Philosophy and Mission
Mission
The mission of the College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences (COHPNS) is to create an innovative and inclusive academic environment that:
- Respects the diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of nursing, health science, and natural science students;
- Critically examines topics confronting nursing, health science, and natural science disciplines;
- Challenges nursing, health science, and natural science students to acquire new competencies to improve their competitiveness in the job market;
- Embraces experiential learning and interprofessional collaboration;
- Encourages nursing, health science, and natural science students to actively participate in the learning process; and
- Influences nursing, health science, and natural science students to engage in lifelong learning.
Vision
The COHPNS will distinguish itself as a leader in providing innovative, inclusive, and career-oriented educational programs to meet the needs of diverse global communities.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the COHPNS reflects the beliefs and values of its faculty and staff.
We believe that:
- Students are the purpose of our work.
- Nursing, health science, and natural science students are adult learners with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
- Undergraduate and graduate degree programs must be innovative and viewed by learners as relevant to their discipline.
- Knowledge is best obtained when students actively collaborate with faculty to set goals, plan learning experiences, and evaluate achievement.
- Self-care is integral to student success.
- Scholar-practitioner faculty serve as professional role models and facilitators of life-long learning.
Values
- Respect
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Inclusivity
- Diversity
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Opportunity
- Self-Care
The COHPNS faculty acknowledge accountability to learners, the institution, the profession, and the community of interest through continuous, proactive development of their expertise. This accountability fosters career-oriented programs and scholar-practitioners who “take good care of our students.”