The United States of America, a pluralist gathering of races and cultures, banded together not by blood or religion, by territory or tradition, but by a political idea, is a nation formed by its dedication to a set of civic principles. These principles embedded in our fundamental national documents make it clear that American citizens are expected to fulfill civic responsibilities by competent participation in public affairs.
Public affairs is one of the university's five mission themes.
The university has a special responsibility to educate students about social goals, public purposes, and the ethics of citizenship as well as to encourage students to have a personal sense of responsibility for the global society. Helping students to become responsible citizens takes time and deliberate effort on the part of all educators. Public affairs in higher education is not restricted to politics or the social sciences. It is the realm of all of life that requires knowledge, participation, civic skills, and the willingness to work for the common good. Public affairs involves educating persons to become responsible citizens and leaders.