Mission Statement

Prologue

Founded in 1969 as a public, four-year college within the New Jersey system of higher education, ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs as well as 14 advanced degree programs, seven educational endorsement programs, seven certificate and preparation programs, and a vast array of minors.

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s 1,600-acre campus, situated in the Pinelands National Reserve, is New Jersey’s largest university campus. The main campus is located in Galloway, and satellite centers are located in Atlantic City, Hammonton, Manahawkin and Woodbine. Approximately 3,165 students reside in University housing, including in the apartment complexes, residence halls, and affiliated properties.

Mission

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s mission is to develop engaged and effective citizens with a commitment to life-long learning and the capacity to adapt to change in a multi-cultural, interdependent world.  As a public university, ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ provides an environment for excellence to a diverse student body, including those from underrepresented populations, through an interdisciplinary approach to liberal arts, sciences and professional education.

Vision

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ will thrive as a distinctive regional institution, providing a diverse, values-based, student-centered environment of exceptional teaching and learning.  As a community builder and partner in public service, ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ will remain committed to the positive development of New Jersey through scholarship and creative activity, civic engagement, and active stewardship.

Guiding Principle

Students first; vision and strategy follow.

Values

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ embraces a collection of shared values, the essence of our standards for excellence.  These values support our mission and guide our practices and behavioral expectations. We adhere to the values of:

Excellence in teaching and dedication to learning

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ is committed to providing a high quality, innovative education that gives our students, including those underrepresented populations, the breadth and depth they need to succeed in their lives beyond college.  Our faculty and staff recognize a responsibility to engage our students in the development of ideas across and within disciplines, both inside and outside the classroom.  We strive to enhance the student learning experience, by utilizing proven pedagogical methods, research, creative activity, and advancements in technology, which support the promotion of life-long learning.

Inclusivity and Diversity

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ is committed to building a community that values differences of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin, socio-economic status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, ability or disability. We accept our responsibility to create and preserve an environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination, and to take actions that affirm our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Academic Freedom

The University promotes an open exchange of ideas in a setting that embodies the values of academic freedom, responsibility, integrity and cooperation. Recognizing and understanding the significance of our similarities and differences will ultimately foster appreciation and respect for others, and enrich the individual, the campus and the community at large.

Integrity and Respect

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ is committed to integrity, honesty, dignity, civility, openness, respect, and accountability in its actions as well as in the means through which all members of its community communicate among themselves and with the wider world. 

Shared Governance

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ is committed to shared governance, defined as an integrated planning process and a collaborative culture in which ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s constituents commit themselves to being partners in accomplishing the University’s mission.  It functions through a structure that fosters active collaboration, transparency, accountability, understanding, and acceptance of compromise, mutual respect and trust.

Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility

ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ is committed to the positive development of southern New Jersey. Through research, teaching, and community partnerships and service, the University actively seeks to address social and economic issues critical to our state, region, and nation and to contribute to the public good.  

Global Perspectives

Recognizing its place in an increasingly global economy and society, ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ is committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with exposure to diverse cultural perspectives. ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ seeks to create and sustain the global awareness and understanding necessary for their meaningful participation in the world as independent critical thinkers and informed and prepared global citizens.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

The University seeks to promote an ethic of resource conservation, sustainability, and social justice on our campuses and throughout the region in its strategic planning and operations as well as its teaching, research, and service.  ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ embraces the obligation of stewardship this environment demands.

For more information on Mission-Driven Planning, see our Strategic Planning website. For more information on official University guidelines,see our Policy and Procedure website.