The Institute for Academic Outreach is an office dedicated to the promotion of engaging learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional academic opportunities at Truman State University. The programs offered through the Institute serve learners from a variety of walks of life: pre-college learners, adult learners seeking professional development and continuing education, and lifelong learners looking for personal enrichment.

The Institute for Academic Outreach was conceived in early 2009 as an initiative to address a range of University needs, including the development of programs and partnerships to generate revenue and support Truman’s mission. These initiatives include developing mutually beneficial partnerships, expanding Truman’s reach to students residing in off-site locations such as St. Louis and Kansas City, developing new on-campus programs to bolster recruitment efforts, and fostering and supporting new modes of course delivery.

Formally opening its doors on August 1, 2009, the Institute presently oversees graduate certificates, several of the University’s professional development course offerings; summer academies and institutes; conferences; enrichment programs for children, college students, and adults; concurrent enrollment programming for high school students, and the Del and Norma Robison Planetarium.

Mission

The Institute for Academic Outreach seeks to provide support for the broader mission of Truman State University.  To respond to a changing economic and public educational climate in the United States, the Institute aims to:

1. provide access to a quality liberal arts and sciences experience for a diverse population of highly motivated and qualified students including those not served by the traditional residential, 4-year educational model;
2. build and grow relationships between the University and community partners locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, that enhance the public profile of the University and support community institutions and needs;
3. generate sustainable monetary and infrastructure resources that enhance the services provided to students, faculty, and staff, as well as community partners;
4. serve as a flexible incubator for creativity and innovation in the promotion of student and faculty learning and scholarship.