Core Themes
The Mission Statement, Vision 2018 Vision Statement, and Enduring Commitments have informed the following four Core Themes:
Core Theme One: Embodying Faith
Strategic Plan Goals and Strategies: Faithful 1, 3, 4, and 5
The objectives for this core theme aim to ensure and promote understanding of the Catholic teachings and traditions to create opportunities that engage conversations around faith, providing opportunities for the community to enrich and share their spiritual lives, and to encourage active engagement in service.
Core Theme Two: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship
Strategic Plan Goals and Strategies: Strengthen Academic and Co-curricular programs 1, 4, and 5; Enhance Campus Life 6
The objectives of this core theme are to demonstrate the achievement of student learning outcomes that foster the dual goal of vocation and enlightenment as stated in the Carroll College mission. The objectives also reflect the college’s desire to support experiential learning opportunities for students; to support faculty who are actively engaged in teaching, scholarship, and learning; and to ensure that programs, where applicable, seek the highest standards of quality through professional accreditation.
Core Theme Three: Vibrant Campus Community
Strategic Plan Goals and Strategies: Strengthen Academic and Co-curricular programs 1; Enhance Campus Life 1 and 3
The objectives of this core theme promote student participation and learning throughout the co-curricular experience by connecting learning in and out of the classroom, helping students develop an appreciation for health and wellness, and encouraging participation in activities that develop skills to achieve career goals. These objectives reflect the latest research on student interest, learning, and retention in higher education.
Core Theme Four: Engaged Locally and Globally
Strategic Plan Goals and Strategies: Local 1-4; Global 2 and 4
The college seeks and promotes global engagement through internationalizing the curriculum, education abroad, faculty exchange programs, international internships, and international community service. The Artaza Center for Excellence in Global Education coordinates international experience efforts, including education abroad programs and the invitation of international students and visitors. Interdisciplinary programs such as Gender Studies and Latin American Studies facilitate student and faculty appreciation of cultural commonalities and differences. The Global Diversity requirement of the Core curriculum provides an opportunity for all students to experience cultures different from their own.
Carroll College defines mission fulfillment more specifically as demonstrating an acceptable performance on outcomes/thresholds for the four vision statements and four enduring commitments.