The curriculum of Athens State University is grounded in the mission and goals of the University. Regarding curriculum, the Athens State University mission statement specifically states that…
“Athens State University, offering coursework at the junior and senior level, is the baccalaureate degree granting institution of the Alabama Community College System….” The mission statement goes on to say that the University “acknowledges a commitment to primarily serve transfer students of the Alabama Community College System as well as students from other accredited institutions of higher education. The University prepares students for professional careers, graduate school, lifelong learning, and enrichment. The University, through quality teaching, individual attention, and a varied course delivery system, assists students in the timely achievement of their professional and career goals.”
Goals of Athens State University that support the mission as related to the curriculum include: - To provide educational opportunity to postsecondary students through carefully planned programs of study that impart a body of knowledge, stimulate critical thinking, develop communication and technological skills, foster ethical behavior, and encourage life-long learning in a diverse and changing world.
- To serve the student effectively and efficiently by providing flexible scheduling, varied modes of delivery and cooperative arrangements with other institutions.
To support the needs of a broad and diverse student population, the University maintains three degree granting colleges:
The College of Arts and Sciences;
The College of Business; and
The College of Education.
To ensure that Athens State University’s programs are comprehensive, appropriate, and current, all matters relative to curriculum emanate from individual departments, to the College in which they are located, and then to the University Curriculum Committee. Ultimately, the faculty controls the curriculum and has a majority presence on each of these bodies. Sample Curriculum Committee minutes are available for review.
Athens State University, as an upper division two-year university, works cooperatively with the community college system in Alabama to support the completion of required general education coursework and successful transfer of students to Athens State University for upper division coursework and degree completion. This cooperation includes participation in the STARS program.
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