Isaac Johnson
English 1102 SAR Paper
“Vassar College” SAR
Summary
Vassar is primarily directed towards very intellectual, liberal thinking, driven, open-minded individuals. Originally, what was a women’s college that provided a higher education, has opened its doors to everyone from all backgrounds, with heavy emphasis on including a diverse, very supportive environment for all types of students. Their ideal student is a very smart, marginalized person who is seeking a quality education. The website does this by using the rhetorical strategies that focus on their audience, and by using Kairos.
Analysis
In the text, the website uses the large rhetorical strategy Kairos and the rhetorical style Audience when appealing to their readers. Vassar seeks to do this in their many mission statements present in the article. The website does a great job at voicing for inclusion, which is one of their core values as an institution. Because of this, many different readers can view the website and have it resonate with them in some way. In terms of timing and appropriateness however, the website immediately makes a statement regarding the land the college was built on and the respect and relationship it has for the original natives that called that place home. In the section labeled Land Acknowledgement, the website states that “every member of the Vassar community since 1861 has benefited from these Native peoples’ displacement, and it is hollow without our efforts to counter the effects of structures that have long enabled—and that still perpetuate—injustice against Indigenous Americans.” (Land Acknowledgement, Vassar College (2)) This is a strategic way to show the college’s moral stance on the issue of colonization and misrepresented communities. It is placed very early on in order to appeal to the reader, and further support that inclusive message they want to present. Soon after this section, the website chooses to introduce its history section. Regarding the history section, the college takes a lot of firsts in terms of being progressive and open to new concepts for that time. Near the end of this section, they succinctly restate their core values. The text states that “the unique traditions upon which the college was founded continue to be upheld today: a determination to excel, a willingness to experiment, a dedication to the values of the liberal arts and sciences, a commitment to the advancement of equality between the sexes, and the development of leadership.” (A History of Vassar College (3)). This section specifically supports fighting the current issue of inequalities all genders face in society. It’s a nice closing statement, particularly when appealing towards their more liberal and progressive audience that hold these values in their own lives. The last two sections cover their initiatives, diversity and sustainability, as well as follow up links for full statements. These are current issues we must deal with in our society and in our colleges. This section was strategically placed here to remind us that the school is acknowledging the current issues. When looking at the text, its very noticeable how it markets for its audience. When persuading its readers, the college puts lots of emphasis on its values and philanthropic initiatives, rather than its academic achievements and money. This alone is very telling about them as an institution. It gives the audience a sense of goodwill from the institution, which makes people more likely to want to apply. Their inclusive values also give the reader a sense of familiarity and support that would make people want to apply. It also gives people a sense of safety, especially minorities that may have struggles to fit in a large institution like this.
Response
This school is definitely one I would consider looking into visiting in the future. Money isn’t an issue here. Looking at their values, history, many programs and groups they support, it seems like a very good fit. The main values that stuck out to me were their diversity and sustainability initiatives. Its rare that you can find a diverse college, or an open-minded one as well. I like the idea that they want to make sure everyone feels the same in terms of inclusion and support. I am also in support of anything green and knowing that the school is in support of that, it makes me happy. I like the fact that they focus on art heavy as well. This was a key part of the history section, and art is a personal interest of mine. However, when also reading the text, the tone is very formal and smart. It took me multiple times to read through everything. Thinking about this, I am not sure I’ll be smart enough for a school like this. It seems like they are geared towards an audience that is on a much higher level of thinking, which may be a huge struggle for me during a semester. Its one thing being smart, but I want to make sure I can understand what I’m learning. Other than that, it sounds like a wonderful place to attend.
Works Cited:
“About.” About | Vassar College, https://www.vassar.edu/about.