration to ensure a thriving, inclusive experience for all.

Fairness, Inclusion, and the Infinite Worth of Each Individual

We offer a rigorous education in service to the Cause of Christian Science, recognizing each student as whole and unique. Our mission is to develop collaborative, creative thinkers prepared to seek healing solutions.

We envision a future in which humanity will behold a more fair, peaceful, and abundant world. Fairness at Principia is not a checklist—it’s a spiritual commitment to seeing every individual as a child of God. We ensure all students, regardless of background, have full access to the Principia experience.

The Office of Belonging and Community works across campus to cultivate an inclusive culture through workshops, celebrations, and policies that uplift and empower all.

A Community That Sees You, Supports You, and Challenges You

Principia College’s academic unit fosters a collaborative, inclusive community “where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is seen as infinitely capable and divinely whole.” Our globally focused, character-based curriculum values diverse perspectives and develops creative problem solvers who serve their communities and the world.

Holistic growth extends beyond the classroom—into residence halls, teams, and campus life—where students are supported academically, spiritually, and personally. In this caring environment, they ask big questions, find their voice, and experience a community that loves, honors, and challenges them.

A Diverse and Unified Community

Principia’s student body reflects a rich diversity of perspectives, with students from across the U.S. and around the world. This cultural diversity is not only respected but celebrated as essential to our educational and spiritual growth.

Through programs, traditions, and community norms, students learn to connect across differences and build authentic, respectful relationships. From interfaith dialogue to intercultural workshops and global citizenship courses, they develop the skills to thrive in—and contribute to—an interconnected world.

A Spiritually Grounded, Globally Minded, and Character-Centered Community

On our campus, belonging is foundational—an expression of our daily commitment to a spiritually grounded community where every individual is seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

Rooted in Christian Science and our mission to serve its cause through education, we cultivate a heart-centered, purpose-driven environment where students matter for who they are. In our close-knit, values-based community, character, curiosity, and compassion are intentionally nurtured.

Community life at Principia centers on lived values. Through residential life, campus engagement, and leadership roles—like the Residential Counselor program and student government—students grow as values-driven leaders: compassionate, discerning, and service-minded.

Belonging here is active and mutual, shaped by intentional relationships and shared accountability. Students don’t just make friends—they find purpose and develop lifelong habits of heart and mind.

Staff

Jennifer A. Stollman, Ph.D. is Director of Belonging & Community at Principia College and founder of J.A. Stollman Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in DEIB, she supports institutions nationwide in building inclusive cultures. A scholar and trainer, she brings a personal and historical lens to her work, rooted in a commitment to equity, healing, and moral responsibility. Jennifer.Stollman@principia.edu

Dorian Watkins, MSODL (US’11, C’15), diversity, equity and inclusion certificate is the Residential Operations Manager and Belonging and Equity Specialist. Dorian has a strong educational background and student affairs experience, as well as his commitment to building policies and practices at Principia that advance equity and belonging. Dorian.Watkins@principia.edu, (618)-374-5561

Belonging and Community

Read More About Principia's Commitment to Belonging and Mattering

Fairness, Inclusion, and the Infinite Worth of Each Individual

A Community That Sees You, Supports You, and Challenges You

A Diverse and Unified Community

A Spiritually Grounded, Globally Minded, and Character-Centered Community

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