Ø encourages teaching innovation and adaptation

Ø encourages participatory student learning

Ø provides a supportive educational climate that actively and positively

Ø addresses intellectual and cultural diversity, and

Ø responds affirmatively to the needs of its students

USC Lancaster works to help its pre-baccalaureate students attain skills and attributes in the areas of communication, critical thinking, cultural literacy, and personal development. Students in the two-year occupational programs focus on those areas most appropriate to their professional education program.
 
Communication Skills

USC Lancaster helps its students read effectively and attain a basic familiarity with the basic texts of Western and other cultures. In the area of writing skills, USC Lancaster students work to develop the ability to write effectively for both academic and professional audiences. In addition, USC Lancaster helps its students learn to listen critically and speak effectively before a group.

Critical Thinking

USC Lancaster helps its students acquire analytical reasoning abilities and exercise informed value judgments. USC Lancaster students also work to develop mathematical and/ or computational skills.

Cultural Literacy

USC Lancaster strives to give its students an understanding of the history and culture of Western civilization as well as provide some exposure to other cultures. USC Lancaster also recognizes the centrality of science and technology to modern culture; therefore, USC Lancaster students also are offered opportunities to increase their understanding and familiarity in these crucial subject areas.

Student Development

USC Lancaster supports the intellectual, personal, physical, and social development of students, in recognition of the critical interdependency of all these areas. By providing opportunities for productive interaction with students, faculty, and staff, USC Lancaster helps students develop a spirit of curiosity, integrity, and confidence in planning and pursuing academic, career, and personal goals.