Section 2: Core Requirements
2.4 The institution has a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the institution and appropriate to an institution of higher education, addressing teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service.
Judgment of Compliance:
Compliance
Narrative/Justification for Judgment of Compliance:
Christopher Newport University is in compliance with this core requirement. The mission statement of Christopher Newport University is published in the University Handbook , the Graduate Catalog, and the Undergraduate Catalog; on the University website; and in a public document entitled Vision 2010 , CNU's strategic plan (complete with goals and strategies) for the next five years.
The mission statement addresses teaching, learning, and research and encourages service and leadership, as follows:
“The mission of Christopher Newport University is to provide educational and cultural opportunities that benefit CNU students, the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia , and the nation. CNU provides outstanding academic programs, encourages service and leadership within the community, and provides opportunities for student involvement in nationally and regionally recognized research and arts programs.
“Our primary focus is excellence in teaching, inspired by sound scholarship. At CNU, personal attention in small classes creates a student-centered environment where creativity and excellence can flourish. Our primary emphasis is to provide outstanding undergraduate education. We also serve the Commonwealth with Master's degree programs that provide intellectual and professional development for graduate level students.
“We are committed to providing a liberal arts education that stimulates intellectual inquiry and fosters social and civic values. CNU students acquire the qualities of mind and spirit that prepare them to lead lives with meaning and purpose. As a state university, we are committed to service that shapes the economic, civic, and cultural life of our community and Commonwealth.”
Christopher Newport University 's mission statement is appropriate to an institution of higher education. The State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) has the authority to review and approve or disapprove any proposed change in the statement of mission of a public institution of higher education, and to define the mission of all public institutions of higher education created after the effective date of the provision in the Code of Virginia. On June 27, 2000, CNU's Board of Visitors adopted a revised mission statement, and on November 21, 2000, The State Council of Higher Education granted approval.
As the statement attests, CNU aspires to be a premier liberal arts institution. The mission statement is clear and comprehensive and speaks to the university's commitment to the liberal arts and to excellence in teaching. The statement emphasizes undergraduate education while recognizing the services provided in the form of select master's level programs. At all levels of instruction, teaching is paramount, supported by sound scholarship. The university also values research and research experience—for students and faculty. In addition, the new Ferguson Center for the Arts exemplifies the rich array of cultural opportunities on campus. Finally, faculty and students are encouraged to be civic minded. Volunteer opportunities for students abound, and twenty-five percent of the full-time faculty evaluation depends upon service to the university and to the community.
The mission statement underlies strategic planning at all levels of the University as evidenced by its high visibility in planning and evaluation processes and reiteration in all major planning documents and reports. The Board reviews the statement each June at the annual retreat.
Support Documentation:
Vision 2010: Christopher Newport University 's Strategic Plan
University Handbook: Mission Statement
VA Code 23-9.6.1 – Duties of State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
SCHEV Approval of CNU's Mission Statement
Undergraduate Catalog 06-07
Graduate Catalog 06-07
University Handbook 06-07
Additional Live Web Resources:
Searchable database for the Code of Virginia:
http://leg1.state.va.us/
Instructions: Under Searchable Database heading, click on Code of Virginia, then click on Table of Contents, click on Title 23, click on Chapter 5.3