Mission Statement

Columbia Southern UniversityThe mission of Columbia Southern University is to change lives through education by offering affordable, flexible, quality academic opportunities and extraordinary service, enabling adults to maximize their professional and personal potential, and serve the communities in which they live and work.

Vision

The vision of Columbia Southern University is to meet the educational needs of adult learners in a way that is unmatched in higher education.

To achieve this vision:

Quality and Flexibility
Columbia Southern will offer a broad range of quality online academic programs delivered in an innovative flexible format at an affordable tuition rate.

Extraordinary Service
The University faculty and staff will focus on offering an extraordinary level of personal service that is student-centered and consistent from admission to post-graduation.

Changing Lives
The University will offer these programs and services on a grand scale while providing a positive experience that impacts the lives of students.

Core Values

The CSU mission rests on the commitment to and achievement of the following core values:

  • Excellence in teaching, academic programs, and in the quality of its graduates;
  • Focus on successful and affordable student-centered online instruction and learning;
  • Accessibility, flexibility and the use of appropriate technology in the delivery of its online programs and services;
  • Encouragement of scholarly pursuit and creative endeavors of students, faculty and university staff;
  • Responsive, helpful student support and enrollment services geared toward student retention;
  • Integrity, fairness, tolerance and professionalism in all operations which support our mission;
  • Collaboration with business, industry, the community and government in creating affordable and accessible learning opportunities for employees;
  • Receptivity and respect for a diversity of cultures, ideas, experiences and peoples in all areas of the university;
  • Access to constituencies with special needs including members of the armed services and public service employees, law enforcement, fire and public safety individuals;
  • A professional outlook that values innovation, ongoing self-assessment, creative thinking and a willingness to lead positive educational change;
  • Provide staff and faculty with a stable and enjoyable work environment through a family culture of caring, respect, and open communication.