University Mission: The mission of San Diego State University is to provide well balanced, high quality education for undergraduate and graduate students, and to contribute to knowledge and the solution of problems through excellence and distinction in teaching, research, and service. (See Senate Policy File, paragraphs 1.0 - 3.6, University Policies, Academics, Mission and Goals)

Academic Vision: San Diego State University seeks to be a nationally renowned university. Consistent with the University's mission and Shared Vision, Academic Affairs will continue its commitment to high quality undergraduate and graduate education and to achieving meaningful student learning outcomes. SDSU will distinguish itself academically through research, scholarship and creative activities; community engagement; and internationalization of programs.

Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities: SDSU will be a major research institution as demonstrated by its extramural funding for research and the publication record and national reputation of its faculty. Further, SDSU will strive to be a national leader in the creative and performing arts based on the professional activities of the faculty in those programs.

Community Engagement: SDSU will be actively engaged in assisting the community to resolve its most pressing problems through carefully framed and clearly delimited long-term strategic partnerships. These partnerships should significantly improve institutional or organizational performance through the implementation of research-based practice and the publication of research that is widely disseminated and generates significant influence nationally on future professional practice and academic discourse.

Internationalization of Programs: SDSU will continue to expand the international dimensions of all aspects of learning experiences within the University, including student and faculty exchanges, curricular development, and research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

2003 Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award
Provost Nancy Marlin was recognized for the work she has done to integrate international activities into almost all facets of university life at SDSU.

"I profoundly believe there is nothing more powerful we can do educationally for our students than get them abroad." Nancy Marlin

Institute of International Education's Open Doors 2003
SDSU ranks third in the nation for students studying abroad among doctoral institutions. The ranking is based on the total number of students who studied abroad during the 2001-2002 academic year - 799 students studied abroad.