Our Mission

Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) at Colorado State University is the academic unit designated to promote the land-grant mission of fostering the accessibility and application of university knowledge “in the several pursuits and professions in life” for the people and communities of Colorado and beyond. Engaged scholarship and extended learning complement and reinforce the research, teaching, service, and extension missions of CSU.

Engaged scholarship of research, teaching, and service: CSU Extension is a collaborative
space for faculty and students pursuing and promoting community-based research,
service-learning, industry partnerships, and other forms of the scholarship of
engagement. Extension faculty and students work throughout the state of Colorado to
engage individuals and communities in the design, implementation, and application of
scholarship and educational opportunities. Faculty enjoy freedom to build partnerships
and provide responsive service to the emerging and identified needs of local
communities.

Extension education, products, and services: The purpose of CSU Extension is “to
empower Coloradans to address important and emerging community issues using
dynamic, science-based educational resources.” CSU Extension works in cooperation
with Colorado counties, the federal government, state agencies, and other partners. CSU
Extension programs are defined in Colorado Revised Statutes as “… the dissemination of
information to the people of this state in order to assist them in applying the results of
scientific research and technological developments, as well as lessons from practical
experience, to the solution of individual, family, and community problems, drawing on
relevant knowledge from various fields, including but not limited to agriculture, natural
resources, home economics, nutrition, health, citizenship, and community and economic
development.” (C.R.S. 23-31-7) CSU Extension includes off-campus offices that are
organized through regional, area, and county leadership.

Extended studies including continuing, professional, executive, and lifelong education:
The purpose of the enterprises offering extended education is “to provide affordable
access to exceptional online and distance education from nationally recognized research
and engaged universities.” Our enterprises deliver online, off-campus, collaborative,
executive, professional, continuing education non-credit courses and programs. Extended
studies learning experiences are primarily online, and includes collaboration campuses,
and CSU Extension locations throughout the state.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Extension: CSU Extension values the contributions of a
diverse faculty and centers the Principles of Community (Inclusion, Integrity, Respect,
Service and Social Justice) in all educational programs and services. CSU’s Principles of
Community support the CSU mission and vision of “access, research, teaching, service and
engagement.” Extension promotes diversity, equity and inclusion through professional
development opportunities, allocation of resources, tools and strategies that facilitate
accessibility for diverse audiences, and through our policies and practices. In 2015, CSU
adopted the Multicultural Organizational Development model as a best practice
framework to advance equity across the institution. Through its “Blueprint for Diversity,
Equity & Inclusion,” (see Appendix B for blueprint goals) Extension engages all faculty and
staff in pursuing the goal of becoming a multicultural organization that serves all
Coloradans equitably.