Ohio University Mission Statement
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Ohio University is a public university providing a broad range of educational programs and services. As an academic community, Ohio University holds the intellectual and personal growth of the individual to be a central purpose. Its programs are designed to broaden perspectives, enrich awareness, deepen understanding, establish disciplined habits of thought, prepare for meaningful careers and, thus, to help develop individuals who are informed, responsible, productive citizens.
Undergraduate Education
Ohio University offers undergraduate instruction on both the Athens campus and the regional campuses. Undergraduate programs, designed to contribute to intellectual and personal development and career goals of students, emphasize liberal studies.
Undergraduate major programs, preprofessional, and professional programs prepare students for employment in a variety of careers and for continued study. Two-year technical and associate’s degree programs, reflecting employment opportunities as well as the general career interests of students, are taught primarily at the regional campuses.
At the Athens campus, instruction is combined with residence life and other extracurricular programs in an effort to create a collegiate experience integrating learning and living.
Academic Advising
Ohio University recognizes academic advising to be a central element of the educational experience of its undergraduate students. Advising is a collaborative relationship for which advisors and students share responsibility and through which students create sound educational plans consistent with their academic, career, and personal goals. Advisors are responsible for being accessible and responsive to students, and for providing accurate, timely information. Students are responsible for being prepared for advising sessions, and for understanding University and degree requirements.
Graduate and Professional Education
Ohio University offers graduate and professional education. The primary forms of activity are advanced and specialized courses of study, supervised practical experience, and research. The essential concentration of faculty, material, and space resources dictates that the activity associated with graduate and professional education will be centered on the Athens campus. This activity is not limited to that campus; research and instruction are carried out at various locations.
Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity
Ohio University is a center for scholarship, research, and creative activity involving the creation, testing, and dissemination of knowledge, understanding, expressions, and technique.
As a public university, Ohio University has a particular responsibility to address societal issues and needs through such scholarship, research, and creative activity. The scholarly and artistic activity of the faculty enhances the teaching function at all levels of the student experience.
Extended Community
Ohio University serves an extended community. The public service mission of the University, expressed in such activities as public broadcasting and continuing education programs, reflects the responsibility of the University to serve the ongoing educational needs of the region. The regional campuses perform a critical role in serving this extended community.
The University has state-wide responsibility for an extended University program using independent study through correspondence.
It is the purpose of these extended University programs to serve a diverse range of educational needs, from professional groups requiring continuing courses of study related to the practice of their professions, to individuals desiring occasional or special interest study.
By service to the extended community, Ohio University contributes to cultural and economic development, health care, and to other human services.
Adopted January 15, 1977, and reaffirmed January 1988.
Academic advising statement added March 2005.
A Commitment to Diversity
Ohio University is committed to promoting an atmosphere where understanding and acceptance of cultural and ethnic differences are ensured.
President Roderick J. McDavis underscored the University’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity by citing its importance in his 2004 inaugural address. A climate that represents and embraces different cultures enhances Ohio University’s ability to provide all of its students with the experiences necessary to successfully compete and achieve in an increasingly diverse and complex society. There is no better way to learn about the world than to create an environment where students of diverse backgrounds-and indeed, students from all over the world-study, live, and socialize together.
Ohio University is bound morally, emotionally, and intellectually to pursue the realization of a vision of real community. As a result, it is committed to equal opportunity for all people and is pledged to take direct and affirmative action to achieve that goal. In upholding its commitment, Ohio University will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry, or other forms of violations of human rights. Such actions are inconsistent with, and detrimental to, the values that we hold essential as an institution of higher learning. All students, faculty, and staff of Ohio University are expected to uphold the University’s commitment to a just and diverse community and to take a leadership role in ensuring an atmosphere of equality.