POLICY 1.1 - History

Originally known as Shenandoah Seminary and concentrating on secondary education, the school later added post-secondary courses and changed its name to Shenandoah Collegiate Institute and School of Music. In 1924, the name was changed to Shenandoah College, with the provision that the music department be known as the Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah College. In 1937, the Conservatory received state approval to grant baccalaureate degrees. In 1960, Shenandoah was moved from Dayton to a new campus in Winchester, Virginia.

Two significant events occurred in 1974. First, junior-college status was dropped, and the college became a four-year degree-granting school. Second, the two separate institutions (Shenandoah College, Shenandoah Conservatory of Music) were merged under one charter as Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music.

In 1991, the name of the institution was changed to Shenandoah University. In 1994, the Board of Trustees gave approval to begin development of the first doctoral degrees, in Pharmacy and in Music.

Shenandoah is incorporated as a non-profit institution, with the corporation electing the Board of Trustees, which is the ruling body.

Revision Dates: structural revision approved by Board of Trustees Oct. 2007; Revised Fall 2016

Approved by the Board of Trustees October, 2003

POLICY 1.2 - Mission Statement

Shenandoah University educates and inspires individuals to be critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.

Vision

Shenandoah University will be nationally recognized for forward thinking programs that produce competitive and purposeful graduates.

Shenandoah University will be highly valued for:

• particular strength, both academically and institutionally, in the performing arts, healthcare and entrepreneurship
• education that prepares students not only for the present but for the future
• a commitment to intellectual and creative rigor and liberal arts infused curricula
• a campus culture of compassion, responsibility, advocacy, and justice which graduates are inspired to replicate in communities beyond Shenandoah
• a sustainable educational and financial model within a changing educational market

Goals

• Inspire Students Through Transformative Learning
  Shenandoah University will focus on rigorous, innovative programs and engaged student learning.
• Prioritize Student Success
  Complementing transformative learning is Shenandoah University’s unwavering commitment to student success. Shenandoah University will dedicate its time, ideas and resources to provide the highest level of quality in career and graduate school preparation, life preparation and degree completion.
• Build/Create a World Class Learning Environment
  Shenandoah University will aggressively seek to provide facilities, infrastructure and a supportive culture to facilitate and inspire transformative learning and student success.
• Achieve an Adaptive and Sustainable Financial and Educational Model
  Shenandoah University will improve the value equation to the student while increasing the University’s financial viability in a changing educational market (in a changing marketplace).