About
History
Eighth Dimension is Haverford’s community service office. It was founded in 1978 (although the conversation started in 1976) by a group of students, professors and administrators to integrate experiential learning into Haverford’s curricula and culture. The name “8th Dimension” (albeit a little obscure) referred to the seven other academic “dimensions” of a Haverford liberal arts education (natural science, quantitative analysis, social and behavior sciences, laboratory, history, literature, and field/artistic experience). The founders (including R. Scott Altman ’77, Eric Cullender ’72, Paul Hoffstein ’79, and Robert Waldman ’78) considered service and experiential learning an equally vital component, hence the name. The 8D name not only emphasizes the continued belief in the vitality of public service at Haverford (and the College’s Quaker value of commitment to activism,) but also represents a tradition of collaboration between the student body, faculty, and administration.
Mission
- Provide opportunities for Haverford and Bryn Mawr students to become involved in the larger community.
- Ensure that a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom and that active participation in one’s social concerns is the appropriate “eighth dimension” to the original seven dimensions of the Haverford curriculum.
- Support and facilitate both students-run projects and individual endeavors involved in community service.
- Provide the needed services to the greater Philadelphia area and beyond. Increase the awareness of the need for community service.
- Promote education through service and encouraging service learning.
Annual Events
- Housing Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP) rebuilding trips (Spring Break)
- Barclay Haunted House (Friday before Halloween)
- Hunger Auction (Thursday before Thanksgiving)
- Oxfam Fast (Friday before Thanksgiving)
- AIDS Memeorial Quilt Display (World AIDS Day, December 1)
- Easter Egg Hunt (Saturday before Easter)
- Serendipity Day Camp (Summers)
