Public Higher Education System Mission Statement

The public college and university system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts comprises fifteen community colleges, nine state colleges and the five campuses of the University of Massachusetts. The system exists to provide accessible, affordable, relevant and rigorous academic programs that adapt to meet changing individual and societal needs for education and employment. All campuses are committed to operating effectively and efficiently in order to maintain tuition and fees at a level as low as possible, while providing a high-quality education to every student who qualifies for admission. The public system is committed to continuous improvement and accountability in all aspects of teaching and learning. The Board of Higher Education and institutional boards of trustees recognize their responsibilities to the taxpayers and residents of Massachusetts in the performance of their roles and responsibilities. Massachusetts public higher education is a system with a distinguished past, increasing pride and unlimited potential.

There are six comprehensive state colleges - Bridgewater State College, Fitchburg State College, Framingham State College, Salem State College, Westfield State College and Worcester State College - and three specialized colleges - Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Massachusetts Maritime Academy. All colleges integrate liberal arts and sciences programs with professional education, and the three specialized colleges also focus on academic areas identified in the college's name.

Each college places a special emphasis on teaching and lifelong learning, and promotes a campus life that fosters intellectual, social and ethical development. Committed to excellence in instruction and to providing responsive, innovative and educational programs of high quality, they seek to develop each student's critical thinking, quantitative, oral and written communications skills, and practical appreciation of the arts, sciences and humanities as they affect good citizenship and an improved quality of life. The state colleges provide a campus environment where the ideas, values, perspectives and contributions of all students are respected.

Massachusetts state colleges are strategically located to facilitate access to baccalaureate and master's degree programs for Commonwealth residents who meet their high standards for admission. In recognition of their responsibilities to Massachusetts taxpayers to manage their resources efficiently and to maintain tuition and fees at a level as low as possible, each college has a distinctive academic focus based upon it established strengths and regional and state needs. Each college is a leader and resource for the community and contributes to the region's cultural, environmental and economic development.

Framingham State College was founded by Horace Mann in 1839 as the first state-supported school in the United States for the training of teachers. Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, a community 20 miles west of Boston, the College assists in fulfilling the workforce needs of the rapidly growing high technology and service region known as MetroWest.

1. Teacher Education and Preparation - with programs to prepare teachers at all levels of K-12 education.

2. Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Technology - unique within the state colleges of Massachusetts.

3. Advanced Technology - integrating computer-assisted technology into the curriculum, teaching and faculty development.

Framingham State College draws the majority of its students from within a 50-mile radius of Framingham. Traditional college-age students, as well as older and other non-traditional students seeking higher education on either a full- or part-time basis, are served and are accorded opportunities to participate in campus life through a variety of co-curricular programs and activities.