March 18, 2016 Consolidation FAQs

Why isn’t “HBCU” in the mission?

HBCU is at the heart of ASU’s history and always will be. It is a significant part of our guiding principles and history, as is Darton’s history as an access institution. The new ASU will seek to serve an even more diverse population built upon the missions of both institutions.

Who created the mission statement for the new ASU?

The Consolidation Implementation Committee (CIC) worked with President Dunning and Interim President Carvajal to ensure that the mission statement defined and described a clear and distinctive purpose for the new ASU.

Can students have a greater voice in the consolidation process?

Yes. In the near future, a student advisory committee will be established to expand the opportunities for students to have a greater voice in the consolidation process.Currently, students are represented on the CIC by their respective SGA president. To ensure your voice is being heard on the CIC, students should ask questions and/or voice concerns to their respective SGA representative.

Why does the new mission statement not include the HBCU designation?

The CIC benchmarked the new mission statement against the mission statements of the country’s top HBCUs. The commitment to educating African Americans and other underrepresented students remains at the forefront in planning the new ASU. The CIC, ever mindful of the HBCU designation, collectively decided to further expound upon that commitment in its other foundational documents such as the history and guiding principles.

Can the “HBCU mission” be added to the new mission statement?

The mission statement can be amended with the approval of the Board of Regents.

Is Albany State University still an HBCU?

Yes, Albany State University is still an HBCU; not having “HBCU” in the mission statement does not change the HBCU designation.

Does the elimination of the HBCU designation from the mission negatively impact federal funding?

The HBCU designation for ASU has not been eliminated. Albany State University is still an HBCU and remains eligible for federal funding associated and appropriated for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.