Mission Statement of the University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado shall be a comprehensive baccalaureate and specialized graduate research university with selective admission standards. The University shall offer a comprehensive array of baccalaureate programs and master's and doctoral degrees, primarily in the field of education. The University of Northern Colorado has statewide authority to offer graduate programs for the preparation of education personnel.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO...

...is a comprehensive baccalaureate and specialized graduate research university. The University offers a broad range of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs of study in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, human sciences and education. It strives to be a leading student-centered university that promotes effective teaching, lifelong learning, the advancement of knowledge, research, and a commitment to service. Graduates are educated in the liberal arts and professionally prepared to live and contribute effectively in a rapidly changing, technologically advanced society that emphasizes globalization.

"The class sizes are smaller than at other universities. You develop friendships with the students in your classes and the professors know who you are and know your name. They are always there when you need to talk to them and they are so knowledgeable."

~Shannon Clemens, class of 2006

...stresses a strong liberal arts foundation. All students are required to study in the liberal arts tradition, which prepares them to think and act responsibly in a dynamic, diverse and global society. Multicultural content and interdisciplinary programs enrich academic experiences. University curricula are designed to improve students' competencies in critical thinking, communication, problem solving, leadership and technological applications.

"When I graduate I know I will be fully prepared for any career I choose to go after."

~Taylor Johnson, class of 2008

...emphasizes the value of research and internships. Even undergraduates have plenty of opportunities to conduct research, often on projects that are normally reserved for graduate students at other universities. In some cases they even present their findings at regional or national professional meetings.Because of upstate Colorado's wide array of businesses, government agencies, health-care facilities, industries and media, there's an internship just right for every student, no matter what their major is.

"There aren't many universities that give undergrads the opportunity to work side by side with Ph.D.s and publish research at an undergraduate level. This one does."

~Sarah Lacher, class of 2006

...values personal attention in the learning process. At Northern Colorado, learning occurs in an environment characterized by small classes taught by full-time faculty. Faculty, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, subscribe to a teacher/scholar model in which excellence in instruction is complemented by activities in scholarship and service. Support for the continuous improvement of teaching, learning, scholarship and service is provided through university programs, policies and practices.

"I wouldn't have been able to get the same one-on-one time with professors if I had gone to another university."

~Ben Stein, class of 2007

... is Colorado's designated institution of higher education for teacher training. The university has been providing training for new and experienced teachers for over 100 years. At Northern Colorado, more students complete teacher education or related programs than any other areas of study. The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences hosts one of the largest teacher placement and recruitment fairs in the country each year with some students receiving employment offers the day they interview.

"I chose Northern Colorado because I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, and I knew that it is the cream-of-the-crop education school."

~Sara Cummins, class of 2007

...is home to the nationally recognized Monfort College of Business. In 2004, the Monfort College of Business became the first business college in the country to earn the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest honor for quality and performance excellence. That puts Northern Colorado's Monfort College in an elite class that includes 3M, Ritz Carlton, Merrill Lynch, Xerox, Boeing, Cadillac and FedEx.

"There are so many opportunities available to students at the Monfort College of Business because of the reputation of the school. Many employers seek out University of Northern Colorado business majors specifically, and many of us had jobs lined up well before graduation."

~Kelly Aldern, class of 2006

... includes the award-winning College of Performing and Visual Arts. Both the School of Music and the School of Theatre Arts and Dance carry the Program of Excellence designation from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. An independent poll by the Denver Post named Northern Colorado's undergraduate theater program the best in the state, citing its degree programs, production values and student-centered atmosphere. Down Beat magazine has given the Jazz Studies program nearly 100 awards in the past 25 years.

"The fact that you have a four-year degree shows people that you have been trained and have come out as a polished performer. The University of Northern Colorado has developed a great reputation with the senior showcase we do every spring break in New York City."

~Aaron Young, class of 2006

...is a leader in providing innovative health and human sciences programs. The College of Natural and Health Sciences is home to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, a pioneer in researching rehabilitation for cancer treatment-related fatigue. The School of Nursing is a leader in addressing state and national nurse shortages, and has a historical commitment to rural and transcultural nursing. An on-campus audiology and speech clinic offers much-needed diagnostic and treatment services to residents of the area.

"Northern Colorado's audiology and speech-languages science program offers more hands-on experience through its clinic than most other undergraduate programs. That experience has given me a strong foundation for graduate school."

~Randi Horikawa, Class of 2006

...offers graduate programs in a range of disciplines. Graduate programs at Northern Colorado emphasize advanced scholarship within a discipline and acquisition of professional abilities for career advancement. Graduate education includes a variety of master's degrees that complement the university's mission and purposes and a select number of doctoral programs that emphasize scholarship and research, clinical practice, pedagogy or performance.

"UNC graduate programs help students merge advanced research skills with practical experience. There is an exceptional amount of collaboration-between students, faculty, and across departments. One of the best experiences was the opportunity to learn in a setting with high-caliber students who all have different backgrounds and interests."

~Chrysostomos Giannoulakis,
Sport Administration doctoral student

...delivers comprehensive and creative outreach services. The university's Office of Extended Studies reaches out to students everywhere through off-campus sites across the state, online courses and electronic and print correspondence courses. Students can earn a degree or certificate if they can't come to campus, get a head start on college by taking a class or two, update knowledge in a profession or even solve an on-campus scheduling problem.

"Off-campus learning is convenient. It allows me to choose when I will study, get online, and participate. The facilitators are fabulous. They know their stuff. They make you think, challenge you, encourage you and help you."

~Patricia Himes, extended studies student

... provides a full range of student support services and recreational opportunities. The university provides services that support equal learning opportunities for all students including academic advising, financial aid, health care, housing, employment, career and personal counseling, honors programs, testing, academic skills development and placement. Student organizations afford opportunities for personal and social growth, and a student-designed recreation center offers opportunities for physical growth and relaxation.

"Being a part of Honors, Scholars and Leadership has been an invaluable experience for me through its unique classes, academic challenges, social events and leadership development. It's been a perfect culmination of my educational career here at Northern Colorado."

~Katie Goulet, class of 2007