FT+Orientation+Mission+Statement

HOME = Stevenson University's Vision = The University will become a national leader in collaborative career-focused liberal arts education and will equip its graduates to visualize and achieve excellence in a dynamic global community.

= Stevenson University's Mission = The University is an innovative, coeducational, independent university offering undergraduate and graduate students a career-focused education marked by individualized attention, civility, and respect for difference. The University blends the liberal arts with career exploration and planning, complementing a traditional education with applied learning beyond the classroom. The University meets students where they are and supports and challenges them to become reflective and accomplished individuals committed to a lifetime of learning and contribution. Students graduate with the competence and confidence needed to address creatively the opportunities and problems facing their communities, the nation, and the world.

= Career Architecture sm = As a result of Stevenson's formal strategic planning process, the president, administration, and faculty of Stevenson developed and introduced the concept of //Career Architecture sm // to the campus. The process is a personal exploration for students to help them design their career paths beyond their first job. Students learn to integrate personal interests and professional development while identifying and incorporating their values, skills, strengths, and abilities. Through the //Career Architecture sm // process and the collaborative approach taken by faculty, staff, and administrators, Stevenson students gain a competitive edge in the real work world.

//Career Architecture sm // is comprised of four elements that are introduced at different stages during the students' university years. The four elements of //Career Architecture sm //are:
 * **Self-Discovery**—reflective pieces and exercises introduced to all students during the freshman year, designed to help them explore individual skills, values, and interests. Goal: establish a foundation that leads to the creation of a personal plan for life and work.
 * **Career Development Foundations**—basic career skills are learned through curricula, in-class seminars and a wide range of university experiences and activities. Goal: develop these skills and know how to apply them to succeed in school, work, and life.
 * **Career Exploration**—career and exploration events and activities, including symposia, career fairs, exploration tours, shadow days, and informational interviews are offered. Goal: introduce methods for each student to discover which career options are the best fit, including cooperative studies, internship opportunities, and field placements/practicums.
 * **Career Preparation**—at this stage, career strategic plan development, résumé and interview preparation, video mock interviews, portfolio preparation, participation in on-campus recruiting sessions, networking support, and job search coaching/assistance take place. Goal: introduce methods and opportunities for professional preparation work after graduation.

Stevenson's faculty, the Career Services staff, and administrators are all energized to work with members of area businesses and organizations to identify career exploration and preparation opportunities for Stevenson students from the day they arrive on campus. Some of the activities available to students include distinct Freshmen Seminars, targeted career symposia and seminars, career exploration fairs, in-class seminars, and networking/etiquette training meals. For more information: []

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