Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

General InformationGovernanceAs specified by Austin College’s charter from the State of Texas, the Board of Trusteeshas ultimate responsibility for the college’s policies, resources, and programs.Through a covenant with the Synod of the Sun of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),the trustees pledge that Austin College will continue to serve as an instrument forthe church in higher education both by fostering an understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition and by reflecting the values of that tradition. The Board of Trusteesevaluates the operation of the institution and delegates to the president, the chiefexecutive officer, the overall responsibility for its operation.Mission of Austin CollegeAustin College is a private, residential, co-educational college dedicated to educatingundergraduate students in the liberal arts and sciences while also offering selectpre-professional programs and a graduate teacher education program. Founded bythe Presbyterian Church in 1849, Austin College continues its relationship withthe church and its commitment to a heritage that values personal growth, justice,community, and service. An Austin Collegeeducation emphasizes academic excellence,intellectual and personal integrity, and participationin community life. Thus Austin Collegeaffirms the importance of:■ A community that through its size, diversity,and programs fosters lively intellectual andsocial interaction among persons of differentorigins, experiences, beliefs, accomplishments,and goals■ A program that does not discriminate withregard to religion or creed, gender, sexualorientation, national or ethnic origin, physicaldisability, age, or economic status■ A faculty that acknowledges teaching,sustained by active commitment to professionalgrowth and development, as its primary responsibility■ A student body of committed learners, actively involved in the programs ofthe college and in service to the greater community■ A climate of civility and respect that encourages free inquiry and the openexpression of ideas■ A non-sectarian education that fosters the exploration and developmentof values through an awareness of the world’s religious, philosophical, andcultural traditionsThe mission of Austin College is to educate students in the liberal arts andsciences in order to prepare them for rewarding careers and for full, engaged,and meaningful lives.GENERAL INFORMATION| 5