1 Description
Eastern Connecticut State University is one of four state universities that
constitute the Connecticut State University System, which was established in
1965 and operates today under the authority of Connecticut General Statutes
Secs. 10a-87 and 10a-149. The Connecticut State University (CSU) mission
statement adopted on December 12, 1997, is "to educate students of all ages and
socio-economic backgrounds from all racial and ethnic communities in
Connecticut. We provide affordable, geographically accessible opportunities for
active learning, leading to baccalaureate, graduate, and professional degrees,
as well as career advancement. Our graduates meet outcome standards which embody
the competencies necessary for success in the workplace and in life."
Eastern Connecticut State University's mission statement derives from the role
it has played for more than one hundred years and its current role as part of
the Connecticut State University System. The Eastern Connecticut State
University mission statement adopted by the Board of Trustees on November 6,
1998, states:
Eastern Connecticut State University is the state's public liberal arts
university. As a predominately undergraduate institution, Eastern develops
outstanding students who integrate learning with expertise in their chosen
fields of study for both civic and career success in a highly technological and
rapidly changing world.
The development of the mission statement was an inclusive process that included
lengthy deliberations by the Planning and Priorities Council; two university-
wide open forums; submission of written comments; input from the Academic
Affairs Committee; and deliberation and action by the University Senate. See
document room/index for a chronology of mission statement revision.
The mission statement forms the basis for institutional planning. Following its
approval, the university used a similar process throughout 1999 to revise the
role and scope statement. This process operationalized the overall mission. The
Planning and Priorities Council revised the role and scope statement commencing
on April 16, 1999, and ending on November 2, 1999, when it was submitted to the
CSU System Office. Three university-wide open forums were held, and written
comments were submitted to the Planning and Priorities Council. The University
Senate endorsed the role and scope statement on October 19, 1999. See document
room/index for a copy of the role and scope statement.
As part of the role and scope process and, in concert with CSU System Office
initiatives, the university adopted a list of priority goals known as the vital
few. Monthly significant events, reported to the CSU Board of Trustees, are
focused on the vital few. A quarterly focus report to the board summarizes the
monthly reports. The quarterly reports are summarized in the President's Annual
Report to the Trustees. See document room/index for copies of these reports.
The university mission, the role and scope statement, the vital few goals, and
the president's letter of priorities constitute the guiding documents for
schools and administrative units to develop their own mission statements and
plans. The university has established a process by which the goals and
objectives of major units are revised each year and are shared at the
president's advance, which takes place during the latter part of August.
Eastern Connecticut State University has three schools: Arts and Sciences,
Education and Professional Studies, and Continuing Education. None has a current
mission statement, but each has provided a statement of intent and purpose that
is published in the university catalog. The vice president for academic affairs
approved the statements for inclusion in the catalog after consultation with
appropriate campus groups. In the 1998-2000 catalog, the statements for the
three schools are found on pp. 91, 205, and 257 respectively. The common theme
is to develop a base in the liberal arts while preparing students for potential
careers in their majors.
School of Arts and Sciences:
This statement speaks to the sharing of "methodologies which encourage the student's ethical and intellectual
development, concern for and understanding of other cultures and peoples and . .
. the integration of theory and practice through internships, field work, and
practica."
School of Education and Professional Studies: The statement for this school
emphasizes its strong foundation in liberal arts, a variety of academic
programs, and the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values necessary for
successful performance in the professions.
School of Continuing Education: The statement for the School of Continuing
Education indicates its commitment to expand educational opportunities for
adults in eastern Connecticut through evening offerings throughout the calendar
year and through off-campus programs. Additionally, emphasis is given to
noncredit programs for businesses and organizations in Connecticut.
Since FY 96, each administrative area has provided a summary of its unit's
role/mission and has listed its goals in its annual report. In addition, each
unit describes the progress it has made in fulfilling its previous year's goals.
The unit's supervisor ensures that the unit's mission and goals are consistent
with those of the university.
1 Appraisal
The mission statement designates Eastern as a public liberal arts university. We
need to refine our definition of a liberal arts university. Eastern's faculty,
staff, and University Senate are in the process of addressing this question.
Since 1998 Eastern has defined its mission as a liberal arts university through
the General Education Requirements (GER). The goals of the GER are to help
students gain an awareness of the various methods of inquiry and knowing;
enhance their abilities to research and to communicate; learn ways to think
critically, imaginatively, and analytically; develop an understanding of diverse
cultures and societies; appreciate the sense in which the past illuminates the
present; and respond sensitively to human achievement and creativity (Eastern
Catalog, 1998-2000 year, p.79).
After clarifying our mission by determining what we mean by a liberal arts
education, Eastern needs to ensure that we use this definition to set goals for
each academic unit. In this way, we will ensure that we are actually applying
our mission statement to our academic program.
1 Projection
Eastern's administration and the University Senate will continue discussions
concerning the characteristics that define Eastern's mission statement as the
state's public liberal arts university. The mission statement, the role and
scope statement, and the vital few goals will continue to serve as the documents
that guide academic programs.
The administration will collaborate with University Senate committees in
operationalizing Eastern's mission throughout the university. These include the
following senate committees: curriculum, budget and resources, general education
program, academic affairs, support services, personnel policies, support
services, and academic program review.
During 2000-2001, Eastern's three schools will create their mission statements.
Their missions will conform to the definition of the university mission as
determined by the administration and University Senate.
Eastern will use its mission statement to build upon its strengths while it
strives to become Connecticut's public liberal arts university. Each academic
program will need to review its role in achieving the university's mission.