Mission Statement
"Preparing students from around the world to serve in the world"

IU’s goal is to foster an effective academic program and a supportive environment for the development of the student’s maximum potential. To achieve its mission, The International University concentrates its preparation in the following areas:

  • Academic learning/research
  • Professional training
  • Social preparation on the local and international levels
  • Spiritual awareness

Academic learning/research: The International University stresses academic excellence. Its programs emphasize the importance of thinking clearly and analytically, and exercising critical judgment. The curricula have been carefully designed to enable students to acquire breadth of knowledge and depth of understanding — emphasizing learning which is relevant to daily life and provides the foundation for successful living.

The administration and faculty of IU are committed both to excellent classroom teaching and to sound scholarship. Faculty members participate in international meetings, present papers, publish in trade journals, and conduct the necessary research for involvement in these scholarly activities.

Professional training: IU provides excellent training to allow students the opportunity to develop necessary practical skills as they pursue goals consistent with individual career plans and interests.

IU believes that cognitive knowledge only about Business Administration, Diplomatic and Strategic Studies, or Liberal Arts, on either the undergraduate or graduate level severely handicaps the student’s ability to compete in his/her career. Therefore, an important foundation for IU’s professional training is its relevance to real-world situations.

In order to assure a strong professional aspect of the curriculum, IU selects textbooks with a global perspective, utilizes case studies and simulations, invites politicians and business leaders to consult with students, and selects faculty which bring both academic and hands-on knowledge to their classes. 

Time and again throughout their study program, IU students act as decision makers, analysts, financial forecasters, and global leaders.

Social preparation: Learning at IU promotes self-knowledge along with knowledge of other cultures, peoples, and belief systems. IU’s classrooms are a melting pot of differing views on the issues being discussed. Each student is encouraged to share his perspectives and contribute to a global community. The community environment is judged to be an integral part of a person's learning experience.

IU’s classrooms and campus activities provide an integral form of social preparation. The administration fosters equal treatment for all, despite ethnic background or socio-economic level. The students learn the concepts of tolerance and acceptance modelled by the faculty and administration, which has led to strong friendships among students who would be enemies in their home countries. IU provides opportunities for its students to engage in cultural, diplomatic and economic functions in Vienna and encourages German-language learning (and provides language classes).

Furthermore, IU’s mission includes the development of a social consciousness among its students. Graduates are expected to contribute to the betterment of society wherever they may live and work. They are expected to understand that their decisions have consequences on the present and the future, themselves and others, and also upon the environment and eco-systems of our world.

IU provides exchange and study-abroad opportunities for its students and is a regular host for study-abroad students from other nations.

Spiritual Awareness: While being exposed to many religious beliefs as an IU student, the student also comes to understand the important role of Christianity in the art, music, history, and politics of the Western world.

Christian values are emphasized, which include: ethical and honest behavior, ethical business practices, acceptance of others, a world view emphasizing helping the less fortunate, philanthropy, contributing to peace and conflict resolution, and protecting one’s health and mental acuteness, as well as the environment.

The graduate leaves having been exposed to a system of values vital to a rich personal life and to coping with the complexities of modern society.

A degree from The International University is an important academic achievement, signifying that the graduate has undergone a rigorous academic education.

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

  • Speak, write and communicate effectively in English, as a result of clear thinking and extensive reading, writing, interaction and observation.
  • Understand the importance of evaluative thinking, statistical analysis, and possess the skills to research, report and compose scientific presentations based on a hypothesis and under girded by proper citations and bibliographic entries.
  • Engage in meaningful and productive careers and/or pursue additional education.
  • Be responsible stewards of their personal resources and own human resources.
  • Base their lives on their own carefully thought-out philosophy of life, which includes respect and concern for others.
Broad-Based Institutional Goals
It is felt that the mission can be best achieved by viewing the goals as institutional goals in addition to departmental goals. Seven (7) strategic goals are formulated to fulfill IU's mission.

Goal 1: The International University will consistently improve its academic program to meet the needs of students and employers
 
Goal 2: The International University will continuously seek enrichment of the teaching and learning experience of its students

Goal 3: The International University will train students in the importance of ethics and the skills required for making ethical decisions

Goal 4: The International University will attempt to maintain steady enrollment growth and to enhance retention

Goal 5: The International University will continually seek to broaden its network in business and diplomacy to further assure employability of graduates

Goal 6: The International University will seek to expand its role in providing a forum for global awareness for its constituents through its academic programs and other activities

Goal 7: The International University will foster the professional development and research activities of its faculty to contribute to its stakeholders and enhance its scholarly reputation
Student Learning Outcomes
IU is committed to the student learning outcomes specified below:

Learning Outcome 1a -- Business Unit: Students should possess a thorough knowledge of the following functional areas of business and the skills necessary to succeed in them:
     Accounting
     Economics
     Finance
     Information Systems
     International issues
     Legal and social environment
     Management
     Marketing
     Quantitative Business Analysis

Learning Outcome 1b -- Diplomacy Unit: Students should possess a thorough knowledge of the following functional areas of diplomacy and the skills necessary to succeed in them:
     Economics
     International issues
     International law and human rights
     International Organizations, European Union
     International relations theory
     Legal and social environment
     Management
     Marketing and PR
     Political thought
     Political parties and governments 

Learning Outcome 2a -- Business Unit: Students should be able to communicate effectively in a business context

Learning Outcome 2b -- Diplomacy Unit: Students should be able to communicate effectively in a diplomatic context

Learning Outcome 3: Students should understand diversity and cultural differences and function in a multicultural environment

Learning Outcome 4: Students should be prepared to apply principles of ethical decision making in the workplace

Learning Outcome 5: Students should possess the skills to carry out academic research in the field of business administration or diplomacy
© Copyright The International University 2010