The Colorado State University System

Facts

• Three campuses: CSU in Fort Collins, CSU-Pueblo and CSU-Global Campus
• 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: nearly $315 million
• Operating budget: $870 million

History

The Colorado State University System is comprised of three-campuses with very distinct roles and missions. Its flagship, CSU in Fort Collins, was founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, six years before the Colorado Territory became a state.

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 significant population currently underserved – access to a quality public education with the goal of earning a degree.

Mission, Vision, Values

Adopted by the Board of Governors in May 2010.

Vision

The Colorado State University System will create the financial sustainability to fulfill its mission, while expanding its statewide presence and creating opportunities for building a stronger future for Colorado.

Mission

The Colorado State University System exists to support, enhance, and protect the unique missions of its constituent institutions and to encourage collaboration that benefits students and Colorado.

Values

We embrace these values as we fulfill Our Commitment to Building a Stronger Colorado:

• An entrepreneurial attitude, while consistently demonstrating fiscal responsibility and resourcefulness.
• A passion for excellence and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• A willingness to collaborate and work with others in an environment of respect and trust.
• A commitment to open communication, ethical conduct and full accountability.
• A loyalty to the mission, with a specific emphasis on meeting student needs.
• An appreciation for diversity and inclusiveness.

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.