I n d ep en d en t
Issue no.
S t u d e nt
V o ic e
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B o is e
S tat e
Sin ce
1933
52
March
2012
Volume 24
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Boise, Idaho
Top Stories
Foam fighter
Belagarth storms Julia Davis Park every Wednesday to battle.
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First issue free
Mission Statement changes BSU offering providing
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Spring Break
the university
31 Whether going away or staying here, we got tips for you.
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Slacking
Want a great workout while having fun? Try being a slacker.
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Weather Today
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Mallory Barker Journalist
Earlier this month, the Board of Higher Education reviewed the mission statements of Idaho universities, which resulted in good news for Boise State, as the University of Idaho changed its language, validating BSU as a more legitimate university. The University of Idaho’s proposed mission statement referred to itself as, “the state’s flagship and land-grant research university.” The board did not approve of the word “flagship” and required that it be taken out of the statement, in spite of university President Duane Nellis’ insistence that the removal could have “negative connotations” for the university. University of Idaho’s mission statement had never before included “flagship.” Board Vice President Ken Edmunds said he was sorry the change “is being interpreted that way.” He said the board was attempting to create a statewide system that could compete with other states throughout the nation. Boise State took the revisions in stride, whereas University of Idaho felt slighted by the board’s decision. Boise State Provost Martin Schimpf, Ph.D., said he believes the board made these edits in order to “avoid elitist language.” “I’ve seen a steady progression of improvement in the credentials of the students and faculty that are entering our university,” Schimpf said. “Clearly University of Idaho is a quality institution, but over the 20 years, we have risen into those considerate ranks. ... I think it’s about recognizing that there are three universities (in Idaho) with three different missions and the mission of a metropolitan university like Boise State is different than the ‘landgrant’ university like University of Idaho, but still every bit as important.” Boise State’s proposed statement referred to itself as, “providing leadership in academics, research and civic engagement.” The Board required Boise State to remove the word “leadership” from its mission statement. Boise State’s mission statement now says it provides “an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees and experiences that foster student success, lifelong learning, community engagement, innovation and creativity.” Chris Radford, freshman chemistry major, stated that he was proud of Boise States’ efforts in improving academic programs and its attempts to become a nationally more prestigious university and believes that Boise State has succeeded in that endeavor. Boise State has grown in the last 20 years. Enrollment has reached 19,664 in 2011, up from 17,600 in 2002. University of Idaho has shrunk in those years by about 100 to12,312. Boise State is now not only a contender to the Vandals athletically, but academically as well.
Boise State University is a public, metropolitan research university offering an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees and experiences that foster student success, lifelong learning, community engagement, innovation and creativity. Research and creative activity advance new knowledge and benefit students, the community, the state and the nation. As an integral part of its metropolitan environment, the university is engaged in professional and continuing education programming, policy issues, and promoting the regions economic vitality and cultural enrichment.
U of I flagship and
The University of Idaho is the state’s land-grant research university. From this distinctive origin and identity comes our commitment to enhance the scientific, economic, social, legal, and cultural assets of our state, and to develop solutions for complex problems facing society. We deliver on this commitment through focused excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and engagement in a collaborative environment at our residential main campus, regional centers, extension offices, and research facilities throughout the state. Consistent with the land-grant ideal, our outreach activities serve the state at the same time they strengthen our teaching and scholarly and creative capacities. Bryan Talbot/THE ARBITER
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The inaugural Treefort Music Fest kicks off tonight at 6 p.m. and runs through Sunday. Be sure to check out The Arbiter’s coverage of the four days of music in the Monday, April 2 issue. Visit TreefortMusicFest.com for a full schedule.
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