Section 3: Comprehensive Standards
3.1.1 The institution has a clear and comprehensive mission statement that guides it; is approved by the governing board; is periodically reviewed by the board; and is communicated to the institution's constituencies.
Judgment of Compliance:
Compliance
Narrative/Justification for Judgment of Compliance:
Christopher Newport University is in compliance with this standard. CNU aspires to be a premier liberal arts institution. The mission statement of the University is clear and comprehensive and speaks to the university's commitment to the liberal arts and to excellence in teaching and undergraduate education. The mission statement stresses CNU's focus on undergraduate education and recognizes its service by providing select master's level graduate programs. The new Ferguson Center for the Arts exemplifies CNU's cultural opportunities. 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 current mission statement was approved by the Board at its June 27, 2000 meeting. Subsequent reviews occur at annual Board retreats in concert with Board activities.
The source of all university policies and procedures is the University Handbook. The mission statement is featured in Section I of the University Handbook, and communicated to all constituencies through the undergraduate and graduate catalogs and the University web site. The catalogs and the University Handbook are distributed annually to all departments and posted on the CNU web site. These major publications are reviewed and updated annually through institutionalized processes, including Presidential and Board approval as needed to change policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
Mission Statement:
“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 prepares 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.”
Support Documentation:
Handbook : History
Undergraduate Catalog 06-07
Graduate Catalog 06-07
Board of Visitors Meeting Minutes, June 27, 2000
Faculty Senate Minutes, April 7, 2000
Faculty Senate Minutes, March 3, 2000
Additional Live Web Resources:
None