Austin Peay is Tennessees designated comprehensive liberal arts institution and supports and promotes an atmosphere that is unusual at a public university. In ways similar to those of a private institution, Austin Peay nurtures learning and personal growth through small classes, close student/faculty interaction, and personal attention by the support staff. The university respects the voice and value of every member of its learning community. Students, faculty, and staff from throughout the world enrich the liberal arts experience. This rich variety of thought and life experience fosters a deeper understanding of our own and other cultures. Undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and in pre-professional and professional programs are the nucleus of the university. Curricula promote critical thinking, communication and information skills, leadership, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The liberal arts core provides for all students a broad, multicultural foundation in literature, the arts, history, mathematics, and the natural and behavioral sciences. Graduate programs serve the needs of the region and provide advanced experiences for students preparing for doctoral studies. The graduate programs demand a superior level of academic achievement requiring scholarship, independent judgment, academic rigor, and intellectual honesty. The educational experience is complemented and expanded through creative use of technology, interdisciplinary programs, team teaching, cooperative learning, community services, international programs, and collaborative research between faculty and students. Co-curricular experiences provide each student with resources and guidance that enhance academic success, further career goals, and promote intellectual and personal growth. The university provides programs to help students clarify values, develop physical well-being, work independently and collaboratively, and participate in shared governance. Centers of Excellence in the Creative Arts and Field Biology as well as Chairs of Excellence provide unique learning opportunities. Both the main campus and the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell serve a diverse student body with complete academic programs. Off-campus and distance learning facilities offer curricula to expand the reach of the university to populations not easily served on traditional campuses. The university enriches the traditional instructional program through close interaction with the surrounding community. The university provides programs, services, and facilities that contribute significantly to the intellectual, economic, social, and cultural development of the region. Austin Peay remains committed to the education of a non-racially identifiable student body and promotes diversity and access without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Austin Peay State University, as a community of learners focusing on the academic, aesthetic, and personal development of its students, aspires to become nationally recognized as an excellent comprehensive liberal arts university that contributes significantly to the intellectual, economic, social, and cultural life of the region.