CONCLUSION

NCSU is in compliance with SACS criteria on institutional purpose. NCSU does have a purpose appropriate to both collegiate education and its own specific role [2.0.1]. The Mission Statement does address all components of NCSU's mission, including research and extension [2.0.2]. The statement does reflect the official posture and practice of NCSU [2.0.3]. Although in the past all official University publications, such as catalogues and brochures, did not necessarily include the current statement of purpose, this problem is being corrected [2.0.4]. The development of the statement did involve the efforts of the faculty, administration, and governing board, and was approved by the governing board [2.0.5]. Although there are resource shortages and other problems, an overall assessment would indicate that NCSU's processes, systems, and physical resources are generally adequate and appropriate to NCSU's stated purpose and role [2.0.6]. (Later sections of this self-study will more specifically detail how these aspects of NCSU fit into the institution's mission, and ways they can be improved.)

Recommendation 2.1: NCSU's vice-chancellor for institutional advancement should ensure that the University's Mission Statement is included in all appropriate University publications.

Recommendation 2.2: NCSU's University-level boards and committees should require that plans and proposalsfor curriculum changes, degree changes, and capital improvement changes, among othersbe related clearly and explicitly to the Mission Statement.

Recommendation 2.3: NCSU's Office of Planning and Analysis, under the aegis of the University Planning Committee, should review annually how well NCSU is fulfilling its Mission Statement. The University Planning Committee should report these findings to the campus through multiple channels, including the Administrative Council, the Faculty Senate, and student government.

Use of the Mission Statement for guidance by a universitywide planning committee, which should primarily (or entirely) be chosen by faculty rather than by the administration, will promote development of a greater sense of broad-based institutional purpose and help make the Mission Statement a meaningful, living document in the future development of North Carolina State University.

Self-Study Table of Contents