About the PSRS School

About Us

The School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies encompasses the broad scientific study of the person as an individual as well as the complexity of people as members of communities organized across multiple levels. The school provides students with academic programs of study in preparation for critical and high-demand careers. 

The school welcomes students representing various experiences and backgrounds as lifelong learners to engage with  faculty and staff and consider enrolling in one of the excellent academic programs!

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Mission

The School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies is committed to providing a supportive and dynamic teaching and research environment that equips and inspires faculty and students to learn, create, and apply knowledge in psychology, sociology and rural studies. Through teaching, research, service and outreach, faculty will address challenges faced by the individual, society and the world.  

Vision

The School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies will be nationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in teaching and basic and applied research to enhance the well-being of individuals and society.

Strategic Goals
Goal 1: Academic Excellence

Goal One: The school will pursue academic excellence through innovative curriculum and course development, student engagement and a dynamic teaching and learning environment.

  1. Foster academic rigor and promote student success through engaged teaching, learning and advising.
  2. Involve students with faculty to enhance excellence in research and scholarly activities.
  3. Empower faculty, staff and students to collaborate through partnerships within and external to the college.
  4. Graduate engaged citizens who contribute to the public good.
  5. Promote the academic distinctiveness of the department.
Goal 2: Research and Scholarship

Goal Two: The school will engage in rigorous research and scholarship that advances science and/or enhances the quality of life.

  1. Apply student and faculty expertise to produce scholarly works that serve the public good.
  2. Demonstrate the scholarly impact of the school.
Goal 3: Partnerships, Collaborations and Outreach

Goal Three: Broaden the impact of the school through partnerships, collaborations and academic outreach.

  1. Build strategic partnerships that mutually enhance the academic experience of learners, create career opportunities and contribute to community vitality and development.
  2. Use emerging technologies and institutional collaboration to provide undergraduate, graduate, professional and continuing education centered on traditional and adult learners.
  3. Promote intentional, responsive and sustainable outreach activities.
Goal 4: Academic and Scholarly Achievement

Goal Four: Secure human and fiscal resources to enhance high academic and scholarly achievement.

  1. Recruit and retain talented, and committed faculty and staff and invest in their professional development.
  2. Engage ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Foundation to develop and implement a strategic plan for alumni giving.
  3. Effectively and efficiently manage the school resources.
Goal 5: Value All Perspectives and Experiences

Goal Five: Embrace a culture of inclusion that values various perspectives and experiences.

  1. Ensure accessibility and inclusion by building a department climate that provides a welcoming, safe and supportive environment.
  2. Incorporate global perspectives across the curriculum.
  3. Encourage scholarly activities that deepen our understanding of cultural complexities.
  4. Establish meaningful service and outreach partnerships with underrepresented groups.