Mission:

The University of Redlands is a private, independent liberal arts university committed to providing a personalized education that encourages students to make enlightened choices.

Redlands emphasizes academic rigor, curricular diversity and innovative teaching. Redlands fosters a community of scholars and encourages a pluralistic notion of values by challenging assumptions and stereotypes in both classes and activities. A Redlands education goes beyond training to embrace a reflective understanding of our world; it proceeds from information to insight, from knowledge to meaning.

Welcoming intellectually curious students of diverse religious, ethnic, national and socioeconomic backgrounds, the University seeks to develop responsible citizenship as part of a complete education. Redlands encourages a community atmosphere with exceptional opportunity for student leadership and interaction. For working adults, the University offers innovative academic programs at convenient locations and times.

Redlands blends liberal arts and professional programs, applied and theoretical study, traditional majors and self-designed contracts for graduation. Small classes enable each student to participate in class discussion, to work closely with professors, and to receive extensive individual attention. Redlands remains sensitive to contemporary trends in society and challenges students to commit themselves to a lifetime of learning.

History And Traditions:

Founded in 1907 and located on land donated by banker and Baptist layman Karl G. Wells, the University of Redlands opened its doors to 59 students in September 1909. Now independent, the university maintains an informal relationship with the American Baptist church (mandatory chapel attendance was eliminated in 1972).

In the succeeding years, the university has grown, incorporating other institutions and expanding its liberal arts offerings. Led by nine presidents over the years, the school’s traditions, including a special commitment to individual growth and achievement, remain strong. For instance, students uphold the unique tradition of maintaining the famous “R” on a nearby mountain.