Athens State University :: Building Success Stories

Untitled Document

Mission

Athens State University, offering coursework at the junior and senior level, is the baccalaureate degree granting institution of the Alabama Community College System. Governed under the authority of the Alabama State Board of Education, and in conjunction with the other institutions of the Alabama Community College System, Athens State University provides affordable education in an environment which recognizes diversity and nurtures the discovery and application of knowledge. Located in northern Alabama, Athens State University acknowledges a commitment to primarily serve transfer students of the Alabama Community College System as well as students from other accredited institutions of higher education. The University prepares students for professional careers, graduate school, lifelong learning, and enrichment. The University, through quality teaching, individual attention, and a varied course delivery system, assists students in the timely achievement of their professional and career goals. In addition, Athens State University offers programs of continuing education and community services that provide a variety of cultural and professional opportunities.

Goals

	To provide educational opportunity to postsecondary students through carefully planned programs of study that impart a body of knowledge, stimulate critical thinking, develop communication and technological skills, foster ethical behavior, and encourage life-long learning in a diverse and changing world.
	To serve the student effectively and efficiently by providing flexible scheduling, varied modes of delivery and cooperative arrangements with other institutions.
	To recruit, retain, and promote professional development of qualified faculty and staff.
	To provide and maintain appropriate learning resources which are supportive of student learning, quality teaching, scholarly research, diversity, and technological proficiency.
	To develop and maintain periodic internal evaluation to ensure that all programs are operating within a manner consistent with the mission statement of the University.
	To provide opportunities for students to expand their intellectual, social, and cultural horizons.
	To provide and maintain student services which furnish necessary information, financial assistance, guidance counseling to assist progress toward personal, academic, and career goals.
	To promote and maintain effective student recruitment and retention.
	To promote the use of appropriate University and community resources to facilitate educational and training programs for the diversified needs of business, industry, education, and government in addition to providing cultural and intellectual enrichment.
	To acquire and administer efficiently and effectively all fiscal resources.
	To provide, develop, and maintain a physical plant appropriate for the support of the University programs.
	To effectively communicate the University's vision and goals as a baccalaureate degree granting institution to internal and external constituencies.