The university is organized with a lineage of delegated authority from the president to three vice presidents who are assigned the functions of academic affairs, business affairs and student affairs. The lineage in academic affairs continues through four deans and schools to the various departments and their department chairs and then to instructional personnel. This organizational structure provides for the coordination of all operations that support the mission of the university. The structure facilitates the communication of information needed for the functions of planning, implementation, evaluation, and feedback. The flow of information and communication is encouraged, not only through this organizational line but across the university and through any and every level.
Communication occurs individually and through participation in academic committees.
The mechanics of fulfilling both the mission of the university and legal vestment of responsibility assigned by the state require such an operational support organization. Even more importantly, there must be a whole-hearted dedication of staff and faculty to those democratic principles of freedoms in balance with personal and societal responsibilities. The ultimate purpose of the university is realized in the interaction of teaching by a faculty member and learning by a student. The entire structure of the university is designed to support and facilitate this purpose. Academic freedom, research, extended study, academic achievement, assessment, integrity, accountability, and dedication to teaching are inherent components as well as products of an academic enterprise with this focus.