{\noindent {\bf II. INSTITUTIONAL MISSION}}

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        The Board of Regents has designated Florida State University
as a Research I University and thus has been established as one of
three major research universities within the State of Florida. In
keeping with this designation, the mission statement of Florida
State University begins as follows: "Florida State University is
a comprehensive, graduate-research university with a liberal
arts base.  It offers undergraduate, advanced graduate, and
professional programs of study; conducts extensive research,
and provides service to the public in accord with its statewide
mission. The University's primary role is to serve as a center
for advanced graduate and professional studies while emphasizing
research and providing excellence in undergraduate programs."

        The proposed Masters and Doctoral degree programs in computational
science address the above mission directly.  They will provide advanced
graduate programs of study that enhance and rely upon the extensive
research activities at Florida State University. In addition the
program's courses, seminars and research activities can be used to
supplement graduate programs throughout the University.
