University Information
Grant applications frequently require background information such as the University's mission statements, and institutional history. Additional information regarding academic programs, accreditation and student enrollment data is also often requested. The following information can be used when required as part of your grant application. The information source and date are provided.
The information includes:
1. Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Profile
2. Mission of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
3. Shippensburg University Mission Statement
4. Shippensburg University Brief History
5. Shippensburg University Academic Program Summary
6. Shippensburg University Fast Facts
7. Shippensburg University Compliance Statements
8. Shippensburg University Admissions, Enrollment, Graduation Information
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) comprises the Commonwealth's 14 publicly owned universities, four branch campuses and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg. The universities are located in rural, suburban and small-town settings throughout Pennsylvania: Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester. The four branch campuses are in Oil City (Clarion), Freeport and Punxsutawney (Indiana), and Clearfield (Lock Haven).
The System universities offer degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. There are more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. With nearly 120,000 students, PASSHE is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Approximately 90% of the universities' students are Pennsylvania residents, and nearly 80 percent remain in the Commonwealth immediately after graduation.
The Dixon University Center in Harrisburg houses the System's Office of the Chancellor. The Office of the Chancellor’s executive leadership team includes vice chancellors for academic and student affairs, administration and finance, external relations and human resources and labor relations.
PASSHE is the Commonwealth's 13th largest employer, with an annual budget of $1.4 billion and more than 12,100 employees. There are approximately 652,000 alumni of the System universities worldwide, with nearly 500,000 of these living in Pennsylvania. The State System has an economic impact of approximately $4.7 billion.
The primary mission of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education "...is the provision of instruction for undergraduate and graduate students to and beyond the master's degree in the liberal arts and sciences, and in the applied fields, including the teaching profession." Doctoral programs are offered by Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) or through a consortium arrangement with IUP. While the universities share a common mission, each also embraces specific missions in business, human services, public administration, and/or technology.
Accreditation:
All 14 Pennsylvania State System universities are fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Academic programs are individually accredited by appropriate national organizations.
SOURCE, PENNSYLVANIA STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION WEB SITE 7.01.02
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is a regional state-supported institution. It is part of the State System of Higher Education of Pennsylvania, which is made up of 14 universities located in various geographic regions throughout the Commonwealth. Founded in 1871, Shippensburg University serves the educational, social, and cultural needs of students primarily from south-central Pennsylvania. The university enrolls students from throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Mid-Atlantic region, the United States, and various foreign countries as well.
Shippensburg is a comprehensive university offering bachelors and master's degree programs in the colleges of arts and sciences, business, and education and human services. The curricula are organized to enable students both to develop their intellectual abilities and to obtain professional training in a variety of fields. The foundation of the undergraduate curriculum is a required core of courses in the arts and sciences. These courses prepare students to think logically, read critically, write clearly, and verbalize ideas in a succinct and articulate manner; they also broaden students' knowledge of the world, past and present.
The university's primary commitment is to student learning and personal development through effective and innovative teaching and a wide variety of high-quality out-of-class experiences. The ultimate goal is to have students develop to their utmost the intellectual, personal, and social capabilities they need to perform as competent citizens prepared to embark on a career immediately upon graduation or after advanced study. The personal attention given each student at Shippensburg is reflective of the strong sense of community that exists on campus and the centrality of students within it. The university encourages and supports activities which give students many opportunities to apply the theories and methods learned in the classroom to real or practical situations, such as faculty-student research and student internships. Student life programs and activities complement the academic mission and further assist students in their personal, social, and ethical development.
Committed to public service and community-centered in its relationships to the region, the university works closely and collaboratively with other organizations at institutional, programmatic and individual levels to develop common goals, share resources and invest cooperatively in the future of the region.
Shippensburg University was established in 1871 as the Cumberland Valley State Normal School. The school received official approval by the state on February 21, 1873, and admitted its first class of 217 students on April 15, 1873. In 1917 the school was purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
On June 4, 1926, the school was authorized to grant the Bachelor of Science in education degree in elementary and junior high education. The school received a charter on October 12, 1926, making it the first normal school in Pennsylvania to become a state teachers college. On June 3, 1927, the State Council of Education authorized the school to change its name to the State Teachers College at Shippensburg.
The business education curriculum was approved on December 3, 1937. On December 8, 1939, Shippensburg State Teachers College became the first teachers college in Pennsylvania and the fourth in the United States to be accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and (Secondary) Schools.
The State Council of Education approved graduate work leading to the master of education degree on January 7, 1959. On January 8, 1960, the name change to Shippensburg State College was authorized.
The arts and sciences curriculum was authorized by the State Council of Education on April 18, 1962, and the bachelor of science in business administration degree program was initiated on September 1, 1967.
On November 12, 1982, the governor of the Commonwealth signed Senate Bill 506 establishing the State System of Higher Education. Shippensburg State College was designated Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania effective July 1, 1983.
Fifty-two undergraduate programs are offered in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Human Services, and the John L. Grove College of Business. We offer 8 pre-professional programs including pre-vet and pre-med in addition to 7 affiliate programs whereby students can earn combined undergraduate and graduate degrees through accelerated programs. The School of Graduate Studies offers sixteen programs.
Shippensburg is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, AACSB International, American Chemical Society, Council on Social Work Education, Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, International Association of Counseling Services, National Council for the Accreditation of Teachers, and Council for Exceptional Children.
SOURCE SHIPENSBURG UNIVERSITY WEB SITE 7.01.02
The School Founded in 1871 as the Cumberland Valley State Normal School Member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs Located in the Cumberland Valley, forty miles southwest of Harrisburg
Our Students Approximately 7000 undergraduates and 1300 graduate students Over 2500 undergraduates live on campus in eight residence halls Shippensburg has attracted students from 38 nations and 20 states Most students are from Pennsylvania
Faculty and Administration Dr. Anthony F. Ceddia has led the university as President since 1981 Of our 297 full-time faculty, nearly 90% have terminal degrees All classes are taught by faculty members (not graduate assistants) The student/faculty ratio is 20 to 1, allowing for a personalized education
Academics Fifty two undergraduate programs are offered in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Human Services, and the John L. Grove College of Business We offer 8 pre-professional programs including pre-vet and pre-med in addition to 7 affiliate programs whereby students can earn combined undergraduate and graduate degrees through accelerated programs. Sixteen programs are offered by the School of Graduate Studies Shippensburg is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, AACSB International, American Chemical Society, Council on Social Work Education, Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, International Association of Counseling Services, National Council for the Accreditation of Teachers, and Council for Exceptional Children
Student Life and Activities Eight residence halls equipped with lounges, music practice rooms, and study rooms Residence hall rooms have high-speed computer connections to campus network More than 200 clubs and organizations, 18 varsity teams, and 29 intramural activities The music department offers choirs, bands, ensembles, and a university-community orchestra Ship has a student newspaper, a student-run television station, and a student-run radio station A strong Student Association includes the Student Senate, standing committees, and the Activities Program Board A university run child care center provides superior care for children of students, faculty, and staff with certified teachers and the highest level of licensing.
Academic Facilities Ezra Lehman Memorial Library provides Web access to: its holdings, the holdings of the State Library and 24 other academic libraries, a variety of full text databases, electronic books, and Internet sites. Library collection includes over 2 million items, including bound volumes, microform pieces, periodicals, audiovisual titles, government documents, and University archives. The Information and Computing Technologies Center maintains a campus network with a number of computer labs for student use. Each student receives an email account and access to the Internet
(SOURCE UNIVERSITY WEB SITE 7.23.02)
The Office of Social Equity, located in Old Main 200, coordinates the university's compliance with laws and regulations relating to equal opportunity, sexual harassment, and disabled accommodation. Any questions or complaints should be directed to the Director of Social Equity at 717-477-1161.
Equal Opportunity
In compliance with state and federal laws, including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Shippensburg University provides equal educational, employment, and economic opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, creed, lifestyle, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, union membership, sex, or disability. This policy extends to disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era.
Sexual Harassment
Shippensburg University prohibits behaviors which inappropriately assert sexuality in the work or learning environment. Such behaviors are prohibited by federal and state regulations, which state unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature can constitute sexual harassment. Shippensburg University is committed to civil rights and will promptly investigate allegations of sexual harassment and take appropriate corrective action.
People with Disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides people with disabilities may not be excluded from programs which benefit from federal assistance. These rights were strengthened in 1988 with the Civil Rights Restoration Act and more recently with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Shippensburg University complies with all laws and regulations which protect students and employees with disabilities. Considerable progress has been made in increasing campus accessibility, and reasonable accommodations will be made where appropriate to provide equal access to an education for all individuals.
Access to Educational Records
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (commonly known as the Buckley Amendment), Shippensburg University provides its students with privacy safeguards of their educational records. The university issues reports of progress including grades, written evaluations, and letters of warning, directly to the student. A student may have access to all information pertaining to his or her educational records and academic status. Parents may have access to information pertaining to their son's or daughter's educational records and academic status without prior written consent of the student if the student is a dependent as defined under Section 152 of the IRS Code of 1954. If the student is not a dependent, as defined by the IRS code, then the university must receive prior written consent from the student in order to release such information to his or her parents.
Drug-Free Campus
Shippensburg University complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 and has adopted a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by both its students and employees.
Campus Safety
In accordance with Pennsylvania's College and University Security Information Act of 1988, Shippensburg University provides information relating to crime statistics and security measures to prospective students, matriculated students, and employees. The university will also comply with all campus safety provisions of the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990.
Right-To-Know
Shippensburg University will compile graduation and completion rates for all undergraduate students as well as for undergraduate students receiving athletically related student aid. These rates will be reported to the U.S. Secretary of Education and will be disclosed to prospective students as required by the Student Right-To-Know Act.
Consumerism
Shippensburg University complies with consumer information requirements set forth in Section 493A of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and its amendments.
Veteran's Benefits
Shippensburg University complies with the requirements of Title 38, U. S. Code, Veteran's Benefits.
Nonimmigrant Alien Students
Shippensburg University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
(SOURCE UNIVERSITY WEB SITE 7.23.02)
The Office of Institutional Researches publishes the university "Profile, A Historical Fact Book" each year. Statistical information related to enrollment, graduation rates and staffing can be obtained through the University's Office of Institutional Research. Information is available directly from Institutional Research Web Page at http://www.ship.edu/~irp/.
Sample Information Available;
Institutional Enrollment (Men & Women):
Full-Time Part-Time
Men Women Men Women
Undergraduates
Degree-seeking, first-time freshmen
Other first-year, degree-seeking
All other degree-seeking
Total degree-seeking
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses
Total undergraduates
Fiirst-time, first-professional students
All other first professionals
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Graduates
Degree-seeking, first-time
All other degree-seeking
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses
Total graduate
Total all undergraduates
Total all graduate and professional students
GRAND TOTAL ALL STUDENTS