Mission Statement

Mission

The mission of the Department of Educational Studies is to create, apply, and disseminate knowledge in professional education, and to provide programs of professional development. This mission is accomplished through the interrelated functions of research, instruction, and service. The Department offers graduate degree programs and professional certification programs in counseling and development, educational foundations and administration, educational psychology, and special education, and an undergraduate degree program in special education. The Department also engages in scholarly research and development activities and performs continuing education and public service to individuals, groups, educational systems, government and other agencies. 

Values

We affirm our belief in: 

• Academic and intellectual freedom
• The worth and dignity of the individual
• Civility in our interactions
• Cooperation, collaboration, and collegiality
• Cultural and individual diversity  

Goals

1. Maintain and strengthen our undergraduate and graduate degree programs so they continue to be recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally.
   
2. Contribute to and invest in educational reform and change.
   
3. Conduct and communicate research that contributes to advances in education and related fields.
   
4. Develop mechanisms to share knowledge with schools, colleagues, stakeholders, and alumni.
   
5. Contribute leadership to the undergraduate teacher preparation program of the College of Education.
   
6. Accelerate efforts to attract outside funding.
   
7. Employ technology to advance our research, instruction, and service roles.
   
8. Encourage professional development and diversity among faculty, staff, and students.
   
9. Develop themes that define the unique contributions of the department.
   
10. Restructure the department to reflect the values and practices of self-renewing organizations.  

Approved by Educational Studies faculty October 1, 1999