CHARACTER OF THE UNIVERSITY CHARACTER OF THE UNIVERSITY The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Mission, Role and Scope, Vision, and Values MISSION The mission of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is to raise the higher education achievement level of the residents of the Western Arkansas service area to meet or exceed the national averages. The UA Fort Smith mission is about positively changing lives through education and training, and improving the civic and economic health of the region by means of a more educated populace. Specifically, the education level of the adult citizenry of our region, as measured by the percentage of those 25 years and older who hold a bachelor’s degree, is well below that of the state, which lags the nation. We are charged with changing those facts. UA Fort Smith addresses the mission by providing high-quality baccalaureate, associate, and certificate programs and a wide range of credit and noncredit educational services for the region. Education and training services, designed to meet the workforce education and retraining needs of business, industry, and healthcare throughout the region, are a direct support responsibility of the institution. Student learning and growth are priorities for all of us at UA Fort Smith. The University will strengthen the educational, cultural, and economic development of the communities in Western Arkansas. ROLE AND SCOPE Founded in 1928, UA Fort Smith has grown in stature, role, and scope over the years into a singularly distinctive, hybrid institution. Organized and focused on teaching and learning, UA Fort Smith offers multifaceted academic and technical educational opportunities. The University provides these learning opportunities at times and places convenient to students and clients. Programs include single courses of instruction, certificates of proficiency, technical certificates, and associate and baccalaureate degrees designed to meet a demonstrated demand of the region. Additional upper-division and graduate programs of study leading to select baccalaureate and master’s degrees are offered on campus by other universities through the UA Fort Smith University Center. In addition to certificate and degree programs, UA Fort Smith provides a wide range of customized, on-site education and training services – both pre- and post- employment – designed to meet the workforce education and retraining needs of business and service organizations. UA Fort Smith provides a variety of public service activities for the people and organizations within its service area. Included are noncredit courses, seminars, workshops, lectures, travel, telecourses, and teleconferences organized by the University’s Center for Business and Professional Development. UA Fort Smith makes campus facilities and resources available to community organizations and enriches the quality of life of the community through sponsored cultural activities and events. VISION UA Fort Smith will be a distinctive institution that truly serves as a leader and a model in the learning enterprise. With a primary focus on five areas that produce highly qualified graduates for identified areas of employment need, the University will build vibrant colleges of education, business, health sciences, technology, and arts and sciences. A strong general education/liberal arts foundation will be the core of each program. In addition to a strong theoretical base, each UA Fort Smith student will have applied learning opportunities in the community relevant to his/her field of study, through apprenticeships, internships, mentoring programs, service learning, student-work positions, and other experiential opportunities. The result will be well-educated graduates armed with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in their fields. They will be widely sought for well-paid employment. UA Fort Smith will continue to be distinguished from other public regional universities by the focus on what the institution does best-—preparation for real life in a real-life place. Since learning happens both inside and outside the classroom, students will be encouraged to see the Fort Smith region as an extension of the campus. UA Fort Smith will be a catalyst for enhanced economic development, as well as cultural and educational development. The aim is to participate actively in building a thriving region with job opportunities for young adults, new families, and continued growth of existing area service, business, and industrial enterprises. The institution will continue to be committed to serving the public and will work closely with community organizations to do so. The overarching goal will be community and regional development and growth. UA Fort Smith will foster a community of learners with shared aspirations, values, and goals, with a unifying theme of enhanced quality. Whatever we do, we will do well. UA Fort Smith will be recognized as one of the most effective institutions in higher education in every way. As a result, faculty and staff, the community, the region and, most importantly, students will benefit. STUDENT LEARNING VISION The student learning vision for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith will provide the following: • Graduates who possess and can demonstrate the general education competencies and the learning outcomes for their academic programs. • An academic community that is passionate about student learning and knowledgeable about the processes that are in place to ensure learning outcomes. • Faculty who examine and persistently discuss which styles, strategies, experiences, and tasks are best for improving learning in a diversity of students. • Students who share the responsibility for and demand active engagement in their own learning from the moment they step onto our campus. • Real connections between classroom learning and the workplace that result in program-specific, real- world experiences that effectively prepare students for the world beyond academics. • Graduates who embrace change, welcome diversity, and are enthusiastically engaged in lifelong learning and who have the ability and desire to transfer those skills to the workplace and community. • High-quality programs with national reputations that draw students from all over the United States. • Faculty, staff, and students who are equal, active partners involved in the learning process and who share responsibility in achieving student competency. VALUES UA Fort Smith holds a set of core values based on the belief that we can and should be the best of learning organizations by centering our focus and efforts on the learner and by practicing and modeling integrity and ethical behavior, responsibility for results, service to our fellow citizens and the communities we serve, and cooperation and collaboration with others in the betterment of the world in which we live. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement UA Fort Smith provides equal employment, admission, and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, or learning or physical disability. UA Fort Smith does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission, access to, treatment, or employment in its programs and activities. It is the policy of UA Fort Smith that no student or staff member may sexually harass another. Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy. 8 www.uafortsmith.edu (888) 512-LION • (479) 788-7120 The director of Human Resources is responsible for the University’s compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The dean of students is responsible for compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. DIVERSITY UA Fort Smith recognizes that diversity within the student body, the faculty and staff, and in the educational experience enriches learning and education. Our strong commitment to diversity will help shape the future of the institution and create a learning environment that welcomes all. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to bring with them distinct perspectives that encourage thoughtful discussion and collegial deliberation. ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING UA Fort Smith has clear expectations for student learning and is committed to continual assessment as the means to improving learning outcomes. Every academic program specifies educational objectives with outcomes that are measured to determine ways in which learning will be improved. Findings based on assessment objectives are used in curriculum improvement, planning, and resource allocation. A faculty-led, student-learning committee coordinates assessment activities of the entire campus for the purpose of continuous improvement in learning. See www.uafortsmith.edu/Learning for further information. GENERAL EDUCATION UA Fort Smith’s goal for students is independent lifelong learning. The development and demonstration of specific abilities in disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts are means to that end. A strong and viable general education program is central to the University’s mission. Each degree requires demonstrated proficiency by students, and the level of proficiency gained is continually assessed in order to improve student learning. The following general education competencies fulfill the mission set forth by the University: analytical skills, communication skills, global and cultural perspectives, ethics, quantitative reasoning, and technological skills. For additional information on general education competencies, see page 58 or visit the website at www.uafortsmith.edu/ Learning. UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS UA Fort Smith provides bachelor’s degrees, an associate of arts degree, an associate of general studies degree, associate of applied science degrees, technical certificates, and certificates of proficiency. UA Fort Smith also provides technical and managerial training, supplies background courses essential to effective job performance, and enables adults to pursue courses needed to increase current skill levels. COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Programs in the College of Applied Science and Technology are designed to prepare students to be productive and valuable members of the workforce. Degree programs leading to job opportunities are offered in technical and occupational areas. Through the College of Applied Science and Technology, students may complete a bachelor of applied science degree, an associate of applied science degree, technical certificate, or certificate of proficiency in technical and occupational programs. Additionally, the College offers courses and programs of limited duration which provide for the retraining and upgrading of skills for those who are already employed. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS The primary mission of the College of Business is to develop interpersonal, technological, and functional business competencies to prepare the students for leadership positions in the global economy. This mission is supported by (1) an integrated practice-oriented curriculum that emphasizes leadership, ethics, and the development of entrepreneurship, (2) instructional development and application-oriented research that strengthens the program, and (3) service to our stakeholders, including active participation in regional economic development. We strive to be the College of choice among business schools in our region and to be recognized beyond our region for our applied approach to management education, research, and services. Through the College of Business, students can complete the bachelor of science degree in accounting, business administration, or marketing by meeting the prescribed degree requirements. 9 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION The College of Education is committed to excellence in teacher preparation through both classroom instruction and field-service experiences. Designed to serve school districts and other educational agencies in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, the College works closely with partner school districts to offer challenging and relevant educational experiences that prepare graduates to be capable teachers anywhere in this nation. Students in the program encounter caring faculty with considerable public school experience. The program emphasizes the importance of technology, national standards, diversity, accountability, teamwork, core knowledge, and continuous learning. Students majoring in secondary education complete degrees in the college of discipline with the teacher licensure portion offered in the College of Education. Bachelor- level degrees in middle-level education and early childhood education, and an associate degree in education are completed in the College of Education. COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES The College of Health Sciences offers outstanding educational programs and is dedicated to preparing graduates to be leaders within their health fields. Through a learning-centered approach to instruction, the College offers programs that integrate theory, innovative practice, and technology in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. All degree programs provide a foundation in general education so graduates are informed about current and future trends in healthcare and can respond to challenges in the workplace. The College of Health Sciences promotes educational opportunities for career advancement, employment mobility, and lifelong learning. Through the College of Health Sciences, students can complete a baccalaureate degree in nursing or imaging sciences with a track in ultrasound and/or management. Associate of applied science degree programs are available in dental hygiene, nursing, radiography, respiratory care, and surgical technology. A certificate program is available in practical nursing. COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES The College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a comprehensive education in the liberal arts with specialized training in a variety of disciplines. Degree programs are designed to help students integrate, synthesize, and apply knowledge in real-life situations and to provide opportunities to develop leadership skills. Students may augment their education by selecting a minor area of study from within the College or from other colleges in the University. Through mastery of a primary discipline, students acquire a broad understanding of the world in which they live. COLLEGE OF The College of Languages and Communication is dedicated to the ideals of effective communication through the study of language, literature, speech, rhetoric, and writing. By emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, students obtaining a degree from the College of Languages and Communication will develop a broad understanding of the world in which they live and will demonstrate effective interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills. Students in the College of Languages and Communication can complete a bachelor of arts degree or a bachelor of science degree with teacher licensure by meeting the prescribed degree requirements. COLLEGE OF science, technology, engineering, The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) provides students with knowledge of the fundamental concepts, thinking patterns, ethics, and learning methods of mathematics, the natural sciences, and technology in order to understand the past and present and to make informed decisions about the future of human society and the natural environment. The College delivers advanced specialized training to future leaders in mathematics, the sciences, engineering, and technology, developing thinking skills to prepare students for professional fields and graduate study. WESTERN ARKANSAS TECHNICAL CENTER The Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC) is an area secondary center that provides high school juniors and seniors from six counties in western Arkansas with the unique opportunity to earn university credit while still in high school. The curriculum serves as an extension of the high school and provides students with hands-on experiences in a variety of programs. WATC has three goals: 1) to aid students in making a more informed career choice, 2) 10 to prepare students to enter the workforce upon high school graduation, and 3) to encourage students to continue their education after high school. Students can earn up to forty college credits and are able to apply these to meaningful exit points at the certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degree levels. THE CENTER FOR The Center for Lifelong Learning offers the bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership designed for the working adult. This degree completion program is offered through flexible course scheduling on an accelerated basis and is for individuals who have already completed an associate of arts degree, associate of general studies degree, or associate of applied science degree from an accredited college or university. THE UNIVERSITY CENTER AT UA FORT SMITH UA Fort Smith, in partnership with other universities, offers additional bachelor- and graduate- level programs through the University Center. Students may complete the freshman and sophomore courses through UA Fort Smith and the junior, senior and graduate courses from universities invited to provide specific bachelor’s and master’s degrees not currently offered by UA Fort Smith. Classes are held on the UA Fort Smith campus. Currently, one master’s degree and three bachelor’s degrees are available through the University Center. Degrees offered through the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville: Bachelor of Science in Education with a Human Resource Development Concentration Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Degree offered through the University of Central Arkansas, Conway: Master of Science in Nursing HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSTITUTION UA Fort Smith has evolved from a small college primarily interested in serving local students to a comprehensive regional university that provides a broad range of degree programs and services. UA Fort Smith was first established as Fort Smith Junior College in 1928 as an extension of the local public school system. The University operated within the public school system until 1950, when it was incorporated as a private, nonprofit educational institution. In 1952 the University moved to the old County Farm site at Grand Avenue and Waldron Road. Two brick buildings were converted into classrooms and offices, and the semester began with 108 students and ten instructors. The University began developing a comprehensive community college program–a new concept in education in the area and the state. Local industrialists became interested and, with their economic aid and professional assistance, a vocational-technical division was established to provide local industries with trained personnel. The example set by the University resulted in the beginning of a statewide system of community and technical colleges. The Arkansas Constitution was amended and the General Assembly authorized the creation of community junior college districts. An enabling act was passed early in 1965, permitting the citizens in these areas to create such districts by popular referendum. In a special election, the electorate approved the creation of the Sebastian County Community Junior College District. In 1966 the Board approved the name change from Fort Smith Junior College to Westark Junior College. In 1972 the Board of Trustees passed a resolution changing the name to Westark Community College. The College was fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1973, and in 1998 the name was changed to Westark College to more accurately portray the evolving mission, role, and scope of the rapidly growing College. In 2002 Westark College became the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, expanded its curriculum, and now includes seven divisions of postsecondary education: College of Education, College of Business, College of Health Sciences, College of Applied Science and Technology, College of Languages and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The Center for Business and Professional Development, specializing in professional business training, the Center for Lifelong Learning, and the University Center partnership program offer additional educational opportunities. 11 ACCREDITATIONS UA Fort Smith is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University is approved by the United States Department of Education, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Arkansas State Approving Agency for veterans’ training. College of Education programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Nursing programs at the University are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The RN-BSN online completion program and the associate degree nursing program are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The legal assistance/paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT). The UA Fort Smith Music Department is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).