Achievement and maintenance of physical and mental health was a major concern of New College. Alexander sought experiences that would be the basis of understanding by the students as they came across health problems met as individuals, citizens of a larger community and as teacher leaders. The New College curriculum was based on Alexander’s philosophy that being healthy (mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically) should be a comprehensive way of living. Alexander could not have forgotten the serious respiratory illness he suffered for nearly nine months in Germany during his 1913-1914 research overseas. It was important to Alexander that the students were healthy. All students went through a complete physical before entering the college, and routine checkups were scheduled throughout the year.
Since it was such a major concern, in addition to coursework on health education, it was determined lessons should grow out of and be a part of all experiences of the students at home, in school, and in the community. Questions were developed in consideration of persons of varying ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Elements of hygiene and sanitation as causes of sickness were of major concern in the overcrowded urban areas of New York and the rural mountains of North Carolina, both areas served and studied by New College students.
Since it was such a major concern, in addition to coursework on health education, it was determined lessons should grow out of and be a part of all experiences of the students at home, in school, and in the community. Questions were developed in consideration of persons of varying ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Elements of hygiene and sanitation as causes of sickness were of major concern in the overcrowded urban areas of New York and the rural mountains of North Carolina, both areas served and studied by New College students.
