CLASIC: About Us

The Consortium of Liberal Arts Schools and Independent Colleges (CLASIC) is a professional organization, established in 1979. Originally known as the Small College Consortium with a membership of 14 colleges, CLASIC now includes members from more than 25 Southern California colleges and universities.

HISTORY
The original consortium consisted of the Claremont Colleges (Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, Pomona College, and Scripps College), Occidental College, University of Redlands, Whittier College, University of Southern California (member because of private status), Westmont College, Pacific Lutheran, Azusa Pacific University, California Institute of Technology, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, and California Baptist University. There were no dues to belong and the campuses took turns in hosting and planning the meetings. For several years starting in 1987, CLASIC was included in the Special Interest Group sessions at the Western Colleges and Placement Association (WCPA) Conferences, which became the Western Association of Colleges and Employers, now known as MPACE (Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employers).

As CLASIC became more active, the need for funds to cover activities became necessary. An institutional membership fee of $20 - $25 per year was established, which has gradually increased to the current $50 per year. It was decided to have three meetings annually. Meetings are usually held in October, January and May with a focus on best practices, a particular topic of interest, and the sharing of problems and solutions unique to small, private liberal arts colleges.

PURPOSE

To provide professional development for staff at the member institutions.
To share our resources and best practices.
To connect with others in like situations.
To lobby for visibility with other professional associations (e.g., MPACE, NACE).
To promote the liberal arts focus (not true for all member colleges).
To market ourselves to employers and form good public relations.
To sponsor joint programming.

VISION
To be the premiere consortium of liberal arts and independent colleges in Southern California which recognizes trends and issues facing career development in a liberal arts institution.

MISSION
To provide an environment that cultivates professional development, interaction among colleagues and opportunities to share knowledge and resources.

GOALS

Provide an organizational structure that supports the needs of the members
Identify and promote best practices in career development and the delivery of career services
Support the professional development needs of members
Recruit, retain and involve membership
Develop consortium events
Maintain and improve the website
Explore affiliate memberships of employers
Educate on future trends and issues facing career development on liberal arts campuses
Increase visibility at MPACE and other conferences

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