It is Catholic because it witnesses to and probes the Christian message as proclaimed by the Catholic Church. The University welcomes and respects those whose lives are formed by different traditions, recognizing their important contributions to our pluralistic society and to an atmosphere of open discussion essential to liberal education. As a community the University is committed to collegiality, shared decision-making and academic freedom. Education at the University is holistic, offering opportunities for intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, social, and cultural development. Students are challenged to develop knowledge, values, and skills to enrich their lives and to prepare them for careers which will provide service to their global, civic, and faith communities.
Academic excellence is an integral part of the liberal arts tradition.
The University commits itself to excellence in all its academic and professional pursuits. Its primary goal is to achieve a level of academic excellence in teaching and scholarship that, both in fact and in reputation, rivals the best comprehensive universities. The University will continue to emphasize its commitment to the values that characterize the best in American higher education including Roman Catholic higher education. These values include academic integrity, academic freedom, the rigorous quest for understanding and truth, justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude, and compassion. The University's commitment to these values will permeate not only its undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs, but all of its programs, activities, and relationships.