University Goals

Delta State University strives to fulfill the following goals:

Instruction

Review and update undergraduate and graduate programs to adequately address basic skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary for students to be properly prepared in their chosen fields, to complete licensure requirements, enter the work force, and/or continue advanced study in graduate or professional school.

Attract and retain qualified and diverse students, faculty, and staff.

Promote faculty development through a comprehensive program designed to strengthen the faculty in teaching, service, and research.

Provide sufficient faculty in all disciplines to maintain a student-teacher ratio that ensures opportunities for meaningful intellectual interaction between students and faculty.

Accommodate non-traditional students and the general public by offering a comprehensive program of continuing education, including off-campus classes, independent study courses, non-credit courses, conferences, and workshops.

Optimize the effective use of technology in support of the education process.

Service

Strengthen the cooperative relationships with business, industry, community groups, government, and other educational institutions.

Research

Enhance educational experiences at all levels by encouraging student and faculty research and other creative work.

Support Operations

Provide a rich campus life with a variety of cultural and extracurricular activities and other opportunities for personal development.

Increase student retention and graduation rates by providing a support program which includes, but is not limited to, the following attributes: a comprehensive support program of advising and other services to enhance student development; increased financial support to students through scholarships, assistantships, grants and loans; a developmental studies program for underprepared students; and, opportunities to meet or communicate with prospective employers or admission personnel from graduate or professional schools.

Provide the resources, facilities, and the physical environment which contribute to the intellectual, cultural, ethical, physical, and social growth and development of the student and of the surrounding community.

Provide administrative services and auxiliary enterprises (student housing, bookstore, food services, etc.) which are effective and efficient in the support of the institutional mission.

Provide opportunities for the professional and personal development of staff.

External Affairs

Expand the pursuit of external funding for instruction, public service, research, student financial assistance, and other needs.

Increase the involvement of alumni in the life and support of the University.

PURPOSES OF GENERAL EDUCATION
General education is the foundation that supports success at Delta State University and prepares the student for professional careers and lifelong learning and service. Development of breadth and depth of knowledge, thinking and communication skills, and diverse approaches to understanding will promote a useful, happy, and productive life. The General Education Curriculum provided by Delta State University encompasses the following:

Critical and Creative Thinking - Developing sound analytical and reasoning skills and the ability to use them to think critically, solve problems, analyze logically and quantitatively, and effectively respond to change

Communication - Developing skills to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening

Quantitative Skills - Enhancing abilities for symbolic and numeric reasoning and the ability to use and understand statistical and other quantitative techniques to interpret data

Inquiry and Technology - Building the skills for the search, discovery, evaluation, and application of information, including an understanding of the nature and limits of appropriate technologies

Self - Developing a fundamental understanding of the intricate nature of humans and the knowledge, interests, and skills to promote well-being and health

Social Institutions - Understanding the major institutions of society and the contemporary world, including families, work, voluntary associations, and government

Cultural Awareness - Developing an understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures that form the global community

Perspectives - Gaining a knowledge and appreciation of human endeavors in all aspects of life-including artistic, scientific, historic, economic, psychological, and social

Cross-disciplinary Appreciation - Developing an understanding of the concepts of various disciplines and their interdependence

Values - Facilitating the search for moral, social, and ethical values and their roles in making decisions and assuming personal responsibilities.