The Clarkson Education
Clarkson academic programs span boundaries and vary widely in content. However, at the heart of the institution’s educational process are fundamental goals and values that define a common learning experience and shape the growth of every Clarkson student. The University has articulated its mission, vision, and values as follows:
Mission of Clarkson University
Clarkson University is an independent, nationally recognized technological university whose faculty of teacher/scholars aspires to offer superior instruction and engage in high-quality research and scholarship in engineering, business, science, health, and liberal arts. Our primary mission is to educate talented and motivated men and women to become successful professionals through quality precollegiate, undergraduate, graduate, and professional continuing education programs, with particular emphasis on the undergraduate experience. Our community and campus settings enhance the quality of student life and afford students access to and interaction with their faculty. We value the diversity of our University community, and we strive to attune ourselves and our programs to our global, pluralistic society. We share the belief that humane economic and social development derive from the expansion, diffusion, and application of knowledge.
Vision of a Clarkson Education
The Clarkson University educational experience is designed to provide talented and ambitious students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve positions of leadership within their chosen profession. The combination of Clarkson’s strong technologically rich curricula and state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, coupled with an unparalleled commitment to a friendly learning environment and to students’ personal development, uniquely prepares Clarkson graduates to excel in their chosen professions and to lead rewarding and creative lives.
In addition to a mastery of the core knowledge within his or her field, a Clarkson education provides each student with the opportunity to:
- solve real-world, open-ended problems that require creativity and risk taking, including participation in state-of-the-art research under the direction of distinguished faculty;
- develop and refine exceptional communication skills with an awareness of potential cultural differences;
- work productively within and lead disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams composed of members with diverse interests and backgrounds;
- obtain outstanding capabilities in utilizing computing and other 21st century technologies;
- learn through instruction and guidance by nationally recognized faculty who have a commitment to both teaching and research that has made Clarkson a nationally ranked university.
A Clarkson student’s education is greatly enhanced by a personal and friendly learning environment, within a small, residential, nationally recognized University, which:
- places students at the center of the educational process and where all employees have a commitment to creating an environment that contributes positively to students’ overall educational experience;
- draws undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff together into a cohesive and stimulating learning community, wherein an atmosphere of scholarship and spirit of research is cultivated;
- supports the acquisition of knowledge through advanced electronic and information technology and innovative instructional approaches;
- provides personal advising and interaction with faculty and staff as well as supportive relationships among students;
- offers many leadership opportunities through co-curricular groups and activities;
- respects and learns from its community of diverse people, backgrounds, and cultures.
Together, these provide a unique educational experience that is directed toward developing the whole person.
Major Values of the Clarkson Community
"Lead By Example and Others Will Follow"
Caring: A positive and friendly atmosphere is created when we care about each other, when we are open to constructive criticism, and when we show appreciation for a job well done.
Diligence: "A workman that needeth not to be ashamed." Initiative and hard work are key ingredients in getting the task done.
Diversity: The mutual appreciation of differences and a plurality of opinions, beliefs, and cultural traditions inform and enrich our lives.
Integrity: Honesty and accountability in one’s actions and words form the foundation of our relationships with others.
Growth: Educational experiences in and out of the classroom enliven our minds, broaden our horizons, and facilitate dialogue and consensus. Learning is a lifelong activity.
Service: Offering our time and skills for the good of our fellow citizens leads to the prosperity of the community and to the character development of the individual.
Teamwork: Effective teamwork encourages creativity and self-initiative in our respective roles and partnerships. It is essential in getting the task done and in developing the skills needed to meet future challenges.
Vision: Having a vision of what we want the future to be helps us prepare for it. Embracing the inevitable changes in our world as opportunities allows us to anticipate, promote, and facilitate change.