Numerous courses in the curriculum explore issues of individual, community, and civic responsibility. Before graduation from Tusculum, students must validate nine competencies that the College believes are integral to its mission. Six of these competencies are Foundational, involving such abilities as writing, critical analysis, and public speaking. In planning, carrying out, and reflecting on their service experience, students demonstrate these three competencies.
Faculty members write up recommendation for validation that become part of students' portfolios.
Tusculum students often begin service-learning courses unconvinced that the experience will be valuable but afterwards report that they have grown in unexpected ways. As a result of Tusculum's unique curriculum, that growth continues after students leave the College, thus benefiting communities in need across the world.