Vision, Mission, and Values For Graduate Education at the The University of North Alabama

 

Vision

To become widely recognized as a model in workforce development through the delivery of flexible, affordable, and academically excellent graduate programs preparing a diverse and inclusive student body for success as global leaders.

Mission

To provide innovative, curricula rooted in academic excellence and foster an inclusive environment in order to prepare agile leaders to thrive in the 21st century workforce and serve as engaged citizens in a global society.

Values

We, the Graduate Faculty at UNA, as representatives of academic departments and graduate programs, believe our role in representing the highest professional standards contributes positively to the following values:    

1. Academic Excellence

Practices include the following:

  1. Communicate clear expectations and goals for students regarding their course work, academic performance, and progress toward degree completion, including exam completion, research projects, theses, and other benchmarks.
  2. Provide students with up-to-date information that includes guidelines, policies, practices, degree requirements, and resources.
  3. Discuss policies and expectations for assistantships and employment.
  4. Provide and monitor training in academic integrity and the ethical conduct of research.
  5. Refer students proactively to university support services.
  6. Incorporate experiential learning such as research, internships, collaborations, and other learning opportunities within and beyond the university.
  7. Promote global awareness and multicultural competencies by offering curricula that advance students’ understanding of an increasingly diverse, globally interdependent, and pluralistic society.  

2. Leadership Development

  Practices include the following:

  1. Educate students on professional and career development opportunities, including professional service.
  2. Encourage and support participation in professional meetings and associations.
  3. Provide career advice at the program level as well as through collaboration with the UNA Career Center.
  4. Provide students with the opportunity to practice professional communications, oral and written.
  5. Partner with students and their advisors to align assigned responsibilities and activities with students’ academic/professional career development goals as appropriate.
  6. Connect students with the Graduate Education alumni network to facilitate the establishment of mentoring relationships and career development opportunities.
  7. Serve as a role model for inclusive leadership by providing all students with accessible and inclusive learning spaces that actively promote and celebrate diversity.

3. Responsible Citizenship

Practices include the following:

  1. Serve as a role model for responsible citizenship by demonstrating ethical, professional, and courteous behavior toward all students, staff, and faculty.
  2. Promote an environment that is intellectual, collaborative, and collegial that is free from harassment and discrimination, in accordance with university policies.
  3. Respect the diversity within our community consistent with UNA’s model for academic excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  4. Collaborate with academic programs, university offices/committees, and student organizations to cultivate the well-being of graduate students.
  5. Provide students with resources for conflict resolution.

 

 

We, the Graduate Faculty at UNA believe the Graduate Student’s role in representing their disciplines with the highest professional standards contribute positively to the following values:

1. Academic Excellence

Practices include the following:

  1. Recognize that while faculty and staff are there to assist and guide, the student bears the primary responsibility for the successful completion of their degree.
  2. Proactively discuss goals regarding academic performance and progress toward degree completion with advisors.
  3. Consistently maintain the highest ethical standards and academic integrity.
  4. Adhere to all program, Graduate Council, and other university policies and deadlines.
  5. Proactively improve research and scholarship skills including analysis, writing, and presenting.

2. Leadership Development

Practices include the following:

  1. Proactively identify and pursue professional career development opportunities, including professional service.
  2. Communicate with faculty members regarding career goals.
  3. Seek mentorship and resources beyond the faculty advisor and the institution.

3. Responsible Citizenship

Practices include the following:

  1. Demonstrate ethical, professional, and courteous behavior toward all other students, staff, and faculty.
  2. Recognize and respect the diversity within our community consistent with UNA’s model for academic excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  3. Proactively communicate needs and concerns with faculty.
  4. Inform faculty of potential and/or existing conflicts, and work toward their resolution.

 

Strategic Goals

  1. Formalize the university’s ties with business, industry, non-profit, and governmental agencies through the development of learning agreements that establish the institution as a model and leader in workforce development;
  2. Strengthen the visibility and reputation of our graduate programs by publicizing our graduate student, alumni, and faculty accomplishments;
  3. Recruit and graduate exceptional and diverse adult learners who will become leaders in their fields;
  4. Elevate the quality of our graduates by incorporating leadership development and responsible global citizenship into all graduate curricula;
  5. Provide support for graduate enrollment to grow and diversify through the targeted allocation of resources and by ensuring efficient and effective administrative processes.

 

Adopted by UNA Graduate Council May 26, 2021