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The University

The University of Idaho is the first choice for student success and statewide leadership. We are the premier land-grant research university and the flagship institution in our state. We lead in teaching and engaged student learning in our undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. We excel at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship, and global outreach. Through our growing residential and networked university and strong alumni connections, we develop leaders who will guide Idaho to global economic success, create a sustainable American West, and address our nation's most challenging problems.

As Idaho's land-grant institution, our students, faculty, and staff are engaged in a vast network of powerful partnerships through statewide locations, laboratories, research and extension centers, outreach programs, and a base of loyal alumni worldwide. These resources provide connections to individuals, businesses, and communities that strive to improve the quality of life of all Idaho citizens and secure the economic progress of the world.

We are committed to a student-centered, engaged learning environment. Our unique geography, intimate setting, residential campus, and dedicated faculty provide aspiring leaders with the skills and abilities to challenge themselves and learn by doing.

Our leadership position in research and creative activity presents opportunities to interact and innovate with world-class faculty. Our students gain firsthand experience addressing global challenges, and bring contemporary knowledge and experience into their careers and lives.

Students, faculty, and staff at the University of Idaho are dedicated to advancing a purposeful and just community that respects individuality and provides access and inclusion for all cultures to create a climate that is civil and respectful. Innovative, productive collaborations that foster community and build morale are encouraged.

Over the past five years, the university community has implemented a strategic plan to further the vision and mission of the university. This 2011-2015 Strategic Plan fulfills the promise of a 21st century land-grant institution to lead and inspire Idaho, the nation, and the world. To achieve this, all units will develop strategic actions that advance the overall strategic direction, vision, and values of the institution.

The University of Idaho was created in 1889 by a statute of the 15th territorial legislature. Commonly known as the university charter, that act became part of the state constitution when Idaho was admitted to the Union in 1890.

The university is a publicly supported comprehensive land-grant institution with principal responsibility in Idaho for performing research and granting the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. The liberal arts and sciences, offered through the College of Letters, Arts and Social Science and the College of Science, are the heart of the university's educational programs. The primary areas of statewide responsibility of the university are agriculture, natural resources, and engineering; as well as medical and veterinary medical education, architecture, and law with programs in liberal arts, sciences, education, business and economics, all of which shape the core curriculum and give meaning to the concept of a flagship university.

To assist with its statewide mission, the university maintains resident instruction centers in Coeur d'Alene, Boise, and Idaho Falls, extension offices in 42 of Idaho's 44 counties, research and extension centers in Aberdeen, Caldwell, Dubois, Idaho Falls, Kimberly, Moscow, Parma, Salmon, Sandpoint, Tetonia, and Twin Falls, and field stations at McCall, Point Springs, and the Taylor Ranch in central Idaho. Through its international programs, the university extends its services to many other countries.

Nearly 12,000 students from all states and more than 90 foreign countries choose programs from a vast array of disciplines. Strong undergraduate programs are coupled with nationally recognized research and scholarly achievements. The university has granted more than 100,000 degrees since its founding. Student and research success comes through the efforts of more than 920 faculty members in teaching and research, and 2,200 staff and professional personnel who work at more than 70 locations covering more than 10,000 acres.

In addition, the University Library and the Law Library contain over two million items of books, bound periodicals, microforms, and U.S. government publications. These resources, together with the libraries at Washington State University (eight miles to the west), equal those of major metropolitan areas.

The university is proud of its friendly campus atmosphere and sense of community. The feeling of camaraderie that pervades the campus extends to Moscow, the university's "hometown." It is a thriving community of nearly 24,000 located in the northern part of the state about 90 miles southeast of Spokane, Washington.

Moscow is the gateway to a natural wonderland. The surrounding Palouse hills and the mountains and lakes of northern Idaho provide a scenic background for university facilities. Skiing, boating, and other outdoor recreation resources are available within easy driving distance. They include the Sawtooth and Hells Canyon national recreation areas, Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and scenic rivers such as the Snake, Clearwater, Salmon, Lochsa, and Selway.

The university is a member of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additional approval or accreditation for specific programs has been granted by the following organizations: American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, American Bar Association, American Chemical Society, American Dietetics Association, Association of American Law Schools, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Computer Science Accreditation Commission of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (bachelor's degree in computer science), Council on Rehabilitation Education, National Association of Schools of Art and Design, National Architectural Accrediting Board, American Society of Landscape Architects, National Association of Schools of Music, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, Society of American Foresters, Society for Wood Science and Technology, Society for Range Management, National Association of School Psychologists, the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, National Recreation and Park Association Council on Accreditation, Liaison Committee on Medical Education, National Association for Education of Young Children, and the PGA Professional Golfers Association of America.