APPENDIX 5. Institutional Missions
Section 1. University of New Hampshire
The public research University of New Hampshire, with national and international agendas; having land grant, sea grant, and space grant charters; comprehensive, high quality undergraduate programs and graduate programs of distinction in selected fields; sponsored and unsponsored research yielding new knowledge across the spectrum of academic disciplines; outreach to the state, region, and nation through continuing education, cooperative extension, industrial research, and advanced level instruction.
Section 2. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
The primary mission of the University of New Hampshire at Manchester (UNHM) is to provide access to public higher education for people who live and work in the greater Merrimack Valley region of the State of New Hampshire. UNHM fulfills this mission by:
a. Offering selected liberal arts and professional degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels with special emphasis on programs which address urban issues, and;
b. Providing transfer programs for students who wish to begin their education at UNHM and complete their degree requirements at the University of New Hampshire in Durham or at other academic institutions.
c. The College is founded on a strong liberal arts base and is dedicated to excellence in teaching. In addition to its own offerings, translocated programs from UNH-Durham and other USNH institutions enrich its academic core. UNHM also values institutional collaboration and has fostered articulation with area colleges and other USNH institutions.
Section 3. Plymouth State University
Description. Plymouth State University has a long tradition of meeting the evolving educational needs of the New Hampshire and New England community. Established in 1871 as Plymouth Normal School , the institution became Plymouth Teacher's College in 1939, Plymouth State College in 1963, and Plymouth State University in 2003. A founding member of the University System of New Hampshire, Plymouth State now serves New Hampshire and the New England region as a comprehensive institution of higher education. The University confers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees as well as Master's degrees and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study in selected areas. Professional outreach activities and graduate courses are offered at several satellite locations around the state, and articulation agreements with other campuses of the University System and the New Hampshire Community Technical Colleges offer a variety of program and transfer opportunities. The University also contributes directly to the ongoing academic and cultural life of the region by providing a variety of continuing education programs, concerts and theater performances, art exhibits, and the athletic events of 17 varsity sports. PSU's attractive residential campus of wide greens, tree-lined walkways, and traditional brick buildings with an array of towers is located in the White Mountains and Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a pristine rural setting of great natural beauty and multiple outdoor recreational opportunities within easy access of the New England region.
a. Values. The college motto Ut Prosim , "that I may serve," underscores the values upon which the Plymouth State University mission is built. Dedicated to providing a learning environment that supports development of the mind, body and spirit, Plymouth State strives to prepare students for meaningful lives. Students are encouraged to be active agents in the education process together with the faculty, staff, and community. This philosophy is supported by the faculty and administration through a commitment to excellent teaching based on scholarship and creative endeavor, active involvement in college activities, and service to the wider community. Plymouth State is dedicated to providing learning experiences that promote understanding and respect for all people and constructive discourse that includes a range of perspectives. PSU strives to create an environment which supports diversity, equity and inclusiveness for the entire community and strives to prepare students to participate respectfully and responsibly in a pluralistic society.
b. Mission . As a public regional university, Plymouth State University serves the State of New Hampshire and New England by providing well-educated graduates; by offering ongoing opportunities for graduate education and professional development; and by extending to communities partnership opportunities for cultural enrichment and economic development. In each of these roles, Plymouth State University has a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. As a Carnegie Masters I University, Plymouth State confers a comprehensive range of bachelor's degrees as well as Master's degrees and Certificates of Advance Graduate Study in selected areas.
c. Vision. The educational philosophy of the University is based on the concepts of learner-centered teaching, experiential learning and academic excellence. The Plymouth State University education features a complementary relationship between liberal arts and professional studies, between academic and personal development, between service and individual growth, and between the University campus and the larger community. Programs of study are designed to engage students and to prepare them for gratifying and productive careers. The undergraduate general education program gives students a broad perspective on ideas and an awareness of diverse human experiences and cultures. Academic majors and minors build on this foundation by providing concentrated learning in areas of choice. Graduate programs provide professional competency and leadership as well as the advancement of knowledge in specialized areas. In both undergraduate and graduate programs, experiential learning in the world of career and professional practice such as internships, field experiences, service learning, study abroad programs and other practical learning partnerships allows students to become directly involved in testing and applying academic theories and ongoing personal and professional development.
Section 4. Granite State College
The Mission of Granite State College is to expand access to public higher education to adults of all ages throughout the state of New Hampshire.
The college achieves this mission by offering degree, certificate, and contract programs of excellence that serve our communities through learner responsive curricula, innovative teaching methods, and ongoing assessments of learning outcomes. Granite State College fosters partnerships with area businesses, local and state organizations, and other higher education institutions in order to bring high quality academic experiences to the residents of New Hampshire in an effective and efficient manner.
VISION STATEMENT OF GRANITE STATE COLLEGE
Granite State College will be nationally recognized as a leader in meeting the academic needs of adult learners by offering programs and services of the highest quality that address the educational and workforce priorities of our state and regions. Our statewide presence, unique programs, and responsive delivery models will enable the college to provide a greater number and more diverse group of learners with increased educational opportunities. Granite State College will continue to be the institution of choice for individuals who wish to be part of a teaching and learning environment that actively promotes academic success, personal development, professional growth, and community involvement.
CORE VALUES OF GRANITE STATE COLLEGE
The mission and vision statements of Granite State College reflect the following core values identified as key elements in successfully meeting the educational needs of our learners:
a. Our primary commitment to and respect for adult learners of all ages, for whom our innovative college programs are designed
b. Our commitment to ensure access for all adult learners in the state of New Hampshire who desire a college-level education, and the consequent commitment to make college geographically proximate and financially affordable
c. Our belief that learning is a lifelong process
d. Our determination to provide an academic experience that extends critical thinking throughout the curriculum, integrates theory and practice, has a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, and fosters self-directed learning
e. Our belief that effective teaching and learning results in assessable outcomes
f. Our determination to have a positive social and economic impact on the communities of which our learners are members
g. Our commitment to diversity and the educational value that inclusion brings to the learning experience
h. Our recognition that staff and faculty are vital members of our learning community and the college respects and values their essential contribution to the education of our learners. Hence, the college will support the lifelong learning goals of our staff and faculty.
Section 5. Keene State College
MISSION STATEMENT. Keene State College prepares promising students to think critically and creatively, to engage in active citizenship, and to pursue meaningful work. As the public liberal arts college of New Hampshire, we offer an enriching campus community and achieve academic excellence through the integration of teaching, learning, scholarship, and service.
VALUES. Our liberal arts mission dedicates us to the development of knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of our changing world. As a public institution, we provide educational opportunities for all qualified students and continue our heritage of service to New Hampshire and the New England region. We value:
a. All members of our community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.
b. Strong relationships among students, faculty, and staff.
c. Excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship.
d. Commitment to learning and cultural enrichment.
e. Social justice and equity in our community and in our curriculum.
f. Educational challenge and support for a wide range of learners.
g. Physical and financial access and support.
h. Balanced development of mind, body, and character.
i. Diversity, civility, and respect.
j. Civic engagement and service to the community.
k. Environmental stewardship and sustainability.
l. Partnerships that enhance the quality of life in the Monadnock region, New Hampshire, and the world.
m. An attractive campus that inspires and supports inquiry, reflection, and social interaction.