AREAS OF DISTINCTION at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University will excel as a caring community of lifelong learners connecting with the world.

Introduction.  Slippery Rock University recommends endorsement of six programmatic Areas of Distinction.  They are:

Communication and Information Technology
Environmental Sciences and Studies
Fine and Performing Arts
Health, Wellness, and Recreation
Teacher Education
The World as Community

The six Areas of Distinction are program clusters that meet criteria suggested by the State System of Higher Education.  Each Area of Distinction is connected significantly to the university’s mission and is linked to the university’s vision of the future.  Each Area of Distinction is a programmatic area in which the demand for qualified, educated personnel is strong and student enrollment is healthy.  Each Area of Distinction has distinguishing features and has achieved significant recognition that contributes to the image of the university and the State System of Higher Education.  Finally, the proposed Areas of Distinction lend themselves to attaining external support that will contribute to their growth and to the further development of the university.

Each Area of Distinction is grounded in and linked inexorably to the Liberal Studies program at the university.  The connections between the Areas of Distinction and Liberal Studies foster the development of students who will be lifelong learners who can affect the conduct of private and public affairs.  Unquestionably, the university will continue to be recognized as a distinguished teacher preparation university.  Nonetheless, the Areas of Distinction comprise programs that prepare students for occupations and professions.  Current projections for the American workforce from 1998 to 2008 show a 14% increase in total employment.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health/business/social services, engineering and management, and related services are expected to account for almost one of every two non-farm wage and salary jobs added to the economy.  In Pennsylvania, according to the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, total non-farm jobs from 1998 to 2008 will increase by 521,110 jobs or 9.48%.  In the tri-county workforce investment area, which includes Butler, Armstrong and Indiana counties, total non-farm jobs will increase by 10,400 jobs or 9.33%.  The programmatic emphases of the Areas of Distinction address these needs.