AFS encourages and will sustain practical experiences in compliance with the institution's Land Grant tradition. The integration of these concepts strengthens the University's core value of public service.
The University has no required courses and offers no degree in African, African American or African diasporic studies.⁸ Kentucky State University students graduate from an HBCU without significant or meaningful academic engagement in the issues of African, African American or other African diasporic people. There is a deficient knowledge base about this experience. There is significant interest in these issues as indicated by the Africana Studies Student Survey. KSU graduates who wish to pursue such courses of study are denied entrance to area graduate programs because they lack the prerequisite undergraduate coursework. The Africana Studies degree program is intended to fill this void with a unique approach that encompasses the diverse identities and experiences of black people. The implementation of Africana Studies is critical to the fulfillment of the University's legacy, mission and stewardship of place. The program is consistent with the University's Strategic and Quality Enhancement Plans.
The KSU Campus Action Plan, in its statement of Mission Parameters, notes the University's offering of a "strong liberal arts and sciences undergraduate core preparing students to live and work in a global society" and that the University "emphasizes distinctive educational experiences geared to the specific needs and interests of students including service learning, international education, opportunities for discovery-based learning, and other special programs."9
As indicated by the findings of the Africana Studies Student Survey, there is significant student interest in study abroad courses. Study abroad and international research projects comply with KSU's Strategic Plan which explicitly states the objective of "Preparing Students for Global Citizenship through its General Education/Core Curriculum".10 "Expanding global studies academic programs" is part of the President's vision.11 KSU faculty and staff are charged by the Office of Academic Affairs to "prepare leaders committed to opportunities for expression and participation in the life of the University, the Commonwealth, the nation and the world."12 The Office of Student Affairs is "committed to developing students who possess the competencies and skills "...to compete in and contribute to a complex, global economy."13
8The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers a minor in African American Studies. Created in 1972, according to KSU's Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness the Division has graduated one student with the minor.
9 See KSU 2005-2010 Campus Action Plan, p.1 (excerpted from BA in Spanish degree proposal).
10 Excerpt from Office of Global Education's mission statement.
11 Dr. Mary Evans Sias, From the President's Desk, May 9, 2008
Excerpt from the Office of Academic Affairs' mission statement.
13 Excerpt from the Office of Office of Student Affairs' mission statement.
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