Mission, Values & Accreditation

Vision & Purpose

Baker University is a premier private university with a tradition of academic excellence and student engagement in a respectful, inviting and values-based learning community. The faculty provides creative, student-focused learning experiences challenging students to analyze issues with depth and clarity. Students fully engage in their learning; connect with peers, faculty and staff; and develop lifelong relationships with diverse groups of people. Graduates realize their potential to become confident, competent contributors to society.

Mission

Baker University is committed to assuring student learning, and developing confident, competent and responsible contributors to society.

Values

In the tradition of our United Methodist heritage, Baker University values:

• Student learning and academic excellence. We provide quality learning environments promoting intellectual, professional and personal development resulting in lifelong learning.
• Critical thinking, inquiry and freedom of expression. We challenge all participants to think critically using open inquiry and freedom of expression.
• Integrating learning with faith and values. We expect all participants to be open to questions of faith and values as part of intellectual inquiry in the United Methodist tradition. In particular, we expect personal and professional responsibility that is based on high standards of ethical conduct.
• Connections. We promote a community of belonging and Baker family connections, which result in lifelong associations.Inclusiveness. We embrace diversity of community, thought and expression.
• Service to the community. We address the civic, social, health and environmental needs of our global community.

Accreditation

Baker University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for degree programs in arts, sciences and professional curricula at the associate, bachelor, master and doctorate levels. Its accreditation has been continuous since first granted in 1913 and was most recently renewed in 2002.

Baker University is also accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and is a member of and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.

The School of Education is preparing for a continuing accreditation site visit by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Kansas State Department of Education and seeks public feedback on the quality of the preparation programs.

The Baker School of Nursing program is accredited by the and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

The majors of accounting, business, and international business offered at the College of Arts and Sciences in Baldwin City are fully accredited at the national level by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The ACBSP accreditation is limited to degree programs offered on the Baldwin City campus.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Music Education programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Baker University is a member of numerous professional organizations in higher education including: the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Kansas Independent College Association and others.