For example, the resources chapters ask whether the College manages its resources in a manner that supports the College's mission. Keene State's mission statement is new, approved by the Board of Trustees just last February. The new statement was the result of nearly a year's work by a task force chaired by Dean Gordon Leversee . The new statement is much clearer about the College's historical roots as an institution for the preparation of teachers while also articulating the College's commitment to educational goals supported by the liberal arts. The self-study describes how the College is achieving its mission and identifies areas that require continuing attention if we are to achieve our mission in the future.
Progress is evident in our curriculum.
Examples include the decision to require a second major in a liberal-arts subject for all education students, the streamlining of our graduate and associate degree offerings, and the new goals for general education which were passed by the Senate last spring. Progress is evident in our move to NCAA Division III, in the growing emphasis on experiential learning and service learning, in the quality of the new faculty joining the campus, and in the investments made in academic facilities. At the same time, we face challenges to our mission. Affordability and access are key elements of our mission as a public college, yet our in-state students have faced significant tuition increases, and the College struggles to have student financial aid keep pace with the needs of our students. Because we are at or above capacity in terms of staffing, infrastructure, and facilities, we cannot continue to address salary and other cost issues by increasing enrollments.