General education, which includes courses in areas such as the arts and humanities, communication, social sciences and history, literature and languages, mathematics and the sciences, help provide these vital elements of postsecondary education. Strong and meaningful general education programs at all postsecondary educational institutions will provide Nebraskans valuable learning experiences that prepare them to be informed, flexible and confident citizens and workers. The Commission encourages Nebraska's postsecondary educational institutions to provide leadership and resources that contribute to the enlightenment of the state's citizenry. The Commission recognizes the value of general education courses and advocates that degree-seeking students in all institutions, no matter how specialized their programs of study, should receive quality general education as a part of their educational experience. The extent of flexibility for student choices within the general education core needs to be established based on how an institution defines an educated person.
Faculty are at the heart of our institution's instructional roles.
Institutions that truly value students also value the faculty who teach, assist and advise those students. Faculty, cooperative extension agents, counselors, and others with instructional and instructional support roles, deserve to be encouraged and recognized for outstanding achievement in their area, irrespective of other institutional roles. Faculty need to be supported with adequate resources, facilities, salaries and professional development opportunities, including opportunities to understand the diversity of Nebraska. Research Our state and nation depend on our postsecondary institutions to conduct research and scholarship that generates new knowledge and technological advances in theory, techniques and products. Research is a part of each institution's role and mission in varying degrees.