Aims & Goals

1. Promote a high-level of academic excellence that requires students to achieve a competent level of performance in classwork, in the workplace, and on the National Board of Funeral Service Examination. (ABFSE sec. 3.2.1; sec. 3.2.2)

This is accomplished by:

• Enlarging the knowledge base of students regarding the funeral profession and its practices.
• Educating students in every phase of funeral service and developing proficiency and entry level skills for the profession, as defined in the Preamble of the ABFSE Accreditation Standard.

1. Improve inter/intrapersonal effectiveness by creating an environment that is conducive to learning the techniques, skills, and personal behaviors respectful of the funeral profession. (ABFSE sec. 3.2.2; sec. 3.2.3; sec. 3.2.4)

This is accomplished by:

• Educating students in every phase of funeral service and developing proficiency and entry level skills for the profession, as defined in the Preamble of the ABFSE Accreditation Standard.
• Educating students concerning the responsibilities of the funeral service profession within the community-at-large.
• Emphasizing high standards of ethical and moral conduct.

1. Optimize enrollment with the development of program specific materials, personal marketing of the program, and exploration of untapped markets of potential students.
2. Drive decisions with relevant post-secondary level information that is in accordance to the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) guidelines, policies, and procedures. (ABFSE sec. 3.2.2; sec. 3.2.5)

This is accomplished by:

• Annual review of the curriculum in order to insure alignment with the ABFSE Curriculum Outlines.
• Annual Advisory Board meetings in order to implement industry recommendations into the program.

1. Focus on sustainability by implementing procedures that reduce the impact on natural resources.
2. Create a robust, active and enriched campus life that promotes fellowship, networking, and an interpersonal relationship between faculty and students.
3. Build SUNY Canton pride through the integration of alumni with the current funeral service students.
4. Create a state-of-the-art learning facility and embalming laboratory that will integrate technology into the learning process.
5. Develop a comprehensive Bachelor’s of Technology completion program for licensed funeral directors to achieve a bachelor of technology degree in FSAD. (ABFSE sec.3.2.1; sec. 3.2.2; sec. 3.2.4; sec. 3.2.5; sec. 3.2.6)

This goal will be accomplished by:

• To enlarge the background and knowledge of students about the funeral service profession;
• To educate students in every phase of funeral service and to help enable them to develop proficiency and skills necessary for the profession, as defined in the Preamble at the beginning of this chapter;
• To educate students concerning the responsibilities of the funeral service profession to the community at large;
• To emphasize high standards of ethical conduct;
• To provide a curriculum at the post- secondary level of instruction with an ultimate goal of receiving a Bachelor's degree in Funeral Services Administration; and
• To encourage student and faculty research in the field of funeral service;