Papers
Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
Summer 8-10-2026
Abstract
How do whole persons form for lives of character and flourishing within graduate schooling years? What steps could an institution take to move toward that end? This work describes the process of one institution’s use of a task force examining these questions using a combination of literature review and structured interviews with key stakeholders across campus. The context of the institution’s unique mission, vision, and virtue framework provided a foundation out of which four areas of focus emerged: 1) infrastructure and representation, 2) belonging and community, 3) communication, and 4) professional identity formation. Investment in these institutional themes supports formation through virtue towards flourishing. Linkages to practical application for each theme are presented from the literature and stakeholder interviews.
This project was an output for The Belmont Formation Scholars Cohort for Character Research and Writing, which received generous support funding from The Kern Family Foundation.
We gratefully acknowledge Cindy Hickman and Lesley Mann for peer review feedback on this project, and are accountable for writing of this product without generative AI and in alignment with the aspirations of Belmont’s AI policy and the Psalm 8 AI Taskforce as of this date.
Recommended Citation
Greene, E., Grieme-Bradley, A., Bishop, M. (August 10, 2026). Supporting Graduate Student Flourishing: Development of a Whole-Person Formation Framework through a University-Wide Task Force. White paper produced for The Belmont Formation Scholar COhort for Character Research and Writing.
Metadata/Fulltext
Fulltext
