Dunlap-Stone University’s Mission Statement

Inspired by a rich history and tradition, Dunlap-Stone University (DSU) strives to provide an environment that engenders academic honor, distinction and excellence to those previously considered too distant, remote, or otherwise unable to receive a quality education. DSU believes it can be a foundation for life-long learning, supporting adults worldwide who hunger for knowledge and personal advancement. Innovative programs in business, social sciences and the humanities offer opportunities to enrich the global community.

DSU Vision

Utilizing technology as a bridge to learning, DSU believes education should not be limited by time or space, but should be accessible and available to those who strive, regardless of where they live in the world.

Statement of Over-Arching University Goals

Dunlap-Stone University seeks to instill a process for the acquisition of knowledge, debate and discovery in students. We believe that personal growth is the by-product of any learning process and seek to develop skill sets within our students that allow for the clear expression of ideas in written presentations, the development of analytical skills, an appreciation for diverse viewpoints, a sense of professionalism and the ability to collaborate. By eliminating geographic boundaries while promoting inquiry, creativity, practice and social responsibility, we create global citizens.

Statement on Diversity

Dunlap-Stone University is committed to diversity, understanding that diversity can be represented in many forms. Variety in viewpoints, ideas, perspectives and values is critical to the vitality of any institution of higher learning. Reflecting upon differing viewpoints and perspectives allows for the formation of truly global community members.

DSU and its component schools and programs demand an environment of inclusiveness and believe that diversity of viewpoints and experiences enrich the learning environment for all participants.

Those who attend DSU and those who are employed by DSU are expected to demonstrate acceptable standards of conduct that reflect the qualities of character, scholarship, decency of behavior, and mature judgment expected of members of an academic community. Students, faculty and staff are afforded the freedom to develop and explore interests in a supportive academic environment.

All students, faculty and staff are required to conduct themselves in a manner that acknowledges and demonstrates respect for other individuals. Any actions that harass, demean, or subject others to any form of physical threat, psychological stress or humiliation are unacceptable. Basic honesty is expected at all times within academic pursuits and in those interactions that take place inside and outside the classroom.

Dunlap-Stone University is committed to the policy and practice of equal educational opportunity to ensure that all students receive fair consideration and are treated without bias and without regard to their viewpoints, ideas, perspectives, values, age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, political affiliation or physical impairment.

DSU shall provide for the prompt, fair and impartial consideration of all complaints of discrimination. Any such complaint should be forwarded in writing to the Dean of Student Services.

Statement on Integrity

Dunlap-Stone University believes that, as an organization and as individuals associated with the University, there must be a commitment to integrity.

Integrity includes honesty in operations and the practice of ethical behavior; knowing and adhering to the applicable laws, regulations and standards; congruence between our mission, vision and values to our actions; the maintenance of our reputation as a quality provider of distance education; and fairness in interactions with internal and external constituencies.

Bound by a core commitment to ethical practices, Dunlap-Stone places the expectation of stewardship with its students and employees.

Statement on General Education

Understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, mastering multiple modes of inquiry, effectively analyzing and communicating information, and recognizing the importance of creativity and values to the human spirit not only allow people to live richer lives but also are a foundation for most careers and for the informed exercise of local, national and international citizenship.

Supporting the HLC’s statement, Dunlap-Stone University (DSU) reiterates its belief that a strong education is one that contains a breadth and depth of knowledge and viewpoints. A strong foundation in general education topics is the hallmark of a college education, and separates a collegiate experience from that of training.

General education courses are valued by Dunlap-Stone University as an opportunity to create teaching and learning experiences for students, each with a purpose and learning outcomes, allowing the organization to fulfill its mission.

Dunlap-Stone University resolves that students must complete the following general education classes, in concert with their major and elective requirements, to achieve a well-rounded academic experience.

• 6 credit hours in Communications (3 of which are based in composition)
• 6 credit hours in Mathematics
• 6 credit hours in the Humanities
• 6 credit hours in the Social Sciences
• 3 credit hours in Science and Technologies
• 3 credit hours in Physical Science

DSU further resolves that its General Education course learning outcomes should encompass at least one of the following core competencies:

1. Written Communication: Competency in written communication includes the ability to communicate effectively in written language, the ability to use a variety of modern information resources and supporting technologies, the ability to differentiate content from style of presentation, and the ability to suit content and style to the purpose of communication.

2. Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning: Competency in scientific and quantitative reasoning includes the ability to locate, identify, collect, organize, analyze and interpret data, and the ability to use mathematics and the scientific method of inquiry to make decisions, where appropriate.

3. Critical Analysis and Reasoning: Competency in critical analysis and reasoning includes the ability to arrive at reasoned and supportable conclusions using sound research techniques, including inference, analysis and interpretation.

4. Technological Competency: Technological competency includes the ability to use computer technology and appropriate software applications to produce documentation, quantitative data presentations and functional graphical presentations appropriate to various academic and professional settings.

5. Information Literacy: Information Literacy includes the ability to identify, locate and effectively use information from various print and electronic sources.

6. Global and Cultural Perspectives Appreciation: Appreciation of global and cultural perspectives includes comparing, contrasting, examining, and integrating diverse viewpoints and maintaining an environment of inclusiveness.

Additional core competencies are under consideration.