MISSION STATEMENT
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

The College of Arts and Sciences is central to the University mission. As the largest and most diverse academic unit in the University, the College provides general education to all undergraduate students and offers a wide variety of subject majors, minors, and graduate and professional programs. These programs range from the natural sciences to the fine arts, and include interdisciplinary studies. The College also supports museums, research laboratories and institutes. The College is dedicated to the ideals of liberal education and public service.

The following interdependent goals of the College foster an environment conducive to the generation and transmission of new knowledge.

To provide general education and baccalaureate instruction in a broad array of programs of study
The College has the chief responsibility for the general education of all University undergraduates. The College seeks to offer students diverse opportunities to pursue a personalized, inquiry-based education within Arts and Sciences.

To provide graduate programs in critical disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields
Graduate programs are central components in research and creative activity and in enriching undergraduate education. Graduate education also fuels economic development, creates the intellectual capital for new businesses, and fosters other entrepreneurial endeavors.

To provide opportunities for research and other creative endeavors
Universities are dedicated to intellectual exploration and the development of new knowledge. Research today is what we teach students tomorrow. Consequently, the College is dedicated to the principle of academic freedom and vigorously supports active inquiry and free expression on the part of students and faculty alike. Through these mechanisms the College will contribute in distinctive ways at the state, national and international levels.

To enhance state-wide education
The College supports off-campus degree programs, course instruction and cultural programming, and through these efforts coordinates with Wyoming public schools and community colleges to play an integral role in the State system of education.

To accomplish its mission, the College must support cultural diversity and internationalization, promote interdisciplinarity, and maintain its resolve to hold its faculty and students to a high level of performance. The College maintains strong ties with local, state, national and international students, friends, educators, and alumni.

May 5, 2004