Mission Statement
Kinesiology is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the study of complex interactions among physiological, biomechanical, psychological, sociological, and developmental aspects of human movement in health and wellness. The mission of the Kinesiology Department is to advance and apply knowledge through teaching, research, applied student experience, and service programs that promote lifelong physical health and wellbeing in our community.
Vision Statement
The Department of Kinesiology seeks to be a highly regarded undergraduate program in the CSU system through innovative practices in teaching, research, and service to the community. The Department of Kinesiology realizes this vision through:
- Building a practice of identifying and utilizing the latest developments in teaching and research in the field of kinesiology;
- Integrating experiential learning throughout the curriculum, ensuring students have multiple hands-on experiences;
- Developing quality research laboratories with state of the art equipment that supports student and faculty research, presentation and publication;
- Graduating students equipped with the skills and knowledge to successfully pursue the next stage in their development as lifelong learners who will contribute to kinesiology as leaders, scientists, educators, and professionals;
- Engaging community partners in response to local and regional needs.Program alignment with university vision, values, and outcomes
Our department mission and vision reflect the university’s through the lens of scientific inquiry in human health and wellness (see above). We have demonstrated our commitment to achieving the university’s vision of excellence in undergraduate education by increasing faculty/student research, refocusing our curriculum and program, and emphasizing teaching effectiveness.
Serving regional and state needs. The department serves students in the Sonoma State service area and admits California students from beyond the area as space permits. We serve regional health industry needs by providing trained students to serve as interns and employees. Many of our graduates remain in the region to build their careers in kinesiology. The department also provides service to the community through SHIP internships for local high school students, 3-WINS community health program, health testing for low-income families, the Cycle Without Limits program for children with special needs, and other outreach programs.
Program goals and learning outcomes. Our program goals are expressed in the department vision, which we revised and ratified in November 2017. In Fall 2017, we also reviewed and revised the student learning outcomes for kinesiology.
SSU Kinesiology Program Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcome # 1
Our graduates have knowledge of the history and broad content within the disciplines of kinesiology and can demonstrate the ability to synthesize concepts across disciplines.
Learning Outcome # 2
Our graduates demonstrate proficiency in the Core Competencies across the subareas of kinesiology through their academic work and practical application. (WSCUC Core Competencies: written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and information literacy)
Learning Outcome # 3
Our graduates can apply concepts, theories, and methods in kinesiology in professional and scholarly activities.
Learning Outcome # 4
Our graduates can apply evidence-based practices to the practice of kinesiology.
Learning Outcome # 5
Our graduates demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical decision-making when applying knowledge of kinesiology.