At Taylor University, "intentional community" isn't just a catchphrase; it’s the heartbeat of our campus. We are committed to fostering close-knit relationships, meaningful interactions, and a Christ-centered focus that permeates every aspect of life at Taylor. Community is found in our residence halls, classrooms, staff and faculty homes, countless student organizations and ministry opportunities. But what happens when students engage in learning from a distance, outside of our physical campus? Can intentional community exist in an online setting? At Taylor, the answer is a resounding yes.
As Director of Online Learning, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing the ways in which we have carried the intentional community into our online programs. We believe students residing on campus or engaging remotely, should experience the distinctively relational and transformative education that Taylor is known for. Here's how we’re making it happen.
Faith at the Core
At Taylor, we are intentional about incorporating faith into every course. Whether on campus or online, our faculty members are dedicated Christians, bringing the same heart for spiritual mentorship to the classroom. Through prayer, devotionals, spiritually enriching reflections, and discussions integrated into the academic curriculum, students experience Christ-centered education, a hallmark of Taylor.
We recognize that community in an online space looks different. However, the shared foundation of faith creates a unique bond between students, faculty and staff, even when miles apart. Online courses are designed to foster interaction that is not just about assignments but also about personal and spiritual growth.
Community Focused Learning Environments
Intentionality in building relationships is a core aspect of the Taylor experience. In our online programs, we work hard to ensure that students don’t feel like they’re just a number or a face on a screen. We foster connection by creating interactive course designs that encourage student collaboration in cohort courses. Group discussions, peer feedback, collaborative projects and live TEAMS meetings are also pedagogies utilized, mirroring group dynamics and learning interactions occurring in on-campus classes. In the independent study online courses, the students are blessed by a 1:1 relationship with their instructor.
Additionally, Taylor’s online students have access to a dedicated team, supporting, encouraging and caring for them not just academically but holistically. Advisors are available to discuss academic progress, goals, celebrations and challenges students may face in their learning experience. This personal connection fosters mentoring relationships that students value.
Widening Taylor’s Circle of Learners
One of the beautiful aspects of online education is bringing together a diverse group of students from various backgrounds, cultures and locations. This adds a unique dimension to the Taylor experience, where students gain a broader perspective of the world while staying rooted in the values and community that shape them. For example, the first cohort in Taylor’s online Ph.D. in Leadership program includes 36% diverse and global students from 5 states and 4 countries. The digital world provides opportunities to foster relationships and networks that transcend geographical boundaries, allowing students to benefit from the collective wisdom and support of the entire Taylor community.
A Future Rooted in Tradition
Taylor University’s legacy of intentional community, spiritual mentorship and holistic education is as old as the institution itself. As we look to the future, we are committed to carrying this legacy forward into the online space. Through intentionality in faith, learning, and relationship-building, we are confident that every student, whether in Upland or studying remotely, can experience the same Christ-centered, relational education that makes Taylor unique. Our commitment to intentional community is not bound by location; it’s a defining characteristic of who we are - on campus and online.
