2007-2008 Undergraduate Academic Catalog - Plymouth State ...

The UniversityThe UniversityPlymouth State University (PSU) is a coeducational residentialuniversity with an enrollment of approximately 4,300 undergraduatestudents and 1,600 graduate students. Plymouth Statewas founded in 1871, and over the years has expanded to 170acres and 46 buildings. PSU preserves the brick-and-ivy look ofits New England small college heritage while integrating state-ofthe-arttechnology and facilities into both an attractive, contemporarycampus design and a dynamic educational environment.Plymouth offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.AccreditationPlymouth State University is accredited by the New EnglandAssociation of Schools and Colleges. This accrediting bodyis the nationally recognized, non-governmental organizationwhose mission is to evaluate the quality and integrity of educationalprograms. A committee of college and university administratorsand faculty from throughout New England spendsconsiderable time evaluating schools seeking this accreditation.Institutions earning this accreditation are judged to beproviding educational experiences that can be transferred toany other accredited college or university in the nation.In addition to being accredited by the New England Associationof Schools and Colleges, Plymouth State University is approvedby the New Hampshire State Department of Education. Theprofessional education programs at Plymouth State Universityare accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation ofTeacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW,Suite 500, Washington DC 20036; phone (202) 466-7496.This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programsand advanced educator preparation programs. NCATE is recognizedby the U.S. Department of Education and the Councilfor Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs forthe preparation of teachers and other school personnel.Program-specific accreditations include the following: AthleticTraining program by the Commission on Accreditationof Athletic Training Education Programs of the AmericanMedical Association; Computer Science program by theComputing Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.; SocialWork program by the Council on Social Work Education; andthe bachelor’s degree programs in Accounting, BusinessAdministration, Finance, Management, and Marketing, andthe Master of Business Administration by the Association ofCollegiate Business Schools and Programs.MissionAs a public regional university, Plymouth State Universityserves the state of New Hampshire and New England by providingwell-educated graduates, by offering ongoing opportunitiesfor graduate education and professional development,and by extending to communities partnership opportunitiesfor cultural enrichment and economic development. In eachof these roles, Plymouth State University has a special commitmentof service to the North Country and Lakes Regionof New Hampshire. As a Carnegie Masters I University, PSUconfers a comprehensive range of bachelor’s degrees as wellas master’s degrees and Certificates of Advanced GraduateStudies in selected areas.ValuesThe University motto Ut Prosim (that I may serve) underscoresthe values upon which the Plymouth State University missionis built. Dedicated to providing a learning environmentthat supports development of the mind, body, and spirit, PSUstrives to prepare students for meaningful lives. Studentsare encouraged to be active agents in the education processtogether with the faculty, staff, and community. This philosophyis supported by the faculty and administration through acommitment to excellent teaching based on scholarship andcreative endeavor, active involvement in University activities,and service to the wider community. Plymouth StateUniversity is dedicated to providing learning experiencesthat promote understanding and respect for all people andconstructive discourse that includes a range of perspectives.Plymouth State strives to create an environment that supportsdiversity, equity, and inclusiveness for the entire communityand strives to prepare students to participate respectfully andresponsibly in a pluralistic society.VisionThe educational philosophy of the University is based on theconcepts of learner-centered teaching, experiential learning,and academic excellence. The Plymouth State University educationfeatures a complementary relationship between liberalarts and professional studies, between academic and personaldevelopment, between service and individual growth, andbetween the University campus and the larger community.Programs of study are designed to engage students and to preparethem for gratifying and productive careers. The undergraduategeneral education program gives students a broadperspective on ideas and an awareness of diverse humanexperiences and cultures. Academic majors and minors buildon this foundation by providing concentrated learning inareas of choice. Graduate programs provide professionalcompetency and leadership as well as the advancement Plymouth State University Academic Catalog 2007–2008