About New Paltz
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About New Paltz Mission Statement Mission In the proud tradition of SUNY, the State University of New York at New Paltz is committed to providing high quality, affordable education to students from all social and economic backgrounds. We are a faculty and campus community dedicated to the construction of a vibrant intellectual/creative public forum which reflects and celebrates the diversity of our society and encourages and supports active participation in scholarly and artistic activity. SUNY New Paltz is an active contributor to the schools, community institutions and economic/cultural life of our region. We are selective in admitting students who show promise of thriving in a learning environment which is challenging, student-centered, and personalized. Our goal is for students to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute as productive members of their communities and professions and active citizens in a democratic nation and a global society. Identity We are the only residential public university in the mid-Hudson region. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences which serve as a core for professional programs in the fine and performing arts, education, health care, business, and engineering. Our location in the scenic Hudson Valley midway between the State Capital of Albany and metropolitan New York City provides unique opportunities for enriching our academic programs. We are a diverse faculty of distinguished scholars and artists who collaborate across the disciplines and professional areas to inspire our students to a love of learning, a meaningful engagement with the life of the mind, and an involvement in public service. Campus-wide Goals We strive to carry out the above philosophy across the campus through: • Faculty engagement in innovative pedagogy across all disciplines; • Faculty-student collaboration in research, performance, scholarship, exhibitions and presentations, internships and fieldwork, community service, and international studies and practica; • Capstone activities through which students can demonstrate expertise in a specialized area; • Support for risk-taking and innovation in research and scholarly/creative activity; • Writing intensive courses and seminars; • Educational and clinical centers that provide professional development and services to the region; • Library and information technology resources which support the curriculum, independent study, research, and information literacy; • Lectures, conferences, concerts, gallery shows, theatrical performances (as the largest cultural institution in the Hudson Valley), and other opportunities for life-long learning; • Leadership opportunities for students in campus and community organizations and college governance; • A well-rounded program in residence life to support student social, emotional, recreational, and academic needs. Educational Outcomes Intellectual: Students are prepared to go on to graduate study or to enter their professional field of specialization through developing: • Critical thinking, writing, analytical, mathematical, technological, and oral communication skills; • In-depth exploration of at least one discipline; • Experience using scientific methods and learning technologies appropriately and critically; • Knowledge of and participation in the aesthetic experience and the creative process; 1 • Greater understanding and appreciation for the histories, races and cultures, religions, languages, and customs of our country and those of other nations; • Knowledge of the rapidly changing political, economic, environmental, and social forces in our world. Civic/Personal: Students develop the confidence and personal qualities necessary to take their place as citizens in our democracy through cultivating: • High personal standards of honesty, integrity, and personal ethics; • The capacity for self-reflection and empathy for others; • Appreciation for the value of active citizenship and community service; • Knowledge, interests, and activities that promote health, well-being, and personal responsibility. To Learn · To Search · To Serve The Campus & History The State University of New York at New Paltz is an exciting blend of tradition and vision. At its educational core is the ever- present belief in the importance of a liberal arts education. This served as the guiding principle at the time the university was founded, in 1828, and continues to aid in the preparation of students for transition into the global community today. Equally important is the commitment to the growth of the student -- intellectually, culturally, and socially. Throughout its history, New Paltz has led the way in the development of significant innovations, not the least of which has been its dedication to providing an international focus to all areas of its curriculum. Between the founding of this school and the establishment of the present 216-acre campus of the State University of New York at New Paltz, many historic changes took place. 1828 School for teaching of classics founded 1833 The New Paltz Academy established 1885 State normal school established 1886 Normal school opened 1942 Normal school becomes State Teachers College at New Paltz; authorized to grant baccalaureate degree 1947 Graduate courses leading to master's degree introduced 1948 State University of New York created by legislative action; The College at New Paltz joins 30 other institutions of higher learning 1951 New Paltz adds art education degree to its programs 1959 College's name changed to College of Education 1960 Authorization for liberal arts program leading to Bachelor of Arts degree granted 2 1961 College renamed State University of New York College of Arts and Science New Paltz 1994 Campus renamed State University of New York at New Paltz Today, the State University of New York at New Paltz has many more programs, facilities, and students than the founders of the classics school could have foreseen in 1828. What has not changed in the course of the history of higher education at the State University of New York at New Paltz is a strong commitment to the principle of excellence in teaching and learning. Descriptions of the buildings on campus can be accessed on our Campus Map Web site. 3 Accreditation & Memberships Accreditation The College is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and is approved as a degree-granting institution by the Trustees of the State University of New York and the Regents of New York State. Academic programs with national certification include: • Teacher certification by the New York State Education Department • Music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association for Music Therapy • Art programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design • Theatre programs receive accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre • Chemistry program is accredited by the American Chemical Society • Nursing program is accredited by the Board of Nursing of New York Education Department and the National League of Nursing • Electrical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology • Computer Science is accredited by the Computer Sciences Accreditation Board • Communication Disorders is accredited by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association Memberships State University of New York at New Paltz is a member of the American Council on Education, the Association of American Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Association of Colleges and Universities of the State of New York, the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Associated Colleges of the Mid-Hudson area. 4 Policies » View important changes to policies • Academic Appeals and Appeal Procedure • Access to Educational Records • Academic Integrity • Academic Probation and Dismissal • Advanced Placement • Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity • Black Solidarity Day • Class Attendance • Class Cancellations And Delays (due to inclement weather or other emergency) • College Level Exam Program (CLEP) • Credit By Exam • Dean's List • Developmental/Remedial Courses • Dropping, Adding, or Withdrawing from Courses • Fieldwork and Independent Study • Grade Point Average (GPA) • Grade Reports And Changes • Graduation With Honors • Incomplete Grades • International Baccalaureate • Leave of Absence • Major/Minor Declaration and Related Procedures • Modulars • Religious Life and Beliefs • Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading Option • Selected Topics Courses • Semester Workload • Replace Grading Policy • Transfer Courses After Matriculation • Student Consumer Information Requirement • Withdrawal from the College 5 Policies: Academic Appeals and Appeal Procedure The Undergraduate Academic Appeals Committee is composed of seven faculty, five students, and a non-voting representative of the Provost's Office. The committee has the responsibility for hearing student appeals of alleged violations of academic policy and making recommendations to the Provost. A student may file a formal, written appeal before the committee only after attempting to resolve the appeal with the appropriate faculty or administrative persons. Academic Appeals forms are available at the Office of the Provost and in the academic Deans' offices. A grade appeal must be filed no later than one calendar year after the recording of