The Colorado State University System
Facts
- Student headcount: 30,383
- Resident/non-resident: 24,919/5464
- Undergraduate/graduate: 25,613/4230
- Professional: 527
- Annual graduates: 7,300
- Alumni: 198,000
- Employees: 6,825 (faculty: 1783 and staff: 5041)
- External research fund expenditures: $311 million
- Operating budget: $872 million
History
The Colorado State University System is comprised of three-campuses with very distinct roles and missions. Its flagship, CSU Fort Collins, was founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, six years before the Colorado Territory became a state.
Colorado State University's first main building, Old Main, was built in 1878.
The school first opened its doors to students in 1879 with President Elijah Edwards and two faculty members. From these humble origins, a world- class university grew.
On July 1, 1985, the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System (then the State Board of Agriculture) created a higher education system incorporating Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Lewis College, and the University of Southern Colorado. The board designed the new Colorado State University System (CSUS) to assist the institutions in accomplishing their objectives and to provide staff support to the board.
In 2002 Fort Lewis became a separate entity reducing the CSU System to two institutions, Colorado State University and the University of Southern Colorado. By statute enacted in 2002, the latter institution’s name was changed to Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo), effective July 1, 2003.
In 2007, the Board supported the creation of a new online university, CSU-Global Campus. The new entity provides non-traditional students – a signifi cant population currently underserved – access to a quality public education with the goal of earning a degree.
Mission, Vision, Values
The Colorado State University System is committed to excellence and setting the standard for public higher education in teaching, research and service.
Adopted by the Board of Governors in April 2005.
Vision
The Colorado State University System will be the premier system of public higher education in the nation.
Mission
The Colorado State University System is committed to excellence, setting the standard for public higher education in teaching, research and service for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States and the world.
Values
Be accountable
Promote civic responsibility
Employ a customer focus
Promote freedom of expression
Demonstrate inclusiveness and diversity
Encourage and reward innovation
Act with integrity and mutual respect
Provide opportunity and access
Support excellence in teaching and research
University Missions
Colorado State University
Inspired by its land-grant heritage, CSU is committed to excellence, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States and the world.
Colorado State University-Pueblo
CSU-Pueblo is committed to excellence, setting the standard for regional comprehensive universities in teaching, research and service by providing leadership and access for its region while maintaining its commitment to diversity.
Colorado State University-Global Campus
CSU-Global Campus is committed to advancing student success in a global society, investing in human capital, expanding the state economy, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the state of Colorado and beyond by providing access to dynamic degree programs characterized by academic excellence, innovative delivery technologies, and strong stakeholder engagement.