William & Mary, one of the nation's premier state-assisted liberal arts universities, believes that excellence in teaching is the key to unlocking intellectual and personal possibilities for students. Dedicated to this philosophy and committed to limited enrollment, the university provides high-quality undergraduate, graduate and professional education that prepares students to make significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. In recognition, the media have included William & Mary among the nation's prestigious "Public Ivys," and ranked it among the top institutions in terms of commitment to teaching. The academic atmosphere at W&M, firmly grounded in a venerated liberal arts tradition, is a combination of juxtapositions: thinking and doing, tradition and innovation, collaboration and independence, teaching and research.