Mission and Vision Statement of Southern Oregon University

SOU CATALOG HOME : MISSION STATEMENT

Southern Oregon University's primary mission is to provide a full range of excellent and thorough instruction in the liberal arts and sciences complemented by selected professional and graduate programs. The campus combines many of the best features of both the private and public college: smallenrollment classes; teachers who know and work directly with their students; and a faculty and staff fully committed to education, both in and beyond the classroom, on and off campus. Southern Oregon University is designated as a center of excellence in the fine and performing arts.

The University principally serves students from southern Oregon, but increasingly attracts them from the West and Northwest. It brings students of all ages together in traditional undergraduate programs, education for the professions, graduate education, and lifelonglearning programs. Through the University's core curriculum, students share in a common intellectual enterprise, mastering specific information and applying criticalthinking skills they have learned in community and international settings. Students are encouraged to engage in significant undergraduate research. They also become technologically literate, learn to communicate clearly and effectively, and explore ethical issues and define social and personal values.

Six elements are central to this mission:

1. A supportive and responsive faculty and staff committed to student learning, undergraduate research, community service, and teaching informed by scholarship;

2. A rigorous curriculum and co-curricular activities that will prepare students to lead constructive and civically responsible lives, be successful in a global society, and continue to learn throughout their lifetimes;

3. Diversity of students, faculty, and staff;

4. A natural and cultural environment which enhances the University's programs and provides a greater variety of opportunities for its students;

5. A commitment to service, distance learning, and to full and appropriate partnerships with the community and region; and

6. An attractive, well-equipped, and secure campus.