About Augustana
Augustana is a college of the liberal arts and sciences related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Founded in 1860 by Swedish university graduates who immigrated to the United States, Augustana now has an enrollment of approximately 2,500 men and women and a faculty of more than 250. The campus, located on 115 wooded and rolling acres in Rock Island, Illinois, attracts students from a wide variety of social and ethnic backgrounds.
Mission statement
Augustana College, rooted in the liberal arts and sciences and a Lutheran expression of the Christian faith, is committed to offering a challenging education that develops qualities of mind, spirit and body necessary for a rewarding life of leadership and service in a diverse and changing world.
To accomplish this mission, Augustana sets as its goals:
- To develop in each qualified student the characteristics of liberally educated people through a program of general studies.
- To develop in each student expertise in a major field of study.
- To encourage each student to confront the fundamental religious issues of human life through the academic study of religion and the campus ministry program.
- To supplement students’ formal curricular programs with a full range of opportunities for personal growth through participation in co-curricular activities.
- To encourage the personal and social growth of students through residential life programs and extra-curricular activities.
- To offer its church and community the benefit of its programs and staff within the context of its basic mission as an undergraduate liberal arts college.
Curriculum
Augustana’s curriculum has been carefully developed over the years. Changes have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary, as the success of graduates continues to reflect a strong academic program. The college’s ongoing commitment to the liberal arts is expressed in its general education requirements. Students study a broad range of fields, including research and writing, foreign language and religion, and meet academic requirements in the fine arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Each student must complete study in at least one major field within the humanities, the natural or social sciences, or in one of the pre-professional categories. Finally, athletics are incorporated in the curriculum through courses in physical education.
Teachers and Students
Augustana’s size and environment foster close contact between students and faculty, allowing good working relationships to develop and prosper. Most faculty members are engaged in research, but their primary goal is teaching. All faculty teach students at all levels.
Students also are involved in the operation of the college. They are represented at meetings of the Board of Trustees and on committees which carry on the academic and administrative work of the college.
The Honor Code
In the 2005-06 academic year, Augustana College students — “committed to the ideals of integrity, accountability, fairness and honesty” — researched and drafted an academic Honor Code for Augustana College. Approved by the student body and faculty in May 2006, the Honor Code “sets the foundation and boundaries to ensure academic excellence and stability in an evolving and dynamic world.” The code cites the need for honor and integrity in carrying out the college mission of “offering a challenging education that develops mind, spirit and body,” concluding that “the Honor Code holds each individual accountable to the community of Augustana College.” To view the Honor Code in its entirety, including definitions of and statements on infractions, the Honor Pledge and composition of the Honor Council, go to www.augustana.edu/honorcode.
