FR 4.2 The institution’s curriculum is directly related and appropriate to the mission and goals of the institution and the diplomas, certificates, or degrees awarded. (Program curriculum)
In Compliance
Shenandoah University has a clearly defined and comprehensive mission statement that is published on the university website and the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs catalogs. The mission reads:
Shenandoah University educates and inspires individuals to be critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.
The core values of the university are published with the mission statement and are:
• Development of an enduring passion for learning
• Commitment to self-reflection and personal development
• Respect for diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives
• Celebration of creative performance, expression, teaching, and discovery
• Cultivation of leadership to advance positive change and growth
• Dedication to citizenship, professional service, and global outreach
Furthermore, the published mission statement is accompanied by the following statements describing the educational foundation of the university: Shenandoah University distinguishes itself by providing opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills in a collaborative, personalized environment that intertwines professional and liberal learning. A Shenandoah education incorporates scholarship, experiential learning and sophisticated technologies, as well as practical wisdom.
As an institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Shenandoah University practices the highest ethical standards in its interactions with the community and with students of all faiths. Within a community of scholars, Shenandoah promotes the welfare of the whole person by fostering a nurturing environment in which students learn, grow, and flourish.
Shenandoah University offers degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. Degree requirements for all undergraduate programs of study are listed in the undergraduate catalog. The University’s General Education program is required of all baccalaureate degrees, and the underlying rationale supporting general education at Shenandoah University is to “provide students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to be active, ethical and productive citizens in a changing and diverse world.” (Undergraduate Catalog p. 39) This statement was devised in tandem with the university’s mission statement.
Degree requirements for all graduate programs of study are listed in the graduate catalog. Academic programs consist of a carefully designed curriculum that is related and appropriate to the mission and goals of the university and the diplomas, certificates, or degrees awarded. Full-time faculty are charged with responsibility for program and curriculum development and review through the University Curriculum Committee (UCC). (Faculty handbook 3.5.3) Individual schools and divisions initiate curricular action through their own curriculum committees. (Faculty Handbook 2.6) All proposals require an explanation of how either courses or programs relate to the university mission. Section 2B of the New/Revised Course proposal form states “How does this course demonstrate aspects of the Shenandoah University mission statement? Quote appropriate passages of the mission statement followed by explanation of course execution.” Section E “Purpose of the Program” of the New/Revised Program proposal form requires that applicants “Specifically address how this program demonstrates aspects of Shenandoah University’s mission statement. Quote the passages from the mission statement that you are referencing.” Furthermore, courses required in each program are carefully reviewed to insure coherence in sequencing, increasing complexity, and linkages between and among program components. Attachment 1 includes the recently approved Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program and curriculum proposals by way of example.
A further level of review of the appropriateness of the curriculum to the degrees rewarded comes through specialized external accreditation.
Supporting Documentation
Mission Statement
Graduate Catalog p. 2
Undergraduate Catalog p. 2
Undergraduate Catalog p. 39
Faculty handbook, Section 3.5.3, p 3-9-10
Faculty handbook, Section 2.6, 2-13
New Course Proposal Form
New Program Proposal Form
Graduate Catalog, pp 11-12
Undergraduate Catalog, pp 13-14
New Program Proposal Example Attachment 1 ABA Proposal