The Mission

The Mission of York College of Pennsylvania

To make available, at the baccalaureate and associate degree levels, high quality academic programs, which include general education components appropriate for the program’s degree level and which cover a broad range of majors in professional and career fields as well as the arts and sciences.
To offer carefully selected master’s, doctoral, and other graduate degree programs which reflect the enrollment emphases of the undergraduate curriculum and the professional development needs of the region.
To create a teaching and learning environment characterized by individual attention to students, high quality classroom instruction, thoughtful application of relevant technology, encouragement of life-long learning, attention to critical thinking skills, and strict adherence to principles of academic honesty.
To provide York College’s educational programs with a superior degree of efficiency, in order to maintain the lowest feasible costs for students.
To attract applications from students from a variety of social, economic and geographic backgrounds, playing a special role in addressing the higher education aspirations of the people of York County.
To enroll principally students whose academic preparation places them in the broad middle to above average range of applicants for their intended degree programs, while remaining open to accepting some students who have demonstrated the capacity and motivation to succeed, even though they have not yet fully achieved their academic potential.
To provide educational opportunities for traditional-age, adult, full-time, and part-time students.
To facilitate the holistic development of students who devote full-time to their collegiate experience through their active participation in campus life.
To build and sustain a stimulating campus community that engages student interest and involvement in cultural, spiritual, sports, and recreational programs.
To provide appropriate enrichment activities for part-time and adult learners.
To place at the service of the community to the extent feasible the College’s human and cultural resources and educational facilities.

The Mission for Student and Campus Life

The College strives to have a campus climate that sets a positive tone for learning and for healthy interaction, formally and informally, among College community members. In all aspects of academic and student life, College personnel strive to create an environment in which all persons interact harmoniously, demonstrating respect for the rights of others and commitment to academic freedom of conscience.
The College assists students who commit their full-time to higher education to develop intellectually, physically, socially, spiritually, culturally, and professionally and, to that end, provides a comprehensive program of extra-curricular activities. Part-time learners are provided with appropriate enrichment opportunities.
The academic affairs and student affairs components of the College collaborate to foster student participation in activities that support appreciation of diversity, growth in cultural understanding, improvement in skills for constructive human interaction, and commitment to personal fitness.

Inclusivity statement

York College of Pennsylvania aims to provide access to high-quality education. To reach our mission, we value bringing different voices together to share their strengths. In this diverse environment, when we create a sense of belonging and equity, we enrich the learning experience and better serve our local and global communities.

As such, York College:

Welcomes and recognizes diversity in all of its forms and expressions.
Encourages civil conversations across our campus to promote understanding.
Stands up against prejudice and injustice in our college community.
Advocates for the well-being and dignity of our community members.
Enables marginalized identities to be their authentic selves.