New mission statement adopted
Dec. 10, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees, acting at its Dec. 7 meeting, approved an updated mission statement for the University, replacing the one that has been in place since April 1990. [Scroll down for complete text of new mission statement.]
"The current mission, which was originally adopted by the board in 1970 and amended numerous times, most recently in 1990, has served us well," noted University President Elson S. Floyd in presenting the new text to trustees. "The new mission statement will help us to set the course for our second century of service."
A 30-member campuswide committee, led by Dr. Linda Delene vice provost for academic planning and assessment, began work on the mission statement in February 2001. The committee included students, faculty and staff members, and members of the Board of Trustees.
"We sought and received widespread input from students, faculty, staff, the administration and our trustees. This we considered essential because of the importance of the mission statement and its role in identifying the University's direction in the years to come," noted Delene.
The mission statement characterizes Western Michigan University as a "student-centered research university, building intellectual inquiry, investigation, and discovery into all undergraduate, graduate and professional programs." It goes on to note that the "University provides leadership in teaching, research, learning and public service." It also outlines a number of key institutional goals.
Media contact: Matt Kurz, 269 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu
Complete text of WMU mission statement adopted Dec. 7, 2001
Western Michigan University
Mission: Western Michigan University is a student-centered research university, building intellectual inquiry, investigation, and discovery into all undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The University provides leadership in teaching, research, learning, and public service. Nationally recognized and internationally engaged, the University:
Forges a responsive and ethical academic community
Develops foundations for achievement in pluralistic societies
Incorporates participation from diverse individuals in decision-making
Contributes to technological and economic development
Engenders an awareness and appreciation of the arts
Goals: Western Michigan University's mission is characterized by its pursuit of the following institutional goals:
To foster a safe, civil, and healthy University community
To provide access to academic programs at reasonable cost and in multiple settings
To strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and international programs
To increase diversity within the student body, faculty, and staff through institutional practices and programs
To recognize excellence in the teaching, research, learning, creative work, scholarship, and service contributions of students, faculty, and staff
To conduct ongoing assessment activities and engage in continuous improvement initiatives within the University
To establish life-long relationships between alumni and the University
To advance responsible environmental stewardship
To support community and regional partnerships that elevate civic, cultural, social, and economic life