SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Sandra Gangstead, Dean
Cheryl Kish, Associate Dean

MISSION

The mission of the School of Health Sciences is to provide undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines that emphasize health education, promotion, maintenance, and restoration. Liberal arts constructs permeate the health science curricula thereby enhancing an understanding of the diverse, changing and complex health needs and values of society. The School of Health Sciences encourages the University community to embrace the concept of health as multidimensional and to respect and understand the unique role holistic health plays in the quality of individual and community life. Holistic health is viewed as an integrated method of functioning, which incorporates the physical, psychological, spiritual, cognitive and sociocultural well being of an individual or community. Optimal health is oriented toward maximizing the potential for which an individual or community is capable. The School of Health Sciences is committed to contributing to the optimal health of those who live and work in the University environment and to community partnerships that strive to insure health. By engaging in the University's liberal arts experience, School of Health Science graduates attain intellectual integrity, appreciation of diversity and commitment to the best for self, family, society and the world. Students emerge with a world view that promotes leadership, initiative, accountability, stewardship, ethical respect for self and others, and the ability to effect change in a dynamic society.

All programs within the School of Health Sciences require students to apply for acceptance into a specific major. Deadlines and specific guidelines for individual majors follow in each major program's overview.

Many agencies where clinical and practical experiences take place require students to undergo a criminal background check and urine drug screens. Students desiring to enter a School of Health Sciences' major should consider these requirements. Agencies may refuse any student based on a criminal background check incompatible with agency guidelines. Refusal of an agency to accept a student may delay or prevent a student from completing a program. Professional licensing boards may also refuse to license individuals who have committed certain criminal acts.