The Paula and Anthony Rich Center for the Study and Treatment of Autism is an externally funded unit of Youngstown State University. The primary mission of The Rich Center is to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families through the creation, use and enhancement of innovative educational programs specifically designed to assure the attainment of a life of dignity and to enhance the individuals' opportunities to achieve their full potentials. The Rich Center serves as a conduit between the segments of the community concerned with autism...the university,educators and health and human service professionals. 

Goals:

• The Rich Center is committed to the development and education of exceptionally well-qualified and innovative professionals who understand the field of autism.
• The Rich Center will serve as an advocate for change with regard to community attitudes as well as support the needs of individuals with autism and their families and by doing so increase public awareness of the rapid growth of autism throughout the world.
• The Rich Center is committed to promote research, teaching and public service related to autism.

To accomplish the above goals, The Rich Center will actively pursue available funding and grant opportunities on an ongoing basis. 

Vision Statement of The Rich Center for Autism

The Rich Center for Autism will continue to be a national model in the field of autism for preparing educators, medical specialists, other professionals, and Para-professionals who serve individuals with autism; for promoting scholarly research; and for advocating on behalf of, and providing public service for, those affected by autism.

Core Values for The Rich Center for Autism

The Rich Center for Autism adopts the Youngstown State University Core Values as essential in achieving its mission. 

Youngstown State University Core Values

We ~ the faculty, staff, administrators, and students of Youngstown State University ~ hold the following values essential to achieving the University's mission:

Centrality of Students

We are a student-centered institution committed to the education, development, well-being, and success of students of all ages and from all walks in life. In concert with our mission to help students grow intellectually, we strive to foster their personal, social, emotional, and career growth, as well as their capacities for lifelong learning, civic responsibility, and leadership.

Excellence and Innovation

We value excellence and innovation inside the classroom and out. Thus, we strive to offer outstanding academic programs; to foster intellectual inquiry, exploration, and discovery; to transcend traditional boundaries; to apply and perfect knowledge; to encourage creativity; to provide effective tools, technologies, and facilities for learning; and to excel in research and scholarly activity, including the "scholarship of teaching and learning"....an area of research that explores how individuals teach and learn.

Integrity/Human Dignity

As a campus community, we expect all conduct to be rooted in integrity, mutual respect, and civility. We value ethical behavior in scholarly and other endeavors; believe in the dignity and worth of all people; strive to foster an appreciation of, and respect for, differences among the human race; and celebrate the diversity that enriches the University and the world.

Collegiality and Public Engagement

As scholar-citizens of many extended and interconnected communities, we pledge to work collegially and cooperatively to enrich the cultural environment; establish productive partnerships; provide responsible leadership; address community and workforce needs; and bring about the greater good of the collective whole....be it the University, the Mahoning Valley, the state, the region, or beyond.

Endorsed by:
Youngstown State University Board of Trustees November 14, 2001