COMPARISON OF SSU & CSU MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

Sonoma State University Mission Statement Policy

The mission of Sonoma State University is to prepare students to be learned men and women who:

have a foundation for life-long learning
have a broad cultural perspective
have a keen appreciation of intellectual and aesthetic achievements
will be active citizens and leaders in society
are capable of pursuing fulfilling careers in a changing world
are concerned to contribute to the health and well-being of the world at large.

To achieve its mission, Sonoma State University recognizes that its first obligation is to develop and maintain excellent programs of undergraduate instruction grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. Instructional programs are designed to challenge students not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop the skills of critical analysis, careful reasoning, creativity, and self-expression. Excellence in undergraduate education requires that students participate in a well-planned program which provides both a liberal education and opportunities for specific career preparation.

Sonoma State University offers a wide range of traditional disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary programs, so that students are able to explore diverse modes of inquiry, the understanding gained within the various disciplines, and a global spectrum of ideas, institutions, values, and artistic expressions.

The University offers selected professional and graduate programs leading to master's degrees, teaching credentials, and certificates in various career fields. These programs respond to regional and state needs within the academic, business, education, and professional communities.

The quality of the educational experience at Sonoma State University depends upon close human and intellectual relationships among students and faculty to foster the open exchange of ideas. The University is committed to creating a learning community in which people from diverse backgrounds and cultures are valued for the breadth of their perspectives and are encouraged in their intellectual pursuits. Sonoma State University's special character within California higher education emerges from its relatively small size; and its commitment to effective teaching, high standards of scholarship, and ongoing professional development; and its policy of promoting diversity in the faculty, staff, and student populations.

Sonoma State University also recognizes its obligation to serve as an educational and cultural resource for people in the surrounding communities. It offers courses, lectures, workshops, and programs which are open to the public. Special events in the arts, the sciences, and athletics contribute to the intellectual and cultural life of students and the community.

WASC’s understanding of SSU’s Mission:

“In the 1999 review, the University articulated a clear mission to become a ‘small, high quality public liberal arts university of choice.’” (WASC comment on “Alignment of Institutional Priorities with Mission,” 6/28/04)

SSU University Planning Steering Committee (Spring ’05)

Mission Statement

The mission of Sonoma State University is to prepare students to be learned men and women who:

· Have a foundation for lifelong learning,

· Have a broad cultural perspective,

· Have a keen appreciation of intellectual and aesthetic achievements,

· Will be active citizens and leaders in society,

· Are capable of pursuing fulfilling careers in a changing world, and

· Are concerned with contributing to the health and well-being of the world at large.

Vision Statement

SSU will be recognized as a center of excellence for its residential and student-centered liberal arts and professional programs that promote social, cultural, and economic progress of the North Bay region and beyond.

Academic Affairs Strategic Plan (Spring ’06)

Mission:

As the educational center of Sonoma State University, Academic Affairs promotes excellence in teaching and learning, inquiry, and service in the context of its diverse cultural and natural environment.

To advance its mission, Academic Affairs

· encourages interactive teaching and learning and close mentoring relationships

· provides a foundation for critical thinking, experiential learning and personal growth

· inspires ethical exploration, civic engagement, social responsibility and global awareness

· creates a community that values diversity through undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, and selected professional graduate programs.

Vision:

Academic Affairs will achieve national distinction for its excellence in public liberal arts and sciences education while acting as a catalyst for social, cultural and economic progress in the North Bay Region.

The Mission of the California State University

(as adopted by the Board of Trustees November 1985)

I. The mission of the California State University is:

To advance and extend knowledge, learning, and culture, especially throughout California.
To provide opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally, and professionally.
To prepare significant numbers of educated, responsible people to contribute to California's schools, economy, culture, and future.
To encourage and provide access to an excellent education to all who are prepared for and wish to participate in collegiate study.
To offer undergraduate and graduate instruction leading to bachelor's and higher degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, the applied fields, and the professions, including the doctoral degree when authorized.
To prepare students for an international, multi-cultural society.
To provide public services that enrich the university and its communities.

II. To accomplish its mission over time and under changing conditions, the California State University:

Emphasizes quality in instruction.
Provides an environment in which scholarship, research, creative, artistic, and professional activity are valued and supported.
Stresses the importance of the liberal arts and sciences as the indispensable foundation of the baccalaureate degree.
Requires of its bachelor's degree graduates breadth of understanding, depth of knowledge, and the acquisition of such skills as will allow them to be responsible citizens in a democracy.
Requires of its advanced degree and credential recipients a depth of knowledge, completeness of understanding, and appreciation of excellence that enables them to contribute continuously to the advancement of their fields and professions.
Seeks out individuals with collegiate promise who face cultural, geographical, physical, educational, financial, or personal barriers to assist them in advancing to the highest educational levels they can reach.
Works in partnership with other California educational institutions to maximize educational opportunities for students.
Serves communities as educational, public service, cultural, and artistic centers in ways appropriate to individual campus locations and emphases.
Encourages campuses to embrace the culture and heritage of their surrounding regions as sources of individuality and strength.
Recognizes and values the distinctive history, culture, and mission of each campus.
Promotes an understanding and appreciation of the peoples, natural environment, cultures, economies, and diversity of the world.
Encourages free scholarly inquiry and protects the University as a forum for the discussion and critical examination of ideas, findings, and conclusions.
Offers degree programs in academic and applied areas that are responsive to the needs of the citizens of this state and provides for regular review of the nature and extent of these programs.
Offers or proposes to offer instruction at the doctoral level jointly with the University of California and with private institutions of postsecondary education, or independently in the field of education where the need is clearly demonstrated.