Auburn University

Auburn University will emerge as one of the nation's preeminent comprehensive land-grant universities in the 21st century. Central to all its functions will be the University's historic commitment of service to all Alabamians as the State becomes a part of a global society with all of its challenges and opportunities. The University will be widely recognized for the quality of its undergraduate, graduate and professional educational programs, the effectiveness of its research and outreach programs and the broad access to the University provided through the innovative use of information technology. The University will ensure the quality of its programs through the careful focusing of its resources in areas of institutional strengths. One constant will remain unchanged at the University--that intangible quality Auburn men and women call the "Auburn Spirit."

Auburn University's mission is defined by its land-grant traditions of service and access. The University will serve the citizens of the State through its instructional, research and outreach programs and prepare Alabamians to respond successfully to the challenges of a global economy. The University will provide traditional and non-traditional students broad access to the institution's educational resources. In the delivery of educational programs on campus and beyond, the University will draw heavily upon the new instructional and outreach technologies available in the emerging information age.

As a comprehensive university, Auburn University is committed to offering high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional education to its students. The University will give highest priority for resource allocation for the future development of those areas that represent the traditional strengths, quality, reputation, and uniqueness of the institution and that continue to effectively respond to the needs of students and other constituents.

Consistent with this commitment, the University will emphasize a broad and superior undergraduate education that imparts the knowledge, skills, and values so essential to educated and responsible citizens. At the same time, the University will provide high-quality graduate and professional programs in areas of need and importance to the state and beyond. To accomplish these educational goals, Auburn University will continue to compete nationally to attract a faculty distinguished by its commitment to teaching and by its achievements in research, both pure and applied. The University will strive to attract a faculty that will bring distinction and stature to the undergraduate, graduate and professional programs offered by the University. Auburn University recognizes the importance of promoting an inclusive and diverse environment that supports the growth and success of all. We believe that the contributions of diverse cultures, ideas, and life experiences combine to create an enriched and engaged campus community for the Auburn Family.

Because research is essential to the mission of a land-grant university, Auburn University will continue development of its research programs. The primary focus of this research will be directed to the solution of problems and the development of knowledge and technology important to the state and nation and to the quality of life of Alabama citizens. The University's research programs will make important contributions to instructional programs through the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students and the renewal of the faculty. Research will also provide the knowledge base for outreach programs. In carrying out its research mission, the University will emphasize established areas of strength and will focus available resources in those areas of research and doctoral study that are, or have the potential to develop into nationally and internationally recognized centers of excellence. Extension and outreach programs are fundamental to the land-grant mission because these programs directly affect the lives of all citizens in the state. The University will maintain the strengths of its traditional outreach programs and will increasingly involve the broader University in outreach programs that respond to the changing needs of the society in which we live. The University will continue to seek new and innovative ways to reach out to the people it serves.

Auburn University makes significant contributions to the Alabama economy. Graduates provide knowledge and leadership for state industries, and researchers develop new products and discover new ways to improve productivity. Through outreach, faculty work directly with clients to provide information and to solve problems. More than 50 current Auburn University programs and initiatives are making a positive difference for the state economy. According to AU's Economic Development Institute, Auburn has documented economic impact of more than $4 billion on the state's economy, stimulating demand for new jobs, producing human capitol and providing the principal academic expertise for the industries that employee almost a half-million other individuals. More than 75,000 Auburn graduates live in Alabama, contributing to their local economies and to the productive capacity of industry. With a collective earning capacity of $2.4 billion, these alumni form a base educated and skilled workers that enhance the production and earnings capacity of businesses throughout the state. AU makes a significant contribution to the maintenance of a skilled workforce through providing continuing education programs for more than 45,000 individuals each year.

Auburn’s academic offerings are outstanding, and the university is set apart by the unique atmosphere and connection people have been describing as “just like family” for more than 160 years. You will be mentored, challenged, and supported from your first campus visit to graduation and beyond, and you will forge lasting connections with our 233,000-strong alumni network. A wise investment in your future, Auburn will propel you to success as it has for generations of Tigers.

The Graduate School provides coordination and administration oversight to the graduate programs of all colleges and schools of the University. The Graduate School is guided in its role by the Graduate Faculty of the University through the Graduate Council. The Graduate School, through the respective colleges and schools of the University, promotes a broad spectrum of programs leading to master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. The ultimate goals are to prepare scholars to assume leadership roles in research, education, business, industry, government, and other areas of a global society and to provide an environment which promotes and fosters the defining features of a university which are free inquiry, research, and a spirit of excellence in scholarship.