Future Oriented;
ISU is driven by our mission:
The foundation of all planning at ISU is our Mission: Create, Share, and Apply knowledge to make Iowa and the World a better place.
Distinctive;
ISU has an unambiguous mission:
Our commitment is to advancing our land grant ideals and putting science and technology to work.
1.1.0 Mission
Iowa State University was founded on the ideals that higher education should be accessible to all and that the University should teach liberal and practical subjects. These ideals are integral to the land-grant institutions, a special class of university created by the Morrill Act, passed by Congress in 1862. Iowa was the first state to accept the law's provisions. Iowa State University subsequently pioneered the idea of Extension – extending the University’s knowledge to people throughout the state. The University’s charter included in the State of Iowa Code affirms these ideals:
"Iowa State University of science and technology is a public land-grant institution serving the people of Iowa, the nation, and the world through its interrelated programs of instruction, research, extension, and professional services. With an institutional emphasis on areas related to science and technology, the university carries out its traditional mission of discovering, developing, disseminating, and preserving knowledge." Iowa Administrative Code 681-13.1(262)
Iowa State University is one of five public institutions governed by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa whose mission follows:
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Serving the people of Iowa, the Board of Regents
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• Governs and coordinates the activities of Iowa's three public universities and two special schools;
• Advocates for and exercises responsible stewardship of resources;
• Engages capable presidents and superintendents to ensure that the institutions apply knowledge to benefit Iowans;
• Communicates the positive impact and value of the Regent institutions to the state, its citizens and society.
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The Board expects the Regent institutions, in accordance with their respective missions, to
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• Provide a high-quality accessible education to all students, in concert with Iowa's other educational entities;
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• Engage in high-quality research, scholarship, and creative activities to enhance the quality of life for Iowans and society in general;
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• Provide needed public services;
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• Support economic development in partnership with public and private sectors.
Iowa State's mission statement was refined during the development of its 2005-2010 Strategic Plan. The language of the new plan is consistent with the university's purpose defined in the Iowa Administrative Code and the mission of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. The institution's new statement, given below, succinctly captures the essence of its mission, culture, and values:
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Create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.
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• Create knowledge through world-class scholarship in teaching, research, and creative endeavors.
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• Share knowledge through outstanding undergraduate, graduate, professional, and outreach programs.
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• Apply knowledge to improve the quality of life for current and future generations.
In carrying out its mission, Iowa State will increase and support diversity in the University community. Diversity enlivens the exchange of ideas, broadens scholarship, and prepares students for lifelong, productive participation in society.
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We accomplish our mission:
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• through innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement,
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• with honesty, integrity, and professional ethics, and
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• with sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of our state, nation,
and the world.
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We value:
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• land-grant ideals,
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• a diversity of ideas, peoples, and cultures,
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• intellectual freedom,
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• leadership, and
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• excellence in all we do.
The University’s mission, culture, and values statements are reviewed every five years as part of the strategic plan development process. They are accessible from the University’s web site, included in the catalog of courses, and used in University publications.
Iowa State’s mission statement is the
primary statement of purpose that guides the development of the University’s
strategic plan as well as the mission statements and strategic plans developed
by vice-presidential areas, colleges, departments, and other major units.
Next Section: 1.1.1 Commitment to Diversity >>
| Overview | Mission & Integrity | The Future | Learning & Teaching | Knowledge | Engagement & Service |
